Evidence supporting the use of: Lavender
For the body system: Sympathetic Nervous System

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is widely known for its calming and anxiolytic properties, which have been explored in both traditional and scientific contexts. Its use to support the Sympathetic Nervous System is primarily based on its ability to modulate stress responses. The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and overactivation can lead to anxiety, increased heart rate, and other stress-related symptoms. Several scientific studies have demonstrated that inhalation or oral administration of lavender essential oil can reduce markers of sympathetic arousal, such as heart rate and blood pressure. For example, a randomized clinical trial published in the journal Phytomedicine (2012) found that lavender oil capsules significantly reduced anxiety scores in generalized anxiety disorder patients compared to placebo. Another study in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience (2017) reported that lavender aroma decreased sympathetic nervous activity as measured by heart rate variability in healthy adults. However, while these results are promising, the evidence is not universally robust, and most studies focus on anxiety and stress reduction rather than direct, long-term modulation of SNS function. Thus, the use of lavender for supporting the Sympathetic Nervous System is supported by moderate scientific evidence but should not be seen as a replacement for medical treatment of severe SNS or anxiety disorders.

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