OBJECTIVES: To determine how the use of essential oils (OE) Lavender and Geranium change the perception of anxiety, and to compare their effectiveness in treating anxiety. METHODS: The sample included students from the first year of nursing school who were randomized into three groups: two groups received OE (in a gel polymer-based) and the other received a placebo (essence of Rose). A previously validated scale was used to assess anxiety. It was administered before the end of 30 and 60 days of use of aromatic gels. RESULTS: The group using Lavender exhibited a reduction of -11.80 in mean scores on the anxiety scale, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Although not statistically significant, there was greater efficacy of Lavender EO in reducing anxiety.
Anxiety; Aromatherapy; Complementary therapies
