Lavender extract (brand name Silexan)

Lavender extract, known by the brand name Silexan, is a supplement I highly recommend for anxiety. It is available over-the-counter in the U.S., but in Europe, it is an approved treatment for anxiety and available only by prescription. When comparing the effect size of medications, supplements, and non-pharmacological options for Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Silexan is actually the second most effective option (in case you were wondering, Seroquel is number one). Silexan demonstrates a significant effect size of 0.5–0.9 in placebo-controlled trials (80–160 mg/day), outperforming SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines.

Placebo-controlled clinical trials of Silexan have shown that it is a safe and highly effective option for generalized anxiety, with a larger effect size than SSRIs, SNRIs, or benzodiazepines. Additional findings published in peer-reviewed medical journals indicate that Silexan is non-sedating, carries no risks of addiction, dependency, or withdrawal, and is not associated with any documented side effects. In my clinical practice, the only side effect clients occasionally report is the taste of lavender, which can cause "lavender burps." There are no known drug interactions with this supplement.

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Where to Purchase:

• I recommend purchasing this specific version, which was used in the clinical trials: Lavela WS 1265 by Integrative Therapeutics.

• The same version by Integrative Therapeutics is also available on Amazon: Amazon Link.

• An alternative option, which is the version available by prescription in Germany: Amazon Link.

  
  

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Dosing:

For individuals aged 17 and older, the goal dosage is 2 pills per day (ideally 1 in the morning and 1 at bedtime). However, many of my clients take 2 pills at bedtime, which also seems to produce the same results. Start with 1 pill per day for the first week, then increase to 2 pills per day. Typically, benefits begin to show after approximately 3 weeks. However, some clients report anxiety improvement even when taking this on an "as needed" basis.

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Not All Lavender is Equal

It's important to note that this is a very specific extract of lavender, and the same results would not be achieved with other lavender-containing products. According to Integrative Therapeutics, the company that produces the version of lavender extract used in the clinical trials:

How is Lavela WS 1265 different from ordinary lavender essential oil?

"Lavender essential oil is obtained from the steam distillation processing of the flowering tops of L. angustifolia. The main active constituents of lavender oil are linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. The quantity of these constituents can vary in different oils. If inferior harvesting techniques or sub-par plant material is used, one can still make an essential oil that smells like lavender, but the balance of constituents will be different. Lavela WS 1265 is very well characterized in terms of the content of its various constituents, unique in composition, and the only lavender essential oil with demonstrated efficacy and safety in published, controlled clinical trials."

References:

• Cavanagh HMA, Wilkinson JM. Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Phytother Res 2002;16:301-8.

• European Pharmacopeia, 6th edition, 2008.

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Written by:

Joseph Gagnon Jr.