The Efficacy of Lavender Herbal Tea in Misophonia

Misophonia is a disorder of vocal sensitivity characterized by unusual discomfort with certain sounds. Typical triggers are sounds produced by humans, particularly oral and nasal sounds. These sounds include chewing, slurping, breathing, keyboard sounds, or pen clicks. When individuals with misophonia are exposed to triggers, stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and emotional distress are observed. Exposure to triggers creates irritation, desire to avoid stimuli, anger, aggression, helplessness, and overwhelm. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system leads to physical symptoms such as hypertonia, sweating, and tachycardia. The discomfort and stress caused by misophonia can lead to increased anxiety levels in individuals. At the same time, the emotional distress and discomfort associated with misophonia can trigger depressive symptoms and increase the risk of depression. Concomitant anxiety and depression can worsen the existing symptoms of misophonia and lead to a reduced quality of life.

There is limited empirical evidence evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic approaches to misophonia. Current treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psychotherapies derived from dialectical behavior therapy. Due to the small number of randomized controlled trials, the efficacy of the protocols used in the treatment of misophonia remains unclear. Due to limited resources, problems such as limited access to psychotherapies and early withdrawal from treatment are also observed. Other treatment approaches include pharmacological agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), stimulants, antipsychotics, and β-Blockers. Complementary therapies are used due to their potential efficacy, tolerability, possible non-interference, and low cost. Lavender, a complementary treatment intervention, is considered to have anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender is known to positively affect memory, provide alertness, and improve feelings of well-being. Thus, it is seen as an effective herbal medicine intervention in reducing anxiety and depression. Reducing concomitant anxiety and depression may contribute to the improvement of the symptoms of misophonia.

Inclusion criteria

• Reporting at least three trigger sounds
• Assessed by a specialist psychiatric nurse and a psychiatrist as humophonia based on the diagnostic criteria for humophonia established by Schröder et al. (2013)
• Individuals aged 18 and over

Exclusion criteria

• Allergy to any herbal tea, food or medicine
• Psychiatric illness or chronic illness
• Taking psychiatric medication (such as anxiolytics, and antidepressants)
• Regular use of medication (such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic)
• Regular use of herbal teas or complementary medicines
• Tinnitus and/or hyperacusis