The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial

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#aged #anxiety #aromatherapy #chamomile #depression

The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial

Ebrahimi et al., 2022 | Explore (NY) | Rct

Citation

Ebrahimi Hossein, Mardani Abbas, ... Eskandari Fatemeh. The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2022;18(3):272-278. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2020.12.012

Abstract

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.

Key Findings

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).

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population older adults
Sample Size 61
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Anxiety
  • Aromatherapy
  • Chamomile
  • Depression
  • Humans
  • Independent Living
  • Lavandula
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Oils

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: chamomile-anxiety

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09