Evidence supporting the use of: Lavender
For the body system: Serotonin

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a long history of traditional use for supporting mood, relaxation, and sleep, which are processes often linked to the serotonin system. In herbal medicine, lavender has been used for centuries in the form of teas, essential oils, and sachets to promote calmness and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The traditional rationale is that lavender’s aromatic compounds exert a soothing effect on the nervous system, which, in turn, is believed to influence mood and well-being.

While some modern studies suggest that lavender oil—especially when inhaled—may have anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects, the direct impact of lavender on serotonin levels or the serotonin system in the body has not been conclusively established. A few clinical trials have reported modest improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms with oral lavender oil preparations, but the mechanisms remain unclear and may involve modulation of GABAergic (rather than serotonergic) pathways. Overall, the use of lavender to support the "serotonin body system" is primarily based on traditional uses for mood and relaxation, with limited scientific evidence directly linking it to serotonin modulation.

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