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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a longstanding traditional use for supporting mental health, especially for symptoms related to anxiety, restlessness, and mild depressive states—often grouped under the broad, historical term "neurosis." In recent years, scientific studies have begun to validate some of these uses. Clinical trials and meta-analyses have shown that oral lavender oil preparations (notably Silexan, a standardized essential oil) can significantly reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, restlessness, and related psychosomatic complaints when compared to placebo. The active constituents, including linalool and linalyl acetate, are believed to interact with the central nervous system, possibly modulating GABAergic neurotransmission, which plays a key role in anxiety regulation.

Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that lavender oil capsules may be as effective as some standard anxiolytic medications with fewer side effects. Inhalation of lavender aroma has also shown calming effects in both clinical and experimental settings. However, the degree of evidence for "neurosis" as an outdated diagnostic category is modest, as most research focuses on anxiety and related disorders. Thus, lavender's use is justified scientifically for anxiety spectrum symptoms, which historically overlap with neurosis, but evidence is less robust for other neurotic symptoms like obsessive-compulsive tendencies or somatization.

Overall, lavender is supported by both traditional and modern scientific evidence for certain neurotic symptoms—particularly anxiety and restlessness—though more research is needed for a comprehensive endorsement across all neuroses.

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