Evidence supporting the use of: English Lavender
For the body system: Parasympathetic Nervous System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is widely used to support the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly for its calming and anxiolytic properties. There is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting its effects on the nervous system. Clinical studies have demonstrated that both inhalation and oral administration of lavender essential oil can reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote relaxation, which are key actions of the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") branch of the autonomic nervous system.
Research indicates that compounds in lavender, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, interact with neurotransmitter systems, including GABAergic pathways, which are central to calming nervous system activity. A 2012 randomized controlled trial published in Phytomedicine showed that Silexan, an oral lavender oil preparation, was effective in reducing generalized anxiety comparable to low-dose lorazepam. Inhalation studies have also demonstrated reduced heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, physiological outcomes associated with increased parasympathetic activity.
While lavender has a long tradition of use for stress and relaxation, modern research provides credible scientific validation for its calming effects and its ability to support the parasympathetic nervous system. The majority of studies are short-term and focus on mild to moderate anxiety, so further research is warranted for broader clinical application. Nonetheless, the evidence base is robust enough to justify its use for this purpose.
More about English Lavender
More about Parasympathetic Nervous System
Other ingredients that support Parasympathetic Nervous System
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
basil
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bасора
California poppy
chamomile
choline
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cowage seed
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
fava bean
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gardenia
ginseng
guayusa
hops
huperzine A
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-glycine
l-taurine
l-theanine
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
lion's mane
magnesium
magnolia
motherwort
passionflower
phytocannabinoids
relora® (proprietary)
sceletium
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B
jiaogulan
catnip
gastrodia
cardamom
lingusticum wallichii
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
haliotis
dioscorea
lotus seed
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
biota seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
cocoa
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Apigenin
Acetylcholine
Bacopin
Brahmi
Bacopa
bacoside
Calea zacatechichi
Capitate Valerian
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Ginsenosides
Galantamine
Gastrodin
Other body systems supported by English Lavender
BrainDigestive System
GABA
Nerves
Parasympathetic Nervous System
Serotonin
Skin