Maternal Anxiety, Stress, and Lavender
Effati-Daryani F, Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi S, Mirghafourvand M, Taghizadeh M, Mohammadi A. Effect of lavender cream with or without foot-bath on anxiety, stress and depression in pregnancy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Caring Sci. 2015;4(1):63-73.
Maternal anxiety, stress, and/or depression during pregnancy have a negative effect on the health of both mother and child. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lamiaceae) flower essential oil has been shown to decrease anxiety, stress, and depression. Foot bathing has also been found to improve autonomic function, sleep quality, and relaxation. The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to compare the effect of lavender cream, foot bathing, and placebo treatment on anxiety, stress, and depression in pregnant women.
Patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups as follows: placebo, lavender cream (Barij Essence Pharmaceutical Company; Kashan, Iran), and lavender cream + foot bath. The lavender cream contained 1.25% lavender essential oil; the placebo was the base cream consisting of stearic acid, acetyl alcohol, Vaseline�, and glycerin. Patients were instructed to rub 2 g of lavender or placebo cream on their legs for 10-20 minutes, 1.5 hours before bedtime for 8 weeks. The lavender + foot bath group was told to soak their feet in 40-42�C tap water, at a depth of 5 cm above the ankle, for 30 minutes after applying the cream.
The authors conclude that lavender cream with or without foot bathing for 8 weeks significantly improved anxiety, stress, and depression in pregnant women. They recommend further studies to assess the effect of lavender on pregnant women with psychological disorders and women with postpartum depression. It is important to note that this study applies to the topical use of lavender essential oil. Future studies should consider the use of a natural carrier oil rather than a petroleum-based carrier.
Reported by: Heather S. Oliff, PhD in Herb Clip by American Botanical Council, May 29, 2015
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