Full profile
| Also known as | Silexan, Lavandula angustifolia oil |
|---|---|
| Best for | Easing occasional nervous tension · Calm without sedation |
| Evidence grade | Grade B — Moderate — several human trials, some mixed results |
| Studied dose range | 80–160 mg/day as a softgel. |
| Time to effect | Some effect within 2 weeks; trials commonly run 6–10 weeks. |
| Best form | Silexan (WS 1265), a proprietary CO2-extracted lavender oil softgel. |
Evidence, honestly graded
Five or more double-blind RCTs plus independent meta-analyses support the Silexan (WS 1265) extract, with trials showing meaningful reductions in anxiety-scale scores versus placebo and no sedation or dependence signal on its own studied endpoints. Capped at B because the pivotal trials were largely run in subthreshold or clinical-anxiety populations rather than healthy adults under everyday stress, and the key trials are Schwabe-sponsored (the extract's developer).
See the full grading rubric — study type, replication, population match, and dose adequacy — in The Evidence Standard.
405 licensed natural health products in Health Canada's LNHPD list Lavender (oral) as a medicinal ingredient.
That makes Lavender (oral) a recognized, licensable medicinal ingredient in Canada — regulated by Health Canada's Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate, which issues each licensed natural health product a Natural Product Number (NPN). Search the LNHPD to verify.
Side effects
- Lavender-scented burping ("eructation") — the most common complaint
- Generally well tolerated otherwise
Who should avoid it or check first
- Pregnant or breastfeeding without clinician guidance
Interactions
- No major known drug interactions in trials, but discuss with a clinician if on other calming or psychiatric medication
Stacks well with
What to look for on a label
- Say "eases occasional nervous tension" — never "treats anxiety." The trial populations and this brand's healthy-adult positioning are different things, and the claim language must reflect that.
- Specify the Silexan (WS 1265) extract — this is not the same product as lavender essential oil for aromatherapy.
References
- Silexan (WS 1265) double-blind RCTs and independent meta-analyses. Five or more double-blind, placebo-controlled trials plus independent meta-analyses reporting reductions in anxiety-scale scores versus placebo in anxiety-trial populations, with no sedation or dependence signal on the studied endpoints. Some trials used an active comparator arm; we report only Silexan's own studied endpoints. Representative independent meta-analysis: Dold 2023 (PMID 36717399). Schwabe-sponsored pivotal trials — noted as the honest funding caveat. Educational, not a treatment claim.
Grades and studied doses are our conservative reading of the human research, shown for education. They are not product claims, and a studied dose is not a recommended dose.
Revision history
Every change to this ingredient's evidence status, dated and explained. The full cross-library log lives at Evidence Updates.
- 2026-07-07New profile
Initial profile published at Grade B: five or more double-blind RCTs plus independent meta-analyses support the Silexan extract on anxiety-scale endpoints, with no sedation or dependence signal on its studied endpoints.
See how Lavender (oral) compares on grade, dose, and goal in the Evidence Explorer.
