Comparing effects of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil and orange essential oil on fatigue of hemodialysis patients: A randomized trial

Nonpharmacological Nursing Interventions in Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the impact of nonpharmacological nursing interventions on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

DESIGN

This is a systematic review.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Tübitak-ULAKBİM, and TRDizin databases were searched for the following search terms, including "Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting," "Nurse," "Nursing," and "Nonpharmacological Interventions" to identify nonpharmacological nursing interventions for PONV. A systematic review of English and Turkish articles published in the period between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2023 was conducted. The PICOT-SD method was used to determine the compatibility of the pieces with the eligibility criteria.

FINDINGS

Fifty-eight of 3,874 articles obtained from databases fulfilled the eligibility criteria. This study demonstrated that acupuncture, aromatherapy, the oral intake of ginger, listening to music, education, and visits to patients decreased the incidence of nausea and vomiting and increased the quality of life. Additionally, it was found that patients' quality of life tended to improve along with reductions in postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study support previous findings in the literature and demonstrate that nonpharmacological nursing interventions help reduce and prevent PONV. Based on our results, we suggest that nonpharmacological nursing interventions can be employed for the management of PONV in patients undergoing surgery.

Effect of aromatherapy on quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: Aromatherapy has been used for patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), but the outcomes are still controversial. Thus, we conducted this study to systematically evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on the quality of life of patients on MHD.Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embays, Scopus, Web of Science, and CNKI databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of aromatherapy in dialysis patients and reported at least one outcome of interest.Results: Twenty-two relevant studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that aromatherapy significantly increased subjective sleep quality (a lower score indicates better sleep quality) [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.52, 95% CI (-2.38, -0.67), p < 0.01] and reduced fatigue [SMD = -1.14, 95% CI (-1.95, -0.33), p = 0.01], anxiety [SMD = -1.38, 95% CI (-2.09, -0.67), p < 0.01], symptoms of restless legs syndrome [RLS; SMD = -1.71, 95% CI (-2.09, -1.33), p < 0.01], and arteriovenous fistula puncture pain [SMD= -1.56, 95% CI (-2.60, -0.52), p < 0.01].Conclusions: Aromatherapy may be used as a novel complementary and alternative therapy to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue, anxiety, symptoms of RLS, and arteriovenous fistula puncture pain in patients on MHD.

The Effect of Listening to the Holy Qur'an and a Back Massage on Fatigue and Quality of Life for Participants Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This study examined the effects of combining listening to the Holy Qur'an and back massage on fatigue and the quality of life in participants undergoing hemodialysis in Indonesia. This nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted in 40 patients (n = 20 intervention group, n = 20 control group). The FACIT-fatigue scale was used to measure fatigue, and the KDQOL scale was used to measure quality of life. After the intervention, the mean score on the FACIT-fatigue scale in the intervention group was 36.7 ± 2.1, whereas it was 23.4 ± 5.8 in the control group. Likewise, while the average KDQOL score was 61.2 ± 5.8 in the intervention group, it was 49.5 ± 8.6 in the control group. In the between-group comparisons, fatigue score was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05), and the between-group comparison also demonstrated a significant difference favoring the intervention group. We conclude that the combination of listening to the Holy Qur'an and back massage improve participant's fatigue and quality of life.

Controlled release of Clenbuterol from a hydroxyapatite carrier for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, and Aβ aggregation is considered to be the central process implicated in its pathogenesis. Current treatments are faced by challenges such as serious side effects and reduced drug bioavailability. In this study, we developed a drug delivery system for intramuscular injection that uses cellular activity to achieve constant and long-term drug release.

METHODS

Synthesized mesoporous hydroxyapatite (SHAP) was prepared via co-precipitation, and hydrophobic surface modification using stearic acid was then used to load clenbuterol by physical absorption, thus creating the drug delivery system. Clenbuterol release was achieved through cellular activity, with macrophage uptake triggering lysosome/endosome disruption, cytoplasmic release, extracellular exocytosis, and subsequent systemic circulation.

RESULTS

We found that clenbuterol-loaded SHAP enabled sustained release for more than 2 weeks and effectively modulated inflammation, reduced Aβ oligomer-induced toxicity, and prevented Aβ aggregation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that treatment with clenbuterol loaded in this SHAP delivery system could be a promising strategy for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Interventions for fatigue in people with kidney failure requiring dialysis

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in people receiving dialysis that is associated with an increased risk of death, cardiovascular disease and depression. Fatigue can also impair quality of life (QoL) and the ability to participate in daily activities. Fatigue has been established by patients, caregivers and health professionals as a core outcome for haemodialysis (HD).

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions on fatigue in people with kidney failure receiving dialysis, including HD and peritoneal dialysis (PD), including any setting and frequency of the dialysis treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 18 October 2022 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies evaluating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions affecting levels of fatigue or fatigue-related outcomes in people receiving dialysis were included. Studies were eligible if fatigue or fatigue-related outcomes were reported as a primary or secondary outcome. Any mode, frequency, prescription, and duration of therapy were considered.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Treatment estimates were summarised using random effects meta-analysis and expressed as a risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD), with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) or standardised MD (SMD) if different scales were used. Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Ninety-four studies involving 8191 randomised participants were eligible. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions were compared either to placebo or control, or to another pharmacological or non-pharmacological intervention. In the majority of domains, risks of bias in the included studies were unclear or high. In low certainty evidence, when compared to control, exercise may improve fatigue (4 studies, 217 participants (Iowa Fatigue Scale, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), or Haemodialysis-Related Fatigue scale score): SMD -1.18, 95% CI -2.04 to -0.31; I2 = 87%) in HD. In low certainty evidence, when compared to placebo or standard care, aromatherapy may improve fatigue (7 studies, 542 participants (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Rhoten Fatigue Scale (RFS), PFS or Brief Fatigue Inventory score): SMD -1.23, 95% CI -1.96 to -0.50; I2 = 93%) in HD. In low certainty evidence, when compared to no intervention, massage may improve fatigue (7 studies, 657 participants (FSS, RFS, PFS or Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score): SMD -1.06, 95% CI -1.47, -0.65; I2 = 81%) and increase energy (2 studies, 152 participants (VAS score): MD 4.87, 95% CI 1.69 to 8.06, I2 = 59%) in HD. In low certainty evidence, when compared to placebo or control, acupressure may reduce fatigue (6 studies, 459 participants (PFS score, revised PFS, or Fatigue Index): SMD -0.64, 95% CI -1.03 to -0.25; I2 = 75%) in HD. A wide range of heterogenous interventions and fatigue-related outcomes were reported for exercise, aromatherapy, massage and acupressure, preventing our capability to pool and analyse the data. Due to the paucity of studies, the effects of pharmacological and other non-pharmacological interventions on fatigue or fatigue-related outcomes, including non-physiological neutral amino acid, relaxation with or without music therapy, meditation, exercise with nandrolone, nutritional supplementation, cognitive-behavioural therapy, ESAs, frequent HD sections, home blood pressure monitoring, blood flow rate reduction, serotonin reuptake inhibitor, beta-blockers, anabolic steroids, glucose-enriched dialysate, or light therapy, were very uncertain. The effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments on death, cardiovascular diseases, vascular access, QoL, depression, anxiety, hypertension or diabetes were sparse. No studies assessed tiredness, exhaustion or asthenia. Adverse events were rarely and inconsistently reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Exercise, aromatherapy, massage and acupressure may improve fatigue compared to placebo, standard care or no intervention. Pharmacological and other non-pharmacological interventions had uncertain effects on fatigue or fatigue-related outcomes in people receiving dialysis. Future adequately powered, high-quality studies are likely to change the estimated effects of interventions for fatigue and fatigue-related outcomes in people receiving dialysis.

COVID-19 pandemic sheds a new research spotlight on antiviral potential of essential oils - A bibliometric study

Background

Essential oils are thought as potential therapies in managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many researchers have put their efforts to tackle the pandemic by exploring antiviral candidates which consequently changes the research landscape. Herein, we aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic toward the landscape of essential oil research.

Methods

This study employed bibliometric analysis based on the metadata of published literature indexed in the Scopus database. The search was performed on December 15th, 2022 by using keyword 'essential oil' and its synonyms. We grouped the data based on publication year; pre-COVID-19 (2014-2019) and during COVID-19 (2020-2024, some studies have been published earlier). Further, we separated the COVID-19-focused research from COVID-19 (2020-2024) by introducing a new keyword 'COVID-19' during the search. All metadata were processed using VoSviewer and Biblioshiny for network visualization analysis. Selections of frequently occurring keywords, clusters of keyword co-occurrence, and the list of most impactful papers were performed by two independent reviewers.

Results

Metadata from a total of 35,262 publications were included for bibliometric analysis, comprised of three groups of datasets namely pre-COVID-19 (n = 18,670), COVID-19 (n = 16,592), and COVID-19-focused (n = 281). Five research topics clusters were found from pre-COVID-19 dataset, eight - from COVID-19 dataset, and nine - from COVID-19-focused dataset. COVID-19 cluster containing the keyword 'antiviral' emerged in the COVID-19 dataset, whereas none of the previous research topic clusters contained the keyword 'antiviral'. Antiviral, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibitory, and anti-inflammation activities were among the top occurring keywords in studies covering both essential oil and COVID-19. Studies on essential oil used for managing COVID-19 were most reported by authors from the United States (documents = 37, citations = 405), Australia (documents = 16, citations = 115) and Italy (documents = 23, citations = 366).

Conclusion

A significant increase was found during COVID-19 pandemic for publications covering essential oil themes, but only a small portion was occupied by COVID-19 research. The COVID-19 pandemic does not alter the ongoing progress of essential oil research but rather offers a new spotlight on the antiviral potential of essential oils. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity to investigate deeper the antiviral potential of essential oils.

Aromatherapy blend of thyme, orange, clove bud, and frankincense boosts energy levels in post-COVID-19 female patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of individuals who have recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection continue to experience symptoms months later. Post-acute COVID-19 (long-haul COVID-19) can range from serious complications to quality of life symptoms such as fatigue or insomnia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential for inhalation of essential oils to improve energy levels among otherwise healthy female survivors of acute COVID-19 who experience a lack of energy more than five months after recovery. This study was conducted in the United States in late 2021.

METHOD

This was a randomized double blind, placebo controlled trial to evaluate the potential for inhalation of Longevity™, a proprietary essential oil blend manufactured by Young Living Essential Oils (Lehi, Utah, USA), on energy levels among female survivors of COVID-19 who continue to experience fatigue more than 5 months recovery from the acute infection. Forty women were randomized to two groups: intervention and placebo. Both groups inhaled the assigned product twice daily for fourteen consecutive days. Fatigue scores were measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory (MFSI). Secondary outcomes included scores on each of the MFSI's ten subscales.

RESULTS

Individuals who inhaled the essential oil blend for 2 weeks had significantly lower fatigue scores after controlling for baseline scores, employment status, BMI, olfactory function, and time since diagnosis, with a large effect size (F (1,39) = 6.15, p = .020, partial eta squared = 0.198). Subscale analysis identified subscales of vigor, as well as global, behavioral, general, and mental fatigue as benefiting from the intervention. This study provides evidence that a proprietary aromatherapy blend can significantly improve energy levels among women who are experiencing fatigue after recovering from COVID-19.

Effectiveness of Aromatherapy on Ameliorating Fatigue in Adults: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom in adults that may cause physical and psychological problems and reduce quality of life. Aromatherapy could possibly provide relief for those suffering from fatigue. Here, we evaluated the effect of aromatherapy on fatigue in adults.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature, SinoMed, Wanfang, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database databases for randomized controlled trials of aromatherapy treatment for fatigue in adults from their inception to June 2021. Two reviewers searched independently, extracted the characteristics of the studies, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Stata v. 14.0.

Results

Nineteen studies were included in this systematic review. Aromatherapy had a significant effect on fatigue (standardized mean difference −0.64, 95% confidence interval−1.14, −0.15, I² 94.4%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis according to aromatic type, substance, frequency, treatment duration, intervention, outcomes measurement, and population type showed that aromatherapy had a significantly greater effect in the intervention group, compared to the control group. Funnel plots and Egger's test indicated no significant publication bias.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that aromatherapy ameliorates fatigue in adults who suffer from chronic diseases. A rigorous intervention program and larger randomized controlled trials are needed.

Aromatherapy in Nursing and Midwifery Practice: A Scoping Review of Published Studies Since 2005

Background: Since the 1990's aromatherapy has been a popular adjunct to nursing and midwifery care in a variety of health care settings. Objective: The scoping review seeks to identify and confirm the benefits of incorporating aromatherapy into holistic nursing and midwifery practice Design: A scoping review using PRISMA-ScR of experimental studies where care is provided to the patient by a registered nurse or midwife. Settings and participants: Any health care setting where nurses or midwives provide care. Review Methods: A multi- engine search using a range of MeSH and non-MeSH terms with the Boolean search [AND]. Inclusion criteria were; publication date from 2005-2021, study involved aromatherapy as an intervention, conducted in a clinical nursing or midwifery environment and the published article is available in full in English. Excluded were; single patient cases, animal studies, in vitro studies, use of essential oils internally or a whole plant extract was used or use was non-nursing/midwifery related. Results: 124 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 19188), classified into seven themes. Conclusion: The evidence supports the use of aromatherapy within a range of nursing and midwifery practices enhancing a holistic model of care. Impact: This scoping review contributes evidence to support the inclusion of aromatherapy into holistic nursing and midwifery practice.

Evaluation of the Effect of Lavender Aroma on Fatigue Among Hemodialysis Patients

Fatigue is a complication of hemodialysis (HD). We examined the effect of aromatherapy on fatigue in 62 HD patients. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the Piper Fatigue Scale. It was found that fatigue decreased in the intervention group (P < .05). Lavender aromatherapy is useful in reducing fatigue.

Development of Microcapsule Bioactive Paper Loaded with Chinese Fir Essential Oil to Improve the Quality of Strawberries

Essential oils are natural antibacterial substances and have potential value for application in fruit and vegetable packaging. In this study, Chinese fir essential oil (CFEO) was microencapsulated to prepare food packaging materials for the first time to overcome its volatilization and oxidation shortcomings and to obtain a sustained-release form of the oil. CFEO was effectively encapsulated in gelatin and chitosan using the complex coacervation method, and the encapsulation efficiency, microstructure, infrared spectrum and thermal stability of the microcapsules were evaluated. Experiments confirmed that the microcapsules had some antibacterial activity. A bioactive paper was developed by combining CFEO microcapsules (CFEO-Ms) with paper-based material using the film-forming property of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The coated paper showed good mechanical, air permeability and moisture permeability properties. Environmental scanning electron microscopy confirmed that CFEO-Ms bonded well with PVA and was successfully introduced into the paper fiber after coating, forming an obvious coating film on the surface to facilitate the continuous release of CFEO. The shelf life of strawberries was significantly prolonged when the PVA-coated paper mixed with 3% CFEO-Ms was used for packaging. The results demonstrated that the CFEO-Ms coated paper has the potential to become an effective packaging material for the preservation of strawberries.

Effect of Complementary and Integrative Treatments on Fatigue Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review

Although hemodialysis treatment is one of the main treatment methods in chronic kidney failure, it also causes many health problems. A variety of complementary and integrative therapies are used to relieve or minimize hemodialysis symptoms. Fatigue (60%-97%) is also one of these problems. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic review to determine the effect of complementary and integrative therapies on fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Relevant studies published from 2005 to 2019, in PubMed, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and Cochran Library databases have been reviewed. In the study, initially, 21 039 pieces of data were obtained, and then 14 randomized controlled studies meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The methodological qualities of the articles included in the study were determined by using the quality evaluation checklist in Jadad randomized controlled studies. In the literature, acupressure, aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, and yoga practice were found to be applied to hemodialysis patients and be effective in reducing pain and anxiety as well as improving sleep quality. It is recommended that these methods be included in the routine clinical care of patients receiving hemodialysis.

Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy with Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils on Fatigue of Cardiac Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 105 cardiac patients. They were randomly divided into three groups: peppermint essential oil (n = 35), lavender essential oil (n = 35), and control (n = 35). Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to collect data. The intervention was performed for 7 nights. Before and after the intervention, the questionnaire was completed by all patients. In each intervention group, patients inhaled 3 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oils. In the control group, patients inhaled 3 drops of aromatic placebo.

Results

The results showed the average fatigue decreased in the study groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of lavender and peppermint in terms of mean fatigue after the intervention. However, there was a statistically significant difference between lavender and control groups (P < 0.001), as well as peppermint and control groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender essential oils can reduce the fatigue of cardiac patients, so the use of these fragrances is recommended.

A Systematic Review of Potentially Effective Nonpharmacological Interventions for Reducing Fatigue among Iranian Patients Who Receive Hemodialysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Fatigue control in hemodialysis (HD) patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. This study aimed to comprehensively review the available research literature regarding the nonpharmacological interventions used for reducing fatigue among Iranian HD patients.

METHODS

In this systematic review, an extensive search of the literature was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, using the keywords related to the purpose. Also, the Persian equivalent of these keywords was searched in Iranian databases, such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database (SID) from the inception to June 16, 2020.

RESULTS

Of 2,761 articles, 25 studies were included in the review. Among a total of 1,748 Iranian HD patients with a mean age of 54.17 (SD = 12.27) years, 61.38% were male. Interventions such as educational-based programs (n = 5), nutrition-based programs (n = 2), massage therapy (n = 3), exercise-based programs (n = 4), relaxation technique (n = 3), combination of relaxation technique and inhalation aromatherapy (n = 1), energy therapy (reflexology and acupressure) (n = 3), and mind-guided imagery (n = 1) were effective in reducing fatigue in Iranian HD patients.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

These simple, low-cost, and practical interventions can be used for the reduction of fatigue among HD patients by nurses. However, future well-designed studies are recommended to confirm the efficacy of these and other potentially effective interventions for reducing fatigue in HD patients.

The effect of aromatherapy on fatigue in adults receiving haemodialysis treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

AIM

To synthesise the effect of aromatherapy on fatigue in adults receiving haemodialysis treatment in randomised controlled trials.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials following the Cochrane methods.

DATA RESOURCES

Systematic search was carried out using the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Council of Higher Education National Thesis Center, Networked Digital Library of Theses & Dissertations, Science Direct, Springer Link, Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, ULAKBIM Turkish National Databases and Web of Science without year limitation for studies published in the English language. The review covered the period between 1960 and April 2020.

REVIEW METHODS

Three authors reviewed the risk of bias independently and systematically using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

RESULTS

Eight studies with 606 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Aromatherapy was applied through inhalation and massage methods and performed from 2 to 30 min and in 3 to 30 sessions. There was no significant publication bias. Aromatherapy had a large effect on fatigue in adults receiving haemodialysis treatment and high heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Aromatherapy has a high and positive effect on fatigue in the adults receiving haemodialysis and can be used as an effective intervention in the management of fatigue.

IMPACT

Aromatherapy may help to reduce the severity of fatigue in adults receiving haemodialysis. The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis will contribute to the use of aromatherapy in the management of fatigue and conduction of randomised controlled trials related to aromatherapy.

The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage With Lavender and Citrus Aurantium Essential Oil on Quality of Life of Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial Study

CONTEXT

Poor quality of life is a major problem in hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to assess the effect of aromatherapy massage on hemodialysis patients' quality of life.

METHODS

In this parallel randomized clinical trial study, 105 hemodialysis patients who meet the inclusion criteria were assessed and assigned into intervention and control groups using block randomization. Participants in the intervention groups received aromatherapy massage with Lavender essential oil or Citrus Aurantium essential oil for four weeks (three times per week). For the control group, only foot massage was performed. The level of quality of life was measured by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics (analysis of variance, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the mean score of quality of life in the Lavender essential oil group and Citrus Aurantium essential oil group with the control group after intervention. However, there was no significant difference between the mean score of quality of life in the Lavender essential oil group and Citrus Aurantium essential oil group after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, both aromatherapy massages have positive effects on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Therefore, nurses are advised to use these aromatherapy massages to improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

Comparing the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender on the sleep quality of cardiac patients: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Sleep disorder is a critical problem in cardiac patients. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy ‌with peppermint and lavender essential oils on the sleep quality of cardiac patients.

Methods

A total of 105 patients were randomly allocated to three groups of peppermint essential oil, lavender essential oil, and control. In each experimental group, the patients inhaled three drops of lavender and peppermint essential oils, whereas the control group received aromatic distilled water. Data were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The participants completed PSQI before and after the intervention.

Results

There was a significant difference in the mean score of PSQI in each of the experimental groups before and after the intervention; however, the difference was not statistically significant between the experimental groups.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy with lavender and peppermint essential oils can improve the sleep quality of cardiac patients. Therefore, use of this non-pharmacological intervention, as an effective and simple approach, is recommended for cardiac patients.

Trial registration

IRCT, IRCT201601244736N10. Registered 4 November 2016.

Effectiveness of Aromatherapy for Relief of Pain, Nausea, and Vomiting after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Nowadays, non-pharmacological and complementary therapies have been noticed. Therefore, a study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of lavender and clary sage on the pain, nausea, and vomiting after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

METHODS

This is a randomized clinical trial study on 79 patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of lavender aromatherapy (n = 27), clary sage aromatherapy (n = 26), and a control group (n = 26). Each of the intervention groups received the inhalation aromatherapy immediately and 3 and 6 h after the operation. Pain, nausea, and emetic episodes in patients of the three groups were measured before the intervention and 30 min after each intervention using a visual analog scale and checklist.

RESULTS

Pain decreased significantly in the clary sage aromatherapy group. Nausea had a downward trend in the two groups of aromatherapy. The lavender aromatherapy group had the lowest incidence of emetic episodes compared to the other groups.

CONCLUSION

Regarding the annoying pain, nausea, and vomiting after percutaneous nephrolithotomy for patients, and taking into account the complications of drug therapy, the use of complementary non-pharmacological methods can help increase the comfort of patients.