Lavender Oil (Anxiety)

IMPORTANCE: Intradetrusor chemodenervation with onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX) injections, a common office-based procedure for overactive bladder (OAB), is associated with patient anxiety and discomfort. Aromatherapy and music have been shown to decrease procedure-related anxiety and pain with improved satisfaction. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine whether a relaxing environment consisting of lavender aromatherapy, calming music, and dim lighting compared with a typical office environment decreases patients' anxiety level before undergoing intradetrusor chemodenervation. We hypothesized that a relaxing environment would decrease patients' anxiety level before the procedure as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included the VAS for pain, satisfaction, and staff energy level. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center randomized trial of women receiving office intradetrusor chemodenervation for overactive bladder. Participants were randomized to receive their procedures in a relaxing versus typical office environment. Eighty patients were needed to detect a clinically significant 12 mm difference on the anxiety VAS. Staff completed a preclinic and postclinic Burnout Battery VAS to measure change in their energy level during the day. RESULTS: Patients in the relaxing environment reported a clinically significant reduction in anxiety (-13.8 ± 18.1 vs -4.7 ± 14.7, P = 0.015). Pain was lower for the relaxing environment group, although it did not reach statistical significance (21.9 vs 28.9, P = 0.261). Satisfaction scores were high in both groups (91.4 vs 89.3, P = 0.599) and not significantly different. The procedure room environment did not affect staff energy levels. CONCLUSIONS: A relaxing environment of lavender aromatherapy, calming music, and dim lighting is a noninvasive, easily implemented technique to decrease patients' anxiety before office intradetrusor chemodenervation.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety resulting from dental treatment often leads to avoidance of dental appointments and consequently has a negative impact on oral health. Non-pharmacological approaches have been identified as suitable alternatives for the management of dental anxiety. In this context, lavender oil has traditionally been used in aromatherapy (AT) due to its sedative, carminative, antidepressive, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to perform a triple-blind randomized clinical trial to address the effectiveness of AT with lavender essential oil (ATL) on the dental anxiety of patients undergoing mandibular third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants scheduled to undergo mandibular third molar surgery were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to either the ATL group or the control group. Dental anxiety was assessed using the preoperative Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Vital signs were evaluated before and after the intervention. Cortisol levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used, and the requirements for anesthesia were determined. RESULTS: A comparison of the pre-operative MDAS scores between the ATL and control groups revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.268). The levels of respiratory rate (RR) (p = 0.011) and heart rate (HR) (p = 0.021) significantly decreased in the ATL group after the intervention. Also, the number of local anesthetic cartridges needed (p = 0.030) and cortisol levels (p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the ATL group. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that ATL could be helpful in the management of dental anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension commonly manifests with anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances that negatively impact quality of life. Lavender essential oil is widely used in complementary therapies for its anxiolytic, hypotensive, and sedative properties. This study aimed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of inhaled lavender essential oil, delivered via a magnetic face mask clip, on psychological and physiological outcomes in middle-aged adults with hypertension. METHODS: Fifty-eight hypertensive adults aged 40-60 years were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (lavender essential oil, n = 30) or a placebo group (sweet almond oil, n = 28). Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately after a single 15-minute inhalation session, and following daily 15-minute sessions over seven consecutive days. Outcome measures included the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the Verran and Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale (VHS). RESULTS: At baseline, both groups were demographically comparable. Immediately post-intervention, the aroma group showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety (STAI: -15.7 vs. -0.9, p < .001) and SBP (p = .025). After seven days, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements across all measures: STAI (-15.6 vs. -0.6, p < .001), fatigue (CFQ: -4.8 vs. -0.9, p = .011), SBP (p = .002) and DBP (p = .033), and sleep quality (VHS: +165.0 vs. +4.7, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Inhalation of lavender essential oil via a mask clip may serve as an effective complementary approach for improving emotional and physiological outcomes in hypertensive adults.

INTRODUCTION: Cataract is one of the most common causes of visual impairment globally, often treated with surgery. Patients undergoing cataract surgery frequently experience anxiety and pain, which can adversely affect their physiological and psychological well-being. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of lavender aromatherapy and nature sounds on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing cataract surgery with regional anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: lavender aromatherapy, nature sounds, and control. The experimental groups received their respective interventions for 15 min preoperatively, while the control group received standard care. Anxiety and pain were measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Visual Analog Scale. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and chi-square tests to compare the groups; statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Post-intervention, mean anxiety scores were significantly lower in the lavender (34.85 ± 4.77) and nature sounds (31.95 ± 5.87) groups compared to the control group (49.62 ± 8.70) (P < 0.001). Pain scores following the intervention were reduced in both intervention groups (lavender and nature sounds) compared with the control group. No adverse events were observed in either intervention group. Both lavender aromatherapy (mean difference versus control: -14.8, p < 0.001) and nature sounds (mean difference versus control: -17.7, p < 0.001) significantly reduced anxiety compared to the control group. Results indicated that no adverse events were reported in any group. CONCLUSION: Lavender aromatherapy and nature sounds effectively reduced anxiety and pain in cataract surgery patients, suggesting their potential as non-pharmacological complementary therapies.

5. Med Sci (Basel). 2025 Sep 1;13(3):166. doi: 10.3390/medsci13030166. Lavender-Neroli Aromatherapy for Reducing Dental Anxiety and Pain in Children During Anesthesia: A Two-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial. Abdalhai R(1), Tolibah YA(1), Alkhatib R(2), Kouchaji C(1), Baghdadi ZD(3)(4). Author inf

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of lavender essential oil aromatherapy on anxiety and fatigue levels in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). DESIGN: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Conducted in the cardiology outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Weekly home visits were made to both groups for data collection and follow-up. SAMPLE: Eighty-six ICD patients were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 43) or control (n = 43) group. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomized weekly to intervention or control weeks, with age and gender balance achieved through weekly matching. The intervention group inhaled lavender essential oil for two minutes every night before bedtime for four weeks. The control group received only routine care. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected using a patient identification form, Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory short forms (STAIS-5 and STAIT-5), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for fatigue. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Analyses were performed using SPSS 25 and G*Power. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the groups at the beginning. However, at follow-up at weeks 2, 3, and 4, the intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in anxiety and fatigue scores, except for the emotional and cognitive PFS subdimensions (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy with lavender oil may help reduce anxiety and fatigue in ICD patients and support the use of complementary care strategies in this population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep quality and mental and psychological disorders in breast cancer survivors (BCS) undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: The study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Eligible breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (received lavender aromatherapy) or the placebo group (received sweet almond oil massage). Aromatherapists focused their massage on specific areas of the body (from the lumbosacral area to the soles of the feet, and then from the shoulders to the palms of the hands). From baseline to four weeks after the intervention, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain response, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was used to assess cognitive function, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was used to assess anxiety, and the Beck Depression Inventory Second Version (BDI-II) was used to assess depression in patients. All statistical analyses were conducted using STATA software (version 16.0), with a P-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Ultimately, a total of 96 participants were divided into the intervention group (n = 47) and the placebo group (n = 51). The baseline characteristics were statistically comparable between the two groups. Statistically significant differences were observed in sleep quality scores (7.51 ± 2.90 vs 9.71 ± 2.67, P < 0.001), anxiety scores (20.26 ± 6.73 vs 24.10 ± 6.46, P = 0.005), and pain response (6.66 ± 1.45 vs 7.41 ± 1.19, P = 0.006) of the intervention group compared to the control group at the 4th week post-intervention. However, there was no significant difference in depression scores (29.43 ± 7.17 vs 30.88 ± 6.26, P = 0.286) and cognitive function scores (28.06 ± 1.55 vs 27.51 ± 1.97, P = 0.128) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Aroma massage with lavender essential oil may have a positive effect for BCS undergoing chemotherapy and warrants further promotion. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (Re

OBJECTIVES: Music and aromatherapy are recognized as noninvasive methods for promoting relaxation. Endodontic treatment is often perceived as a stressful procedure in dental settings. This study aimed to assess the effects of these interventions on blood pressure and heart rate among patients undergoing root canal therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this single-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial, 72 adult patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis and normal periapical conditions were referred to a dental school for endodontic treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: (1) control group, (2) music group (participants listened to tracks of Stefano Crespan Shantam, tuned to 432 Hz), (3) aromatherapy group (participants were exposed to five drops of lavender oil via a humidifier), and (4) combined music and aromatherapy group. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Although systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate, decreased in the intervention groups, there were no statistically significant differences compared to the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Music and aromatherapy did not produce statistically significant reductions in blood pressure and heart rate among endodontic patients. Alternative methods should be explored to manage patient anxiety better. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present trial was registered in the Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20191228045910N1), available at https://www.irct.ir/trial/46195. © 2025 The Author(s). Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effects of combined aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil (LEO) and Bergamot (Citrus×bergamia (Risso) Risso & Poit) essential oil (BEO) and/or mindfulness-based therapy (MBT) on menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and serum cortisol. METHODS: This factorial randomized controlled trial included 132 postmenopausal 132 postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years with mild to moderate anxiety. The recruited women were divided into four groups receiving: 1) Control: Usual care + placebo, 2) Therapy: MBT + placebo, 3) Aromatherapy: LEO + BEO Aromatherapy + usual care, and 4) Therapy & Aromatherapy: MBT + LEO-BEO aromatherapy. Participants in the aromatherapy and placebo groups were instructed to apply 2-3 drops of the assigned solution to their forearm skin and inhale it three times daily for eight weeks. Weekly MBT sessions were held over two months. RESULTS: After two months, the aromatherapy group showed reduced total scores for menopausal symptoms [adjusted mean difference (aMD) (95 % CI): -5.7 (-9.5 to -1.8)] and anxiety [aMD (95 % CI): -1.9 (-3.4 to -0.4)] compared to the control group. Sleep quality, measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), improved in both the therapy [aMD (95 % CI): -2.6 (-4.2 to -1.0)] and aromatherapy [aMD (95 % CI): -1.7 (-3.3 to -0.1)] groups versus controls. However, the combined intervention showed no significant effects compared to control (p > 0.05). Serum cortisol levels did not differ significantly across groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: MBT and LEO-BEO aromatherapy demonstrated favorable outcomes in managing menopausal symptoms and sleep quality. The combination therapy did not yield additional benefits. The registration number: IRCT20131009014957N8 The registration date: 04/12/2019.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lavender oil on anxiety before endoscopy in children. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of patients aged 9-12 years who were about to undergo endoscopy in a tertiary center. The study sample consisted of 66 children (intervention = 22; placebo = 22; control = 22). Data were collected using a randomized controlled trial with the Sociodemographic Data Collection Form prepared by the researcher and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) scale. RESULTS: The STAIC state and trait anxiety states of the participants were compared between the groups and no statistically significant difference was found in terms of STAIC trait anxiety scores (p > 0.05). When the STAIC state anxiety scores were compared, it was found that participants in the intervention group had a statistically significantly lower state anxiety score (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lavender oil inhalation was effective in reducing pre-procedural anxiety in children. APPLICATION TO PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals can use lavender oil as an aromatherapy method to reduce children's anxiety in clinical settings.

PURPOSE: Silexan is an oral Lavender oil preparation with proven anxiolytic efficacy. Given the high prevalence of anxiety and restlessness in younger women, oral contraceptives and Silexan will likely be co-administered. METHODS: A double-blind, randomised, 2-period crossover study was performed to investigate the effects of Silexan on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Microgynon(®), a combination oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol 0.03 mg (EE) and levonorgestrel 0.15 mg (LNG) in healthy, fertile, adult females. During 2 consecutive cycles of 28 days, oral contraception was given for 21 days combined with 1 × 160 mg/day Silexan or placebo. Plasma concentration-time profiles of EE and LNG were obtained on day 18 ± 1 up to 24 h after dosing. The primary outcome measure was the area under the concentration-time curve over a dosing interval of τ = 24 h (AUCτ) for EE and LNG plasma levels. An interaction with Silexan was formally excluded if the 90 % confidence interval for the AUCτ ratio during co-administration with Silexan or placebo was included within the range of 0.80-1.25. Secondary outcomes included EE and LNG peak concentration (C max) and time to C max (t max), follicle size, endometrial thickness, the Hoogland score, and serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin. RESULTS: A total of 24 women (mean age 27.3 years; mean body mass index 22.2 kg/m(2)) participated. The confidence intervals for the EE and LNG AUCτ and C max ratios fell within the pre-specified limits, indicating no interaction (point estimates [Silexan/placebo] AUCτ EE 0.97, LNG 0.94; C max EE 0.99, LNG 0.96). For LNG, t max was slightly delayed. No secondary outcome indicated any impairment of contraceptive efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of Silexan did not affect the efficacy of a combination oral contraceptive containing EE and LNG and was well tolerated.

The increased use of phytotherapeutic drugs means that anesthetists are more often confronted with these drugs. In this case report possible problems which can occur are demonstrated exemplified by silexan. Silexan is a phytotherapeutic anxiolytic which is used in anxiety disorders. Because of its potential mechanism of action via the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors interactions with narcotic drugs are possible. The case of an 18-year-old girl who underwent an operation under general anesthesia while taking silexan as long-term medication is presented. The desired depth of narcosis could only be reached by inhalative induction with sevoflurane after unsuccessful induction attempts using intravenous propofol and thiopental. Possible explanations for this route and inhalative induction as a possible alternative are discussed.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review investigated the clinical effects of inhalation aromatherapy for the treatment of sleep problems such as insomnia. METHODS: Studies on sleep problems and inhalation aromatherapy, published in Korean and international journals, were included in the meta-analysis. Five domestic and international databases, respectively each, were used for the literature search. Keywords included sleep disorder, sleep problems, insomnia, and aroma inhalation, and the related literature was further searched. After the screening, selected articles were assessed for their quality and conducted the risk of bias using RevMan 5.0, a systematic literature review was then conducted. A meta-analysis comparing the averages was conducted on studies that reported numerical values. Additionally, meta-analysis of variance and meta-regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of the 34 studies using the random-effects model revealed that the use of aromatherapy was highly effective in improving sleep problems such as insomnia, including quantitative and qualitative sleep effects (95% confidence interval [CI], effect sizes = 0.6491). Subgroup analysis revealed that the secondary outcomes including stress, depression, anxiety, and fatigue were significantly effective. The single aroma inhalation method was more effective than the mixed aroma inhalation method. Among the single inhalation methods, the lavender inhalation effect was the greatest. CONCLUSION: Inhalation aromatherapy is effective in improving sleep problems such as insomnia. Therefore, it is essential to develop specific guidelines for the efficient inhalation of aromatherapy. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required because individual patient data are not included. The findings of this systematic review were disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020142120.

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow biopsy is a common procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of hematologic diseases and tumors, which are associated with anxiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of lavender aroma on anxiety of patients having bone marrow biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 80 patients referred to Vali-e-Asr Hospital for bone marrow biopsy. Samples were selected by convenience method and were assigned into intervention and control groups using randomized blocks of 4. Random sequence was generated by RAS software. Several drops of distilled water on a cotton ball was used in the control group and same amount of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball was used in the intervention group. Then, participants in both groups were asked to smell the cotton ball for 15 minutes and then, their anxiety level was measured immediately. The results were analyzed by SPSS software version 25 using covariance analysis and rank regression. RESULTS: The results showed that, the mean scores of anxiety in the control and intervention groups were 6.3 ± 1.92 and 3.75 ± 1.05, respectively. There was a significant difference (p <0.05) between the two groups in terms of anxiety score.The results showed that there was a significant difference in anxiety score between two groups in terms of variables such as age, gender, physician experience, biopsy history and biopsy site (P <0.05). The results also showed no significant difference between the (p >0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that bone marrow biopsy is associated with anxiety, and smelling of lavender aroma is effective in reducing anxiety in patients undergoing this procedure. This fragrance can be used by treatment team in hematology and oncology clinics to reduce anxiety caused by bone marrow biopsy.<br />.

PURPOSE: Although lavender is purported to possess anxiolytic and sedative properties and is often recommended for relieving anxiety, the efficacy of lavender has not been well established. Thus, this review aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of lavender aromatherapy. METHODS: Ten data bases were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2018. Randomized controlled trials investigating the anxiolytic effects of lavender aromatherapy with any type of application for persons with or without clinical anxiety were included. The outcome variables included self-rated anxiety, vital signs, and salivary cortisol and chromogranin A (CgA) levels. In the meta-analysis, standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated as effect measures by applying the random effect model and inverse variance method. RESULTS: Twenty-two trials met our inclusion criteria. Lavender aromatherapy was found to have favorable effects in relieving anxiety (Hedges' ĝ = -0.65; 95% CI, -0.84 to -0.46) and decreasing systolic blood pressure (ĝ = -0.22; 95% CI, -0.43 to -0.02), heart rate (ĝ = -0.53; 95% CI, -0.74 to -0.32), and salivary cortisol (ĝ = -1.29; 95% CI, -2.23 to -0.35) and CgA (ĝ = -2.29; 95% CI, -3.24 to -1.34) levels. However, the meta-analysis did not reveal any significant effects of lavender on diastolic blood pressure (effect size: -0.17; 95% CI, -0.37-0.04). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy using lavender oil might have favorable effects on anxiety and its physiological manifestations. Future studies are recommended with an emphasis on methodological quality. In nursing practice, it is suggested that lavender aromatherapy be included in programs intended to manage anxiety in patients across diverse healthcare settings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aroma hand massage on pain, state anxiety and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer. METHODS: This study was a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 58 hospice patients with terminal cancer who were hospitalized. Twenty eight hospice patients with terminal cancer were assigned to the experimental group (aroma hand massage), and 30 hospice patients with terminal cancer were assigned to the control group (general oil hand massage). As for the experimental treatment, the experimental group went through aroma hand massage on each hand for 5 min for 7 days with blended oil-a mixture of Bergamot, Lavender, and Frankincense in the ratio of 1:1:1, which was diluted 1.5% with sweet almond carrier oil 50 ml. The control group went through general oil hand massage by only sweet almond carrier oil-on each hand for 5 min for 7 days. RESULTS: The aroma hand massage experimental group showed more significant differences in the changes of pain score (t=-3.52, p=.001) and depression (t=-8.99, p=.000) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Aroma hand massage had a positive effect on pain and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of aromatherapy on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension. METHOD: There were fifty-two subjects divided into an essential oil group, placebo group, and control group by random assignment. The application of aromatherapy was the inhalation method of blending oils with lavender, ylangylang, and bergamot once daily for 4 weeks. To evaluate the effects of aromatherapy, blood pressure and pulse were measured two times a week and serum cortisol levels, catecholamine levels, subjective stress, and state anxiety were measured before and after treatment in the three groups. Data was analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, and chi(2)-test using the SPSS 10.0 program. RESULTS: The blood pressure, pulse, subjective stress, state anxiety, and serum cortisol levels among the three groups were significantly statistically different. The differences of catecholamine among the three groups were not significant statistically. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the inhalation method using essential oils can be considered an effective nursing intervention that reduces psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of clients with essential hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Aromatherapy has been proposed as a complementary therapy to enhance sleep quality and regulate mood. However, few studies have specifically examined the efficacy of aromatherapy in managing sleep disorders in older adults. Therefore, the present study aims to systematically review the impact of aromatherapy on sleep quality among older adults. METHODS: It employed a meta-analysis design. A systematic and comprehensive search was conducted across 7 databases to identify randomized controlled trials examining the effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality in older adults. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the literature. The study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis checklist. RESULTS: Aromatherapy demonstrated effectiveness in improving sleep quality among older adults (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.38 to -0.66; P < .001). Subgroup analyses based on aroma types, intervention modalities, and treatment durations revealed enhanced efficacy with lavender as the sole aroma (SMD = -1.39; 95% CI = -2.06 to -0.72; P < .001), non-inhaled aromatherapy (SMD = -1.73; 95% CI = -2.26 to -1.2; P < .001), and aromatherapy administered for less than 4 weeks (SMD = -1.16; 95% CI = -1.68 to -0.64; P < .001). Notably, significant effects of aromatherapy on anxiety (SMD = -0.83; 95% CI = -1.24 to -0.42; P < .001) and depression (SMD = -0.85; 95% CI = -1.30 to -0.39; P < .001) in older adults were also observed. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that aromatherapy improves sleep quality in older adults, with single-use lavender, non-inhalation aromatherapy, lasting less than 4 weeks being particularly effective. Aromatherapy also alleviates depression, but its effects on anxiety require further evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Numerous physical and psychological symptoms experienced by cancer patients seriously affect their normal lives. Many academics and medical professionals have attempted to use aromatherapy in this situation to help cancer patients manage their physical and emotional problems. OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate the efficacy of aromatherapy on physical and psychological symptoms in cancer patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed. Four electronic databases were searched. The review process followed a registered priori review protocol and was reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed in parallel. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies with 2912 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that aromatherapy significantly improved sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. We performed a subgroup analysis according to the different plant or animal aromatics contained in the oil, which found that lavender oil significantly reduced preoperative anxiety. In addition, aromatherapy massage was superior to inhaled aromatherapy in reducing anxiety. Moreover, cancer patients who used aromatherapy reduced the frequency of vomiting in 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy is a useful treatment for improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients, as well as the frequency of vomiting over 24 hours. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare providers can use aromatherapy to alleviate psychological and physical symptoms in cancer patients. The use of lavender oil and massage is recommended in clinical settings to improve anxiety symptoms in cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Surgical interventions are known to induce anxiety in patients due to the associated risks and potential complications. Various methods are employed to alleviate preoperative anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the impact of lavender oil application on the anxiety levels of patients scheduled for surgical procedures. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Studies were accessed using the keywords "preoperative and lavender oil and stress" in Turkish and English between July 1 and 30, 2022, through PubMed (including MEDLINE), Cochrane, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, YÖK National Thesis Center, and Google Scholar. The standardized mean difference was calculated using random-effects models, and the Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias in each study. The study was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis checklist. FINDINGS: Twenty studies were included in the analysis. The anxiety level of the experimental group to which lavender oil was applied before the surgical intervention was significantly lower than that of the control group (standardized mean difference:-5.40; 95% CI: -8.76 to -2.04). CONCLUSION: Preoperative lavender oil application was found to be an effective method for relieving patients' anxiety. Lavender oil is thought to be a potential standalone treatment for preoperative anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental studies have shown that essential oil (EO)-based extracts derived from medicinal plants exhibit antinociceptive activity. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the anti-nociceptive efficacy of EO-based extracts for the management of orofacial pain (OFP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address the focused question "Are EO-based formulations effective for the management of OFP disorders?", indexed databases were searched without time and language restrictions using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed. RESULTS: Eight studies were included and processed for data extraction. Two studies were clinical (one in adults and one in children) and 6 were performed in rodents. Results from one clinical study showed that inhalation of EO-extracts does not affect subjective toothache scores; and results from the study on children reported that inhalation of lavender oil reduces anxiety and pain during and after tooth extraction. Results from all experimental studies showed that administration of EO-extracts reduces orofacial nociceptive behavior. The ROB was high in 50% and 83.3% of the clinical and experimental studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-nociceptive efficacy of EO-extracts for the management of OFP remains debatable. Further well-designed and power-adjusted randomized clinical trials are needed in this regard.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to characterize studies on aromatherapy and sleep quality and to identify the measurable effects of aromatherapy on the sleep quality of adults and elderly people. METHODS: We searched eight electronic databases for relevant studies published between January 2011 and December 2019 using the medical subheadings, "adult or elderly," "aromatherapy or aroma intervention," and "sleep quality or sleep satisfaction." Statistical analyses of the combined effect sizes, homogeneity, heterogeneity, and trim-and-fill method were performed using MIX 2.0 Pro. RESULTS: Based on the combined results of the 30 included studies, the overall effect size of sleep quality was 0.74, which was statistically significant. A subgroup analysis was performed to assess the overall improvement in sleep quality based on country, study design, and type of intervention: the effect size of aromatherapy in East Asia, quasi-experimental studies, and aroma massage therapy studies was 1.02, 1.24, and 1.30, respectively, with higher sleep quality in each subgroup. The effect size was 0.86 and 0.80 for ≤12 interventions and for an intervention period of ≤4 weeks, respectively. Aromatherapy interventions lasting >20 min per session had an effect size of 1.28, with no significant difference in sleep quality. Quality evaluation revealed that the sleep quality after aromatherapy was significantly high in studies with methodological quality scores >8, with an effect size of 0.93. Moreover, significant combined effects of aromatherapy were observed with other variables such as stress, pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy improves sleep quality and reduces stress, pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue in adults and elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is very common in adults awaiting all types of surgical procedures, which can interfere with the start and completion of surgery and increase the risk of postoperative complications. In this context, many researchers and clinical practitioners have attempted to use aromatherapy to help adults reduce preoperative anxiety. OBJECTIVE: To investigate systematically the efficacy of aromatherapy on preoperative anxiety in adults. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was undertaken. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PsycINFO and CINAHL were comprehensively searched from their inception to June 2020. REVIEW METHODS: Studies on the use of aromatherapy for treating preoperative anxiety in adults were included. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias of the included studies independently using the Cochrane Collaboration 'Risk of Bias' tool. Overall meta-analysis and five subgroup analyses regarding the type of control, the type of aroma preparations, delivery mode, session length and surgery type were performed using RevMan 5.3. The Higgins' I2 (%) statistic was used to measure heterogeneity. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to evaluate publication bias. RESULTS: Twenty studies comprising 1717 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that aromatherapy could significantly ameliorate preoperative anxiety (standard mean difference=-0.57, 95% confidence interval [-0.75, -0.39], p<0.00001) for adults awaiting surgical procedures, compared to placebo control, conventional care and no intervention. The subgroup analysis based on the surgery type showed that aromatherapy had a great improvement on preoperative anxiety for patients awaiting cardiac surgery and relatively low-risk surgery. Lavender oil, citrus species preparations and rose oil were the three most commonly used aroma preparations that could significantly improve preoperative anxiety. Most delivery modes of aromatherapy, including inhalation, massage, and oral administration, were effective. Moreover, short length (≤20 min per session) aromatherapy showed a better effect on preoperative anxiet

BACKGROUND: There is preliminary evidence for lavender as an anxiolytic agent through various routes of administration. Our goal is to elucidate the best route of administration for lavender as a treatment for anxiety. METHODS: Thirteen electronic search engines were systematically scanned for relevant publications. The relevant articles were included after the title and abstract screening followed by the full-text screening. This study included randomized control trials reporting lavender for the treatment of anxiety. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017076711). Frequentist network meta-analysis and Bayesian meta-regression were conducted to report the best treatment modality and the effect of covariates on the effectiveness as an anxiolytic. Treatment arms were ordered according P-scores, where higher P-score indicates better treatment choice. RESULTS: Forty studies were eligible for qualitative analysis, and 32 were included in quantitative analysis. Lavender aromatherapy was the best approach for the treatment of anxiety among other lavender modalities at the first week recording [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = -0.57, 95% CI (-1.14-0.01), P-score = 0.72], in addition to achieve at the first time points [SMD = -0, 95% CI (-0.97 ̶ -0.16), P-score = 0.69], compared to placebo; however, lavender massage along with foot bath were found to be the most efficacious for anxiety treatment at the study endpoint [SMD = -1.10, 95% CI = (-7.41 ̶ 5.21), P-score = 0.65]. Furthermore, network meta-regression revealed that the duration of therapy influenced treatment, suggesting Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg (first rank probability = .116) as the favorable option for anxiety in long-term treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Lavender aromatherapy is, clinically, superior in short-duration, while Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg is preferable for long-term treatment of anxiety.

A systematic review and network-meta analysis (NMA) were performed to estimate significance of the anxiolytic effect of lavender essential oil taken as silexan capsules versus other comparators (i.e., placebo/paroxetine/lorazepam). The outcome of interest was Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated to estimate the treatment effect at the confidence interval of 95%. League tables were generated using treatment effect, for all pairwise comparisons, where WMD < 0 favors the column-defining treatment. Five studies were identified with a total of 524 participants receiving treatment with silexan 80 mg and 121 participants taking silexan 160 mg. The NMA results indicated that consumption of silexan 160 mg resulted in higher decline of HAMA score [WMD -1.14 (-1.10, 3.39)] in comparison to silexan 80 mg, placebo [-2.20 (-4.64, 0.24)] and paroxetine [-1.24 (-5.34, 2.85)]. The effect of silexan 80 mg was observed to be same as that of paroxetine. Overall, silexan 160 mg was noticed to be a more efficient treatment giving significant decline in HAMA score across other comparators. However, no improvements in HAMA score was observed for the group receiving lorazepam 0.5 mg when compared to silexan 160 mg, silexan 80 mg, paroxetine 20 mg, and placebo.