We prefer this brand because…...

“Lavela” is a particularly effective concentrate of the herb lavender. This specific formula has been thoroughly studied in scientific papers, and it is strong enough to have eased mild to moderate anxiety and insomnia for many of our patients. It is gentle, does not cause sedation, and it is not habit-forming: it can be taken every day for months, or more intermittently as needed. We have not seen it cause any of the side-effects such as nausea, burping or constipation that reportedly can occur with lavender. It even helped calm the dog of one of our patients during a thunderstorm!

“Lavela WS 1265” is an exclusive concentrate of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil, known as Silexan^TM. Clinical trials and comparative analysis published in peer-reviewed medical journals have found that it compares favorably to other conventional treatments: on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale this formula was up to three times more effective in a 2010 study with 77 patients over six weeks. Another 2010 study with 539 patients found “Lavela WS 1265” to be more effective for reducing anxiety than standard anxiolytic drugs, and slightly more effective with two capsules daily than one. Side effects such as burping were less than in the placebo group! In a trial with 221 patients from general and psychiatric clinics over ten weeks this particular formula improved sleep and reduced anxiety twice as well as the placebo.

There are several well-conducted studies on “Lavela”: 1,Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, et al. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2010; 25: 277-87. 2, Woelk H, Schläfke S. Phytomedicine 2010;17:94–9. 3, Hidalgo RB, Tupler LA, Davidson JR. J Psychopharmacol 2007;21:864 72. 4, Woelk H, Kapoula O, Lehr S, Schröter K, Weinholz P (1999). Healthnotes Review 6:265-70. 5, Bielski RJ, Bose A, Chang CC. Ann Clin Psychiatry 2005 Apr-Jun;17(2):65-9. 6, Allgulander C, Hartford J, Russell J, et al. Curr Med Res Opin 2007 Jun;23(6):1245–52. Epub 2007 Apr 25.

About lavender

Lavender oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant, primarily through steam distillation, and for centuries lavender essence has been used in perfumes and potpourri. It should only be ingested in a carefully balanced formula. Medicinally its primary benefits are the relief of anxiety and insomnia, and as a digestive remedy.

For humans and rodents in studies lavender reduces tension-anxiety and confusion-bewilderment scores and leads to higher vigor-activity scores: it increases both arousal and relaxation, according to positron emission tomography of brain sections. Lavender includes over 100 known constituents, including linalool, cineole, linalyl acetate, limonene, tannins, triterpenes, coumarins, and flavonoids. Linalool reduces motor activity in mice via a dose-related binding to glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system: the brain-calming effects of lavender may be due to its potentiating the neurotransmitter GABA. In human research, lavender oil decreases autonomic arousal, with a decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, and a shift from alpha to theta brain activity. Lavender oil at bedtime increases the percentage of deep slow-wave sleep in men and women, and leads to brain activity changes indicative of a more relaxed and attentive state.

For digestion, lavender oil can improve peristalsis and the efficiency with which food is moved through the intestine. Lavender oil also stimulates the production of gastric juices and bile, and it can ease indigestion, flatulence, and nausea. Lavender's anti-spasmodic activity may contribute to its traditional use against migraines. Its constituents cineole, linalool and linalyl acetate may oppose acetylcholine-induced muscle contractions, and induce cAMP-mediated muscle relaxation and calming of sympathetic nervous system activity.

Lavender, as Lavandula angustifolia essential oil, is antibacterial and decongestant, and can be inhaled via a vaporizer for colds, flu, cough, sinus disorders, bronchitis, and laryngitis. Studies show it is active in vitro against strains of mycobacteria, and there is mild documented activity of 2% lavender oils against both methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Lavender is also an effective pain reliever: one study showed that combining lavender vapor into oxygen significantly reduced the amount of postoperative pain after a major surgery versus oxygen alone. The oil can also be applied topically to ease joint and muscle pain.

Contents

1 softgel provides: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Oil (Silexan^TM brand): 80 mg. .

Other Ingredients: canola oil, gelatin (capsule), glycerin, sorbitol, and annato extract color.

Free of: - This product does Not contain: artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, preservatives, paraben, shellfish, tree nuts, gluten, wheat, yeast, salt, soy, sugar, corn.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Do not use lavender without the advice of your healthcare professional if you are taking medicines to ease anxiety or insomnia, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, Ambien or trazadone. Do not use within seven days before or after surgery, as lavender may slow the central nervous system if used in combination with anesthesia or pain medications given during and after surgery. Lavender should not be used by prepubertal boys, in human research with topical use rare cases of gynecomastia occurred which resolved when lavender was stopped, suggesting anti-androgenic effects. If you take medicines for high blood pressure, use lavender with caution and monitor blood pressure regularly, as its relaxant effect may lower blood pressure and reduce the dose of medication you need. Also observe your blood pressure carefully if you are taking other natural remedies for blood pressure such as coenzyme Q-10, Carditone, fish oil, HTN Complex, or magnesium. Take with caution and only with a medical professional’s advice if you are also using natural remedies for anxiety or insomnia, such as 5-HTP, hops, Jamaican dogwood, kava, skullcap, or valerian. Do not use during pregnancy or nursing unless under the guidance of your physician, there is insufficient data about safety during pregnancy. Do not ingest pure lavender oil, as it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, blurred vision, or burning eyes.

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