How Lavender Can Help with Anxiety
Have you ever felt like you were on edge or couldn’t stop worrying, even when there was nothing to worry about? Don’t worry, because you’re not alone.
Lately, it has almost become strange if you don’t feel anxious or suffer from anxiety.
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s estimated that 19.1% of adults, and 31.9% of young adults in the United States suffer from anxiety.¹
And while anxiety may feel like an endless struggle, there is always hope.
There are many treatment options available, but some people prefer to explore naturopathic options. One option is lavender, a fragrant herb that has been used for centuries for its calming properties.
In this blog post, we will explore the evidence behind lavender's ability to reduce anxiety.
What is Lavender?
Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia, is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. Among its many properties, lavender is mostly known for its anxiolytic effects. This means it has an anti-anxiety effect.
How Does Lavender Reduce Anxiety?
Several studies have investigated the anxiolytic effects of lavender. One theory is that the scent of lavender stimulates the olfactory system (the smelling part of our brain), which is linked to the part of the brain responsible for emotions, including anxiety.² This stimulation can lead to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Another possible mechanism is through the modulation of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.² Research has shown that inhaling lavender essential oil can lead to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, which are often elevated in people with anxiety.²
What Does the Research Say?
A randomized-control trial (RCT) of 77 adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) were given either lavender oil extract or lorazepam (a common pharmaceutical treatment for anxiety) for 6 weeks. Researchers used a validated anxiety screening to compare levels of anxiety at the beginning and end of the study.
What they found was that the lavender oil extract was just as effective as lorazepam in reducing anxiety with fewer potential for side effects or withdrawal symptoms.³
Another double-blind RCT of 539 adults with GAD focused on the effect of lavender compared to paroxetine, a popular Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). What they found was that lavender was as effective as paroxetine without causing withdrawal symptoms.⁴
These are just a few of the many studies done on lavender and anxiety.
How is Lavender Traditionally Used for Anxiety?
There are several ways lavender has traditionally been used for anxiety, but always consult a naturopathic doctor or a licensed medical practitioner before using lavender for the treatment of anxiety.
Lavender has traditionally been used the following ways:
Aromatherapy: Inhalation of lavender essential oil directly or through a diffuser.
Massage: Mixing of a few drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and massaging into the skin.
Bath: Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath.
Tea: Steeping dried lavender flowers in hot water as a tea.
Pillow: Placing a sachet of dried lavender flowers under a pillow for sleep
Conclusion
Lavender is a natural remedy that has been shown to have significant anxiolytic effects in several studies. Its calming properties make it a potentially useful adjunct therapy for people with anxiety. While it is generally considered safe, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before using lavender if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications.
References:
1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder
2. Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304
3. Woelk H, Schläfke S. A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(2):94-99. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2009.10.006
4. Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, et al. Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder--a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014;17(6):859-869. doi:10.1017/S1461145714000017