The Effect of Shallot and Kaffir Lime Essential Oils for Relieving Respiratory Allergy Symptoms

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of shallot and kaffir lime (bergamot) essential oils for relieving respiratory allergy symptoms. The research was conducted among 25 nursing students. The research tools used were shallot and shallot-kaffir lime essential oils and a questionnaire on the results of the essential oil usage. The questionnaireûs Cronbach reliability and content validity coefficients were 0.78 and 0.80, respectively. Data were collected and then analyzed to determine means and standard deviation, and to perform an independent t-test. The results showed that shallot and kaffir lime essential oils provided the relief of respiratory allergy symptoms, on the fourth and fifth days of usage, moderately clearing stuffy and runny nose (x = 3.10-3.20, S.D. = 0.73-0.76, x = 3.05-3.12, S.D. = 0.84-0.88, respectively) and moderately improving the sense of smell (x = 3.11, S.D. = 1.45). During the trial period the oil aromas had a good relaxing effect (x = 3.66-3.64, S.D. = 0.70-1.03); and the participants were moderately satisfied with the essential oils (x = 2.76-3.40, S.D. = 0.70-0.96). Comparing the allergy relief effects of shallot and shallotbergamot oils, their mean scores were not different, but their aromasû relaxing effects were significantly different (x =12.60 and 17.56, p < 0.05). The respiratory allergy effects of both shallot and kaffir lime essential oils tended to be better with a longer period of use. Therefore, the duration of trial should be extended; and participants should be selected from those with the same symptoms in order to better compare the results of the essential oils.