1Demonstrator of Maternity, Obstetrical and Gynecological nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University
2Associate Professor of Maternity, Obstetrical and Gynecological nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University
3Associate professor of pharmacognosy, Faculty of pharmacy, Suez Canal University.
Abstract
form their normal daily activities for one to three days each month. Aromatic 
abdominal massage is one of non –pharmacological methods can help women copes with the 
menstrual pain. Aim of study: was to assess the effect of aromatic abdominal massage by 
using (lavender, clary sage dissolved in almond oil) on alleviating menstrual pain intensity. 
Design: Experimental design. Setting: The study was conducted at Faculty of Nursing, Suez 
Canal University in Ismailia city. Sample: purposive sample of (106) nursing students 
having any degree of primary menstrual pain was recruited in this study. The sample divided 
randomly into study and control group (53 nursing students each). Tools of data collection:1) 
A structured interviewing questionnaire,2) Rating Analogue Scale, and 3) McGill pain 
questionnaire. Results: It revealed that the Rating Analogue Scale in first three days of the 
two consecutive cycles after intervention was significantly lower in interventional group than 
control group except in third day of menses in second cycle after intervention. Also, the 
mean score of all descriptors of McGill pain questionnaire were lesser in interventional 
group than in control group of the two consecutive cycles after intervention, but the 
difference was significant in the first cycle after intervention only. Conclusion: Abdominal 
massage with lavender and clary sage was effective on alleviating menstrual pain among 
nursing students having primary menstrual pain comparing to abdominal massage only. 
Recommendation: Abdominal massage with lavender and clary sage should be incorporated 
in nursing practice as a pain relieving measures for girls suffering from menstrual pain