How to Use Lavender for Natural Anxiety Symptom Relief

It is normal to feel a little apprehensive from time to time. Let’s face it – life can be stressful!  All of us worry about things like financial problems, work, family struggles, or health.  But sometimes anxiety can become so severe that completing simple, everyday tasks is difficult.  When this occurs, it may be a sign of generalized anxiety disorder.  People with generalized anxiety disorder worry about many things, even when there is little reason to worry.  Their stress level is so high that it interferes with their relationships and day-to-day activities.

Lavender Oil has Been Proven to be an Effective Non-Drug Alternative for Anxiety Symptom Relief

Lavender is an herb that has been proven effective by leading researchers as a natural remedy for treating signs of anxiety. In a study published in the journal Phytomedicine, lavender oil was shown to be just as effective as the pharmaceutical drug lorazepam (Ativan). Furthermore, lavender oil showed no sedative effects (a common side effect of lorazepam) and it had no potential for drug abuse or dependence. Other studies have confirmed the anti-anxiety properties of lavender as well as many other medicinal benefits:

  • Lavender helps with restlessness, nervousness and insomnia.
  • Lavender helps with depression symptoms.
  • Lavender can be used for painful and inflammatory conditions including migraines and joint pain.
  • Lavender can help people who suffer from agitation related to dementia.
How You Can Incorporate Lavender into Your Anxiety Treatment

Although lavender is safe for most people if it is used properly, it must be diluted when used for children. They should not be given lavender orally. Adults can benefit from the plant’s anxiety symptom relief properties by inhaling 2 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil in 2 to 3 cups of boiling water. You can prepare lavender tea using 1 to 2 tbsp. of whole, dried flowers for each cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes, and use a tea infuser or strain before drinking. It is known to improve depression symptoms in some people. You can also mix 1 to 4 drops of lavender essential oil with almond or olive oil and then use it for massage or to apply to pulse points on your body. You will have the scent with you for hours if you do this.

If you or someone you love suffers from anxiety, you may want to try lavender to see if it is able to provide anxiety symptom relief like it does for many other people. But keep in mind natural remedies like lavender are not a substitute for professional medical treatment if you are diagnosed with an anxiety or mood disorder. If you find that you are still struggling with your anxiety symptoms, our expert team for anxiety disorder treatment in Delray Beach is happy to assist you in your treatment and recovery. We recommend you schedule a comprehensive evaluation today.

 

Dr. Raul J. Rodriguez

Dr. Raul Rodriguez

DABPN, DABAM, MRO

Existing patients, please text 561-409-7296 for follow-up appointment requests or if you have medication concerns please text 561-409-7296.

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