Aromatherapy With Citrus Aurantium Oil and Anxiety During the First Stage of Labor

Abstract

Background:Anxiety is the most common psychological response of women to labor. Aromatherapy, i.e. the use of fragrant essential oils to stimulate the olfactory system, can create a state of calmness and help to alleviate anxiety.Objectives:The present study tried to determine the efficacy of aromatherapy with Citrus aurantium oil in reducing anxiety during the first stage of labor.Patients and Methods:This randomized clinical trial was conducted on two groups of pregnant women, referred to Vali-Asr Hospital (Tuyserkan, Iran) between June and September 2013. The sample size was comprised of 63 subjects in each group. Gauzes impregnated with 4 mL of C. aurantium distillate and normal saline were attached to the collar of subjects in the aromatherapy and control groups, respectively. The gauzes were changed every 30 minutes. The levels of anxiety in both groups were measured at baseline and after the intervention at dilations of 3-4 and 6-8 cm. The participants were followed up until delivery and the first- and fifth-minute Apgar scores were recorded. Data were collected using a demographic and obstetric characteristics questionnaire, an examination and observation checklist, and Spielberger state-trait anxiety questionnaire. Data analysis was performed with independent-t, Mann-Whitney, and chi-square tests in SPSS-22. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.Results:Before the intervention, both groups had same levels of anxiety. However, the levels of anxiety at dilations of 3-4 and 6-8 cm were significantly lower in the aromatherapy group compared with the control group.Conclusions:The results of this study confirmed aromatherapy with C. aurantium blossom oil as a simple, inexpensive, noninvasive, and effective intervention to reduce anxiety during labor.

Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review

“…A recently conducted double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial study on aromatherapy has suggested that citrus oil is good in relieving the first stage labor pain. It is effective in controlling the nausea and vomiting along with its mood elevating properties [58][59][60] .…”

Endothelium- and smooth muscle-dependent vasodilator effects of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara: Focus on Ca2+ modulation

“…amara and other Citrus species, is rich in limonene and linalool [4]. It has been widely used in humans for managing anxiety and stress because of its relaxing effect, for instance during labor [5]. A recent cardiovascular study also reported that neroli essential oil reduced blood pressure in humans [6].…”

Chemical Components of Four Essential Oils in Aromatherapy Recipe

“…Lime oil is a pale yellow or green liquid. It stimulates the central nervous system, enhances the mood, lowers blood pressure, and has sedative, analgesic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, and diuretic effects [3]. Pine oil is a colorless or pale yellow liquid with strong, dry-balsamic, turpentine-like aroma.…”