The effect of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil on the pain of patients with PHN

Zona is caused by the reactivity of varicella zoster virus. The most prevalent effect of zona is Post Herpetic Neuralgia(PHN). PHN is a pain that can remain stably more than thirty days after skin losses. Despite the fact that there are different cures for PHN, none of them is certain. Some medications like capsaicin have herbal sources. Satureja khuzestanica is a plant which is indigenous to Lorestan and Khuzestan provinces and has proven effects on pain alleviation. This study investigated the effects of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil on PHN. The study was carried out by clinical trails on fifty patients suffering from PHN. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received a solution containing the essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica with a five-percent density while the control group received the placebo. The pain intensities, before and after taking the medications, were recorded on a numerical scale. The results were analyzed using repeated- measures test, t-test, matched pairs t-test, and Mann-Whitney test. The average pain intensities in the experimental group befor and after taking the essential oil were 8.12±1.48 and 5.72±2.9 respectively. On the other hand, the average pain intensities in the control group before and after taking the placebo were 7.8±1.57 and 8.04±1.46 respectively. In addition, the men´s reaction to the medication was meaningfully more noticeable than the women´s. Sixty percent of the patients experienced the alleviating effects of the drug. The side effects of the drug were observed in nine patients in the form of erythema and burning that vanished in an hour. There were no statistically significant differences regarding sex and age variables of the two groups. The essential oil of Satureja khuzestanicais effective on alleviating PHN. It is more efficient than other medications regarding the effect starting time, the stability of effect, the acceptance, and the side effects.