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Lavender massage lowered anxiety scores by nearly 4 points in a 4-week trial of breast cancer patients on chemo — but didn't budge depression or cognition.
This adds to a moderate body of evidence (8 of 9 studies show benefit) that lavender can reduce anxiety, but the effect is seen here in a specific clinical population, and the same study found no improvement in depression or cognitive function — so the benefit is narrower than the headline might suggest.
In a double-blind trial, breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy who got aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil reported significantly lower anxiety scores (20.3 vs 24.1) after four weeks compared to a control group. The treatment also improved sleep quality and pain, but did not significantly affect depression or cognitive function. Because the study focused on a specific medical population, the results may not apply to everyone.
Where this fits in the evidence
Pillser has synthesized 11 studies on Lavender for Reduced Anxiety — overall evidence strength: Moderate.
Across 11 studies, 10 showed beneficial effects of lavender on reducing anxiety, with predominantly moderate effect sizes. Most studies used inhaled lavender essential oil, typically for 4 weeks or longer, in clinical populations such as surgical patients, breast cancer survivors, and adults with hypertension. Effects were observed as early as 7 days and sustained up to 150 days in one trial.
The study
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- n = 96
- 2025-07-14
- Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.