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

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.