Intranasal use of lavender and fennel decreases salivary cortisol levels and improves quality of sleep: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Chronic stress and sleeping disorders have long been associated with anxiety. Pharmacological treatment includes benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The adverse effects associated with these medicines do, however, call for safer alternatives, including aromatherapy. The current study assesses the effect of intranasal administration of essential oils obtained from lavender, French lavender and fennel (Pinetonina (TM)), on chronic stress. Methods: Forty-five patients were divided in 3 groups: Group 1 (CTRL) received saline in nasal spray form; Group 2 (P30) received 30 % Pinetonina (TM) in buffered vehicle for intranasal spray; Group 3 (P50), 50 % Pinetonina (TM) in the same vehicle. All groups used the product for 3 months, once daily (before bedtime), using a spray-puff in each nostril. Salivary cortisol levels were measured in the beginning and at the end of the study. Quality of sleep, level of anxiety, perceived stress, and overall quality of life were measured through self-reported questionnaires. Results: In P30 and P50, total salivary cortisol levels were significantly reduced by 37 % and 54 % respectively. Changes in perceived stress and overall quality of life showed no significant differences among the 3 groups, but P50 showed significant improvement in the quality of sleep index, as evaluated with the PSQI questionnaire. Salivary cortisol levels at time-zero and after 3 months of use were compared. Significant changes in the salivary cortisol levels for 30 % and 50 % of Pinetonina were seen after 3 months, unlike the control that showed no significant changes. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index when compared at baseline with the end of the study for the placebo and 30 % and 50 % Pinetonina. Significant changes in the quality of sleep were shown. Conclusions: Daily intranasal use of Pinetonina (TM) before sleep was shown to significantly reduce salivary cortisol levels and improve quality of sleep based upon the significant differences found in the study.