The swallowable one
Oral lavender oil capsules (Silexan)
The form used in most anxiety studies, made to be swallowed.
Good for: Sleep & stress
What variations of lavender exist?
A fragrant flower used for calm and sleep. A specific oral lavender oil capsule has been studied for anxiety, with good results in several trials. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Easy to take: the cozy one (Aromatherapy or tea)
Every form, in plain words
The swallowable one
Oral lavender oil capsules (Silexan)
The form used in most anxiety studies, made to be swallowed.
Good for: Sleep & stress
The cozy one
Aromatherapy or tea
Gentle and calming, though less studied.
Good for: Sleep & stress · Easy to take
Usually skip
- Not for swallowing (Essential oil not made for internal use)Essential oils shouldn't be swallowed unless the product is made for it.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Oral lavender oil capsules' on the label (the swallowable one)
Watch out for
- Essential oil bottles without instructions for swallowing
- Calming blends that don't say how much is inside
Check with your provider first if…
- Taking sedatives, sleep medicines, or anxiety medicines, or drinking alcohol
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Planned surgery, because of added drowsiness with anesthesia
- Burping or stomach upset with capsules. Skin irritation with topical oils.
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.