UNS — The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has caused a decrease in sleep quality in the majority of the community. The prevalence of insomnia in workers before Covid-19 reached 24%, which increased significantly to 40% during the Covid-19 pandemic. Anxiety, stress, and depression can disrupt sleep patterns, increase insomnia, and decrease sleep quality. The rise in anxiety and insomnia symptoms due to Covid-19 is a problem that must be addressed immediately to avoid harmful effects. Such conditions motivate the students of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta to create aromatherapy candles to overcome sleep difficulty symptoms.
The innovative design is introduced as Valerian Candle, an aromatherapy candle made from valerian root. The Valerian Candle product is a creative idea from a Team of Student Creativity Program in Entrepreneurship (PKM-K) UNS Led by Amalia Nur Azizah. The team consists of Eka Setia Erfindawati, Khalili Rahmawati, Putri Prasasti Cahyaningtyas, and Ratih Mardiana from the Diploma in Agribusiness Study Program, under the supervision of Hardian Ningsih, S.P., M.P.
This team chooses valerian root because many people do not know the benefits of the valerian plant. Not only using the valerian essential oil but the aromatherapy candles are also combined with other essential oils such as jasmine and lemongrass to create aromatherapy candles that can alleviate insomnia symptoms.
“Valerian is chosen because it is a rarely used material, especially in aromatherapy candles production,” said Amalia.
Valerian Candle is made from selected materials with the highest quality, such as soy wax and essential oils. Soy wax is selected because it is considered more environmentally friendly and safe for health than paraffin wax in general wax/candle products. Other than valerian essential oil, different scents are added to Valerian Candle, such as lemongrass and jasmine essential oil. Lemon-grass serves as throat lozenges aromatherapy. In contrast, jasmine is chosen because it contains linalool compounds and a sedative substance that acts as an antidepressant by stimulating serotonin hormone to improve good mood and create positive energy.
The Valerian Candle is distributed through social media, such as Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as e-commerce, specifically Shopee. Valerian Candle is available for order through Instagram @valeriancandle. Together with her team, Amalia hopes that the Valerian Candle can be beneficial for insomnia patients. Humas UNS
Reporter: Zalfaa Azalia Pursita
Editor: Dwi Hastuti