A cheap herbal supplement can 'rival' prescription anti–anxiety drugs, according to research.

Lavender oil—at just 36p a dose—can have a similar effect as the go to medicines to treat anxiety.

A review of studies by Polish researchers found that pharmaceutical quality lavender oil, when taken orally as a daily capsule is effective in the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety.

The supplement is also a non–addictive alternative to common anti–anxiety drugs.

Scientists have theorised that the supplement has an effect on the parasympathetic nervous system—which acts as a counterbalance to stress, managing the body's heart rate. For those with anxiety this process happens less frequently.

It is believed that lavender oil can aid this system, which is why studies have suggested that it can help manage anxiety.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the UK, with more than eight million people experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time.

At the same time there has been a sharp rise in prescription anti–anxiety drugs, known as anxiolytics.

Side effects of the drugs include sexual dysfunction, liver damage and chronic fatigue.

Experts warn that this trend is of growing concern, and that not all patients need the drugs.

Dr Hans–Peter Volz, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy told The Sun: 'The use, and misuse, of prescription anti–anxiety medication is rising. Doctors can be quick to medicate people who are experiencing emotional distress, without exploring alternative options.

'The problem then, is trying to reduce dependency and get patients off the prescribed medication. It is important that we look at complementary treatments to prescription drugs for anxiety such as talking therapies, mindfulness and traditional herbal remedies.'

Experts now say that one of those that should be considered is lavender oil.

Dr Annabelle Grimm, Global Medical Affairs Manager at Schwabe Group, a herbal medicine company, said: 'There have been several clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of pharmaceutical quality lavender oil in the treatment of mild anxiety.

'Research suggests its effectiveness rivals that of commonly prescribed anxiolytics like benzodiazepines and SSRIs.

'This study is particularly exciting as it demonstrates that pharmaceutical quality lavender oil substantially alleviates anxiety symptoms across all severity levels, without the drawbacks associated with sedation and addiction.

'The results, together with its favourable tolerability profile, position pharmaceutical quality lavender oil as an effective first–line treatment option for patients, particularly from the mild–to–moderate end of the anxiety spectrum.'

The research comes as diagnosis for mental health conditions is on the rise.

Latest statistics show that the number of people seeking help for mental illness has surged by two fifths since before the pandemic, reaching almost 4million.

Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show almost a quarter of children in England now have a 'probable mental disorder' — up from one in the five in the previous year.

Last year, NHS England said it was treating 55 per cent more under–18s than before the pandemic.

Dozens of studies have also recently highlighted how the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have hindered children's development and may have exacerbated mental health issues.