The Case for Lavender: Evidence Behind Silexan for Anxiety

I’ve noticed more patients asking about natural and evidence-based approaches for managing anxiety. It’s a question that comes up often in my practice, and one I’ve explored in depth with colleagues and through the research.

Lavender oil has gained attention for its potential calming effects. Below, I’ve summarized the key findings from the best study to date examining the oral lavender oil preparation Silexan in people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

A 2014 randomized, double-blind clinical trial published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology examined Silexan and how it compares to both placebo and paroxetine (Paxil®) for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

The Research Question

Can a daily oral lavender oil capsule (Silexan) effectively reduce anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder? And how does it compare to a prescription antidepressant?

Study Design

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and active-controlled trial involving 539 adults with GAD. Participants were assigned to one of four groups for 10 weeks:

• Silexan 160 mg/day

• Silexan 80 mg/day

• Paroxetine 20 mg/day

• Placebo

Anxiety severity was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), a standard research tool for quantifying anxiety symptoms.

Key Findings

• Symptom improvement: The HAMA anxiety score decreased by an average of

  • 14.1 points with Silexan 160 mg

  • 12.8 points with Silexan 80 mg

  • 11.3 points with paroxetine

  • 9.5 points with placebo

• Response rates: 60% of those on Silexan 160 mg experienced at least a 50% reduction in anxiety symptoms—higher than both placebo and paroxetine.

• Remission: Nearly half of patients on the higher Silexan dose achieved remission (HAMA <10).

• Side effects: Rates of adverse events were similar to placebo and lower than paroxetine. Most were mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

What This Means

In this study, Silexan was more effective than placebo and performed as well as paroxetine, one of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs for anxiety. Unlike traditional antidepressants, Silexan did not cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped and had a favorable side-effect profile.

These findings add to growing evidence that certain herbal preparations—when standardized and clinically tested—can have meaningful effects on anxiety. For patients seeking integrative or natural options, lavender oil (Silexan) may be a reasonable complementary approach under medical supervision.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• The study was industry-funded by the manufacturer of Silexan.

• Participants were limited to outpatients in Germany, which may not generalize to all populations.

• People with severe depression or other psychiatric conditions were excluded.

• While results are promising, more independent, long-term studies are needed.

Bottom Line

Lavender oil capsules containing Silexan appear to offer a safe, well-tolerated, and evidence-supported option for mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder.

However, like any treatment, it’s important to discuss herbal or over-the-counter options with a licensed clinician, especially if you’re already taking medications or have co-occurring mental-health conditions.

Kasper, S., Gastpar, M., Müller, W. E., Volz, H.-P., Möller, H.-J., Schläfke, S., & Dienel, A. (2014). Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder—a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17(6), 859–869. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1461145714000017