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Combined effect of Lavender Oil and Hot Foot Bath on Migraine Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

S. B, Vineetha An, Nitesh Mk, Vanitha Shetty, Prajwal Hm

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 2025

70 participants

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine headaches, marked by recurrent, moderate-to-severe unilateral pain, present a significant health burden. This study evaluates the effectiveness of lavender oil inhalation combined with hot foot baths in managing pain, disability, and quality of life among individuals with migraine. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 70 participants aged 18–44, screened and allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention included lavender oil inhalation for 5 minutes and hot foot baths for 20 minutes daily over 15 days. Results: Pre - and post - assessment data were analysed using tools such as the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Headache Disability Index (HDI), Pain Disability Index (PDI), Migraine Specific Quality of Life (MSQOL), and the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS). Results indicated significant improvement in the intervention group across all metrics (p≤0.05). The control group showed limited improvement, attributed to analgesic use during severe attacks. Discussion: These findings suggest that combined lavender oil and hot foot bath therapy is a viable complementary approach for migraine management, promoting pain relief, reduced disability, and enhanced quality of life.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 70 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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