The effect of topical eucalyptus oil on shivering severity in cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Endah Sri Wulandari (Widya Cipta Husada Institute of Health Technology, Malang)
Dhiyah Sri Utami (Muhammadiyah Islamic Hospital, Sumberejo, Bojonegoro)

Majalah Obstetri dan Ginekologi
Vol. 34 No. 2 (2026): August

HIGHLIGHTS Topical application of eucalyptus oil (Melaleuca leucadendra) effectively reduces shivering severity in post-cesarean section patients receiving spinal anesthesia. This intervention offers a simple, low-cost complementary therapy for postoperative cesarean recovery care.   ABSTRACT Objective: Shivering is a common complication following cesarean section performed under spinal anesthesia. This condition increases oxygen consumption and may interfere with postoperative recovery. Complementary care approaches, such as the use of eucalyptus oil, may help manage this problem due to their warming sensation and muscle-relaxing effects. This study aimed to determine the effect of topical eucalyptus oil on the severity of shivering among post-cesarean section patients receiving spinal anesthesia at Muhammadiyah Islamic Hospital, Sumberejo, Bojonegoro, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group approach. A total of 48 patients were selected using a purposive sampling technique and divided into two groups: 24 participants in the intervention group (who received 10 cc of topical eucalyptus oil) and 24 participants in the control group (who received standard hospital care). The degree of shivering was assessed before and 15 minutes after the intervention using the Crossley and Mahajan scale. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a significance level of a = 0.05. Results: Before the intervention, most patients experienced grade 3 shivering (50%). After the application of eucalyptus oil, a significant reduction in shivering severity was observed, with many patients showing a decrease from grade 3 to grade 1 (29.2%), and only 8.3% remaining at grade 4. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant effect (p < 0.001). Most respondents were aged 26–35 years, were housewives, had a body temperature of <36°C, and underwent surgery lasting less than 60 minutes. Conclusion: The application of topical eucalyptus oil effectively reduced the severity of shivering in post-cesarean section patients receiving spinal anesthesia. This intervention may serve as an easy, safe, and low-cost complementary therapy in postoperative recovery care, particularly in midwifery practice.