Aim: This study was conducted to examine whether aromatherapy with essential oil of Lippia alba can reduce anxiety levels in a normal population. Methods: The oil was extracted by hydro-distillation for 3 hours using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus and then chemical composition was investigated by a combination of gas chromatography analysis (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Moreover, a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted, where 62 participants were divided into two groups, comprising a control group (CG) treated with placebo, and an experimental group (EG) treated with aromatherapy based on Lippia alba essential oil. The anxiety index was evaluated pretest by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Measures were taken two times: pretest and posttest. Results: The chemical analysis showed that carvone was the main component (62.8%). State and Trait anxiety scores showed a decrease in posttest study phase in comparison with pretest in experimental group (p
Key words: aromatherapy, essential oil, Lippia alba
|
