Lavender Oil used in Anxiety Management
Feeling nervous, anxious, or worried can be a normal response to a dangerous, threatening, or scary event. It’s an adaptive response that protects us from danger, but it can become maladaptive, leaving us feeling anxious all the time, to an extent that impacts our daily lives and quality of life. Anxiety is the most common mental health problem in Canada, and depending on the individual in question, the symptoms, triggers, and treatment options can vary.
Case Study
The case I want to share today is about a young man in his 30s who presented to the clinic with anxiety, depression, and fatigue. He experienced constant feelings of anxiety and worry, with acute episodes of heart palpitations, racing thoughts, shortness of breath, tingling into his fingers and toes, and a sensation of tightness in his chest. Panic attacks were infrequent but when stressful situations occurred, he felt ill-equipped to deal with them. He had been taking prescription anxiety and depression medication for the past several years but was still struggling to cope and had noticed an impact at work and in his relationships. In addition to his reported anxiety and depression, a full intake revealed that he was also sleeping poorly and had frequent bloating and digestive discomfort. All physical exam findings were normal.
During our initial visit we discussed lifestyle and diet changes that could support a reduction in anxiety. These included nutrient dense meals to stabilize blood sugar, reducing or avoiding caffeine and alcohol, implementing an evening routine to improve sleep quality, and practicing deep breathing a few times a day. We also did lab testing to rule out some possible causes or contributing factors to his anxiety and low mood. On our second visit, we implemented some targeted supplements, including a lavender oil capsule.
Lavender capsules were the top of my list for this patient because of clinical trials finding them comparable to common first-line pharmaceuticals in their reduction of anxiety scores. In addition to its effect on the nervous system, lavender also acts as a carminative and antispasmodic making it useful for this patient’s bloating and gas. When considering safety, lavender is well tolerated, not habit-forming or sedating, and in this case, did not have any interactions with his current medication.
Results at the follow-up appointment
At our follow-up visit 3 weeks after beginning the supplement routine, he reported a significant improvement in mood, sleep quality, and digestion. Eight weeks later he reported a 70% improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms, resolution in bloating and digestive discomfort, and increased energy. Ongoing management will continue to focus on ensuring he has the tools to support mood on a daily basis, as well as options for additional support during acute stressors and seasons of increased stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
The content of this article is not a substitute for personal and professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When it comes to anxiety, there is no one right answer for treatment. It’s important to seek guidance from a health care provider before starting or changing medication and/or supplementation. Herbs, like prescription medications, can have side effects, interactions, and risk.
As your naturopathic doctor I can work with you to construct a comprehensive treatment plan that may include herbal supplements like Lavender capsules.
In health,
Dr. Amy Pelletier, ND
Book online with Dr. Pelletier
References:
Canadian Mental Health Association. cmha.ca
Hoffmann, David. (2003). Medical herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
PMID: 28511598
PMID: 19962288
PMID: 27486153
