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Why Smelling Lavender Might Be Better For Anxiety Than Any Pill
New research suggests this ancient remedy could offer a natural alternative to prescription medications
Recent scientific studies have revealed that lavender, a purple flowering plant used in traditional medicine for centuries, might rival modern anxiety medications in effectiveness – without the common side effects that often accompany prescription drugs. This natural approach to anxiety management has gained attention from both medical professionals and researchers worldwide.
The science behind lavender's calming powerResearch published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology shows that lavender's active compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate, interact directly with the brain's neurotransmitters. These natural compounds help reduce central nervous system activity, promoting relaxation without the drowsiness common to traditional anti-anxiety medications.
Clinical studies with patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder demonstrate significant improvement in symptoms through regular lavender use. The natural compounds work by modulating specific neural pathways associated with anxiety response, offering a gentler approach to stress management.
Natural advantages over pharmaceuticalsUnlike prescription medications, lavender offers several distinct benefits:
Recent clinical trials demonstrate impressive results in anxiety management:
Health care professionals recommend several approaches for using lavender effectively:
Aromatherapy diffusion
Direct inhalation
Topical application
Research indicates lavender's benefits extend further:
For those interested in trying lavender as an anxiety management tool:
While generally safe, users should note these important factors:
Ongoing research continues to explore lavender's potential in mental health:
For those considering lavender for anxiety management:
While not a complete replacement for severe anxiety treatment, lavender offers a promising natural option for many suffering from mild to moderate anxiety. Its centuries-old use, combined with modern scientific validation, suggests this purple flower might indeed be nature's answer to anxiety relief. The growing body of research continues to support its role in mental health management, making it an increasingly viable option for those seeking natural alternatives to traditional medications.
This story was created using AI technology.
Toll Of War: People 317% More Likely To Use Anti-anxiety Medication After October 7
The mental toll the war has taken on Israelis has led to a significant increase in the likelihood of purchasing short-term anti-anxiety medication, a new study based on 19 years of data has revealed.
During times of heightened national security tensions in Israel, people are more likely to purchase the medications, according to researchers from Kahn-Sagol-Maccabi (KSM), the Research and Innovation Center of Maccabi Health Services.
The research was announced on October 7, the first anniversary of Hamas's large-scale attack on southern Israel – in which terrorists murdered over 1,200 people and abducted over 250.
The study is awaiting both peer review and print but can be accessed online.
"The events of October 7th drastically changed reality for everyone – patients and healthcare providers alike," KSM director Dr. Tal Patalon said. "The sharp increase in anxiety medication use highlights the urgent need for tailored mental health interventions in acute settings during times of conflict."
Israeli public may experience heightened anxiety (credit: AI)While the research found the purchase of short-term anxiety medications increased amid such times, the data revealed the most dramatic increase following the October 7 attack in 2023. The findings highlight how national crises take a toll on mental health, stretching beyond the battlefield.
Researchers looked at the number of purchases of short-term anti-anxiety medication, particularly benzodiazepines, a commonly used one. The study received ethical approval from the Helsinki Committee.
The anonymized medical data of over 1.1 million people aged 21 and older, from 2006 to 2024, revealed that during military operations, people were 28% more likely to buy anti-anxiety medications, and during the Second Lebanon War, this likelihood increased by 44%. After October 7, and during the war that followed, people were 317% more likely to seek out anxiety-related prescriptions, compared to times of national stability.
Breaking the data downThe data also found that women were more likely to seek treatment for anxiety, both in times of stability and in times of national unrest. Female patients were 26% more likely to start anxiety medication during military operations and 81% more likely to do so after October 7, on top of their already higher baseline likelihood of seeking anxiety treatment compared to males.
Looking at the locations of the purchases, the researchers confirmed that during the Second Lebanon War, residents of northern Israel were more likely to purchase anti-anxiety medications compared to those in central Israel.
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Additionally, residents near the Gaza border were generally less likely to seek treatment during most conflicts, despite the high level of direct exposure to attacks.
Following October 7, however, anxiety treatment appeared to increase across all regions.
Here Are The 5 Medications You Should Not Leave Unused In Your Home
"It is best to get these drugs out of the house unless you have specific reasons by your provider to keep them in the house when you're done with them," says Dr. Holly Geyer, an addiction medicine specialist with the Mayo Clinic.
Officials with the Drug Enforcement Administration say it's important people properly dispose of any unused or expired prescription medications before they are consumed by accident, stolen or abused.
"It is best to get these drugs out of the house unless you have specific reasons by your provider to keep them in the house when you're done with them," says Dr. Holly Geyer, an addiction medicine specialist with the Mayo Clinic.
Doctors and DEA officials say there are five groups of prescription medications that people should never leave unused in their homes.
Opioids: Data from the Centers for Disease Control found that last year, oxycodone and other opioid medications were linked to more than 81,000 overdose deaths in the U.S.
Anti-anxiety medications: "These are ones like lorazepam or alprazolam as drug class, they can be toxic, especially when combined with other drugs that can be sedating," says Geyer.
Sleeping medications: Should be discarded or locked away when they are no longer needed.
Muscle relaxers: If used with other substances can increase one's risk for an overdose.
Cough medications: "We recognize something called 'robotripping' in the teenage population if there's dextromethorphan in the drug. So, cough medicines can be toxic even if you purchase them over the counter. Get them out if you no longer need them," she says.
DEA officials say the best way to get rid of these medications is to find a drug drop-off box at a local police station.
People are also encouraged to participate in drug take back collection days.
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