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
Reviewed by Holistic Health AI Editorial Team Last updated Reviewed for educational accuracy
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most studied herbs for anxiety. The standardized oral extract Silexan has shown effects comparable to low-dose anxiolytics in trials.
Practical use
Tea: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water, steeped 5 minutes. Aromatherapy: a few drops on a tissue beside the bed. Capsule (Silexan): 80 mg daily.
Cautions
Skin irritation from undiluted oil; rare hormonal effects in young children from heavy topical use.
In the library
Sources & references
- Health Topics A–Z — US NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
