AACENDIKIA: Journal of Nursing
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): AACENDIKIA: Journal of Nursing

The Effectiveness of Peppermint Aromatherapy for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnant Women in the First Trimester

Shinta Ayu Retnawati (Akademi Kebidanan Anugerah Bintan)
Yeti Trisnawati (Akademi Kebidanan Anugerah Bintan)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

Nausea and vomiting (emesis gravidarum) are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes, particularly increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), estrogen, and progesterone. These symptoms may interfere with daily activities, reduce nutritional intake, and impair maternal quality of life. Peppermint aromatherapy, which contains menthol with antiemetic and relaxing properties, is a potential non-pharmacological intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of peppermint aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting among first-trimester pregnant women. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was employed involving 30 participants, equally assigned to intervention and control groups. Nausea and vomiting were assessed before and after the intervention using a standardized measurement scale. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann–Whitney U test. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in mean nausea and vomiting scores from 2.13 to 1.07 (p = 0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant change (2.07 to 1.93; p = 0.414). A significant difference was also observed between groups (Z = −3.089; p = 0.002). Peppermint aromatherapy effectively reduced nausea and vomiting in first-trimester pregnant women and may serve as a safe complementary therapy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Journal-of-Nursing

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

AACENDIKIA: Journal of Nursing published since 2022 with ISSN Online: 2963-6434. Since July 2022 AACENDIKIA: Journal of Nursing publish by Althar Cendikia Education and published 2 times a year in July and December. Contains writings raised from research results in the field of nursing. Every ...