Impact of Lavender Essential Oil Blends on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Irular Tribe in Tamil Nadu: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the impact of lavender essential oil blends on depression, anxiety, and stress among elderly individuals of the Irular tribe in Tamil Nadu through a randomized controlled trial. Materials and methods: A triple-blind, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted targeting elderly individuals from the Irular tribe. A total of 179 participants were randomized into seven groups, from A to G. Groups A–F had different commercially available lavender oil blends, and group G was the control group with distilled water. Participants applied the assigned oil to pulse points and inhaled it nightly for 30 days. Data were collected using a modified depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS) before the intervention and after 30 days, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Paired t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and post hoc analysis assessed the intervention’s effectiveness. Results: A significant reduction in DASS scores was observed in all intervention groups except the control group. Group D demonstrated the most pronounced reduction in DASS scores, corresponding to the blend comprising lavender, clary sage, patchouli, frankincense, and orange oils, followed by groups B, C, E, A, and F. Group G, which is distilled water, showed no significant difference. Post hoc analysis confirmed statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essential oil blends effectively reduced depression, anxiety, and stress among elderly Irular tribe members. Group G distilled water showed no significant change, and group D’s formulation exhibited the greatest efficacy, suggesting an optimal combination of sedative and mood-enhancing essential oils. Clinical significance: This study demonstrates that lavender-based essential oil blends, particularly the group D formulation, can serve as a safe, noninvasive, and cost-effective adjunct for reducing depression, anxiety, and stress among elderly tribal populations. The approach aligns with traditional healing practices, making it culturally acceptable and feasible for integration into community-based geriatric mental health programs, especially in resource-limited settings.