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

Abstract

Background and Objectives. There is limited and contradictory evidence about the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender essential oils on the fatigue of cardiac patients. Therefore, the present study was aimed to compare the effect of aromatherapy with peppermint and lavender essential oils on fatigue in cardiac patients. 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.