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Introduction: Need to improve the quality of vaginal birth in a humanized and non-invasive way, contributing to pain and anxiety during labor. Integrative and complementary practices, such as aromatherapy, have been an important tool for managing natural birth. To evaluate the effects of Citrus sinensis L. aroma on pain and anxiety during labor., Methods: Single-blind randomized clinical trial with pregnant women was performed in a city of Brazilian northwest. The pregnant women were divided (n=42/group) into an experimental group (inhalation of 250 μL of C. sinensis essential oil) and a placebo group (250 μL of distilled water), and submitted to the evaluation of pain intensity through Visual Analogic Scale, anxiety (STAI-E), physiological parameters, as well as fetal heart rate., Results: Aromatherapy significantly reduced pain intensity over time (p=0.0411), especially for pregnant women in stage 1 dilatation and primiparous (p=0.0022). In addition, essential oil inhalation also reduced anxiety (p<0.0001), showing significant positive correlations (r=0.3147; p=0.3129) with pain intensity. Exposure to the aroma of sweet orange also reduced mean blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate of pregnant women and fetal heart rate (p<0.0001)., Discussion: The active compounds present in the essential oil used, especially limonene, are capable of modulating neurotransmission systems associated with pain and anxiety, being effective in reducing these symptoms during labor., Conclusion: It was shown that C. sinensis essential oil reduces pain and anxiety during labor, indicating the potential of this type of intervention and its possible applicability in good labor practices., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of the research was conducted as a randomized controlled interventional study to determine the effect of lavender/mint essential oils placed in stoma bags on odor removal, life satisfaction and stoma compliance in individuals with colostomy., Method: The research population is patients with permanent colostomy registered in a university hospital's stoma therapy unit. The sample consisted of 60 (20 lavender oil, 20 peppermint oil, 20 control group) patients who met the sampling criteria and voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. In the evaluation of the data the 'Numerical Evaluation Scale' (NES), the 'Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS), and the 'Ostomy Adjustment Scale' (OAS-23) were used., Results: The lavender oil and peppermint oil groups had lower mean odor intensity, mean scores, higher life satisfaction, and stoma compliance scores than the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p<0.05). In comparisons made within the groups, statistically, significant differences were found in the mean scores of odor intensity level, life satisfaction, and stoma compliance after the process (p<0.05)., Conclusion: It was determined that lavender/peppermint oil placed in the stoma bag in patients with colostomy decreased the level of odor intensity, and increased life satisfaction, and stoma compliance. The trial was registered in the Clinical Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05716711., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy through inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil in relieving pain during the immediate postoperative period of patients undergoing cardiac surgery., Methods: A single-blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial, with 52 patients in the immediate postoperative period of cardiac surgery were randomly distributed into experimental (n = 26) and control (n = 26) groups. The primary outcome was whether or not pain was relieved and secondary outcomes included changes in vital signs, sleep and facial relaxation. The control group received industry standard care and application of an essential oil-free ceramic diffuser necklace. The experimental group received the inhalation intervention with pure Lavandula angustifolia essential oil, with a drop of the oil on a ceramic diffuser necklace at a distance of 15-20 cm from the patient's nose for 30 min. Pain was measured using the Numerical Visual Scale, and vital signs using the multiparametric monitor before the intervention, 10 minutes after its start and 30 minutes after the total end of inhalation. Face relaxation was assessed before and after the intervention and sleep was assessed at the end of inhalation., Results: There was a decrease in pain levels (p < 0.001) 30 min after the end of inhalation in the Experimental Group, with a decrease in the measurements of Mean Blood Pressure (p= 0.008) and Respiratory Rate (p = 0.011). Furthermore, facial relaxation and sleep had a large effect size of 2.54 and 1.28, respectively., Conclusion: Lavandula angustifolia essential oil was effective in relieving pain, causing sleep and relaxation, proving to be a low-cost and easy-to-use tool that the nursing team can use in their care., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)'s prevalence increases during menopause. Aromatherapy massage with different oils is applied in the treatment of knee OA. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of aromatherapy massage with Bergamot essential oil (BEO) on pain, functionality, sleep quality and menopausal symptoms in menopausal women with knee OA., Materials and Methods: This study included 60 menopausal participants diagnosed with grade II-III OA. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: BEO (n=20), placebo (n=20) and control (n=20). The participants in the BEO group, received aromatherapy massage with BEO, in the placebo group aromatherapy massage with sweet almond oil was applied twice a week for 4 weeks. All participants underwent conventional physiotherapy. Visual Analog Scale was used to assess the severity of pain, Osteoarthritis Index to assess functionality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess sleep quality and Menopausal Symptoms Rating Scale to assess menopausal symptoms. All measurements were performed before and after the study., Results: The results of the study showed that all three groups were effective on pain, functionality, sleep quality and menopausal symptoms (p<0.001). The results of the study showed that, aromatherapy massage with BEO was found to be more effective on functionality (p<0.001), pain (p<0.001) and menopausal symptoms (somatic and psychological symptoms) (p<0.001) compared to the control and placebo groups. It was determined that aromatherapy massage with BEO did not create a significant difference between the sleep quality scale scores in the control group and the placebo group (p=0.454)., Conclusion: This study found that aromatherapy massage with BEO improved functionality, reduced pain and menopausal symptoms, and did not affect sleep quality. We consider that its application in addition to routine treatment may be useful to reduce symptoms., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of aromatherapy use on cognitive function, anxiety, and sleep quality in the elderly with diabetes., Methods: The study was conducted with 63 participants aged 65 and over. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: lavender, rosemary and control groups. The intervention continued for four weeks. Data was collected using the Blessed Orientation Concentration Test, State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U/Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon and Friedman tests., Results: In both intervention groups, the 4th week scores of cognitive functions, anxiety, and sleep quality after aromatherapy were significant compared to the baseline scores. In the control group, state anxiety scores were significantly higher in the 2nd and 4th weeks compared to the initial scores., Conclusions: Inhaling lavender and rosemary has been observed to improve cognitive function and sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels. The effects of the essential oils used in the research were evaluated over four weeks. It is thought that studying for a longer period and with more samples would be beneficial. There is a need for studies examining its effects, especially in the elderly with diabetes., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern among patients undergoing surgery, potentially elevating the risk of postoperative complications. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of inhalation aromatherapy using rosemary essential oil and music therapy in reducing anxiety levels among general surgery patients., Methods: This study employed a randomized controlled clinical trial design involving 236 patients scheduled for general surgery. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: aromatherapy with Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil (n = 59), music therapy (n = 59), combined aromatherapy and music therapy (n = 59), and a control group (n = 59). Data collection instruments consisted of the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, a personal information form, a music player, and wireless headphones. In the aromatherapy group, patients were instructed to inhale three drops of 25% rosemary essential oil. The music therapy group listened to instrumental music through headphones, while the combined group received both inhalation aromatherapy with rosemary essential oil and music therapy. The control group received three drops of an aromatic placebo. The interventions were administered for a duration of 30 min, starting one hour before surgery. Inferential statistics, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-square test, paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and LSD post-hoc test, were employed for data analysis., Results: The study findings demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing anxiety among surgical patients for aromatherapy (P = 0.001), music therapy (P < 0.001), and combined aromatherapy and music therapy (P = 0.001). Aromatherapy showed the highest anxiety-reducing effect, whereas combined therapy exhibited the lowest effect., Conclusion: The results indicate that inhalation aromatherapy, music therapy, and combined aromatherapy and music therapy are all effective approaches for anxiety reduction in surgical patients. Hence, the implementation of these cost-effective and non-invasive interventions is recommended to alleviate anxiety among surgical patients., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Due to numerous stressors in intensive care, common psychosocial problems arise in patients. Among these, decreased anxiety and sleep quality are observed. This study aims to determine the effect of lavender and bergamot oil applied by inhalation on anxiety and sleep quality in surgical intensive care unit patients., Methods: Fifty-four patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, were included in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups (Lavender, Bergamot, Control). Intervention groups were exposed to 3 drops of lavender oil or bergamot oil on pillows for 20 min, which were then placed 10 cm away from the patient's head. This intervention was applied for two nights. The patients' sleep quality and anxiety level were evaluated using the "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)" and "Richard-Campbell Sleep Scale (RCSS)." Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, One-way ANOVA tests., Results: According to our results, anxiety scores significantly decreased in the lavender and bergamot groups. Sleep quality scores significantly increased (p = <0.001). The control group showed lower sleep quality scores., Conclusion: Lavender and bergamot oil inhalation appeared effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality in surgical intensive care unit patients., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Hypertension is one of the most dangerous diseases. However, medicine for hypertension may cause adverse effects. Thus, alternative treatments may be beneficial to patients. The aims of the study were to evaluate efficacy and safety of sticker pads containing lavender and ylang ylang oil (LY pads) on decrease blood pressure., Materials and Methods: The LY pads had been developed since 2018. The safety of LY pads in healthy volunteers' study and the efficacy and safety of LY pads in high blood pressure volunteers' study were conducted at Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in October 2020 to December 2022. In the safety of LY pads in healthy volunteers' study, the LY pad was attached to the shirts of 56 healthy volunteers for 2 h. Adverse reactions, irritation score, and quality of life were assessed. In the efficacy and safety of the LY pads in high blood pressure volunteers' study, 34 high blood pressure volunteers were randomly divided into the LY group or the placebo group. The volunteers attached the pad to their shirt for 14 days. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and adverse reactions were investigated., Results: The LY pad was safe for humans. Using the LY pad for 2 h had no significant adverse reactions in healthy volunteers. Moreover, it significantly improved quality of life (p<0.05). The blood pressure of the LY pad group after at least 3 days use was significantly lower than before using the pad (p<0.05). The systolic blood pressure difference and pulse rate difference were also superior in the LY pad group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05)., Conclusions: The LY pad was safe in healthy volunteers and could reduce blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers without adverse effects. Thus, it may be a supportive or alternative treatment for hypertension., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the effect of aromatherapy with thyme oil on disease symptoms, vital signs, and hemodynamic parameters in COVID-19 patients., Methods: We conducted the randomized controlled trial with 140 (experimental group=70, control group=70) COVID-19 patients. Patients admitted to the COVID-19 service of the Batman Training and Research Hospital were included in the sample between 31.01 - 31.08 2022. Patients in the experimental group inhaled thyme oil 3 times a day during 5 days. At the end of day 5, symptoms and hemodynamic parameters were measured as posttest. Vital signs were measured 3 times a day during 5 days. The control group only received routine treatment., Results: Thyme oil was found to be effective in relieving symptoms of shortness of breath, dizziness, secretion, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, cough, headache and muscle joint pain. Although there was improvement in the symptoms of nausea-vomiting, runny nose and loss of taste-smell, the effect was not statistically significant. Thyme oil significantly decreased body temperature, pulse rate and respiratory rate (p<0.05), increased SPO 2 (p<0.05), and did not affect systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p>0.05). It had a significant effect on the regulation of pH, decreased CO 2 and increased O 2 significantly (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Thyme oil aromatherapy was effective in reducing symptoms, regulating vital signs and hemodynamic parameters. Accordingly, thyme oil is recommended as non-pharmacological treatment method in COVID-19 patients., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This parallel-group randomized controlled study evaluated the effect of the hand massage practiced using baby oil with lavender on reducing pain and situational anxiety in women with brachytherapy., Methods: The study was completed with 36 patients. The treatment group included 18 patients, and the control group had 18. The data were collected through patient information form, visual analog scale, and state anxiety scale. Before the brachytherapy, three sessions of hand massages, each lasting 10 min (5 min for each hand), were performed using baby oil with lavender. Data collection forms were repeated after each session. The control group received routine treatment. Study groups were similar and homogeneous in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. The data obtained were assessed using Shapiro Wilk, Repeated Measures ANOVA, chi-square, and paired samples t-test., Results: At the end of the brachytherapy, the pain and state anxiety scores of the group that applied hand massage   were determined to be lower than the control group's at each three-time point (1st, 2nd , and 3rd-time points) (p<0.001)., Conclusion: It was determined that hand massage using baby oil with lavender effectively reduced pain and anxiety. It can be practiced by certified nurses in clinics that perform brachytherapy as a noninvasive, safe, and affordable practice., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Menopausal and postmenopausal women experience many physical and psychological symptoms. The positive effects of aromatherapy sessions with different oils on menopausal symptoms are well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an aromatherapy massage with peppermint and lemon essential oil on menopausal symptoms., Methods: Total 63 menopausal and postmenopausal women were included in this study. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Menta peppermint (n = 21), Citrus lemon (n = 21), and Placebo (n = 21). The peppermint and lemon essential oils of the intervention groups were diluted with 1.5 % sweet almond oil. Pure sweet almond oil was used in the placebo group. Each participant in the massage groups received a hand and arm massage with the selected oil twice a week for 4 weeks in 30-min sessions. Participants' menopausal symptoms were assessed before and after application using the Menopause Symptoms Rating Scale (MRS)., Results: When the differences in the treatment groups according to time were examined, it was found that there were statistically significant differences in lemon (F = 9.561, p = 0.003, η 2  = 0.139) and peppermint essential oil (F = 15.687, p = 0.001, η 2  = 0.210) groups according to time. The peppermint essential oil group was more effective than the lemon group. In addition, both peppermint and lemon essential oils were effective for somatic symptoms (p < 0.05). For psychological symptoms, only the lemon oil (p = 0.011) proved effective, and for urogenital symptoms, only the peppermint essential oil (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: The study found that aromatherapy massage with peppermint and lemon essential oil effectively reduced menopausal symptoms. Peppermint essential oil was more effective than lemon essential oil in reducing the menopausal symptoms., The Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT05677698., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of warm water (WW) foot bath with or without lavender oil for pain and sleep quality in the patients who undergone abdominal surgeries., Materials and Method: This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled. The three study groups were defined as the control group (n = 44), the WW foot bath group (n = 46), WW foot bath with the lavender group (n = 40). Foot baths were done for 20 min with 40 °C every night for 3 days after surgery. Visual Analogue Scale and Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire were used during data collection., Results: A total of 130 patients, mean age 55.99 ±  ± 13.05 years, 66 male (51 %), 103 of whom underwent abdominal surgery, were included in the study. When the patients during the postoperative three days were evaluated, decreased pain score and increased sleep quality both the WW and WW foot bath with lavender groups (p < 0.001). Noise-related sleep quality was detected to be lesser in the control group patients on the 3rd day (p < 0.001)., Conclusion: WW foot bath with or without lavender oil is an uncomplicated, economical, and effective complementary therapy to reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep quality. WW foot baths with essential oils are optionally available in clinics and can be used according to patients' preferences., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we designed an indoor nature activity program for citizens with a relaxing effect similar to forest bathing to promote their physical and mental health. We integrated an indoor horticultural activity (Kokedama) with the breathing of Pseudotsuga menziesii (P. menziesii) and Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) essential oils (EOs) with the goal of creating a nature-inspired environment in an indoor setting where participants would feel as if immersed in a forest atmosphere., Methods: Taiwanese women participated in the experiment, using two Saturday mornings, one Saturday in a university classroom in the city center; and the other Saturday in a workshop in a Suburban Park. Intra-group comparisons were used to assess the Physiological responses to urban and suburban environmental stimuli and measured self-reported psychological responses. We recorded parameters associated with heart-rate variability and brainwaves. We also administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) questionnaire before and after the participants had completed the entire program., Results: After the participants had breathed the P. menziesii and L. angustifolia EOs, the levels of some physiological parameters increased (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, normalized high frequency, and high alpha wave) and those of others decreased (normalized low frequency, low- to high-frequency ratio power, high beta wave, and gamma wave). These findings were corroborated by the data from the STAI-S questionnaires., Conclusions: The psychophysiological data from this study provide significant scientific evidence for the health benefits of an indoor nature activity program in women., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Measures to reduce nurses' fatigue are necessary to improve the patient's care and the nurse's health and well-being. This study investigated the effectiveness of aromatherapy with Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) essential oil on fatigue and sleep quality of nurses working in intensive care units (ICU)., Methods: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 84 nurses working in the ICU of Covid-19 patients were assigned to two groups of P. graveolens and placebo by the stratified block method. The intervention group inhaled one drop of pure P. graveolens. The placebo group inhaled one drop of pure sunflower oil in three consecutive shifts (morning or evening) and each shift twice for 20 min. Using the Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAS-F), fatigue was measured 30 min before the intervention, immediately, and 60 min later. Also, on the morning of the intervention days, sleep quality was assessed with the Verran and Snyder-Halpern (VSH) Sleep Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 24. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square tests, and MANOVA, were used., Results: The mean score of fatigue immediately and 60 min after aromatherapy in the P. graveolens group was lower than in the control group (P ˂ 0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean sleep scores of nurses in the P. graveolens group before and after the intervention (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Inhalation aromatherapy with P. graveolens essential oil can reduce nurses' fatigue in the ICU. The findings of this study can make nurses interested in using aromatherapy as a self-care method., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rose oil (Rosa Damascene Mill.) aromatherapy and hand-holding in reducing pain associated with peripheral intravenous catheter insertion., Methods: A comparative mixed-method design. A total of 126 patients were included in the study. For the study's quantitative data, sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the Patient Interview Form for the qualitative data of the Numeric Rating Scale were used. In all patients included in the study, PIVC insertion was performed a single time by the same nurse using a standard procedure. Chi-square and Bonferroni tests were used for comparative statistics., Results: No statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, gender, marital status, BMI, and education level (p>0.05). Pain scores: it was 2.40±1.78 in the rose oil group, 3.53±1.98 in the hand-holding group, and 4.88±1.56 in the control group. The difference between the groups regarding pain scores is statistically significant (p=0.001)., Conclusions: The study determined that rose oil aromatherapy and hand-holding interventions reduce pain during PIVC. However, rose oil aromatherapy was more effective on pain than the hand-holding intervention. (Clinical Trial ID: NCT05425849)., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Insomnia and vasomotor symptoms are frequently experienced during the menopausal transition and in postmenopause, worsening sleep maintenance and quality of life. Our study evaluated the use of lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene guidance on quality of life, sleep patterns and self-reported hot flashes in postmenopausal women with insomnia diagnosis., Methods: This study is part of a larger experimental, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. We included 35 postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia who were distributed in two groups: A Placebo group (sunflower oil) and an Aroma group (Lavandula angustifolia essential oil); both inhaled the oils before bedtime for 29 days. The groups received sleep hygiene guidelines and weekly follow-up. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the effect of the intervention, and a sleep diary was used to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) daily. Participants who complained of vasomotor symptoms at baseline kept a daily record of their frequency and intensity., Results: All participants benefited in almost all domains of quality of life and in the self-assessed TST and SE. The Aroma group achieved a significant improvement in their overall quality of life score over time. No differences were observed in respect of the hot flashes record and daytime sleepiness., Conclusions: The aromatherapy intervention was effective in improving the overall quality of life in the Aroma group. Moreover, the sleep diary and sleep hygiene instructions helped all participants to, respectively, self-assess and improve their sleep patterns., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Objective: Chronic low back pain is a common problem that impairs the activities of daily life. Massage therapy is one of the non-pharmacological treatment modalities in chronic low back pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aromatherapy massage on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain., Methods: Data were collected between August-December 2020 in a physical therapy clinic of a university hospital. The control, massage and aromatherapy massage groups included 30, 31 and 30 patients, respectively. Two sessions of low back massage per week were applied to the aromatherapy group with frankincense and myyrh essential oils and to the placebo group with jojoba oil. Massage was not applied to the control group. Outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale, Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale and Roland-Morris Disability Scale., Results: In the results of study, the decrease in Visual Analogue Scale (p < 0.001), Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale (p < 0.001) and Roland-Morris Disability Scale (p < 0.001) scores of the aromatherapy group was found to be statistically higher than the other two groups., Conclusion: As a result, aromatherapy massage with frankincense and myyrh essential oils can be integrated to medical treatments to relieve pain and reduce disability in an individual's daily life in chronic low back pain., Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT04494165., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Preoperative anxiety can be reduced by aromatherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of lavender aromatherapy in reducing intraoperative anxiety in patients undergoing caesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia., Methods: This study was two-armed and randomized controlled trial. A total of 96 patients who were scheduled for CS were randomly divided into two groups: the aromatherapy (A) group (n=48), comprising patients who were randomized to receive lavender aromatherapy with mask oxygen after the birth of the baby, and the control (C) group (n=48), comprising patients who inhaled carrier oil. During the preoperative period, baseline anxiety levels and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were recorded using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) scale. After birth, two drops of oil were inhaled in an oxygen mask for 5 min. After 5 min, the Ramsey Sedation Scale was evaluated, and patients with a score of 1 received 2 mg of intravenous midazolam for sedation. The STAI-I and VAS pain scores were re-evaluated at the third postoperative hour., Results: The primary outcome was the significant reduction in the need for midazolam brought about by lavender aromatherapy, and the secondary outcomes included postoperative third-hour STAI-I scores, intraoperative complications and patient satisfaction., Conclusion: The effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy, which reduced the need for intraoperative anxiolytics, can be offered as an alternative for pregnant women who undergo CS under spinal anesthesia., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This research aimed to reveal the effect of lavender essence inhalation and the massage therapy applied with lavender oil on the severity of labor pain of primiparous women., Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with three groups. Pregnant women participating in the study were randomly divided into control group (n=40), lavender essence inhalation group (n=44) and lavender essence massage (n=37) groups. The applications were divided in three for each phase in the first stage of labor (early, active and transition). Thereafter sacral compression and circular massage were applied for 15 minutes on the lower back (waist) region of the participants by using 2 drops of lavender oil in each phase of labor; 2 drops of lavender oil were dripped onto the palms of the participants in the inhalation group by the researcher and they were asked to inhale it for 3 minutes. Research data were collected using Personal Information Form (PIF), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Postpartum Assessment of Women Survey (PAWS)., Results: The results of the research revealed that the labor pain perceived by the women who were applied inhalation and massage therapy using lavender essential oil were milder compared to the control group (p<0.05). Another finding of the research revealed that the lavender oil inhalation gave the best results in the latent phase, however the massage therapy with lavender oil was more effective in the active and transition phases., Conclusion: Inhalation and massage therapy applied using lavender essential oil contributed to the alleviation of perceived labor pain. For this reason, massage therapy and inhalation applications using lavender oil are recommended to be applied by midwives as a complementary method to adapt to labor pain during delivery., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background and Objectives: Constipation, which is commonly seen in the elderly and negatively affects an individual's physical and psychological well-being, is a treatable health problem. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study to investigate the effect of abdominal massage applied with lavender and ginger oil on constipation for elderly individuals., Methods: The study examined a total of 40 elderly individuals who lived in a nursing home and suffered from constipation. Elderly individuals in the intervention group underwent 15 min of aromatherapy massage for 5 weekdays per week for 4 weeks. No intervention was conducted for individuals in the control group., Results: While the Bristol Stool Chart and the Constipation Severity Scale scores were similar in the intervention and control groups of elderly individuals at the first follow-up (p > 0.05), in the second and fourth week after the application, scores in the Bristol Stool Chart increased significantly and scores in the Constipation Severity Scale decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: It was determined that aromatherapy massage applied to elderly individuals experiencing constipation softened stool consistency, decreased constipation severity, and reduced symptoms associated with constipation., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and aims Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered a safe, effective, and significant treatment in patients suffering from a major depressive disorder. Anxiety caused by this invasive treatment may impose several side effects on patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises on ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients. Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 90 depressed patients were selected and divided into three groups: aromatherapy, breathing exercise, and routine care using a random allocation method. Before undergoing ECT, the aromatherapy group was exposed to the inhaled lavender essential oil (n = 30), the breathing exercise group performed the breathing exercises (n = 30), and the routine care group received routine care (n = 30). Before (20 min) and after the intervention (30 min later), patients' anxiety was assessed using Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results After the intervention, the results revealed that anxiety score changes were statistically significant among the three groups (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that the patients' mean anxiety scores significantly decreased in the aromatherapy and breathing exercise groups compared to with the pre-intervention scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion Aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises can be considered by clinical nurses as simple, applicable, and effective interventions to reduce ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Considering the prevalence of mental health problems in older adults, this study aims to investigate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy using lavender and chamomile essential oils on depression, anxiety, and stress of community-dwelling older people., Methods: A three-armed, parallel, randomized, and controlled trial design was used in this study. 183 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 61): the lavender, chamomile, and control groups. The participants in the experimental groups inhaled three drops of 1.5% lavender and chamomile essential oils for 30 nights. The participants in the control group inhaled only distilled water in a similar fashion. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Scale (DASS) at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis., Results: Statistically significant improvement occurred in depression, anxiety, and stress levels immediately and one month after the intervention in lavender and chamomile groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: Inhalation aromatherapy with both lavender and chamomile essential oils helped decrease depression, anxiety, and stress levels in community-dwelling older adults., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, analyses, or interpretation, writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study was carried out to determine the effects of lavender oil intervention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on patients' vital signs, pain and anxiety., Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a randomized controlled study. The population of the study consisted of adult patients who were going to receive ERCP at the gastroenterology clinic of a university hospital. Ninety patients participated in the study. The data were collected using a Patient Information Form, a Pre-Post Test Record Form, VAS and the State Anxiety Scale., Results: After lavender oil intervention, the pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels of the patients in the experiment group were reduced, their oxygen saturation levels were increased, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Lavender oil applied on the patients before the ERCP procedure reduced their pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels, while it increased their oxygen saturation levels., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Authors declare that they have no conflict of interests., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Context: Providing healthcare can be stressful. Gone unchecked, clinicians may experience decreased compassion, and increased burnout or secondary traumatic stress. Code Lavender is designed to increase acts of kindness after stressful workplace events occur., Objective/intervention: To test the feasibility of providing Code Lavender., Hypotheses: After stressful events in the workplace, staff will provide, receive, and recommend Code Lavender to others. The provision of Code Lavender will improve Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQoL) scores, general job satisfaction, and feeling cared for in the workplace., Method/sample: Pilot program testing and evaluation. Staff and physicians on four hospital units were informed of the Code Lavender kit availability, which includes words of comfort, chocolate, lavender essential oil, and employee health referral information. Feasibility data and ProQoL scores were collected at baseline and three months., Results: At baseline, 48% (n = 164) reported a stressful event at work in the last three months. Post-intervention, 51% reported experiencing a stressful workplace event, with 32% receiving a Code Lavender kit from their co-workers as a result (n = 83). Of those who received the Code Lavender intervention; 100% found it helpful, and 84% would recommend it to others. No significant changes were demonstrated before and after the intervention in ProQoL scores or job satisfaction, however the emotion of feeling cared-for improved., Conclusions: Results warrant continuation and further dissemination of Code Lavender. Investigators have received requests to expand the program implying positive reception of the intervention. Additional interventions are needed to overcome workplace stressors. A more intense peer support program is being tested., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.)