Effectiveness of flower therapy in reducing anxiety in older adults

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety can arise at different stages of life and is often exacerbated by feelings of distancing from family and friends. The use of integrative practices in older adults' care can complement conventional treatments by providing relief from pain, stress, and emotional difficulties. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of flower therapy in treating anxiety among older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative, quasi‐experimental, double‐blind study was conducted between August 2022 and January 2023 with 59 older adults (control group = 28 and intervention group = 31). The intervention group used a combination of flower essences: Impatiens, Clematis, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, and Rock Rose, included in a formula and brandy‐based tincture for anxiety. The control group continued with routine follow‐up in primary health care. Data were collected using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory in both groups at three time points. RESULTS: The use of flower therapy significantly reduced anxiety in the intervention group compared to the control group, specifically in terms of impatience, fear, irritability, restlessness, agitation, and family‐related worries, with p‐values less than 0.001. DISCUSSION: In the context of older adult care, integrative therapies have shown promise, promoting mental health improvements following flower therapy interventions. CONCLUSION: The use of complementary therapies, such as flower essences, reduces anxiety, fear, agitation, and irritability in older adults, offering an integrative alternative in health care.