Peppermint aromatherapy for nausea and vomiting in first-trimester pregnant women
Keywords:
Complementary therapy, emesis gravidarum, nausea and vomiting, peppermint aromatherapy, pregnancyAbstract
Emesis gravidarum is a common condition experienced by first-trimester pregnant women and may negatively affect maternal well-being and daily activities. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) contains menthol, which has antiemetic and antispasmodic properties that may help reduce nausea and vomiting. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy in reducing the frequency of nausea and vomiting among first-trimester pregnant women. A pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted involving 10 pregnant women with emesis gravidarum selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and observation sheets. The intervention followed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), consisting of inhaling 2–3 drops of peppermint essential oil applied to a tissue for approximately 10 minutes. Data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test. Before the intervention, 60% of respondents experienced moderate and 40% severe emesis gravidarum. After the intervention, 90% were categorized as mild and 10% as moderate. Statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in symptoms (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that peppermint aromatherapy is an effective, safe, and simple non-pharmacological intervention for reducing nausea and vomiting and improving maternal comfort during early pregnancy.
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