The effect of inhalation aromatherapy of geranium on pain and physiological indices after appendectomy: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract Introduction The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy with sweet-scented geranium essential oil on pain and physiological indices after appendectomy. Methods This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 120 patients undergoing appendectomy. Aromatherapy was performed with 1% sweet-scented geranium and sweet almond oil in the experimental placebo groups, respectively. Physiological symptoms were recorded before induction of anesthesia, before surgery, 30 minutes and 4 hours after surgery. The control group received no intervention and only pain intensity and physiological indices were recorded in the mentioned stages. The placebo group underwent sweet almond essential oil aromatherapy. Data collection tools included demographic information form, physiological index checklist, and visual pain scale. Results Results of 7 measurements showed significant differences between the experimental and placebo groups as well as the experimental and control groups in terms of mean heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood oxygen percentage, and pain (P Conclusion Results of the present study showed that the effect of inhalation aromatherapy with sweet-scented geranium essential oil after appendectomy reduces pain and physiological indices. Therefore, the above aromatherapy can be used as a complementary treatment along with other treatments.