The effect of aromatherapy with Polianthes’s tuberosa on postpartum depression in high-risk pregnancies: A double blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Postpartum depression is a debilitating disease with negative consequences for affected mothers and their children which can be prevented and treated. This study was performed with aim to determine the effect of aromatherapy with Polianthes tuberosa on postpartum depression.

This clinical trial study was conducted in 2018 on 154 high-risk women for postpartum depression in Karaj Kamali hospital. The study subjects were randomly divided into two groups: aroma therapy and control. In addition to receiving the usual care, the subjects in the intervention group received handmade cream with Polianthes tuberosa extract from the second day to 6 weeks after delivery 2 times a day with hand and face massage. In addition, the research tool (including demographic characteristics and the Edinburgh depression test) was filled in three different times (before, 2 and 6 weeks after delivery). The data analysis was done using the SPSS software (version 19) and independent t-test, analysis of variance with repeated measure and chi-square. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms demographic characteristics. The mean score of postpartum depression 2 and 6 weeks after labor in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the control group (P<0.001).

The aromatherapy with Polianthes tuberose relieves the symptoms of postpartum depression and is an alternative and safe herbal medicine that can be used in high-risk people.