Randomised trial, 2019
Does aromatherapy with rose and citrus essential oils help PMS symptoms?
Yes, both rose and citrus essential oils reduced mental symptoms of PMS. Rose oil was more effective overall, significantly improving physical symptoms and social function as well.
What they did
This double-blind trial studied 95 female students with PMS divided into three groups. One group used rose essential oil (4% concentration), one used citrus essential oil (0.5% concentration), and one used sweet almond oil as control. They completed the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool at baseline and after 1 and 2 months.
What they found
Mental symptom scores decreased significantly in both the citrus group (P=0.004) and rose group (P=0.007). Physical symptoms decreased significantly only in the rose group (P=0.042). Rose oil also significantly improved social function (P<0.001), while citrus oil did not.
What it means for you
Rose essential oil appears more helpful for PMS than citrus oil. Both helped with mood symptoms. The study included only university students, so results may not apply to other ages. The practical benefit compared to other PMS treatments is unclear.
95
Female students studied
P=0.007
Mental symptoms (rose oil)
P<0.001
Social function (rose oil)
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of aromatherapy on mental, physical symptoms, and social functions of females with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized clinical trial
- Authors
- Heydari N, Abootalebi M, Tayebi N et al.
- Journal
- Journal of family medicine and primary care
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 95
- What was tested
- Aromatherapy with Rosa Damascena (4%) or Citrus Aurantium blossom (0.5%) essential oils versus sweet almond oil
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_452_19
Topics
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