Effect of Citrus Aurantium L. on pain and blood pressure in patients undergoing hand reconstructive surgery

Background and purpose Postoperative pain and blood pressure are common patient complaints. This study examined the effects of Citrus Aurantium (CA) on pain and blood pressure in patients undergoing hand reconstructive surgery.Methods A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted with 76 patients. The control group received a placebo, while the intervention group received CA essential oil. Blood pressure and pain levels were recorded before the intervention, and at 30 minutes and one-hour post-surgery. Data collection used blood pressure sheets, numerical visual pain scales, and demographic questionnaires.Result The intervention group showed significantly greater pain reduction than the control group (p = 0.001), with CA increasing the likelihood of pain reduction by 1.73 times (Exp(B) = 1.73). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased post-intervention (p = 0.001, p = 0.005), but differences were not significant after 30 minutes and one hour after (p > 0.05). CA increased the likelihood of systolic blood pressure reduction by 16.87 times (Exp(B) = 16.78), with no effect on diastolic pressure.Conclusion CA facilitates pain and blood pressure reduction in aromatherapy, suggesting its use as a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive method for postoperative pain management.