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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
St. John's Wort wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 9 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both Lavender and St. John's Wort have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
80 mg oral Silexan daily OR aromatherapy inhalation 30–60 min sessions
Evening before bed for sleep and anxiety, Acute use before stressful procedures or events
Oral Silexan capsule (80 mg) for systemic/psychiatric use
300mg 3x daily (900mg total)
With meals, Divided into 2-3 doses
Standardized extract (0.3% hypericin)
1–4 weeks
1–3 weeks
4–8 weeks
Acute to 2 weeks
4-6 weeks
4-8 weeks
During use
First 1-2 weeks
Effects of lavender on anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (2019) · Meta analysis
Meta-analysis confirmed significant anxiolytic effects of lavender across multiple administration routes
Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience (2023) · Meta analysis
Silexan 80 mg/day was significantly superior to placebo in reducing Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) total scores
Efficacy of Silexan in subthreshold anxiety: meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled trials.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience (2019) · Meta analysis
Silexan 80 mg/day significantly reduced HAMA scores compared to placebo in subthreshold anxiety
St John's wort for major depression
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2008) · Meta analysis · n=5489
As effective as standard antidepressants for mild-moderate depression
Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Neuropsychopharmacology reports (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1049
A meta-analysis found no significant difference in response rates between the two treatments (risk ratio [RR] = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.78-1.18) or dropout rates (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.62-1.88).
Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Plant Extracts on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2025) · Meta analysis
John's Wort extract (SUCRA 71.2%) was the most effective in reducing NIHSS scores, Berberine (SUCRA 84.1%) was most effective in reducing mRS scores, and St.
Based on multiple meta-analyses (n>5000) showing efficacy comparable to SSRIs for mild-moderate depression. Effect plateau around 900-1200mg. Not effective for severe depression. Requires standardized extract (0.3% hypericin).
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
St. John's Wort has a higher evidence score (7.8/10 vs 7.2/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For support mood, St. John's Wort has a higher relevance score (92 vs 72).
No known interactions between Lavender and St. John's Wort have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.