Lavender and Reduced Depression Symptoms

Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, all 3 reported beneficial effects of lavender on reducing depression symptoms, with a predominant moderate effect size. The evidence is drawn from systematic reviews and reviews, but no doses, forms, or study durations were reported consistently, limiting specificity.

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary. 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). None of the studies provided information on dose, form, or study duration, making it difficult to translate findings into specific recommendations.

Generated Jun 13, 2026

Safety in these studies

Overall tolerabilityReported
They show good effectiveness in human studies and alleviate the symptoms of depression.
from: Phytochemicals in the treatment of patients with depression: a systemic review.
Overall tolerabilityReported
Overall, 45% of studies reported positive findings with fewer adverse effects compared with conventional medications.
from: Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potenti

3 of 3 papers

Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance.
- 2018-02-21
- Systematic Review
- Phytotherapy research : PTR 32(5)
- - K Simon Yeung
  - Marisol Hernandez
  - Jun J Mao
  - Ingrid Haviland
  - Jyothirmai Gubili
- PubMed: 29464801
- DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6033
2 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- High evidence
- Highly Cited
Based on available data, black cohosh, chamomile, chasteberry, lavender, passionflower, and saffron appear useful in mitigating anxiety or depression with favorable risk-benefit profiles compared to standard treatments.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Phytochemicals in the treatment of patients with depression: a systemic review.
- 2024-12-09
- Systematic Review
- Frontiers in psychiatry 15
- - Natalia Picheta
  - Julia Piekarz
  - Karolina Daniłowska
  - Karol Mazur
  - Halina Piecewicz-Szczęsna
  - Agata Smoleń
- PubMed: 39717381
- DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1509109
3 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- High evidence
In the treatment of depression, plants such as Crocus sativus L. stigma, Lavandula angustifolia, Hypericum perforatum L. and Curcuma longa L. have proven to be effective. They show good effectiveness in human studies and alleviate the symptoms of depression.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update.
- 2022-09-15
- Review
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 27(18)
- - Maša Kenda
  - Nina Kočevar Glavač
  - Milan Nagy
  - Marija Sollner Dolenc
- PubMed: 36144755
- DOI: 10.3390/molecules27186021
3 Insights on
- Reduced Depression Symptoms
- Low evidence
St. John's wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes

Lavender and Reduced Depression Symptoms

Herbal medicine for depression and anxiety: A systematic review with assessment of potential psycho-oncologic relevance.

Phytochemicals in the treatment of patients with depression: a systemic review.

Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update.