Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
TL;DR
Oral lavender oil, specifically the standardised preparation Silexan at 80 mg/day, has randomised trial evidence in generalised anxiety comparable to low-dose lorazepam and paroxetine, without sedation or dependence. This is one of the strongest botanical anxiety findings available.
Ideal For
- Generalised anxiety and subsyndromal anxiety
- People who need to stay alert and cannot tolerate sedation
- Restlessness and anxiety-related sleep disturbance
- Those wanting an option without dependence risk
Avoid If
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known allergy to lavender or Lamiaceae plants
- Expecting aromatherapy to replicate oral results
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really as good as a benzodiazepine?
Does any lavender capsule work?
Will it make me drowsy?
Why do I taste lavender all day?
Overview
Lavender is unusual among calming botanicals in having a genuinely rigorous clinical programme behind it. The preparation matters completely: Silexan is a specific steam-distilled lavender oil in a gastro-resistant softgel, and essentially all the positive trial evidence attaches to it rather than to lavender capsules generally. Randomised, double-blind studies have compared 80 mg/day against placebo, against lorazepam 0.5 mg and against paroxetine 20 mg in generalised anxiety disorder, with lavender performing comparably to both active comparators on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Meta-analyses of oral lavender support anxiolytic effect with reasonable consistency. What makes it clinically interesting is the mechanism: it modulates voltage-gated calcium channels rather than GABA-A receptors, so it does not sedate, does not impair cognition, does not produce tolerance and does not cause withdrawal — the four things that limit benzodiazepines. The main practical annoyance is lavender burping, which affects a substantial minority. Aromatherapy is a separate and much weaker literature and should not be conflated with the oral evidence.
How It Works
- Linalool inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing neurotransmitter release
- Does not act on GABA-A receptors — hence no sedation or dependence
- Mechanism is closer to pregabalin than to benzodiazepines
- Some serotonin 1A receptor modulation reported
Quick Facts
- Comparable to lorazepam 0.5 mg and paroxetine 20 mg in randomised trials
- No sedation, tolerance or withdrawal
- 80 mg/day of the Silexan preparation is the studied dose
- Lavender burping is the main real-world drawback
Benefits & Outcomes
No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.
Supporting Research8 studies
Therapeutic effects of Silexan on somatic symptoms and physical health in patients with anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis
von Känel R, et al.
statistically significant and clinically meaningful advantages of Silexan over placebo treatment were found in improving somatic symptoms and physical health.
Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials
Dold M, Bartova L, Volz HP
Silexan was significantly superior to placebo in reducing HAMA total scores in patients with anxiety disorders.
Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of subsyndromal anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial
Kasper S
Lavandula oil preparation had a significant beneficial influence on quality and duration of sleep and improved general mental and physical health.
Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder--a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine
Kasper S, Gastpar M, Muller WE
Silexan 160 mg/day significantly reduced HAMA total score versus placebo in generalized anxiety disorder.
Efficacy and safety of lavender essential oil (Silexan) capsules among patients suffering from anxiety disorders: A network meta-analysis
Yap WS, Dolzhenko AV, Jalal Z
Silexan 160 mg showed anxiolytic effects comparable to paroxetine and lorazepam with a favourable adverse event profile.
Efficacy of Silexan in subthreshold anxiety: meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials
Moller HJ, Volz HP, Dienel A
Silexan improved anxiety, sleep quality and health-related quality of life in patients with subthreshold anxiety.
A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder
Woelk H, Schlafke S
Silexan was as effective as lorazepam in adults with generalised anxiety disorder over six weeks.
Effect of Inhaled Lavender and Sleep Hygiene on Self-Reported Sleep Issues: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Lillehei AS, Halcon LL, Savik K
Inhaled lavender with sleep hygiene improved self-reported sleep quality, but the advantage was not maintained at follow-up.
Safety Information
Potential Side Effects
Eructation with a lavender taste is by far the most common effect and the main reason people stop. Otherwise nausea and headache, at rates close to placebo. Notably no sedation or cognitive impairment in trials.
Contraindications
Insufficient safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding. There has been debate about prepubertal gynaecomastia with topical lavender products, though the evidence is contested and pertains to topical rather than oral use.
Drug Interactions
- CNS depressants — theoretical additive effect, though lavender itself is non-sedating
- Benzodiazepines — no pharmacological overlap, but combined use should be supervised
- Anticoagulants — a theoretical interaction with limited clinical evidence
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Not enough evidence to judge
Breastfeeding: Not enough evidence to judge
Dosage Guidelines
Dosage Used in Studies
80-160 mg
Best Time to Take
Once daily, any time; often taken in the morning
Best Form
Silexan or an equivalent standardised oral lavender oil softgel
Bioavailability
Linalool and linalyl acetate are well absorbed from gastro-resistant softgels, with peak plasma concentrations within about an hour.
Dosing by Goal
| Goal | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Typical range | 80-160 mg/day; 160 mg used in some trials without added sedation | |
| Starting dose | 80 mg/day of Silexan-standardised oil | |
| Timing | Once daily with food | |
| Assessment point | 2 weeks for early effect, 6 weeks for full benefit |
Forms Compared
Silexan oral softgel
80 mg/day; the preparation used in essentially all positive trials
Generic lavender oil capsule
Composition varies; trial results do not automatically transfer
Aromatherapy oil
A separate and considerably weaker evidence base
Lavender tea
Traditional and pleasant, but far below therapeutic dose
Food & Timing
With food to reduce reflux and lavender-flavoured burping.
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.