Clinical Research Directory

The Efficacy of Lavender Herbal Tea in Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common but complex condition defined as a combination of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, usually between 2 and 14 days before the onset of menstruation, and that diminish with menstruation. Epidemiological studies have reported that 80-90% of women experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms, with approximately 20-40% reported to affect daily functioning and relationships. Symptoms associated with PMS include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, bloating, breast tenderness, and headaches. Pharmacological treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and non-pharmacological methods such as dietary changes, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy are used in the management of PMS symptoms. Complementary herbal therapies are gaining increasing interest among individuals who want to avoid the side effects of traditional pharmacological agents. Various agents such as Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree), Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort), evening primrose oil, and conventional herbal formulations have been studied in the literature. Vitex agnus-castus was found to be effective in relieving PMS symptoms by regulating hormonal balance. The antidepressant effects of yellow cantharone have been evaluated, but findings on its efficacy are inconsistent. Evening primrose oil shows particularly favorable effects on cyclic mastalgia. Lavender tea is known to reduce depression, anxiety, and mood swings. There are no clinical studies evaluating the effect of lavender tea on menstrual bleeding. A randomized controlled trial has shown that abdominal massage with lavender oil reduces the severity of menstrual pain. In this context, it may be a potential complementary herbal treatment to relieve PMS symptoms. Therefore, women with PMS will be divided into two groups. The intervention group will use 2 grams of lavender tea 2 times a day, morning and evening, for 9 days during 2 menstrual cycles (5 days before and 4 days after the estimated onset of menstruation). The control group will create a waiting list. The study data will be provided by 'Personal Information Form', 'Premenstrual Syndrome Scale', 'Depression Anxiety Stress-21 Scale', 'Premenstrual Syndrome Specific Quality of Life Scale', Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and pad follow-up to monitor bleeding. SPSS 25.0 software will be used to analyze the data obtained from the study. Although the effects of lavender tea on PMS are promising, more clinical studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness. With this study, the need for clinical studies on the effectiveness of lavender tea will be met and a natural and complementary treatment method that can alleviate PMS symptoms will be tested.

Feasibility of Integrating Homeopathic Approach in a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Supportive and palliative care play an important role in cancer treatment, and when introduced early can improve quality of life and may even increase median survival rates, as shown in patients with advanced lung cancer. Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) is a popular supportive approach among oncology patients and is on the rise worldwide. In many countries, homeopathy is being one the CIM methods integrated with a general sense that this treatment is beneficial to the well-being and quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. In this observational study we will evaluate the feasibility of integrating homeopathic approach in patients attending the complementary and integrative oncology service at the division of oncology in Rambam Health Campus in Haifa, Israel, a major referral comprehensive cancer center. This observational study will evaluate three main ingredients of acceptance: * Obtaining the reasons that patients willing to integrate this supportive approach * Patient acceptance of this supportive approach as well as compliance with the homeopathic approach * Obtaining retrospective subjective information from the patients through validated quality of life questionnaires. (MYCaW, Distress Thermometer, and ESAS-R) Measures which are used routinely in integrative oncology encounters.

The Efficacy of Lavender Herbal Tea in Misophonia

Misophonia is a disorder characterized by a high level of annoyance with certain sounds. Exposure to these sounds causes physical symptoms characterized by anger, aggression, helplessness, overwhelm, and stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. These emotional and physical reactions can lead to a decline in family relationships, work and school productivity, withdrawal from social relationships, and even suicide. There is limited empirical evidence evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic approaches to misophonia. This limited empirical evidence consists of pharmacological agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, stimulants, antipsychotics, and β-Blockers, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. Complementary therapies are important because of their potential efficacy, tolerability, possible non-interference, and low cost. The fact that lavender has anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties may affect the emotional and physical responses elicited by misophonia. Therefore, within the scope of the study, misophonia individuals will be divided into two groups; one group will use lavender tea for 14 days and the other group will form a waiting list. The study data will be collected by 'Information Collection Form', 'Misophonia Scale', 'Beck Depression Inventory-II', 'Anxiety Rating Scale', and 'Trait Anger Scale'. SPSS 25.0 software will be used to analyze the data obtained from the research. Considering the limitations of therapeutic approaches for misophonia, testing the effectiveness of lavender in reducing misophonia symptoms will make an important contribution to the literature.