The effects of lavender (Lavendula angustifolium) baths on psychological well-being: two exploratory randomised control trials.
OBJECTIVE
Two important aspects of psychological well-being are positive mood state and a positive outlook with respect to the future. This study investigates the use of lavender baths to improve these aspects of psychological well-being.


METHODS
A single blind, randomised control trial.


METHODS
The participants' home and interview rooms at the University of Wolverhampton.


METHODS
Eighty women not receiving treatment for psychological disorders who were staff or students at the University of Wolverhampton. Forty participated in Study 1 and 40 in Study 2.


METHODS
Participants were randomly allocated to use either grapeseed oil or 80% grapeseed oil and 20% lavender oil in their bath for 14 days.


METHODS
In Study 1, the UWIST mood adjective checklist. In Study 2, the MacLeod and Byrne Future Events procedure.


RESULTS
In Study 1 psychologically positive mood changes were found after the bathing regimen for energetic arousal, tense arousal, hedonic tone and anger-frustration. Only anger-frustration showed a selective effect for lavender oil. In the second study negative responses about the future were selectively reduced after lavender oil baths.


CONCLUSIONS
These results are encouraging and suggest further investigation using potential patients may result in the development of a useful procedure for improving psychological well-being.
Morris
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Psychology Division, School of Applied Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfuna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1SB, UK. neilmorris1@aol.com
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001494:Baths; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D027523:Lavandula; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010938:Plant Oils; C045718:lavender oil