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Recent scientific research include:

LaseaⓇ, Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) oil capsules, reduced some anxiety related symptoms, sleep disturbance and psychomotor agitation in a small retrospective case series of eight psychiatric patients with major depressive disorder and symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and psychomotor agitations found. In combination with anti-depressants there was an overall improvement in depression (see abstract).

A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of 96 women with primary dysmenorrhea reports a significant reduction in symptoms with Lavender (sesame oil base) inhalation (see abstract).

In another randomized controlled trial of 92 young women with primary dysmenorrea Rose (Rosa damascena) capsules showed a comparable reduction in pain intensity compared to Mefenamic acid (see full text).

Lemon (Citrus x limon) essential oil inhalation was shown to reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in a moderately sized placebo-controlled randomized trial of 100 pregnant women (see full text).

An observational study of 169 primary school children with hyperactivity, impulsiveness and concentration difficulties (but not meeting Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder criteria) showed marked reduction over 7 weeks with a fixed combination of 640mg Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) root extract WSⓇ 1014 and 320mg Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract WSⓇ 1303 (SandrinⓇ) given daily. Social behaviour, sleep and symptom burden were also significantly improved (see abstract).

A small placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial of 17 healthy volunteers found that extracts of Brahmi or Indian pennywort (Bacopa monnieri) (320mg or 640mg) improved cognitive function within 1 hour of consumption, had beneficial effect on mood and reduced cortisol levels: indicating both nootropic and adaptogenic characteristics (see abstract).