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Oral Lavender Oil (Silexan / Lavela WS 1265)

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

A double-blind placebo-controlled RCT (Kasper et al. 2010, n=221) of oral Silexan 80 mg daily for 10 weeks found a 59.3% reduction in Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores versus 35.4% for placebo, with response rates of 76.9% vs 49.1%. Important: this is an oral lavender oil capsule product - NOT aromatherapy. The active ingredient is Silexan (Lavela WS 1265), a standardized oral preparation unavailable in ordinary lavender essential oil.$25-$45 for a 28-60 capsule bottle.

How to use

Take one 80 mg Silexan (Lavela WS 1265) oral softgel capsule once daily with a meal. This is a pharmaceutical-grade oral lavender oil - do not substitute with essential oil or aromatherapy products. Allow 2-4 weeks for full anxiolytic effect to develop. Studied for up to 10 weeks in clinical trials.

How it works

Linalool and linalyl acetate, the primary compounds in Silexan, are absorbed orally and modulate voltage-gated calcium channels in neurons, reducing neuronal excitability. This differs from aromatherapy's inhalation pathway - oral administration produces measurable plasma levels that act systemically on the central nervous system.

Where to buy

Lavela WS 1265 (the commercial Silexan product) is available as Integrative Therapeutics Lavela WS 1265 (Amazon, Fullscript, some health food stores). Do not substitute generic lavender essential oil capsules - only Lavela WS 1265 / Silexan uses the clinically studied preparation.

Typical cost: $25-$45 for a 28-60 capsule bottle.

Safety notes

Do not use internal/oral lavender essential oil products that are not specifically the Silexan (Lavela WS 1265) standardized preparation - other lavender oils are not safe for ingestion. May cause mild belching or lavender-scented breath. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. May interact with sedative medications. Not the same as lavender aromatherapy - do not ingest aromatherapy-grade essential oils.

Drug & supplement interactions

  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
  • Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
  • Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
  • Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.

Clinical source

Kasper et al., Silexan oral lavender oil for anxiety disorder: RCT, Int Clin Psychopharmacol, 2010

This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.