The Efficacy of Aromatherapy With Melissa officinalis in Reducing Anxiety in Cardiac Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

  Anxiety is among the most prevalent psychological disorders induced by myocardial infarction. Traditional medicinal herbs have long been used to reduce anxiety. Avicenna was the first physician in the world who referred to the inotropic effects of Melissa officinalis as a fragrant herb. In addition, he emphasized the strengthening effects of this herb on the heart, nerves, and brain with exhilarating effects. Further, M. officinalis plays a role in removing nightmares, phobias, and palpitations. Accordingly, the present study assessed the effectiveness of aromatherapy using M. officinalis in alleviating anxiety in cardiac patients. This study was conducted on 96 patients who were equally assigned into 2 groups on a quasi-random basis. The case group underwent aromatherapy in the CCU as a cotton patch measuring 15 * 15 cm soaked in three drops of M. officinalis extract and attached to their collar for 30 minutes twice a day during 3 successive days. However, the same treatment pattern was followed by the control group while they only received odorless sesame oil on a similar cotton patch attached to their collar. Furthermore, the patients completed the Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before the intervention, on the second day after the second phase of aromatherapy, and immediately after completion of the intervention. The data were analyzed using independent t test. Based on the findings, no statistically significant difference was observed in the mean total scores of anxiety between the 2 groups at pretest and during the treatment (P ≥ 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between the mean total scores of anxiety in both groups at the post-test (P ≤ 0.05). In general, aromatherapy with M. officinalis extract reduced anxiety in cardiac patients. This method, as one branch of complementary medicine, can exert positive effects on diminishing the anxiety of cardiac patients.