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Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
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Lavender and Reduced Anxiety

Research synthesisModerate evidenceModerate effect8 studies · 7 beneficial · 1 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 8 studies, 7 reported beneficial effects of lavender on anxiety, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). Most studies used inhalation of lavender essential oil, with doses varying from brief daily sessions to nightly use over 4-8 weeks. Evidence is strongest for clinical populations (e.g., hypertensive adults, ICD patients) and postmenopausal women. The median study duration was 28 days, with effects typically observed within 4 weeks.

  • Effective dose range: 100-500 mg/day (oral) or 2-15 minutes inhalation daily
  • Studied populations: hypertensive adults (aged 40-60), ICD patients, postmenopausal women, children (dental anxiety), pregnant women

Caveats: Available evidence is overwhelmingly positive — clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null-result studies are less likely to be published or indexed). Dosing forms varied widely (inhalation vs. oral capsules) with no single form used in ≥60% of studies, making dose comparisons imprecise. The neutral review (2022) did not specifically evaluate lavender alone, and one small review (2020) noted conflicting results for anxiolytic effects.

Generated Jun 13, 2026
Doses used in studies
  • mg/day: 500 (median 500, IQR 500–500) — 1 study
Time to effect
Median: 4 weeks · IQR 2.5 weeks–6 weeks · Range 7 days–8 weeks — Reported in 3 of 8 studies
Safety in these studies
8 of 8 papers
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