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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 9 studies on Lavender for Reduced Anxiety — overall evidence strength: Moderate.
Across 9 studies, 8 reported beneficial effects of lavender on anxiety, with effect sizes ranging from small to large, predominantly moderate. The most studied form was aromatherapy via inhalation, and effects were typically observed over a median duration of 28 days. Key populations included clinical groups such as adults with hypertension, breast cancer survivors, and ICD patients.
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.