Evidence supporting the use of: Lavender
For the health condition: Worry

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for promoting relaxation and alleviating symptoms of worry, often referred to as anxiety in clinical contexts. Modern scientific research increasingly supports these traditional uses. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that lavender oil, particularly in the form of oral supplements (such as Silexan), can be effective in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and subsyndromal anxiety. For example, a 2010 randomized controlled trial published in Phytomedicine found that Silexan was as effective as lorazepam, a common anxiolytic, in reducing anxiety without causing sedation or dependency.

Lavender’s anxiolytic effects are thought to be related to its influence on the central nervous system, possibly by modulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. Inhalation of lavender essential oil has also been shown to reduce subjective feelings of anxiety in various settings, such as dental clinics and before medical procedures, although oral supplementation has the strongest evidence base.

While more large-scale, long-term trials are needed, current evidence supports the use of lavender as a complementary approach to managing worry and mild to moderate anxiety. Lavender is generally well-tolerated, but patients should consult healthcare providers before use, especially when taking other medications.

More about lavender
More about Worry