lavender oil for anxiety and depression

2021/05/21

Lavender tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made from distilling lavender flowers and buds in alcohol. Several studies have tested lavender's anxiety-reducing effects in specific populations. Can lavender essential oil treat allergies? Complementary therapies in long-stay neurology in-patient settings. In addition, a pilot study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice in 2012 indicates that lavender-essential-oil-based aromatherapy may help soothe anxiety in high-risk postpartum women. Various research indicates that lavender can help reduce anxiety levels and can be used in a variety of ways, including massage, aromatherapy, baths, dcor, or in recipes. Read our full disclaimer. Essential oils can be a great addition to a bath, helping to calm, soothe, and relax while in a lavish setting. It is important to discuss your symptoms and possible treatments with your health care professional, to ensure the most appropriate care is provided to you. Lavender essential oil is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, but it must be used according to intended purposes and following dose guidelines on products. Lavender. These include reducing symptoms of anxiety. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, the oil promotes relaxation and believed to treat anxiety, fungal infections, allergies, depression, insomnia, eczema, nausea, and menstrual cramps. It is purported to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, as well as antispasmodic, analgesic, detoxifying, hypotensive, and sedative effects. The researchers analysed the results of five randomised controlled trials that investigated the ability of lavender oil oral capsules (Seremind) to reduce symptoms of anxiety.3. Effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of patients. The Health Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil. Imura M, et al. Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. Here are some more benefits of lavender essential oil. 2009;4(9):1305-16. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns. Login to Loopia Customer zone and actualize your plan. In a report published in Phytomedicine in 2012, for instance, scientists analyzed 15 previously published clinical trials and concluded that dietary supplements containing lavender oil may have some therapeutic effects on patients struggling with anxiety and/or stress. And because it bears repeating: Do not swallow your own essential oil preparation at home! Relevant, timely and evidence-based information for Australian health professionals and consumers. Ongoing education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners on quality use of medicines and medical tests, Practical information, tools and resources for health professionals and staff to help improve the quality of health care and safety for patients. Inhale the aroma for 15 to 30 minutes. Lavender used in aromatherapy massage has been shown to improve the physical and mental state of young mothers, facilitating mother-infant interaction. Be sure to check all the ingredients on the label to make sure its not diluted with synthetic ingredients or fillers. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. (2009). 2015;87(2 Suppl):1397-1408. doi:10.1590/0001-3765201520150056, Lehrner J, Marwinski G, Lehr S, Johren P, Deecke L. Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. Its important to talk with your healthcare provider before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brands products. Phytomedicine. How to Use 19 Essential Oils for Colds and Other Icky Ailments. Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of 'subsyndromal' anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. The investigation by Generoso et al was a type of study called a systematic review.3. A further study on midlife women with insomnia found that 20 minutes of lavender inhalation through aromatherapy can significantly improve sleep quality. You can use lavender essential oil diluted in a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil. In essential oil practices, lavender is a multipurpose oil. Lavender oil preparation (Silexan) for treating anxiety: An updated meta-analysis. Studies show that 80 milligrams can produce results in as little as 6 weeks, and 160 milligrams can produce results in 4 weeks. Sleep better, boost your mood and memory, relieve pain, and more. If you dont have a diffuser, put a couple drops of essential oil on a cotton pad, leave it lying nearby you, and allow it to diffuse from there. An earlier study (1998) looked at people with alopecia areata showed improvement in hair growth with a topically applied combination of lavender, thyme, rosemary and cedarwood. DOI: Kheirkhah M, et al. Talk to your doctor to find a treatment that works best for you. A 1999 study printed in the J Pharm Pharmaceuticals did find that lavender oil inhibits immediate type allergic reactions in mice and rats. A systematic review of randomised clinical trials, Effect of Inhaled Lavender and Sleep Hygiene on Self-Reported Sleep Issues: A Randomized Controlled Trial, The Effect of Aromatherapy on Sleep Quality of Elderly People Residing in a Nursing Home, Essential oils and anxiolytic aromatherapy. Lavender oil may activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part of our nervous system responsible for relaxation. Create your website with Loopia Sitebuilder. Oral lavender taken for 6 weeks was shown to improve the general mental health and quality of life in 50 patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Plus, the hot water can also help relax tired or sore muscles. Find out how to reap the benefits. Do not apply undiluted lavender oil to the skin. (2002). You can either keep it simply lavender scented or use a combination of oils, such as lemon or orange. Adding lavender oil to mascara is purported to help lashes grow thicker and faster. Apply to wrists, behind ears, and nape of neck throughout the day or as desired. Symptoms of anxiety include difficulty sleeping, excessive worry, panic attacks and poor concentration. To use topically though, you must always make sure to dilute properly in a carrier oil and do a patch test first. DOI: Kasper S, et al. One study followed 140 women who either received lavender aromatherapy or a phone follow-up after birth. Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. If lavender isnt your favorite scent, there are many other essential oils that you can use to naturally reduce anxiety. Struggling with stress? 20 years of helping Australians make better decisions about medicines, medical tests and other health technologies. Our guide offers expert advice on how to better manage stress levels. We avoid using tertiary references. Effect of lavender scent inhalation on prevention of stress, anxiety and depression in the postpartum period. For example, a study published in Physiology & Behavior in 2005 focused on 200 people awaiting dental treatment and found that breathing in the scent of lavender both lessened anxiety and improved mood. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil and follow dosage and dilution guidelines. DOI: Franco L, et al. Research suggests that lavender may be of benefit as a complementary treatment for mild to moderate depression. No other oils or ingredients should be listed. DOI: Kouvlivand PH, et al. Koulivand PH, et al. After multiple check-ins over 3 months, those who used lavender reported less depression, stress, and anxiety. (2012). NPS MedicineWise disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our privacy policy. 13 Things to Know Before Use, What You Need to Know About Allergic Reaction to Essential Oils, Anxiety Disorders May Be Transmitted Between Fathers-Sons, Mothers-Daughters, Nearly 90% of Americans Report Inflation-Related Anxiety. Bradley BF, et al. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Experience the benefits of lavender oil through aromatherapy with a diffuser. The effects of jasmine Oil inhalation on brain wave activies and emotions. Essential oils are not regulated by the FDA and do not have to meet any purity standards. Will adding lavender oil to my mascara make my lashes grow faster? While research suggests there are health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesnt monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. Studies have shown that lavender essential oil does in fact benefit anxiety symptoms, specifically for folks with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Information for consumers on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines. Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time? An older 2006 study found lavender aromatherapy to have a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in female college students. One popular approach involves combining lavender oil with acarrier oil(such as jojobaor sweet almond). Making safe and wise decisions for biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and other specialised medicines. Lavender is a versatile essential oil that can be used in a variety of ways. Studies show that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil can calm anxiety leading up to a specific event. Learn the, The 333 rule is a coping technique for anxiety that involves naming 3 objects and 3 sounds in your environment, then moving 3 parts of your body. Our full-featured web hosting packages include everything you need to get started with your website, email, blog and online store. An Acad Bras Cienc. As the essential oil market continues to grow, so do concerns about whether these highly concentrated plant extracts are safe for common use, Essential oils are said to have a wide range of health benefits. In this study of 30 residents of a nursing home, lavender aromatherapy was found to improve sleep onset, quality, and duration in an elderly population.. This herbaceous floral scent is a fan favorite with both anecdotal evidence and research. Another study indicated that lavender has an anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effect. (2020). A 2016 study on mice showed that a diluted topically applied lavender essential oil did lead to dramatic hair growth. However, anywhere between 20 and 80 mg is still effective, and there are no reports of adverse side effects at this dosage. In this article, we look at research surrounding Silexan, a capsule formulated specifically for safe oral use. Lavender is renowned for its ability to create a relaxing atmosphere. (2013). Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Anxiety disorder: anxiety symptoms that are frequent, persistent (lasting for 6 months or more) and impact day-to-day life. (2015). There is no recommended daily allowance for lavender essential oil. Or, you can try a pre-mixed lavender-infused massage oil such as the Majestic Pure 100% Natural Lavender Massage Oil. Walsh E, et al. Many essential oil proponents recommend using a combination of lavender, lemon, and peppermint oil to relieve allergy symptoms, and claim that lavender is a natural antihistamine. Its important to receive a doctor or healthcare professionals advice when considering treatments for mental health conditions. Used at least since the medieval period, the plant and its many variations have commonly been used in perfumes, soaps, and recipes around the globe. (2006). Search available domains at loopia.com , With LoopiaDNS, you will be able to manage your domains in one single place in Loopia Customer zone. A more recent review of the literature found 5 studies (2010, 2010, 2014, 2015 and 2016) showed benefits ins participants with moderate to severe anxiety. This plant has now amassed substantial research and is taking the scientific world, Lavender tea and extracts are thought to calm nerves, lead to better sleep, and provide other health effects. Lavender and the nervous system. Essential oils should be packaged in a dark amber or cobalt bottle and stored out of sunlight. In an experiment involving 28 women who had given birth in the previous 18 months, researchers found that four weeks of twice-weekly, 15-minute-long aromatherapy sessions helped alleviate depression in addition to lowering anxiety levels. Although some studies have shown that complementary medicines may be effective in treating anxiety symptoms, there is not enough evidence to say whether most of these medicines are safe or effective for treating anxiety disorders. (2016). When buying pure lavender essential oil, check the label for its Latin name, Lavandula angustifolia. When topically applied through massage, lavender oil is found to rapidly be absorbed by the skin, resulting in a sedative and relaxing effect. Seremind is the brand name for a complementary medicine that contains a special preparation of lavender oil as an active ingredient.1, It is available in Australian pharmacies without prescription.1. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Donelli D, et al. (2013). Lehrner J, et al. Marnie Vinall is a freelance writer living in Melbourne, Australia. Setzer WN. Lavender is no one-trick pony, however (in both benefits and application!). The theory behind this is that tiny mites live on and feast on eyelashes inhibiting growth, and using lavender to kill the mites will allow lashes to grow faster. Heres Some Supplements to Take, Shake It Off and Other Quick Physical Ways to Squash Anxiety, How to Overcome Work Anxiety When You're Stressed AF, Its the Year of Internal Screaming 9 Creative Ways to Let It Out, Buying Essential Oils Is Like Shopping for Diamonds Heres How to Spot a Fake, Here's Our Two Scents on Aromatherapy Massage, The Best of the Zest: 6 Bergamot Essential Oil Benefits, 9 Lemon Essential Oil Benefits to Live Your Zest Life. By diffusing the oils into the air, theyre inhaled by simple breathing, and research has shown that inhalation of lavender can significantly reduce anxiety levels. When finding an oil, its important to make sure the label specifies lavender essential oil and not just lavender oil. Having essential oil on the label ensures its not just infused with lavender but a pure, concentrated oil from the plant. (2012). DOI: Karadag E, et al. 2012;18(3):164-168. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.05.002, Perry R, Terry R, Watson LK, Ernst E. Is lavender an anxiolytic drug? Find information on medicines by active ingredient or brand name. Plus, it has the FDAs seal of approval, which, to us, has an anxiety-relieving name: Generally Recognized as Safe. DOI: Beyliklioglu A, et al. Consume by using the dropper to place a few drops under the tongue and swallow. Oral supplements and aromatherapy are the most effective ways to use lavender for anxiety. When purchasing essential oils, look for a supplier who either distills their own material or deals directly with reputable distillers, and uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to analyze the quality of the product. This involves lowering the heart rate, adrenaline levels, and slowing the breath. Tinctures are highly concentrated plant or herbal extracts. If youre looking for a gentle way to calm down and ground yourself though, lavender oil can be a great tool. Why lavender works for your anxiety symptoms, activate the parasympathetic nervous system, Majestic Pure 100% Natural Lavender Massage Oil, Use a high-quality bottle of essential oil, a compound in lavender can cause a contact allergy, a gentle way to calm down and ground yourself, researchgate.net/publication/236235613_The_effects_of_jasmine_Oil_inhalation_on_brain_wave_activies_and_emotions, factor.niehs.nih.gov/2019/9/feature/3-feature-lavender/index.htm, Got Anxiety to Shake? Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil. Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and versatile essential oils used in aromatherapy. Scientists believe that inhaling lavender activates the limbic system. 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Last medically reviewed on February 23, 2021. Not only do the aromas in the air help deodorize the room, but they also can promote better sleep and ease symptoms of anxiety, particularly helping to relax and calm. 2018;32(1):8-16. doi:10.1097/HNP.0000000000000244, NIH: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Although some studies have shown that complementary medicines (including oral lavender oil) may be effective in treating anxiety symptoms, there is not enough evidence to say whether most of these medicines are safe or effective for treating anxiety disorders. (2010). Percutaneous absorption of lavender oil from a massaDe oil. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis. DOI: Hagvall L, et al. The effect of lavender aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system in midlife women with insomnia. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. This website uses cookies. Which Aromatherapy Scents Are Best for Relieving Stress? Air‐oxidized linalyl acetate an emerging fragrance allergen? Are lavender oil capsules effective for anxiety? Cavanagh HMA, et al. When ingested orally, the lavender oil preparation Silexan has been shown in a study to reduce symptoms of anxiety in patients with GAD when taken at daily dosages of 160 or 80 mg. Lavender essential oil has been found to be effective in reducing: An older 2005 study showed that the aroma of lavender and orange reduced anxiety in dental patients. Babar A, et al. The overall conclusion is that additional studies with larger numbers of people are needed before lavender oil oral capsules can be said to reduce symptoms of anxiety with certainty. A further study found lavender aroma inhalation to improve sleep quality, depression, and stress levels in older adults. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender/ataglance.htm. Silva GL, Luft C, Lunardelli A, et al. DOI: Malcolm B, et al. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. In Australia, lavender oil can be purchased as an essential oil or found in products such as perfumes, soaps, massage oils and cosmetics. Effects of orally administered lavender essential oil on responses to anxiety-provoking film clips. (2019). Depression, stress, and anxiety commonly exist alongside one another. Effects of lavender fragrance inhalation method on sleep, depression and stress of institutionalized elderly. Unlike other forms of lavender oil currently available in Australia, Seremind is taken orally in a soft capsule, once daily with water.2, The most complete investigation of lavender oil oral capsules to date, by Generoso et al, showed that Seremind could decrease symptoms of anxiety.3. A few studies over the years have suggested that lavender oil may reverse hair loss. Ko YJ. (1999). Lavender essential oil may cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. Subsyndromal anxiety: a term used by the authors of the study to describe anxiety symptoms that do not meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Research from 2001 indicates that 10 minutes of inhalation has effects on bodily functions associated with anxiety, such as blood pressure and heart rate. Lavender and the nervous system. Have you tried lavender oil? Youve probably heard this phrase a lot and for good reason. You can reach Marnie via Twitter, Instagram, or her website. Weaver J, (2019). (2006). (2014). Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. Research from 2010 has shown that orally administrated lavender can assist with symptoms of restlessness and disturbed sleep. Latest news, evidence and CPD opportunities. Lavender oil for anxiety and depression. In fact, one of the main benefits of lavender is that it can calm without sedating. Are you the owner of the domain and want to get started? A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) shows that 87% of Americans report feeling anxious or very anxious about inflation. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. (2018). Researchers found that lavender oil aromatherapy both reduced anxiety levels and improved quality of sleep. Lavender has long been considered a natural sleep remedy to improve sleep quality and treat insomnia. Talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional before using lavender for anxiety symptoms. There are a number of effective treatments available for the management of anxiety disorders. These include psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy and medicines such as antidepressants. 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Lavender oil capsules (Seremind) are being marketed as an anti-anxiety medicine.