Does lavender aromatherapy alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms?: a randomized crossover trial

Tamaki Matsumoto,Hiroyuki Asakura,Tatsuya Hayashi

doi:10.1186/1751-0759-7-12

Tamaki Matsumoto, Hiroyuki Asakura + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0759-7-12

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Abstract

BackgroundA majority of reproductive-age women experience a constellation of various symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Despite its prevalence, however, no single treatment is universally recognized as effective, and many women turn to alternative approaches, including aromatherapy, a holistic mind and body treatment. The present study investigated the soothing effects of aromatherapy on premenstrual symptoms using lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), a relaxing essential oil, from the perspective of autonomic nervous system function.MethodsSeventeen women (20.6 ± 0.2 years) with mild to moderate subjective premenstrual symptoms participated in a randomized crossover study. Subjects were examined on two separate occasions (aroma and control trials) in the late-luteal phases. Two kinds of aromatic stimulation (lavender and water as a control) were used. This experiment measured heart rate variability (HRV) reflecting autonomic nerve activity and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as a psychological index before and after the aromatic stimulation.ResultsOnly a 10-min inhalation of the lavender scent significantly increased the high frequency (HF) power reflecting parasympathetic nervous system activity in comparison with water (aroma effect: F = 4.50, p = 0.050; time effect: F = 5.59, p = 0.017; aroma x time effect: F = 3.17, p = 0.047). The rate of increase in HF power was greater at 10–15 min (p = 0.051) and 20–25 min (p = 0.023) in the lavender trial than in the control trial with water. In addition, POMS tests revealed that inhalation of the aromatic lavender oil significantly decreased two POMS subscales—depression–dejection (p = 0.045) and confusion (p = 0.049)—common premenstrual symptoms, in the late-luteal phase, as long as 35 min after the aroma stimulation.ConclusionsThe present study indicated that lavender aromatherapy as a potential therapeutic modality could alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms, which, at least in part, is attributable to the improvement of parasympathetic nervous system activity. This study further implies that HRV could evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy using various fragrances to relieve premenstrual symptoms, and ultimately, support the mind and body health of women.

Highlights

A majority of reproductive-age women experience a constellation of various symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual emotional symptoms after aroma inhalation We found no significant difference in the baseline values of six subscales of Profile of Mood States (POMS) test between lavender and control trials
The present study investigated the effects of aromatherapy with a short-term inhalation of lavender fragrance on late-luteal autonomic nervous system activity and moderate symptom change or improvement from premenstrual emotional symptoms

Summary

Introduction

A majority of reproductive-age women experience a constellation of various symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The cluster of symptoms can alter behavior and well-being, and affect family, friends, and working relationships We commonly know this enigmatic cycle, no single treatment is universally recognized as effective, and many women often turn to therapeutic approaches outside of conventional medicine [4]. A short term of inhalation of essential oils containing linalool and linalyl acetate—two major components of lavender— improves mood states during pregnancy [11] and insomnia among midlife women [12]. Taking these findings into consideration, we find it plausible that aromatherapy with lavender fragrance could ameliorate PMS. A literature search for this study using the PubMed database, a service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, identified no available empirical research regarding the efficacy of lavender on PMS

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