Effect of Aromatherapy Massage with Chamomile Oil versus Lavender Oil on Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients: randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common consequence of diabetes. Inadequate pain control in diabetic neuropathy affects patients' quality of life. Aromatherapy has been documented as a safe form of pain relief. Objective: investigate the effect of aromatherapy massage with chamomile versus lavender essential oils on diabetes patients' neuropathic pain and quality of life. Method: the study was conducted at Alexandria's main university hospital, Egypt. This study comprised a random ample random 120 adults patients were randomized to the study groups at an equal ratio. Over the course of four weeks, three times each week, the intervention groups received either lavender or chamomile aromatherapy massage. Over a period of 6 months, starting from October 2022, the Visual Analog Scale was used for pain assessment and the Neuropathic Pain Effect on Quality-of-Life Questionnaire as a disease specific quality of life assessment tool. Results: A total of 115 participants was analyzed .The massage with lavender oil or chamomile oil showed a significant decrease in the pain intensity after two and four weeks as compared to the control (p<0.01). In addition, within the groups, the comparison showed a significant effect in the lavender and chamomile groups and no significant within the control group. Furthermore, the intervention groups had a superior improvement in quality of life after four weeks as matched to the control group. Conclusions: Lavender or chamomile oil massage is an effective, safe, and simple nursing intervention for pain management and improving diabetic patients' quality of life and painful neuropathy.