Postmenopausal women frequently report feelings of anxiety. Uncontrolled anxiety can harm physical health, reduce the quality of life, and increase the intensity of menopause symptoms. While several conventional drugs are available to treat anxiety, many women avoid using them because of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, memory impairment, and difficulty concentrating. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lamiaceae) flowers contain several compounds with an antidepressant, sedative, and anti-anxiety effects. Lavender oil, administered orally or as aromatherapy, has been tested in people with various mood disorders. Bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium, Rutaceae) peel and fruit contain some of the same compounds as lavender flowers, and bitter orange flowers have sedative and hypnotic effects. The purpose of this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of lavender and bitter orange in postmenopausal women with mild to moderate anxiety.

Postmenopausal women (n = 156, aged 45-60 years) with anxiety were…