Effects of aromatherapy (odorless condition, lavender, and hiba oil) on moo
d and anxiety were investigated in 14 female patients who were being treate
d with chronic hemodialysis. A control period consisting of natural hospita
l smells was established before each test session, and then aromatic test c
onditions were systematically evaluated for odorless conditions as well as
aromatic conditions containing lavender and hiba oil aromas. The effects of
aromatherapy were measured using the Hamilton rating scale for depression
(HAMD) and the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAMA). Hiba oil aroma sig
nificantly decreased the mean scores of HAMD and HAMA, and lavender aroma s
ignificantly decreased the mean scores of HAMA. The mean scores of HAMD and
HAMA in an odorless condition were not significantly different from those
of the control conditions. These results indicate that in chronic hemodialy
sis patients hiba oil is an effective, non-invasive means for the treatment
of depression and anxiety, and that lavender alleviates anxiety.