What is the recommended concentration of lavender oil for anxiety treatment?

From the Guidelines

Lavender oil concentration for anxiety treatment is not specifically defined, but it may be offered to people with cancer to improve anxiety symptoms during cancer-related diagnostic and treatment procedures. When considering the use of lavender oil for anxiety treatment, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the harms, as noted in the guideline by the Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO 1. The guideline suggests that lavender essential oil inhalation may be beneficial for improving anxiety symptoms, although the quality of evidence is low and the strength of recommendation is weak. Some key points to consider when using lavender oil for anxiety treatment include:

• Starting with low concentrations and gradually increasing as needed
• Being aware of potential skin irritation when applied topically
• Avoiding the use of pure undiluted essential oil directly on the skin
• Considering potential interactions with sedative medications It's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using lavender oil, especially for individuals taking sedative medications or with a history of allergies or skin sensitivities. In terms of specific concentrations, while there is no clear recommendation, aromatherapy with 2-3 drops of pure lavender essential oil in a diffuser may be a reasonable approach, although this is not explicitly stated in the guideline 1. Ultimately, the decision to use lavender oil for anxiety treatment should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account individual patient needs and medical history.

From the Research

Concentration of Lavender Oil for Anxiety Treatment

• The recommended concentration of lavender oil for anxiety treatment is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the effective dosage of lavender oil can be inferred from the studies.
• A study published in 2013 2 found that lavender oil in physiological concentrations in the nanomolar range, which correlates to a single dosage of 80 mg/d in humans, has anxiolytic properties.
• Another study published in 2018 3 found that Silexan, a lavender oil preparation available in 80-mg capsules, has anxiolytic efficacy and is safe and well-tolerated in humans.
• A systematic review and network meta-analysis published in 2020 4 found that Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg is a favorable option for anxiety in long-term treatment.

Administration Routes

• The same systematic review and network meta-analysis 4 found that lavender aromatherapy is clinically superior in short-duration treatment, while Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg is preferable for long-term treatment of anxiety.
• A study published in 2019 5 found that lavender inhalation, oral administration of lavender essential oil, and massage with lavender oil can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

Effective Dosage

• The effective dosage of lavender oil for anxiety treatment appears to be around 80 mg/d, as found in studies 2 and 3.
• However, more research is needed to determine the optimal concentration and administration route of lavender oil for anxiety treatment, as the quality of available studies is generally low and heterogeneous, as noted in the 2019 study 5.