Randomised trial, 2018
Does aromatherapy with orange blossom essential oil help PMS?
Yes, according to the study, but the result was borderline (p=0.05, which is at the threshold for significance). The orange blossom group improved more than the control group.
What they did
Double-blind trial with 62 university students. One group inhaled 0.5% citrus aurantium (orange blossom) essential oil during the luteal phase of their cycle, and the other group inhaled odorless almond oil. Symptoms were measured before and 1 to 2 months after.
What they found
Mean scores of overall PMS symptoms decreased more in the orange blossom group than in the control group (p=0.05).
What it means for you
Orange blossom aromatherapy may help PMS, but the statistical evidence is weak and borderline. The study was small and included only university students, so results may not apply to all women.
62
University students in trial
0.5%
Essential oil concentration
p = 0.05
Significance level (borderline)
About the study
- Original title
- Investigation of the effect of aromatherapy with Citrus aurantium blossom essential oil on premenstrual syndrome in university students: A clinical trial study
- Authors
- Heydari N, Abootalebi M, Jamalimoghadam N et al.
- Journal
- Complementary therapies in clinical practice
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 62
- What was tested
- 0.5% Citrus aurantium blossom essential oil, inhaled during luteal phase
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.04.006
Topics
Related studies
Randomised trial, 2025
Which is more effective for PMS - Vitagnus, soy, or both together?
Randomised trial, 2026
Can propolis and fennelin reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 2026
How common is PMDD among female medical students and what triggers it?
Randomised trial, 2024
Does a herbal soft gel capsule with three oils reduce PMS symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2021
Does nigella sativa oil reduce PMS symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2020
Does anise reduce PMS symptoms?