New Study: Lavender Tea and Misophonia — What the Research Suggests
Lavender tea has long been associated with calm evening rituals, gentle relaxation, and traditional herbal use. But a new randomized controlled trial has brought lavender herbal tea into a very modern conversation: misophonia.
Misophonia is a condition where certain everyday sounds can trigger intense emotional and physical reactions. Common triggers may include chewing, breathing, tapping, clicking, or repetitive mouth and nose sounds. For people who experience misophonia, these sounds can feel much more than irritating. They may create distress, anger, anxiety, avoidance, and difficulty functioning in normal social or work settings.
A recent study titled “The effect of lavender herbal tea on the mental health of individuals with misophonia: A randomized controlled trial” explored whether daily lavender herbal tea could be associated with improvements in misophonia severity and related emotional symptoms.
The findings are interesting, but they should be interpreted carefully. Lavender tea is not a cure for misophonia, anxiety, depression, or anger. However, the study adds to the growing conversation around lavender as a low-cost, accessible complementary botanical that may support calming routines for some individuals.
Explore our full organic culinary lavender collection for lavender tea, baking, sachets, syrups, and natural home use.
What Is Misophonia?
Misophonia is often described as a sound sensitivity disorder. People with misophonia may have unusually strong reactions to specific trigger sounds. These sounds are often human-generated, such as chewing, breathing, smacking, sniffing, pen clicking, or keyboard tapping.
When a person with misophonia hears a trigger sound, the reaction can be emotional, physical, or both.
Common responses may include:
Anger
Irritation
Anxiety
Distress
Urge to escape
Difficulty concentrating
Physical tension
Increased heart rate
Sweating
Avoidance of social situations
Misophonia can interfere with family meals, school, work, relationships, and everyday routines. Because of that, researchers have become increasingly interested in approaches that may help reduce not only sound sensitivity, but also the emotional distress that can come with it.
Why Lavender Tea Was Studied
Lavender has a long history of traditional use in calming routines, bath rituals, herbal tea, sachets, and home apothecaries. Modern research has also explored lavender for its potential anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The authors of the misophonia study looked at lavender tea because misophonia is often connected with emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and anger. Their idea was not that lavender tea would “treat” misophonia directly, but that it might help support the emotional symptoms that often accompany it.
This is an important distinction.
Lavender tea should not be viewed as a replacement for professional care, therapy, or medical treatment. But it may be worth exploring as part of a broader calming routine, especially for people who already enjoy herbal tea and tolerate lavender well.
For more background on lavender’s traditional calming use, read Why Lavender Is Traditionally Used for Relaxation.
About the Study
The study was conducted as a single-center, single-blind randomized clinical trial with 60 adults diagnosed with misophonia.
Participants were divided into two groups:
One group consumed lavender herbal tea.
The other group was placed on a waiting list and received no intervention during the study period.
The lavender tea group consumed:
2 grams of lavender tea twice daily for 14 days
Researchers measured changes using several tools, including scales related to misophonia, depression, anxiety, and anger.
The study compared whether changes in the lavender tea group differed from the control group over time.
What the Study Found
According to the study abstract and reported highlights, lavender tea consumption was associated with improvements in several areas.
The lavender tea group showed reductions in:
Misophonia symptom severity
Anxiety symptoms
Depression symptoms
Anger symptoms
The researchers also suggested that lavender tea consumption may have been associated with improvements in quality of life and coping strategies.
This does not mean lavender tea cures misophonia. It means that, in this small 14-day study, the group drinking lavender tea experienced positive changes compared with the control group.
That is promising, but still early.
What the Lavender Tea Routine Included
One helpful detail from the study is that lavender tea was not treated simply as a beverage. It was used as a small daily routine.
Participants in the lavender tea group were instructed to brew the tea twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. The tea was steeped for 10 to 15 minutes, and participants were also instructed to inhale the floral aroma before drinking.
That matters because lavender tea is both a taste and aroma experience. The scent, the warmth of the cup, the quiet steeping time, and the act of pausing twice a day may all contribute to the calming nature of the routine.
This also makes the findings more realistic for everyday life. A lavender tea ritual does not need to be complicated. It can be as simple as taking a few quiet minutes, steeping dried culinary lavender, breathing in the aroma, and sipping slowly.
Why the Findings Matter
This study matters because misophonia can be difficult to manage, and research on treatment options is still limited.
Current approaches for misophonia may include therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and other psychological interventions. Some people may also use medications depending on their symptoms and professional guidance.
However, access to therapy can be limited. Some people also prefer to explore low-cost supportive routines alongside professional care.
That is where complementary approaches become interesting.
Lavender tea is:
Accessible
Low cost
Simple to prepare
Naturally caffeine free
Easy to include in an evening routine
Familiar to many herbal tea drinkers
The value may not come from lavender alone. It may also come from the full ritual: heating water, steeping the tea, slowing down, breathing in the aroma, and creating a quiet moment.
The Importance of Not Overstating the Study
This is where we need to be careful.
The study was promising, but it had limitations.
The authors noted that the findings should be interpreted cautiously because:
Participants were not fully blinded.
The control group received no placebo tea.
The control group received no active intervention.
Measurements relied on self-report scales.
Placebo effects and expectation bias may have influenced results.
The study lasted only 14 days.
The sample size was relatively small.
The lavender tea group received daily check-ins.
The participants were mostly young women, which may limit how broadly the results apply.
In other words, the study suggests a possible benefit, but it does not provide final proof.
More research is needed with larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, better blinding, and comparison against placebo tea or other calming routines.
For consumers, the best takeaway is balanced:
Lavender tea may be a gentle complementary routine worth exploring, but it should not be treated as a medical treatment or substitute for care.
What the Study Did Not Prove
The study results were promising, but they do not mean lavender tea eliminates misophonia.
According to the research summary, lavender tea did not significantly change every part of the condition. For example, participants did not show statistically significant changes in their immediate reaction to trigger sounds or in their baseline self-control when suddenly exposed to irritating noises.
This is important because misophonia is complex. Lavender tea may help support emotional distress, relaxation, and coping, but it should not be described as a cure or standalone treatment.
The study also had limitations. Participants knew whether they were drinking lavender tea, the control group did not receive a placebo tea, the lavender tea group received daily check-ins, and the outcomes were based on self-reported questionnaires. The tea ritual itself — the warm cup, the aroma, the pause, and the daily structure — may have contributed to the improvements.
That does not make the study meaningless. It simply means the findings should be viewed as early and encouraging rather than definitive.
How Lavender Tea Fits Into a Calming Routine
Lavender tea is often used as part of an evening or quiet-time ritual. The aroma is floral, herbal, and naturally soothing. The flavor is delicate when used correctly.
A simple lavender tea routine might look like this:
Prepare a quiet space.
Use culinary-grade dried lavender buds.
Steep gently.
Inhale the aroma before sipping.
Avoid over-brewing.
Sip slowly.
Pair with journaling, reading, prayer, meditation, or screen-free time.
For people who experience sound sensitivity or stress, the routine itself may be part of the benefit. Predictable rituals can help signal rest, reduce stimulation, and create a small sense of control.
Again, this is not a treatment claim. It is a lifestyle approach that may support relaxation for some people.
How to Make Lavender Tea
Lavender tea is simple, but balance matters. Lavender is aromatic, so too much can taste perfume-like or soapy.
A gentle starting point:
Use 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender buds per cup of hot water.
Pour hot water over the lavender.
Cover and steep for 5 to 7 minutes.
Strain well.
Sweeten with honey if desired.
The study routine used a longer steeping time of 10 to 15 minutes and 2 grams of lavender tea twice daily. For everyday home use, many people may prefer to start lighter and adjust based on taste and tolerance.
For a stronger cup, use slightly more lavender or steep a little longer. For a lighter cup, use less lavender or blend it with chamomile, lemon balm, mint, or rose petals.
Read our full brewing guide here: How to Make Lavender Tea: A Simple Guide to Brewing Floral Herbal Tea.
Use Culinary-Grade Lavender
For tea, always use culinary-grade lavender intended for food and beverage use.
The most commonly used culinary variety is Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender or true lavender. It is known for its softer, sweeter floral aroma compared with stronger lavender varieties.
Avoid lavender meant for potpourri, fragrance crafts, decoration, or unknown garden use. Those may not be intended for consumption and may have been treated with chemicals, fragrances, or other additives.
Shop our organic culinary lavender buds for tea, baking, syrups, honey infusions, and home apothecary use.
Lavender Tea and Honey
Lavender tea pairs beautifully with honey. A small spoonful can soften the floral edge and make the cup feel smoother.
At Farmer Soul, when we write about honey, we like to be clear about sourcing. Our honey is sourced from a family-run American apiary with seasonal operations in Wisconsin and northern Florida. The bees follow regional bloom cycles, including Wisconsin summer bloom and northern Florida floral sources.
For a simple calming cup, try:
Lavender tea
A small spoonful of raw honey
A squeeze of lemon
Optional chamomile or lemon balm
This creates a gentle floral tea that feels especially suited for evening routines.
Lavender Tea Is Not a Substitute for Mental Health Care
Misophonia, anxiety, depression, and anger can significantly affect quality of life. If symptoms are intense, worsening, or interfering with work, school, relationships, or safety, it is important to seek support from a qualified mental health professional.
Lavender tea may be a complementary routine, but it should not replace therapy, diagnosis, medication, or professional guidance.
People who are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing a medical condition, or preparing herbal tea for children should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using lavender in medicinal amounts.
Some people may be sensitive or allergic to lavender. If irritation, discomfort, or unusual symptoms occur, discontinue use.
What This Study Means for Lavender Lovers
For people who already enjoy lavender tea, this study offers an interesting new research angle. It suggests that lavender herbal tea may have potential as a supportive, complementary routine for emotional distress connected with misophonia.
But the most responsible interpretation is this:
Lavender tea may help some people feel calmer.
The ritual may support relaxation.
The early research is promising.
More research is needed.
Lavender tea is not a cure or medical treatment.
That balanced message is important. It allows us to appreciate lavender without turning it into something it is not.
Related Farmer Soul Lavender Guides
If you are exploring lavender for tea, aroma, relaxation rituals, and traditional use, these guides may be helpful:
How to Make Lavender Tea: A Simple Guide to Brewing Floral Herbal Tea
Why Lavender Is Traditionally Used for Relaxation
The Sleep Ritual: Why Loose Leaf Lavender Is the Ultimate Nightcap
What Gives Lavender Its Aroma? Linalool, Linalyl Acetate & Natural Compounds
Lavender in Traditional Herbal Medicine: From Apothecaries to Modern Homes
Lavender: Traditional Uses, Herbal Properties & Everyday Benefits
Shop Farmer Soul Lavender
Explore our full organic culinary lavender collection.
Shop organic culinary lavender buds for tea, baking, syrups, honey infusions, and home apothecary use.
Shop bulk organic culinary lavender buds for larger projects, events, small business use, soap making, sachets, and bulk tea blending.
Shop filled organic lavender sachets for drawers, closets, cars, linens, gifts, and natural home fragrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can lavender tea help with misophonia?
A recent randomized controlled trial found that lavender tea consumption for 14 days was associated with reductions in misophonia severity and related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and anger. However, the study was small and had limitations, so lavender tea should not be considered a cure or medical treatment.
How much lavender tea was used in the study?
The lavender tea group consumed 2 grams of lavender tea twice daily for 14 days.
How was the lavender tea prepared in the study?
Participants were instructed to prepare lavender tea twice daily, steep it for 10 to 15 minutes, inhale the floral aroma, and then drink the tea.
Is lavender tea a treatment for anxiety or depression?
No. Lavender tea should not be considered a treatment for anxiety or depression. Some research suggests lavender may support relaxation and emotional well-being, but anyone experiencing anxiety or depression should seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
Is lavender tea caffeine free?
Yes. Lavender herbal tea is naturally caffeine free because it is made from dried lavender flowers, not tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant.
What does lavender tea taste like?
Lavender tea has a floral, herbal, slightly sweet flavor. If too much lavender is used, it can taste soapy or perfume-like, so it is best to start with a small amount.
Can I drink lavender tea every day?
Many people enjoy lavender tea as part of a normal herbal tea routine. However, people who are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, managing medical conditions, or preparing tea for children should ask a healthcare professional first.
What kind of lavender should I use for tea?
Use culinary-grade lavender, preferably Lavandula angustifolia, intended for food and beverage use. Do not use craft lavender, potpourri lavender, or unknown garden lavender.
Can lavender tea be blended with other herbs?
Yes. Lavender blends well with chamomile, lemon balm, mint, rose petals, oatstraw, lemon peel, and honey.
Does lavender tea make you sleepy?
Lavender tea is commonly used in evening routines, but individual responses vary. It should be described as calming or relaxing, not as a guaranteed sleep aid.
Did the study prove lavender tea cures misophonia?
No. The study suggested possible improvements in misophonia severity and related emotional distress, but it did not prove that lavender tea cures misophonia. The authors noted limitations including lack of participant blinding, self-report measures, and possible placebo or expectation effects.
Is this article medical advice?
No. This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources & References
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Koroglu Gokbel, S., & Durat, G. “The effect of lavender herbal tea on the mental health of individuals with misophonia: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of Psychiatric Research, Volume 195, April 2026, Pages 39–46. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2026.01.028.
PubMed. “The effect of lavender herbal tea on the mental health of individuals with misophonia: A randomized controlled trial.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41579454/
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06785649. “The Efficacy of Lavender Herbal Tea in Misophonia.”
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06785649
PsyPost. “Lavender tea routine linked to reduced emotional distress in misophonia sufferers.”
https://www.psypost.org/lavender-tea-routine-linked-to-reduced-emotional-distress-in-misophonia-sufferer/
Bazrafshan, M. R., et al. “The effect of lavender herbal tea on the anxiety and depression of the elderly: A randomized clinical trial.”
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Lavender: Usefulness and Safety.”
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/lavender
European Medicines Agency. “Lavandulae flos” and “Lavandulae aetheroleum” herbal monographs.
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/lavandulae-flos
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/lavandulae-aetheroleum