Silexan: A Plant-Based Lavender Treatment for Anxiety and Anxious Depression

Dr. Tracey Marks introduces Silexan, a proprietary capsule of 80 milligrams of lavender Augusta folia, as a promising natural remedy for anxiety and anxious depression. This plant-based treatment is distinct from traditional aromatherapy, which offers only short-lived effects from essential oil inhalation. Silexan is formulated for safe ingestion, providing a sustained therapeutic benefit. It is sold as a prescription drug (Lasea) in Germany and is available over-the-counter in the US, with Nature's Way offering a version called CalmAid.

The podcast highlights the strong research supporting Silexan's efficacy. Studies have shown it to be more effective than 20 milligrams of Paxil (paroxetine) for generalized anxiety and equally effective as 0.5 milligrams of lorazepam (Ativan), a benzodiazepine. The mechanism of action involves increasing serotonin levels and blocking NMDA receptors. By blocking NMDA receptors, Silexan reduces the secretion of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, effectively taking the "foot off the gas" and allowing for deceleration of overactive cells, similar to how magnesium works or how GABA-activating benzodiazepines calm the system.

However, Dr. Marks provides important caveats regarding Silexan's application. The comparative studies utilized relatively low doses of Paxil and Ativan, suggesting that Silexan, particularly at its maximum dose of 160 milligrams, may be most effective for individuals with mild to moderate anxiety. For those with severe anxiety requiring higher doses of conventional antidepressants or benzodiazepines, Silexan might not provide sufficient relief. Nevertheless, it could potentially serve as an adjunct therapy, helping some individuals reduce their antidepressant dosage under medical supervision.

Recommended dosing is 80 to 160 milligrams daily, with results typically appearing after two weeks of consistent use, similar to antidepressants. Side effects are generally mild, including lavender-flavored burps and sedation. A significant caution is its weak increase in estrogen levels, making it generally not recommended for children under 18 due to potential breast development. Furthermore, individuals with estrogen-responsive tumors, such as breast cancer, should consult their doctor before taking Silexan due to this hormonal effect.

"I'm excited to talk about a super promising natural remedy for anxiety and anxious depression, and that is, lavender in pill form."

"Silexan has a lot of strong research behind it."

"One study tested it in people with generalized anxiety and showed that Silexan was more effective than 20 milligrams of Paxil."

"Another study showed that Silexan was just as effective as 0.5 milligrams of lorazepam, brand name Ativan, and that's a big deal for it to work as well as a benzodiazepine."

"The active chemicals are linalool and linalyl acetate."

"They increase serotonin, and they block NMDA receptors."

"You can think of glutamate as pressing on the accelerator."

"Silexan is best for people with mild to moderate anxiety."

"The main effects are lavender-flavored burps and sedation."

"It does weakly increase estrogen levels, which can mean breast development in boys and early breast development in girls, so it's generally not recommended for children under 18."