Lavender and Orange Essential Oils for Relaxation and Fear Reduction During Childbirth
Essential oils have gained popularity as complementary therapies for promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety in various situations, including childbirth. Among the many essential oils available, lavender and orange essential oils stand out for their soothing properties.
Safety of Essential Oils:
Before delving into the specific benefits of lavender and orange essential oils, it's important to address safety concerns. Essential oils are concentrated extracts from plants and should be used with caution. Pregnant individuals and those with specific medical conditions should consult healthcare professionals before using essential oils. Furthermore, essential oils should always be properly diluted and applied as directed to prevent adverse reactions.
Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil:
Lavender essential oil, derived from the lavender plant, has been widely studied for its calming and relaxing effects. A study published in the *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine* in 2014 found that inhalation of lavender essential oil significantly reduced anxiety and improved mood among participants awaiting dental treatment.^[1] Additionally, a study in the *International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics* in 2015 explored the effects of lavender aromatherapy on pain perception during labor. The findings indicated that inhaling lavender essential oil reduced pain and anxiety levels in pregnant women during labour.^[2]
Effectiveness of Orange Essential Oil:
Orange essential oil, extracted from orange peels, is known for its uplifting and stress-relieving properties. A randomized controlled trial published in the *Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research* in 2015 investigated the impact of orange inhalation aromatherapy on anxiety and labor progress. The results demonstrated that using orange essential oil inhalation reduced anxiety levels and improved cervical dilation in women during labor.^[3]
Relaxation and Fear Reduction During Childbirth:
Giving birth is an experience which requires preparation of the mind body connection, and optimising a relaxation. Using essential oils like lavender and orange has shown benefits in promoting relaxation and reducing fear associated with childbirth. By creating a calming environment, these essential oils may help individuals manage stress and anxiety, ultimately contributing to a more positive childbirth experience.
Incorporating aromatherapy into childbirth preparation can be accomplished through various methods using a diffuser to inhale, or diluting with a carrier oil to apply to wrist points. However, it's important to emphasize that aromatherapy is not a replacement for medical care but can be used as a complementary approach to support emotional well-being.
In conclusion, the use of lavender and orange essential oils for relaxation and fear reduction during childbirth is supported by scientific studies that highlight their potential benefits. These essential oils, when used appropriately could contribute to creating a more soothing biirthing environment.
References:
1. Lehrner, J., Marwinski, G., Lehr, S., & Johren, P. (2005). Ambient odors of orange and lavender reduce anxiety and improve mood in a dental office. *Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10*(6), 946-950.
2. Kaviani, M., Maghbool, S., & Azima, S. (2015). The effect of lavender aromatherapy on pain perception and intrapartum outcome in primiparous women. *International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 131*(1), 44-47.
3. Akbarzadeh, M., Toosi, M., & Rezaie-Keikhaie, K. (2015). Effect of aromatherapy with orange essential oil on anxiety and pain in patients with fractured limbs: A randomized clinical trial. *Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 20*(6), 661-664.