Anticholinergic Syndrome and Supraventricular Tachycardia Caused by Lavender Tea Toxicity

Abstract

Lavender plants have been used for their cosmetic and biologic benefits for many centries. Extracts from Lavandula plants have been found to cause antimuscarinic effects by blocking sodium and calcium ion channels in in vitro and in vivo studies. We present a case of poisoning by ingestion of tea made from Lavender stoechas ( grass). The patient was admitted to our emergency department with supraventricular tachycardia due to anticholinergic syndrome triggered by drinking lavender tea. On electrocardiography, a narrow QRS complex tachycardia was evident. After carotid sinus massage, the patient immediately returned to sinus rhythm. There are no reported data about the toxicity of Lavender stoechas plants with respect to supraventricular tachycardia, anticholinergic syndrome or sympathetic nerve activity. (Keio J Med 61 (2) : 66-68, June 2012)

The Effect of Aromatherapy on Hemodialysis-Related Nausea: A Case Report

“…However, the detailed mechanism of lavender action in aromatherapy remains unclear. Several studies have shown it potentially inhibits nausea through anticholinergic, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory activities, and works in conjunction with antiemetic drugs [11]. Aromatherapy works through the principle of relaxation and distraction.…”

Effects of Lavender Tea on Fatigue, Depression, and Maternal‐Infant Attachment in Sleep‐Disturbed Postnatal Women

“…Linalool has an effect that is similar to phenobarbital (Elisabetsky, Coelho de Souza, Dos Santos, Siqueira, & Amador, ; Re et al., ). However, caution has been advised in the selection of lavender species because one case report noted that drinking Lavender stoechas (Buckwheat grass) tea triggered anticholinergic syndrome and supraventricular tachycardia (Acikalin et al., ).…”