Herbs
Lavender: A Quiet Tool for Calm
Lavender essential oil and tea have measurable effects on anxiety. Here's how to use them.
5 min read
Last updated Traditional wisdom + modern evidence Educational, not medical advice
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the best-studied herbs for anxiety. In trials, the standardized oral extract Silexan has shown effects comparable to low-dose anxiolytics.
Practical use
As a tea: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water, steeped 5 minutes. For aromatherapy: a few drops on a tissue beside the bed. As a capsule (Silexan): 80 mg daily.
Cautions
Skin irritation from undiluted oil; rare hormonal effects in young children from heavy topical use.
Sources & references
Background reading
- Health Topics A–Z — US NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
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