The Effect of Chamomile Tea on Anxiety and Depression in Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy

Abstract

Objectives: Natural products such as chamomile have been used throughout the world for centuries as alternative medicines or functional food. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) has been applied for centuries as an herbal remedy for treat various inflammatory conditions such as eczema, ulcers, gout, neuralgia and rheumatic pains. Materials and Methods: This study was a single blind clinical trial. The samples will be placed in two groups of intervention (55 people) and control (55 people) by convenient sampling and random blocked. In the study, level of anxiety and depression in patients were measured in both groups by anxiety and depression questionnaires. Results: The mean of depression scores before and after the intervention in the intervention group was 25.81 and 19.49, respectively. Mean score of depression before and after intervention was 25.83 and 24.90 in control group. Results shows the mean scores of depression before and after intervention in the intervention and control group were difference significantly (p<0.001). Conclusion: Chamomile tea can be used as an alternative treatment to depression therapy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy due to its low, safe, simple and affordable side effects. Chamomile tea is recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy as an effective way to reduce symptoms of depression.