Comparative Study on the Effects of Myrtle and Chamomile Essential Oils on Pain and Episiotomy Wound Healing in Primiparous Women: A Randomised Controlled Clinical

Abstract

Introduction

Episiotomy is a common surgical procedure that affects the quality of life of women. Chamomile and myrtle have been used to treat wounds since antiquity. This study aimed to compare the effects of topical formulations containing essential oils (EOs) of chamomile, myrtle, , or a placebo on pain intensity and episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women.

Methods

This randomised and controlled clinical trial was conducted in the city of Hamadan in 2020. To this end, 120 parturient mothers were randomly assigned to one of three groups. They applied topical formulations containing 1% EO of chamomile, myrtle, or placebo twice daily for 10 days. Data collection was subsequently performed by assessing demographic, gynaecological, possible signs of side effects, pain intensity, and the wound-healing process 6 hours after surgery, days fifth and tenth after the intervention. In addition, the Visual Analogue Scale and Redness, Oedema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation were utilised to examine pain intensity and healing processes. R software (v. 4.0.5) was employed for data analysis. The statistical significance level was P < 0.05.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups at baseline. Furthermore, the mean pain intensity score in the three groups indicated no statistically significant differences. The group that received chamomile experienced the best wound-healing process (P < 0.05) on the 10th day. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of α-bisabolol oxide A, α-bisabolol oxide B, β-farnesene, and chamazulene in chamomile EO, and α-pinene, 1,8-cineol, linalool, α-terpineol, linalool acetate, and limonene in myrtle EO.

Conclusions

A chamomile-containing formulation may promote episiotomy healing.