the chemistry behind lavender flowers

[coregazer]

just wondering why lavender flowers supposedly make you calmer... is it even a fact yet? iv always heard it does but never heard or seen any validation or scientific evidence to prove it. and im highly intruiged

[dessum]

I dont know how scientific this is...but the reason why lavenders make you calmer is because of the organic molecule, Borneol, a bicyclic monoterpene which is used as an analgesic and an anaesthesia. It has an effect with GABA receptors where GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Thus making people calmer. Some other flowers include valerian and chamomile. This can be found from the ScienceDirect website by Granger, Campbell and Johnston. Tried my best at this question, came across it while doing my organic assignment on borneol.