Mood/Sleep/Women

Lavender

Herbal extract used orally and aromatically to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality in adults with mild-to-moderate stress.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

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Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Overview

Forms

Safety

Stack

Quick Take

Worth considering for anxiety or mild insomnia; evidence is strongest for oral Silexan oil.

Lavender is an aromatic herb native to the Mediterranean, used as an essential oil for aromatherapy and in oral softgel extracts (Silexan). Its active constituents, including linalool and linalyl acetate, appear to modulate GABA-A receptor signaling and inhibit voltage-dependent calcium channels, producing anxiolytic and sedative effects. Randomized trials and meta-analyses show standardized oral lavender oil significantly reduces symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, while aromatherapy modestly improves perceived sleep quality.

Potential benefits

Reduces anxiety symptoms

Improves sleep quality

May reduce menstrual pain

May reduce depressive symptoms

Protocol

Amount

80 mg

Frequency

Once daily

When

Oral: once daily with food; Aromatherapy: diffuse 30-60 minutes before bedtime or during acute stress.

Onset Time

1-2 weeks for oral anxiety effects; acute within minutes for aromatherapy

Who Should Consider

Adults with mild generalized anxiety

People with sleep-onset insomnia

Women with menstrual cramps

Individuals seeking non-sedative calm

Those avoiding benzodiazepines

How It Works

Linalool and linalyl acetate modulate GABA-A receptor signaling and inhibit voltage-gated calcium channels in vitro, similar to some anxiolytic drugs. In humans, oral Silexan and inhaled lavender both appear to blunt sympathetic arousal and reduce subjective anxiety, though the exact CNS targets in vivo remain partially characterized.

Updated 5/19/2026