Does lavender help with anxiety?

Introduction

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been traditionally used for its calming and anxiolytic properties. Recent research has explored its efficacy in reducing anxiety through various forms of administration, including inhalation, oral intake, and topical application. This synthesis aims to present the key findings from multiple studies on the effectiveness of lavender in alleviating anxiety.

Key Insights

Lavender Inhalation for Anxiety Reduction:
- Lavender inhalation significantly reduces anxiety levels in various settings, including dental offices and preoperative environments .
- Aromatherapy with lavender is effective in reducing anxiety in students and postpartum women .
Oral Lavender (Silexan) for Long-term Anxiety Management:
- Oral administration of Silexan (lavender oil) at 80 mg/day for at least six weeks significantly reduces anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder and other chronic anxiety conditions .
Lavender Massage and Topical Application:
- Massage with lavender oil shows a significant reduction in anxiety levels, although the specific effect of lavender versus the massage itself is not fully determined .
Lavender Herbal Tea:
- Consumption of lavender herbal tea has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression scores in elderly individuals.
Mechanisms of Action:
- Lavender essential oil may exert its anxiolytic effects through antagonism of the NMDA receptor and inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT), as well as reducing neurotoxicity.
Mixed Results in Specific Clinical Settings:
- In some clinical settings, such as post-coronary artery bypass surgery, lavender inhalation did not show a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels, although there was a trend towards decreased anxiety.

Conclusion

Overall, lavender appears to be an effective and safe option for reducing anxiety through various forms of administration, including inhalation, oral intake, and topical application. Inhalation and oral administration of lavender, particularly Silexan, show the most consistent and significant results in reducing anxiety. While some studies indicate mixed results in specific clinical settings, the general consensus supports the use of lavender as a complementary treatment for anxiety.

Does lavender help with anxiety?

Summary

Consensus Meter

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lavender inhalation and massage with lavender oil significantly reduce anxiety levels, but do not significantly affect systolic blood pressure.

The best route of administration of lavender for anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Lavender aromatherapy is superior for short-duration anxiety treatment, while oral lavender (Silexan) 80 mg is preferred for long-term anxiety treatment.

The effect of lavender herbal tea on the anxiety and depression of the elderly: A randomized clinical trial.

Lavender herbal tea can reduce depression and anxiety scores in the elderly, making it an inexpensive and accessible complementary treatment option.

Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets

Lavender essential oil may relieve anxiety and depression by modulating the NMDA receptor and serotonin transporter, and reducing neurotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office

Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in dental patients waiting for treatment, compared to a control condition and music.

The effect of lavender essential oil on anxiety level in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial

Lavender essential oil has no significant effect on anxiety in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery, although it decreased the level of anxiety in the patients.

Effect of lavender scent inhalation on prevention of stress, anxiety and depression in the postpartum period

Inhaling lavender scent for 4 weeks can help prevent stress, anxiety, and depression in women after childbirth.

The Efficacy of Lavender Aromatherapy in Reducing Preoperative Anxiety in Ambulatory Surgery Patients Undergoing Procedures in General Otolaryngology

Lavender aromatherapy effectively reduces preoperative anxiety in ambulatory surgery patients undergoing general otolaryngology procedures, offering a low-risk and cost-effective method for managing anxiety.

Lavender oil supplementation for the management of anxiety disorder

Oral lavender oil dosage appears to improve anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, with minimal side effects.

The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Reducing Anxiety Levels in Students

Lavender aromatherapy effectively reduces anxiety levels in students through inhalation, drops, evaporation, application of oxygen masks, and spray techniques.

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