Thanks Enid.
All those risks for such a widely used and popular plant. Mostly, there is no problem with using some Lavender, especially at low doses, but it is very popular as an essential oil, which concentrates the actions, and is sometimes added to tincture mixes. Also, some people make a strong tea from it. I like it myself but it is strong sometimes. If used as a room spray, skin salve, or occasional cup of tea at regular strength (1 teaspoon dried herb per 1 cup hot water), it is unlikely to harm and can be very relaxing, but as your list shows, there is certainly risk with it.
It is especially good to know the potential issues, especially as so many people take SSRIs (antidepressants, such as Sertoline) these days and Lavender seems to have a similar effect. Here is a link to a case report (maybe you found it too) of a young healthy man in Australia who started taking an SSRI for anxiety, just 5 days before. He then had a cup of Lavender tea (2 teaspoons dried herb infused) and developed Serotonin syndrome, where too much Serotonin is rushing around in the nervous system, and you feel dreadful and it can be life-threatening.
Here’s an extract from that report about what Seritonin syndrome for those interested:
“Serotonin Toxicity is the result of excess serotonin in the central nervous system and is typically characterised by the triad of neuromuscular excitation, autonomic hyperactivity and altered mental state. Three levels of severity are described and are usually delineated by the treatment required –
mild (symptoms not distressing for the patient),
moderate (symptoms causing significant distress and require treatment) and
severe (rapidly increasing temperature with potential for multi-organ failure and death if not treated).”