Lavender Oil (Aromatherapy) for Relaxation

Research suggests that lavender oil aromatherapy may contribute to reduced anxiety and relaxation, though the available evidence in this summary is limited to a single randomized controlled trial examining its use alongside auricular acupuncture in patients awaiting cardiovascular procedures. That study found statistically significant reductions in pre-procedural anxiety scores in the treatment group compared to a sham control group, indicating a potential benefit. However, because lavender aromatherapy was combined with acupuncture rather than tested independently, it is difficult to isolate the specific contribution of the lavender oil itself to the observed effects. The authors acknowledged the modest sample size and small effect size as limitations, and called for further investigation before strong conclusions can be drawn.