Abstract

AVELLO LORCA, Marcia et al. Supplementary phytoaromatherapy in occupational health improvement. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2011, vol.16, n.3, pp. 279-295. ISSN 1028-4796.

Introduction: phytoaromatherapy is a supplementary treatment using essential oils found in specific parts of plants. One of the effects attributable to certain types of essences such as lavender (Lavandula officinalis L., Labiateae), widely studied around the world, is the anti-ansiolytic impact. There are no studies in Chile of the anti anxiety effect of this essence in sensitive populations. Work-related stress has been defined as a series of events that occur in a worker's body in which work-related harmful stressing agents are involved and may affect health and work performance Objective: to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of Lavender as a non-invasive supplementary therapy in the treatment of anxiety and on the perception of affectivity, and general psychological well-being in voluntary group of workers from the University of Concepción. Methods: the essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in Clavenger equipment and the chemical characterization was performed by CG-MS. To evaluate the anxiolytic effects, three instruments: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS) and Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB Index) were used. Results: the chemical analysis of the essence evinced existence of recognized anxiolytic action compounds such as linalol and linalilo acetate. After applying the lavender, workers reported lower levels of anxiety, and improvement of their general psychological well-being in terms of anxiety, global health condition and strength and negative affect whereas no significant changes were seen in positive affect. Conclusions: the natural aroma-based therapy constitutes a simple and inexpensive method of increasing the quality of life of the population sensitive to several daily stress-derived diseases.

Keywords : phytoaromatherapy; work-related stress; lavender essential oil.

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