The Effect of Lavender on Stress in Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 articles assessing lavender for stress reduction. Included studies enrolled adults from varied settings and countries, including students, healthcare professionals such as nurses and ICU staff, pregnant women, and other adults in hospital or medical-procedure contexts.

Lavender was evaluated in multiple forms across the included studies, including aromatherapy and other lavender preparations such as essential oil or drops. The review compared different lavender species, especially L. angustifolia and L. stoechas, with varied doses, frequencies, and treatment durations.

Lavender significantly reduced stress overall across the included studies. L. angustifolia appeared to produce greater stress reduction than L. stoechas, and aromatherapy was reported as a particularly effective administration method. The authors concluded lavender may be useful in stress management programs, especially for students, but further research is needed to confirm the findings and refine optimal use.

The evidence base was highly heterogeneous, with substantial variation in lavender species, preparations, doses, and administration methods. The included studies also covered diverse populations and settings, which limits direct comparability and makes the pooled estimate less precise. The review called for further research.