Lavender Extract (Silexan): A Natural Option for Anxiety Relief

Lavender extract, marketed under the brand name Silexan, is a highly recommended supplement for managing anxiety. While it is available over-the-counter in the United States, it’s an approved treatment for anxiety in Europe, where it’s only available by prescription.

When evaluating the effectiveness of various treatments for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, including medications, supplements, and non-pharmacological options, Silexan ranks as the second most effective option, with Seroquel being the first. Clinical trials of Silexan (dosed at 80–160 mg/day) show an impressive effect size of 0.5–0.9 in placebo-controlled studies, surpassing the effectiveness of SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines.

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Clinical Efficacy and Safety:

Placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated that lavender extract (Silexan) is a safe and potent option for treating generalized anxiety, offering a larger effect size than many common anxiety medications. Research published in peer-reviewed medical journals confirms that Silexan is non-sedating, poses no risk of addiction, dependency, or withdrawal, and has no known side effects. In my clinical experience, the only minor complaint from clients is the taste of lavender, which can sometimes result in “lavender burps.” Additionally, there are no known drug interactions with this supplement.

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Where to Purchase:

• Marple Pharmacy: The simplest way to obtain Silexan is through Marple Pharmacy. After discussing this supplement with the head pharmacist, Paras, they have decided to stock it. Marple Pharmacy can ship Silexan to you along with your medications, and this option is likely the most affordable.

  
  

• Online Purchase:

  
  

  • The specific version used in clinical trials can be found here: Lavela WS 1265 by Integrative Therapeutics.

  • The same product is also available on Amazon: Lavela WS 1265 on Amazon.

  • Alternatively, the prescription version available in Germany can be found here: German Prescription Version.

    
    

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Dosing Guidelines:

The target dosage is two pills per day—one in the morning and one at bedtime. Some clients prefer taking both pills at bedtime, which also seems effective. Start with one pill per day during the first week, then increase to two pills daily. While benefits typically become noticeable after about three weeks, some clients report improvements in anxiety even when using this supplement on an 'as-needed' basis.

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Important Note on Lavender Quality

It’s essential to recognize that not all lavender products are the same. The specific extract used in clinical trials, Lavela WS 1265, is distinct from ordinary lavender essential oil. Unlike other lavender products, Lavela WS 1265 is precisely characterized in terms of its constituent content and has demonstrated efficacy and safety in published, controlled clinical trials.

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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.