The effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in managing labor pain
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Jun 3, 2025
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Abstract
Labor pain is one of the most intense forms of acute pain experienced by women and can have significant physical and psychological impacts. Although pharmacological methods such as epidural anesthesia are effective in relieving pain, their use is associated with potential side effects and limitations in resources, particularly in healthcare facilities with restricted access. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in managing labor pain, as well as to review the methods of application, timing of administration, and associated psychological effects based on empirical evidence from various studies. This literature review analyzed 17 scientific articles employing various research designs, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental studies, comparative studies, and systematic reviews. Data sources were derived from both national and international journals relevant to the topic of lavender aromatherapy and labor pain. The findings indicate that lavender aromatherapy consistently reduces labor pain intensity, particularly when applied during the active phase of the first stage of labor. Additionally, it has anxiolytic effects that help alleviate maternal anxiety. Its combination with other techniques such as effleurage massage enhances analgesic efficacy by stimulating beta-endorphin production. Lavender aromatherapy also offers flexibility in its application methods, including inhalation, topical massage, and ambient diffusion. Lavender aromatherapy is a safe, effective, and easily implemented non-pharmacological approach to holistic labor pain management. It supports both the physical and emotional well-being of mothers throughout the childbirth process.
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How to Cite
Muna, S. and Wahyuni, S. (2025) “The effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in managing labor pain”, Science Midwifery, 13(2), pp. 435-443. doi: 10.35335/midwifery.v13i2.1936.
References
Adams, J., Frawley, J., Steel, A., Broom, A., & Sibbritt, D. (2015). Use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological labour pain management techniques and their relationship to maternal and infant birth outcomes: Examination of a nationally representative sample of 1835 pregnant women. Midwifery, 31(4), 458–463. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MIDW.2014.12.012
Apryanti, Y. P., Suhartono, S., & Ngadiyono, N. (2017). THE IMPACT OF LAVENDER AROMATHERAPY ON PAIN INTENSITY AND BETA-ENDORPHIN LEVELS IN POST-CAESAREAN MOTHERS. Belitung Nursing Journal, 3(5), 487–495. https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.199
Azmi, K. A., Ahmed, W., & Siddiqui, M. K. (1999). Aromatic drugs in Unani medicine with special reference to Kitabul-Mia-Lil-Masihi. Bulletin of the Indian Institute of History of Medicine (Hyderabad), 29(2), 103–112.
Beyliklioğlu, A., & Arslan, S. (2019). Effect of Lavender Oil on the Anxiety of Patients Before Breast Surgery. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 34(3), 587–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JOPAN.2018.10.002
Caballero-Gallardo, K., Quintero-Rincón, P., & Olivero-Verbel, J. (2025). Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Holistic Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Integral Wellbeing. Plants 2025, Vol. 14, Page 400, 14(3), 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/PLANTS14030400
Cahya Skania, P., Halimatusyadiah, L., Jamilah, J., Sarjana Kebidanan, P., & Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Salsabila, S. (2024). The Effectiveness of Lavender Aromatherapy on Reducing Pain Intensity in The First Stage of Labor Active. Jurnal Biologi Tropis, 24(3), 525–533. https://doi.org/10.29303/JBT.V24I3.7405
Chadwick, A., Frazier, A., Khan, T. W., & Young, E. (2021). Understanding the psychological, physiological, and genetic factors affecting precision pain medicine: A narrative review. Journal of Pain Research, 14, 3145–3161. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S320863
Cohen, W. R., & Friedman, E. A. (2024). The second stage of labor. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 230(3), S865–S875. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AJOG.2022.06.014
Comm, A., Nursahidah, A. A., Novelia, S., & Suciawati, A. (2020). The effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on labor pain among delivery women. Asian Community Health Nursing Research, 2020(1), 13–13. https://doi.org/10.29253/ACHNR.2020.21332
Darmawan, E. W. N., Suprihatin, S., & Indrayani, T. (2022). Pengaruh Aromaterapi Lavender terhadap Nyeri Persalinan Kala 1 Fase Aktif pada Ibu Bersalin di RS Lira Medika Karawang-Jawa Barat. Journal for Quality in Women’s Health, 5(1), 99–106. https://doi.org/10.30994/JQWH.V5I1.141
Geltore, T. E., Alemu, G., Taye, A., Sileshi, E., Bekele, M., & Foto, L. L. (2024). Determinants and willingness to practice obstetric analgesia among women attending antenatal clinic at Dr. Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/S12884-024-06674-X
Ilmiah, J., & Imelda, K. (2022). PENGARUH AROMATERAPI LAVENDER UNTUK MENGURANGI NYERI PERSALINAN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Jurnal Ilmiah Kebidanan Imelda, 8(1), 25–34. https://doi.org/10.52943/JIKEBI.V8I1.741
Karatopuk, S., & Yarıcı, F. (2023). Determining the effect of inhalation and lavender essential oil massage therapy on the severity of perceived labor pain in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. EXPLORE, 19(1), 107–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EXPLORE.2022.08.006
Karlina, S. D., Reksohusodo, S., & Widayati, A. (2015). Pengaruh Pemberian Aromaterapi Lavender secara Inhalasi terhadap Penurunan Intensitas Nyeri Persalinan Fisiologis pada Primipara Inpartu Kala Satu Fase Aktif di BPM “Fetty Fathiyah†Kota Mataram. Majalah Kesehatan, 2(2), 108–119. https://majalahfk.ub.ac.id/index.php/mkfkub/article/view/59
Kristo, V., Tobing, L., & Franshisca, S. (2021). PENGARUH AROMATERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP TINGKAT NYERI PERSALINAN KALA 1 FASE AKTIF PADA IBU PRIMIGRAVIDA DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS SEI LANGKAI BATAM TAHUN 2018. Zona Kebidanan: Program Studi Kebidanan Universitas Batam, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.37776/zkeb.v9i1.394
Linton, S. J., & Shaw, W. S. (2011). Impact of Psychological Factors in the Experience of Pain. Physical Therapy, 91(5), 700–711. https://doi.org/10.2522/PTJ.20100330
M, M., & Andani, S. T. (2018). Difference Effect of The Combination of Lavender Aromatherapy and Effluerage with Breathing Relaxation on Pain Intensity During Labor among Primiparas. Journal of Maternity Care and Reproductive Health, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.36780/JMCRH.V1I1.2
Makvandi, S. (2016). A Review of Randomized Clinical Trials on the Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender on Labor Pain Relief. Nursing & Care Open Access Journal, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.15406/NCOAJ.2016.01.00014
Manaf, S. A., Yuniwati, C., Dewi, S., & Harahap, L. K. (2020). The Effect of Lavender and Rose Aromatherapy on the Intensity of Active Phase Childbirth Pain in the Manyak Payed Community Health Center, Aceh Tamiang Regency, Indonesia. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 8(E), 494–497. https://doi.org/10.3889/OAMJMS.2020.4744
Mousa, O., Salameh, B., Alqahtani, M., David, M., Almefarfesh, A. A., Duhilan, D. Al, Ghaly, A. S., Alsadaan, N., Reshia, F. A. A., & Alsandal, Z. M. A. (2024). Women’s attitudes, prevalence, related factors, and perceived barriers of birth companionship in Saudi Arabia. Women’s Health, 20. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057231224553/SUPPL_FILE/SJ-DOCX-2-WHE-10.1177_17455057231224553.DOCX
Patil, S. M., Al-Mutairi, K. A., Firdose, N., Ramu, R., Martiz, R. M., & P, A. (2022). Pharmacoinformatics based screening discovers swertianolin from Lavandula angustifolia as a novel neuromodulator targeting epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. South African Journal of Botany, 149, 712–730. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2022.06.054
Pietrzak, J., Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska, W., Wróbel, A., & Grzybowska, M. E. (2023). Women’s Knowledge about Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Methods of Pain Relief in Labor. Healthcare 2023, Vol. 11, Page 1882, 11(13), 1882. https://doi.org/10.3390/HEALTHCARE11131882
Rachmawati, I. N. (2012). Maternal reflection on labour pain management and influencing factors. British Journal of Midwifery, 20(4), 263–270. https://doi.org/10.12968/BJOM.2012.20.4.263;JOURNAL:JOURNAL:BJOM;ISSUE:ISSUE:10.12968/BJOM.2012.20.ISSUE-4;WGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION
Rambe, A., Nurhakim, M., Amien, S., Sosial, J. I., & Humaniora, D. (n.d.). Reformasi Pendidikan Muhammadiyah: Pendekatan Inovatif dalam Menghadapi Tantangan Era Digital. Retrieved October 21, 2024, from http://jurnal.um-tapsel.ac.id/index.php/muqoddimah
Rshb, D. I., Batam, K., Hafidz, R. A., Heroyanto, H., Margiyanti, N. J., Id, R. A., & Id, H. A. (2021). EFEKTIFITAS PEMBERIAN AROMA TERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP PENURUNAN NYERI PERSALINAN DI RSHB KOTA BATAM. Zona Kebidanan: Program Studi Kebidanan Universitas Batam, 10(3), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.37776/zkeb.v10i3.668
Sekar Pitaloka, P., Shofa Ilmiah, W., Alfitri, R., Kesehatan dr Soepraoen Kesdam V, dan R., Malang, B., & Teknologi Sains dan Kesehatan dr Soepraoen Kesdam V, I. R. (2024). PENGARUH LILIN AROMATERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP INTENSITAS NYERI PERSALINAN KALA I DI PMB YULIA TRI JAYANTI TUREN KAB.MALANG TAHUN 2024. SENTRI: Jurnal Riset Ilmiah, 3(5), 2422–2429. https://doi.org/10.55681/SENTRI.V3I5.2785
Smith, C. A., Levett, K. M., Collins, C. T., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., & Suganuma, M. (2018). Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009514.PUB2,
susilarini, susilarini, Winarsih, S., & Idhayanti, R. I. (2017). PENGARUH PEMBERIAN AROMATERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP PENGENDALIAN NYERI PERSALINAN KALA I PADA IBU BERSALIN. JURNAL KEBIDANAN, 6(12), 47–54. https://doi.org/10.31983/JKB.V6I12.1912
Tanvisut, R., Traisrisilp, K., & Tongsong, T. (2018a). Efficacy of aromatherapy for reducing pain during labor: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 297(5), 1145–1150. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00404-018-4700-1/TABLES/4
Tanvisut, R., Traisrisilp, K., & Tongsong, T. (2018b). Efficacy of aromatherapy for reducing pain during labor: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 297(5), 1145–1150. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00404-018-4700-1/TABLES/4
Whitburn, L. Y., Jones, L. E., Davey, M. A., & McDonald, S. (2019). The nature of labour pain: An updated review of the literature. Women and Birth, 32(1), 28–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WOMBI.2018.03.004
Žuškin, E., Lipozenčić, J., Pucarin-Cvetković, J., Mustajbegović, J., Schachter, N., Mučić-Pučić, B., & Neralić-Meniga, I. (2008). Ancient medicine - A review. Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica, 16(3), 149–157. https://doi.org/10.1353/bhm.2005.0062
Apryanti, Y. P., Suhartono, S., & Ngadiyono, N. (2017). THE IMPACT OF LAVENDER AROMATHERAPY ON PAIN INTENSITY AND BETA-ENDORPHIN LEVELS IN POST-CAESAREAN MOTHERS. Belitung Nursing Journal, 3(5), 487–495. https://doi.org/10.33546/bnj.199
Azmi, K. A., Ahmed, W., & Siddiqui, M. K. (1999). Aromatic drugs in Unani medicine with special reference to Kitabul-Mia-Lil-Masihi. Bulletin of the Indian Institute of History of Medicine (Hyderabad), 29(2), 103–112.
Beyliklioğlu, A., & Arslan, S. (2019). Effect of Lavender Oil on the Anxiety of Patients Before Breast Surgery. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, 34(3), 587–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JOPAN.2018.10.002
Caballero-Gallardo, K., Quintero-Rincón, P., & Olivero-Verbel, J. (2025). Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Holistic Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Integral Wellbeing. Plants 2025, Vol. 14, Page 400, 14(3), 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/PLANTS14030400
Cahya Skania, P., Halimatusyadiah, L., Jamilah, J., Sarjana Kebidanan, P., & Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Salsabila, S. (2024). The Effectiveness of Lavender Aromatherapy on Reducing Pain Intensity in The First Stage of Labor Active. Jurnal Biologi Tropis, 24(3), 525–533. https://doi.org/10.29303/JBT.V24I3.7405
Chadwick, A., Frazier, A., Khan, T. W., & Young, E. (2021). Understanding the psychological, physiological, and genetic factors affecting precision pain medicine: A narrative review. Journal of Pain Research, 14, 3145–3161. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S320863
Cohen, W. R., & Friedman, E. A. (2024). The second stage of labor. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 230(3), S865–S875. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AJOG.2022.06.014
Comm, A., Nursahidah, A. A., Novelia, S., & Suciawati, A. (2020). The effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on labor pain among delivery women. Asian Community Health Nursing Research, 2020(1), 13–13. https://doi.org/10.29253/ACHNR.2020.21332
Darmawan, E. W. N., Suprihatin, S., & Indrayani, T. (2022). Pengaruh Aromaterapi Lavender terhadap Nyeri Persalinan Kala 1 Fase Aktif pada Ibu Bersalin di RS Lira Medika Karawang-Jawa Barat. Journal for Quality in Women’s Health, 5(1), 99–106. https://doi.org/10.30994/JQWH.V5I1.141
Geltore, T. E., Alemu, G., Taye, A., Sileshi, E., Bekele, M., & Foto, L. L. (2024). Determinants and willingness to practice obstetric analgesia among women attending antenatal clinic at Dr. Bogalech Gebre Memorial General Hospital Central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/S12884-024-06674-X
Ilmiah, J., & Imelda, K. (2022). PENGARUH AROMATERAPI LAVENDER UNTUK MENGURANGI NYERI PERSALINAN: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW. Jurnal Ilmiah Kebidanan Imelda, 8(1), 25–34. https://doi.org/10.52943/JIKEBI.V8I1.741
Karatopuk, S., & Yarıcı, F. (2023). Determining the effect of inhalation and lavender essential oil massage therapy on the severity of perceived labor pain in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. EXPLORE, 19(1), 107–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EXPLORE.2022.08.006
Karlina, S. D., Reksohusodo, S., & Widayati, A. (2015). Pengaruh Pemberian Aromaterapi Lavender secara Inhalasi terhadap Penurunan Intensitas Nyeri Persalinan Fisiologis pada Primipara Inpartu Kala Satu Fase Aktif di BPM “Fetty Fathiyah†Kota Mataram. Majalah Kesehatan, 2(2), 108–119. https://majalahfk.ub.ac.id/index.php/mkfkub/article/view/59
Kristo, V., Tobing, L., & Franshisca, S. (2021). PENGARUH AROMATERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP TINGKAT NYERI PERSALINAN KALA 1 FASE AKTIF PADA IBU PRIMIGRAVIDA DI WILAYAH KERJA PUSKESMAS SEI LANGKAI BATAM TAHUN 2018. Zona Kebidanan: Program Studi Kebidanan Universitas Batam, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.37776/zkeb.v9i1.394
Linton, S. J., & Shaw, W. S. (2011). Impact of Psychological Factors in the Experience of Pain. Physical Therapy, 91(5), 700–711. https://doi.org/10.2522/PTJ.20100330
M, M., & Andani, S. T. (2018). Difference Effect of The Combination of Lavender Aromatherapy and Effluerage with Breathing Relaxation on Pain Intensity During Labor among Primiparas. Journal of Maternity Care and Reproductive Health, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.36780/JMCRH.V1I1.2
Makvandi, S. (2016). A Review of Randomized Clinical Trials on the Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender on Labor Pain Relief. Nursing & Care Open Access Journal, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.15406/NCOAJ.2016.01.00014
Manaf, S. A., Yuniwati, C., Dewi, S., & Harahap, L. K. (2020). The Effect of Lavender and Rose Aromatherapy on the Intensity of Active Phase Childbirth Pain in the Manyak Payed Community Health Center, Aceh Tamiang Regency, Indonesia. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 8(E), 494–497. https://doi.org/10.3889/OAMJMS.2020.4744
Mousa, O., Salameh, B., Alqahtani, M., David, M., Almefarfesh, A. A., Duhilan, D. Al, Ghaly, A. S., Alsadaan, N., Reshia, F. A. A., & Alsandal, Z. M. A. (2024). Women’s attitudes, prevalence, related factors, and perceived barriers of birth companionship in Saudi Arabia. Women’s Health, 20. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057231224553/SUPPL_FILE/SJ-DOCX-2-WHE-10.1177_17455057231224553.DOCX
Patil, S. M., Al-Mutairi, K. A., Firdose, N., Ramu, R., Martiz, R. M., & P, A. (2022). Pharmacoinformatics based screening discovers swertianolin from Lavandula angustifolia as a novel neuromodulator targeting epilepsy, depression, and anxiety. South African Journal of Botany, 149, 712–730. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2022.06.054
Pietrzak, J., Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska, W., Wróbel, A., & Grzybowska, M. E. (2023). Women’s Knowledge about Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Methods of Pain Relief in Labor. Healthcare 2023, Vol. 11, Page 1882, 11(13), 1882. https://doi.org/10.3390/HEALTHCARE11131882
Rachmawati, I. N. (2012). Maternal reflection on labour pain management and influencing factors. British Journal of Midwifery, 20(4), 263–270. https://doi.org/10.12968/BJOM.2012.20.4.263;JOURNAL:JOURNAL:BJOM;ISSUE:ISSUE:10.12968/BJOM.2012.20.ISSUE-4;WGROUP:STRING:PUBLICATION
Rambe, A., Nurhakim, M., Amien, S., Sosial, J. I., & Humaniora, D. (n.d.). Reformasi Pendidikan Muhammadiyah: Pendekatan Inovatif dalam Menghadapi Tantangan Era Digital. Retrieved October 21, 2024, from http://jurnal.um-tapsel.ac.id/index.php/muqoddimah
Rshb, D. I., Batam, K., Hafidz, R. A., Heroyanto, H., Margiyanti, N. J., Id, R. A., & Id, H. A. (2021). EFEKTIFITAS PEMBERIAN AROMA TERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP PENURUNAN NYERI PERSALINAN DI RSHB KOTA BATAM. Zona Kebidanan: Program Studi Kebidanan Universitas Batam, 10(3), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.37776/zkeb.v10i3.668
Sekar Pitaloka, P., Shofa Ilmiah, W., Alfitri, R., Kesehatan dr Soepraoen Kesdam V, dan R., Malang, B., & Teknologi Sains dan Kesehatan dr Soepraoen Kesdam V, I. R. (2024). PENGARUH LILIN AROMATERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP INTENSITAS NYERI PERSALINAN KALA I DI PMB YULIA TRI JAYANTI TUREN KAB.MALANG TAHUN 2024. SENTRI: Jurnal Riset Ilmiah, 3(5), 2422–2429. https://doi.org/10.55681/SENTRI.V3I5.2785
Smith, C. A., Levett, K. M., Collins, C. T., Armour, M., Dahlen, H. G., & Suganuma, M. (2018). Relaxation techniques for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009514.PUB2,
susilarini, susilarini, Winarsih, S., & Idhayanti, R. I. (2017). PENGARUH PEMBERIAN AROMATERAPI LAVENDER TERHADAP PENGENDALIAN NYERI PERSALINAN KALA I PADA IBU BERSALIN. JURNAL KEBIDANAN, 6(12), 47–54. https://doi.org/10.31983/JKB.V6I12.1912
Tanvisut, R., Traisrisilp, K., & Tongsong, T. (2018a). Efficacy of aromatherapy for reducing pain during labor: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 297(5), 1145–1150. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00404-018-4700-1/TABLES/4
Tanvisut, R., Traisrisilp, K., & Tongsong, T. (2018b). Efficacy of aromatherapy for reducing pain during labor: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 297(5), 1145–1150. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00404-018-4700-1/TABLES/4
Whitburn, L. Y., Jones, L. E., Davey, M. A., & McDonald, S. (2019). The nature of labour pain: An updated review of the literature. Women and Birth, 32(1), 28–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WOMBI.2018.03.004
Žuškin, E., Lipozenčić, J., Pucarin-Cvetković, J., Mustajbegović, J., Schachter, N., Mučić-Pučić, B., & Neralić-Meniga, I. (2008). Ancient medicine - A review. Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica, 16(3), 149–157. https://doi.org/10.1353/bhm.2005.0062