What is the recommended dosage for Lavender?

Sleep: 80-160 mg Silexan (oral) or aromatherapy

What are the side effects of Lavender?

Potential side effects include: GI upset (oral form), Headache, Constipation, Increased appetite.

Does lavender supplementation help with sleep?

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been studied in both aromatherapy and oral supplement forms. Silexan (Lavela WS 1265), an oral lavender oil preparation at 80 mg daily, has shown improvements in sleep quality in multiple clinical trials. Lavender aromatherapy has also demonstrated modest benefits in meta-analyses, though the mechanisms differ from oral supplementation.

Is oral lavender oil safe?

Silexan (the standardized oral lavender oil supplement) has been studied in trials lasting up to 10 weeks with a favorable safety profile. The most common side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly eructation (burping) with a lavender taste. It does not appear to cause dependence or next-day sedation. It is approved as a medicinal product in several European countries.

How much oral lavender should I take for sleep?

The most studied oral lavender formulation is Silexan, a proprietary lavender oil extract used at 80 mg per day in most clinical trials. Research across 50 studies with 2,477 participants — including 5 meta-analyses and 13 RCTs — demonstrates significant sleep quality improvements. Lavender aromatherapy (inhaled) uses different concentrations, typically 2 to 4 drops diffused for 20 to 30 minutes, and has also shown benefits in the same body of evidence.

Does lavender aromatherapy actually improve sleep?

Yes — lavender aromatherapy is among the most researched non-pharmacological sleep interventions. Research across 50 studies with 2,477 participants supports its effects on insomnia, with 42 of 50 studies finding positive outcomes. Linalool and linalyl acetate — lavender's active compounds — reduce sympathetic arousal and modulate GABA-A receptors when inhaled. Studies in hospital settings, college students, and older adults have consistently shown improvements in subjective sleep quality.

Is lavender helpful for anxiety-related sleep problems?

Lavender shows strong evidence for sleep disrupted by anxiety. Research across 11 studies with 390 participants — including 2 meta-analyses and 2 RCTs — found lavender supportive of anxiety-related sleep problems, with 9 of 11 studies showing positive effects. Oral Silexan (80 mg) has been directly compared to low-dose benzodiazepines in some trials and showed comparable anxiolytic effects without the sedation or dependency risk associated with pharmaceuticals.

Lavender

herb

Also known as: Lavandula angustifolia, Silexan, CalmAid

𝕏 LinkedIn

<\/script>\n

`; }, get iframeSnippet() { const domain = 'sleepcited.com'; const params = 'ingredient\u003Dlavender'; return ``; }, get activeSnippet() { return this.method === 'script' ? this.scriptSnippet : this.iframeSnippet; }, copySnippet() { navigator.clipboard.writeText(this.activeSnippet).then(() => { this.copied = true; setTimeout(() => { this.copied = false; }, 2000); }); } }" @keydown.escape.window="open = false" @click.outside="open = false">

Embed This Widget

Style

Widget powered by . Free, no account required.

About

Lavender is a fragrant herb with a long history in aromatherapy for promoting relaxation and calm. Research suggests that oral lavender oil supplements (Silexan) and lavender aromatherapy may support sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing mild anxiety.

How It Works

Linalool and linalyl acetate modulate GABA-A receptors and reduce sympathetic arousal; primarily aromatherapeutic.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Insomnia	A	51	2477	View →
Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems	A	11	390	View →

Side Effects

GI upset (oral form)
Headache
Constipation
Increased appetite

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Sedatives — additive drowsiness with oral lavender
Blood pressure medications — lavender may lower blood pressure

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

California Poppy Chamomile Hops Jujube Seed Extract Kava

Quick Facts

Dosage: Sleep: 80-160 mg Silexan (oral) or aromatherapy
Forms: capsule liquid other
Natural Sources: Lavender flowers
Upper Limit: Not established for oral; external use generally safe
Best Time: 30-60 minutes before bed (oral); at bedtime (aromatherapy)

Evidence Summary

Insomnia A

Anxiety-Related Sleep Problems A

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.