top of page
Search

How to use lavender to calm anxiety and does it really work?

Writer's picture: Kimberly Jackson  FNP, PMHNPKimberly Jackson FNP, PMHNP

Updated: Apr 29, 2024

At our psychiatry practice, we are constantly looking for new and effective treatments for anxiety disorders, particularly Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Generalized anxiety disorder affects about 6.8 million adults, so finding new treatments is always important. One exciting option that has been gaining traction in recent years is lavender extract, which has been approved for anxiety in 12 European countries.


In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, researchers found that lavender extract not only surpassed SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) in effectiveness for treating GAD, but it also equaled benzodiazepines (benzos) in efficacy. This is a significant finding, as benzodiazepines are often considered the gold standard for treating anxiety disorders.


Calm Aid, or oral lavender oil which contains silexan; an essential oil produced from lavender flowers by steam distillation, is gaining popularity among anxiety patients. The typical dose of lavender extract for anxiety is 160mg, taken orally. This dosage has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. Patients who took lavender extract reported improvements in their anxiety symptoms, including decreased worry, irritability, and restlessness. A study has been published based on over 200 patients who suffer from anxiety disorder, and it showed the lavender improved associated symptoms such as restlessness, disturbed sleep, somatic complaints and had a beneficial influence on general well-being and quality of life. 


Another option is the inhalation of lavender essential oils. One study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Nevada, found that participants who inhaled lavender oil experienced a significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms compared to those who did not. However, in terms of research on inhalation there is only an indication of an effect of reasonable size, due to the heterogeneity of available studies. Overall, oral administration of lavender essential oil proves to be the most effective in the treatment of anxiety.


One of the key advantages of lavender extract is its natural origin. Many patients prefer natural treatments to pharmaceutical drugs, as they may have fewer side effects and a lower risk of dependency. Additionally, lavender extract is not associated with the withdrawal symptoms often seen with benzodiazepines. Patients often feel comfort knowing the medication they are taking is natural and safer than other commonly used addictive medications. 


If you are struggling with anxiety and looking for a natural treatment option, consider discussing lavender extract with your psychiatrist. It may be a safe and effective alternative to traditional medications. Remember to always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.


For more information on the study referenced in this blog post, please visit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38558147/.


We are here to support you on your mental health journey and help you find the best treatment options for your individual needs. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule an appointment.






21 views0 comments

Comments


©2022 by Well Space for women 

bottom of page