Essential oils for clinical aromatherapy: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aromatherapy, a holistic healing practice utilizing the aromatic essences of plant-derived essential oils, has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential in promoting overall well-being. Use of phytoconstituent based essential oil has played a significant role in the evolving therapeutic avenue of aromatherapy as a complementary system of medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: This comprehensive review article aims to explore the usage of essential oils for aromatherapy, shedding light on their diverse applications, scientific evidence, and safety considerations. Furthermore, the growing interest in using essential oils as complementary therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine is explored, underscoring the significance of collaborative healthcare approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was performed from databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Bentham using keywords like Aromatherapy, Aromatic Plants, Essential oils, Phytotherapy, and complementary medicine. The keywords were used to identify literature with therapeutic and mechanistic details of herbal agents with desired action. RESULTS: The integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific research has led to a renewed interest in essential oils as valuable tools in contemporary healthcare. Various extraction methods used to obtain essential oils are presented, emphasizing their impact on the oil's chemical composition and therapeutic properties. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the factors influencing the quality and purity of essential oils, elucidating the significance of standardization and certification for safe usage. A comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic effects of essential oils is provided, encompassing their potential as antimicrobial, analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory agents, among others. Clinical trials and preclinical studies are discussed to consolidate the existing evidence on their efficacy in treating diverse health conditions, both physical and psychological. Safety considerations are of paramount importance when employing essential oils, and this review addresses potential adverse effects, contraindications, and best practices to ensure responsible usage. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the exploration of essential oils for aromatherapy, emphasizing their potential as natural and potent remedies for a wide range of ailments. By amalgamating traditional wisdom and modern research, this article aims to encourage further investigation into the therapeutic benefits of essential oils while advocating for their responsible and evidence-based incorporation into healthcare practices.

Effects of Aromatherapy on Physical and Mental Health of Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUP: Currently, aromatherapy is being increasingly utilized in clinical practice, particularly in managing the side effects associated with radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. However, it remains to be established whether aromatherapy can effectively alleviate these symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health of patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. METHODS: Seven databases were researched from inception until September 29, 2023, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Biology Medicine disc and VIP Chinese Medical Journal Database. Review Manager version 5.3 was utilized for data analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB2 was employed to evaluate the quality of the literature included in the study. Evidence quality rating was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach through the GRADEpro GDT online tool. RESULTS: Nineteen studies involving 1,541 patients were included. Aromatherapy can alleviate nausea [relative risk (RR)=0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53 to 0.78, P<0.05, I2=46%; standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.86, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.51, P<0.05, I2=64%] and vomiting (RR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.69, P<0.05, I2=35%; SMD=-1.28, 95% CI: -1.52 to -1.03, P<0.05, I2=92%), improve sleep disorders [mean difference (MD)=-3.39, 95% CI: -3.95 to -2.84, P<0.05, I2=0%], relieve pain (SMD=-1.58, 95% CI: -1.96 to -1.21, P<0.05, I2=0%), mitigate fatigue (SMD=-1.28, 95% CI: -2.44 to -0.11, P<0.05, I2=93%) and enhance quality of life (SMD=0.50, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.79, P<0.05, I2=0%) in cancer patients after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but it may not have a significant effect on anxiety. The risk of bias was high in the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB2, and no studies were considered to be of high grade according to the GRADE system. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy is an efficacious, safe and economic adjunctive therapy for cancer patients, which can mend the physical symptoms and mental health of cancer patients. However, more high-quality studies are needed to verify it. (PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023390171).

Use of a Combination Lavender/Peppermint Aromatherapy Patch During Port Catheter Placement Under Monitored Anesthesia Care Does Not Reduce Time to Discharge Readiness: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Intraoperative anxiety is a common problem when Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is used instead of general anesthesia during minor surgical procedures such as port catheter placement. Nonpharmacological anxiolytics such as aromatherapy have been studied for their effects on preoperative anxiety, but no placebo-controlled study of aromatherapy during surgeries under MAC has yet been performed. Methods: After IRB approval, 70 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either a lavender/peppermint aromatherapy patch (Elequil Aromatabs®; Beekley Corporation) or a matching placebo patch. The primary outcome, time to readiness for discharge from postoperative acute care units (PACU; min), was assessed every 15 min until a modified postanesthesia recovery score for ambulatory patients (PARSAP) score of 18 or higher was reached. In the preoperative holding area, the assigned patch/placebo was activated and affixed to a folded towel placed aside the subject's head, contralateral to the side of the planned surgery. The towel and patch/placebo were discarded when the subject left the operating room (OR). Results: No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups on the primary outcome of time to discharge readiness (mean [standard deviation, SD]: 82 [15] vs. 89 [21] min, respectively, p = 0.131). No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups on the secondary outcomes of intraoperative midazolam dose, intraoperative opioid dose, intraoperative ondansetron dose, or intraoperative promethazine dose. No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups in the proportion of subjects requiring rescue postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) medication in the PACU or the proportion of subjects requiring opioids in the PACU. No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups in pain intensity in PACU, average PONV score in PACU, or patient satisfaction in PACU. PACU patient satisfaction was high for both the patch and placebo groups (35/35 [100%] vs. 32/34 [94%] "very satisfied," p = 0.239). Conclusions: Aromatherapy treatment is not indicated intraoperatively to reduce anxiety or the use of antiemetics in patients requiring Port catheter placement. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05328973.

What Does a Community Think About Aromatherapy?

The awareness and usage of aromatherapy applications are increasing day by day in society. The current study aims to evaluate the thoughts and attitudes of individuals toward aromatherapy in Türkiye and to determine factors affecting the use of aromatherapy. This community-based descriptive study is conducted throughout Türkiye. Nine hundred eighty-five questionnaires were suitable for data quality. SPSS 23.0 statistical package program was used, and the statistical significance level was accepted as P value of less than .05. Approximately 72.4% of the participants have heard of aromatherapy. The rate of hearing about the concept of aromatherapy was found to be statistically significantly higher among women (P = .000), those residing in a province/district (P = .011), and those working in an income-generating positions (P = .003). It was determined that 58.9% of the participants used any essential oil. The 5 most commonly used essential oils are lavender, tea tree, peppermint, rose, and thyme, respectively. The rate of essential oil use in women is higher than in men (P = .000). The conditions in which essential oils are most frequently used are to provide beauty to the skin (51.7%), skin diseases (51.0%), and respiratory tract diseases (46.0%), respectively. The most common sources of information about the essential oils used by the participants are the Internet/social media (57.6%) and pharmacists (53.4%). The results of this research revealed that the awareness and use of aromatherapy practice in the community are high according to the literature. Considering the high tendency to use these products among the public, physicians, pharmacists, and nurses must provide consultancy services on the use of these products.

Laboratory features of effects of peloidotherapy and aromatherapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Peloidotherapy and aromatherapy have been used for years in the treatment of numerous inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The exact mechanism of their action in RA is unclear. The goal of our research is to determine the effect of peloidotherapy and aromatherapy on inflammation parameters in RA patients. Our study included 20 patients of both sexes, with confirmed diagnosis of RA, older than 18 years. Patients were treated during 28 days with combination of peloidotherapy and aromatherapy. Serum samples for detection of levels of inflammation parameters were taken at two intervals: before the start of therapy and at the end of treatment. The results of our study show that there were no significant changes in the parameters of the complete blood count. Nevertheless, a statistically significant decrease in the serum concentration of two markers of inflammation-interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitrogen-oxide (NO)-was detected. Correlation analyses results say that there is a synchronized drop in the serum concentrations of CRP and the sedimentation rate, and the serum concentrations of fibrinogen and IL-6 are in the same relationship as well as serum levels of IL-6 and NO. Bearing in mind the importance of IL-6 and NO in the pathogenesis of inflammation in RA, we conclude that the application of our therapeutic protocol can be a significant add-on treatment to classic immunomodulators. Due to the small number of study participants, the lack of a control group, and the short follow-up time of patients, additional research is needed.

Comparison of the Effects of Aromatherapy With Damask Rose and Chamomile Essential Oil on Preoperative Pain and Anxiety in Emergency Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Patients who are awaiting emergency surgery experience high levels of anxiety and pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with damask rose and chamomile essential oil on the preoperative pain and anxiety associated with emergency orthopedic surgery. DESIGN: A parallel-group randomized controlled design was used. METHODS: Ninety participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the damask rose group (n = 30), the chamomile group (n = 30), and the control group (n = 30). In the damask rose and chamomile groups, three drops of 40% essential of each plant were used for inhalation aromatherapy (three drops every hour for 3 hours) Visual Analog Scales were used to evaluate participants' pain and anxiety levels at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 1 hour after the intervention. FINDINGS: The results of repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that both of the intervention groups experienced a decrease in pain and anxiety over time compared to the control group (P < .001). ANOVA results showed that immediately after the intervention, the anxiety level of the damask rose group compared to the chamomile and control groups was significantly lower (P = .01). However, there was no significant difference in terms of anxiety between the damask rose and chamomile groups 1 hour after the intervention (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: The use of damask rose and chamomile in aromatherapy was found to effectively lower anxiety and pain levels in emergency orthopedic surgery patients. The antianxiety effect of damask rose is faster than chamomile.

Effects of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Aromatherapy offers a low-risk solution for effectively managing common nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess its impact on these symptoms to facilitate practical guidelines establishment. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase were searched for articles published until April 30, 2023. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer (age ≥18 years). The effect size was calculated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with a random effects model. Subgroup analyses, meta-analysis of variance, and meta-regression were performed using the "meta" package in R version 4.0.2. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Sensitivity and publication bias analyses were performed; two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias using Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool 2.0. RESULTS: Twenty-five RCTs across 10 articles revealed that aromatherapy reduced overall nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer with significant efficacy (SMD = -0.81, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: -1.11 to -0.52). Furthermore, aromatherapy reduced nausea (SMD = -0.85, 95 % CI: -1.23 to -0.46) and combined nausea and vomiting (SMD = -1.08, 95 % CI: -1.68 to -0.47), but not vomiting alone (SMD = -0.24, 95 % CI: -1.03 to 0.55). Inhalation and massage yielded positive results, especially in chemotherapy-induced cases; peppermint oil was particularly successful. CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore aromatherapy's value in managing cancer treatment-associated nausea and vomiting. Conclusive evidence on aromatherapy-led nausea reduction is lacking due to limited RCTs; research is warranted for robust conclusions.

Effects of lavender essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression and sleep quality in stroke patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Post-stroke depression (PSD) has major implications for rehabilitation, motor recovery, activities of daily living, social and interpersonal functioning, and mortality. In view of the side effects of antidepressants, aromatherapy, a widely used non-pharmacological therapy, has received growing attention in recent years for its benefits of reduced complications, accessibility, and effectiveness. This study was designed to assess the effects of inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on depression and sleep quality in patients with PSD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with PSD were enrolled and randomized into experimental and placebo groups. Experimental-group patients inhaled microencapsulated lavender essential oil every night at bedtime over a period of 4 weeks. A nonwoven bag containing 2.3 g of microcapsules with about 1.5 g of lavender essential oil was placed on or under the patient's pillow, depending on the patient's scent sensitivity. Placebo-group patients used the empty nonwoven bags for the same period as the experimental group. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to measure outcomes. RESULTS: The HAMD-17 score, SDS score, and PSQI score showed statistically significant differences between both groups before and after intervention (P ≤ 0.01). The improvement in the experimental group was more marked than in the placebo group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lavender essential oil inhalation aromatherapy may help reduce depression and improve sleep quality in patients with PSD.

Effect of aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil on the gag reflex: a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind, crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Sensitive gag reflexes prevent dental patients from receiving appropriate treatment. Aromatherapy helps patients relax during dental procedures. However, the effect of aromatherapy on the gag reflex caused by the stimulation of the oral cavity is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate whether aromatherapy reduces gag reflexes during oral stimulation. METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind, crossover study, the gag reflexes of 24 healthy individuals (12 females and 12 males; mean age: 34.3 ± 9.5 years) were quantified. A standard saliva ejector was slowly guided down the participant's throat to determine the maximum tolerance of the gag reflex, and the insertion distance was measured to quantify the gag reflex. All individuals participated in an aromatherapy session with peppermint essential oil and a placebo session with distilled water. The gag reflex was quantified before (baseline) and after each session. Another measurement was performed using nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a positive control. RESULTS: Gag reflex values significantly increased after aromatherapy with both peppermint essential oil and placebo compared to baseline values (paired t-test, P < 0.001 and P = 0.014, respectively). The gag reflex value also increased significantly during nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation (paired t-test, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the increase rate of gag reflex values between the positive control and aromatherapy interventions, but it was significantly lower after the placebo intervention (repeated measures analysis of variance, P = 0.003; post-hoc test, P = 0.83 and P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil has the potential for reducing gag reflex during dental procedures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry under the code UMIN000050616 (approved 17/03/2023).

Effects of Orange Oil Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety During Invasive Interventions in Patients With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants.

Invasive interventions, such as peripheral intravenous cannula, port needle placement, and blood collection, are often required for both inpatient and outpatient follow-up patients with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. This prospective, randomized controlled experimental study assessed the effect of orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy on pain and anxiety levels in invasive interventions with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. It was conducted prospectively with 80 patients with hematological malignancies who were treated in the adult bone marrow transplant unit and adult hematology service of a private hospital between May 2021 and April 2022. The orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy was applied to patients in the intervention group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for data collection. Regarding the personal characteristics of the patients, 42.5% were ≥61 years old, 60% were men, and 85% were married. VAS pain scores of the intervention group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the STAI scores of groups (P >.05). The study results show that orange oil inhalation has been determined to reduce pain during invasive interventions.

Effects of aromatherapy with Matricaria chamomile essential oil on anxiety and hemodynamic indices in patients with acute coronary syndrome, 2021: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) experience high levels of anxiety that may cause instability of hemodynamic indices, increased risk of ischemia, myocardial infarction and poor quality of life. Aromatherapy can affect patients' anxiety levels and improve hemodynamic indices. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy on anxiety and hemodynamic indices in ACS patients. METHODS: This study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted on 154 ACS patients. The participants were classified into two equal groups of intervention and placebo through the block randomization method. The data collection tools consisted of demographic information, a shortened 6-item version of the Spielberger questionnaire and a form of hemodynamic indices. For two consecutive nights, the intervention group inhaled 7 drops of the chamomile essential oil (%10) and the placebo group inhaled 7 drops of the sesame oil poured on a sterile cotton ball. The hemodynamic indices were collected half an hour before, one and four hours after the intervention until the next morning. The Spielberger questionnaire was completed once before the intervention and once after the end of the intervention, by the researcher through an interview. The number of heart rate (HR) was counted for a full minute. Also, the blood pressure (BP) of all the samples was measured by the researcher. Data analysis was done using Chi-square, paired t-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS22. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of the age of patients were 58/2 ± 11.6 and 59.7% of them were female. The results of ANOVA showed a significantly lower anxiety score as well as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR in the intervention group compared to those of the placebo group (P < 0.001). The decrease in anxiety score after the intervention, in the intervention and placebo groups was (5.2 ± 1.9) and (1 ± 1. 18) respectively. In the intervention group, the SBP and DBP after the intervention, was significant (P < 0.05). Also, the HR was significant (P < 0.001) after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy could reduce anxiety and improve hemodynamic indices in ACS patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20080825001083N11.

Comparing the effects of rosemary aromatherapy and music therapy on anxiety levels in patients undergoing general surgery: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern among patients undergoing surgery, potentially elevating the risk of postoperative complications. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of inhalation aromatherapy using rosemary essential oil and music therapy in reducing anxiety levels among general surgery patients. METHODS: This study employed a randomized controlled clinical trial design involving 236 patients scheduled for general surgery. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: aromatherapy with Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil (n = 59), music therapy (n = 59), combined aromatherapy and music therapy (n = 59), and a control group (n = 59). Data collection instruments consisted of the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, a personal information form, a music player, and wireless headphones. In the aromatherapy group, patients were instructed to inhale three drops of 25% rosemary essential oil. The music therapy group listened to instrumental music through headphones, while the combined group received both inhalation aromatherapy with rosemary essential oil and music therapy. The control group received three drops of an aromatic placebo. The interventions were administered for a duration of 30 min, starting one hour before surgery. Inferential statistics, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-square test, paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and LSD post-hoc test, were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: The study findings demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing anxiety among surgical patients for aromatherapy (P = 0.001), music therapy (P < 0.001), and combined aromatherapy and music therapy (P = 0.001). Aromatherapy showed the highest anxiety-reducing effect, whereas combined therapy exhibited the lowest effect. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that inhalation aromatherapy, music therapy, and combined aromatherapy and music therapy are all effective approaches for anxiety reduction in surgical patients. Hence, the implementation of these cost-effective and non-invasive interventions is recommended to alleviate anxiety among surgical patients.

Comparing the effect of aromatherapy with breast milk, Lavandula stoechas, and Rosa damascena on venipuncture pain in preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Since preterm infants frequently undergo painful diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, pain management, especially through non-pharmacological methods, will be extremely beneficial. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with breast milk, Lavandula stoechas, and Rosa damascena on venipuncture pain in preterm infants. METHODS: In this interventional study, preterm infants were randomly divided into four groups of aromatherapy with breast milk (25 infants), Lavandula stoechas (25 infants), Rosa damascena (25 infants), and sham (25 infants). One minute before, during, and two minutes after venipuncture, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) as well as heart rate and SPO2 were measured. RESULTS: The results indicated that pain intensity was significantly lower during and after venipuncture in all the aromatherapy methods compared with the sham group (P < 0.001). Breast milk odor decreased the pain more than the other two odors during and after venipuncture (P < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between Lavandula stoechas and Rosa damascena (P = 0.94). SPO2 was significantly higher in infants in the Lavandula stoechas (P < 0.001) and Rosa damascena (P = 0.03) groups compared with the sham infants. CONCLUSION: All three aromatherapy methods were effective in decreasing preterm infants' venipuncture pain. Since no study on the effect of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena was found in this regard, the effectiveness of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena is of great importance, and future studies are recommended to analyze this topic in greater depth.

Effects of aromatherapy on patient satisfaction with procedural abortion at less than 10 weeks' gestation: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare satisfaction with procedural abortion prior to 10 weeks' gestation in patients randomized to lavender essential oil aromatherapy vs placebo (jojoba oil). STUDY DESIGN: This randomized trial compared lavender aromatherapy vs placebo in patients undergoing procedural abortion <10 weeks' gestation. Participants self-administered and inhaled oil during their procedures. Our primary outcome was composite mean score on the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale. Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, a visual analog scale reporting maximum procedural pain, and reported postprocedure aromatherapy acceptability. RESULTS: We analyzed 112 participants randomized to aromatherapy (n = 57) vs placebo (n = 55). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. We found no difference in overall satisfaction (mean Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale scores aromatherapy: 0.72 ± 0.96 vs placebo: 0.46 ± 0.98, p = 0.17) or maximum procedural pain (median visual analog scale score aromatherapy: 65 [range: 4-95] vs placebo: 63 [range: 7-97], p = 0.91). Independent predictors of satisfaction included the use of oral sedation (B: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.04-0.69), state anxiety (B: -0.45; 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.10), and maximum procedural pain (B: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.25 to -0.09). The aromatherapy participants were significantly more likely to have found inhaling scented oil helpful during their procedure (71.9% vs 45.5%; p = 0.005) and would recommend it to a friend who needed a procedural abortion (86.0% vs 56.4%; p = 0.0005) compared to those in the placebo group. Additionally, patients in the aromatherapy group were significantly more likely to agree with the statement, "If I need another procedural abortion, I would want to inhale scented oil during my procedure" (87.7% vs 70.9%; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of lavender aromatherapy during first-trimester procedural abortion does not improve satisfaction with anesthesia but is highly valued by patients. IMPLICATIONS: Oral opioids as an adjunct to standard analgesics during procedural abortion (ibuprofen and paracervical block) do not decrease pain, and nonopioid options are lacking. Given current limited anesthesia options, aromatherapy could serve as an affordable and acceptable nonopioid adjunct to current standard of care during procedural abortion. GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT04969900.

Smellscape as a healing factor in institutional gardens to enhance health and well-being for older people with dementia: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence for the health benefits of aromatic scents for the older people with dementia. However, existing research has focused on indoor aromatherapy using essential oils. It is necessary to explore the health benefits of smellscapes in the outdoor environment for older people with dementia. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aims to examine existing evidence for smellscape as a healing factor in institutional garden for older people with dementia, try to bridge the knowledge gaps between outdoor sensory garden scents and aromatherapy to develop green care techniques that incorporate outdoor activities. METHODS: Seven databases (Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science) were searched with English language articles published between 1990 and 2022. The PRISMA-ScR Checklist was used. RESULTS: Out of 1013 articles, 11 meet the inclusion criteria. The comprehensive health outcomes include five aspects: mental health; physical health; reduced agitation behaviour; improved cognitive function; and well-being. These aspects are part of the rehabilitation model comprising the person (older people with dementia), environment (garden smellscapes) and outdoor activities (active or passive interventions or a combination). CONCLUSIONS: The smellscape, as a healing factor in the garden, not only benefits from evidence on indoor aromatherapy but also creates a sensory environment for older people with dementia by compensating for functional impairment, activity support and environmental creation, thereby promoting enhanced health and well-being. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The research on the healing effects of smellscapes presented in this review offers a novel environmental intervention technique for transferring evidence on essential oils to outdoor sensory gardens. This green care technique is suggested to assist in the creation of healing environments and interventions for people with dementia who cannot be cured. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This scoping review did not directly involve patient or public contributions to the manuscript.

Nonpharmacological Nursing Interventions in Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the impact of nonpharmacological nursing interventions on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). DESIGN: This is a systematic review. METHODS: MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Tübitak-ULAKBIM, and TRDizin databases were searched for the following search terms, including "Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting," "Nurse," "Nursing," and "Nonpharmacological Interventions" to identify nonpharmacological nursing interventions for PONV. A systematic review of English and Turkish articles published in the period between January 1, 2012 and June 1, 2023 was conducted. The PICOT-SD method was used to determine the compatibility of the pieces with the eligibility criteria. FINDINGS: Fifty-eight of 3,874 articles obtained from databases fulfilled the eligibility criteria. This study demonstrated that acupuncture, aromatherapy, the oral intake of ginger, listening to music, education, and visits to patients decreased the incidence of nausea and vomiting and increased the quality of life. Additionally, it was found that patients' quality of life tended to improve along with reductions in postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support previous findings in the literature and demonstrate that nonpharmacological nursing interventions help reduce and prevent PONV. Based on our results, we suggest that nonpharmacological nursing interventions can be employed for the management of PONV in patients undergoing surgery.

Methyl eugenol aromatherapy: a delivery system facilitating the simultaneous application of male annihilation and sterile insect technique against the peach fruit fly.

BACKGROUND: The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an economically important polyphagous, quarantine pest endemic to South and South-East Asia. The male annihilation technique (MAT) and the sterile insect technique (SIT) are environmentally benign techniques used to suppress fruit fly populations on an area-wide basis. The MAT and SIT are typically used sequentially to avoid killing released sterile males; however, MAT and SIT potentially could be used simultaneously and thereby increase the overall efficiency of control programmes. Mating competitiveness of sterile males against wild counterparts is critical for the success of the SIT. Feeding on a semiochemical, methyl eugenol (ME) has been reported to enhance the male mating performance of many Bactrocera spp., including B. zonata, but its use in SIT operational programmes is limited owing to the absence of a viable delivery system. RESULTS: In the present study, we demonstrated that ME aromatherapy, a practical method for large-scale delivery of ME olfactorily, enhances the mating success of treated B. zonata males. ME aromatherapy application to 5-day-old immature males for a duration of 5 h resulted in increased mating success of males tested when sexually mature, compared to untreated males. The ME-aromatized males also exhibited reduced attraction to ME-lure. CONCLUSION: A practical delivery system for applying ME by aromatherapy to mass-reared males was developed. ME-aromatherapy enhanced male mating success and suppressed their subsequent attraction to ME, thus enabling the application of MAT and SIT at the same time. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of Aromatherapy with Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) on the fatigue and sleep quality of critical care nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Measures to reduce nurses' fatigue are necessary to improve the patient's care and the nurse's health and well-being. This study investigated the effectiveness of aromatherapy with Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) essential oil on fatigue and sleep quality of nurses working in intensive care units (ICU). METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 84 nurses working in the ICU of Covid-19 patients were assigned to two groups of P. graveolens and placebo by the stratified block method. The intervention group inhaled one drop of pure P. graveolens. The placebo group inhaled one drop of pure sunflower oil in three consecutive shifts (morning or evening) and each shift twice for 20 min. Using the Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAS-F), fatigue was measured 30 min before the intervention, immediately, and 60 min later. Also, on the morning of the intervention days, sleep quality was assessed with the Verran and Snyder-Halpern (VSH) Sleep Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, version 24. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square tests, and MANOVA, were used. RESULTS: The mean score of fatigue immediately and 60 min after aromatherapy in the P. graveolens group was lower than in the control group (P Ë‚ 0.05). There was no significant difference between the mean sleep scores of nurses in the P. graveolens group before and after the intervention (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inhalation aromatherapy with P. graveolens essential oil can reduce nurses' fatigue in the ICU. The findings of this study can make nurses interested in using aromatherapy as a self-care method.

The effect of rose oil aromatherapy and hand-holding on pain due to peripheral intravenous catheter insertion.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rose oil (Rosa Damascene Mill.) aromatherapy and hand-holding in reducing pain associated with peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. METHODS: A comparative mixed-method design. A total of 126 patients were included in the study. For the study's quantitative data, sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the Patient Interview Form for the qualitative data of the Numeric Rating Scale were used. In all patients included in the study, PIVC insertion was performed a single time by the same nurse using a standard procedure. Chi-square and Bonferroni tests were used for comparative statistics. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, gender, marital status, BMI, and education level (p>0.05). Pain scores: it was 2.40±1.78 in the rose oil group, 3.53±1.98 in the hand-holding group, and 4.88±1.56 in the control group. The difference between the groups regarding pain scores is statistically significant (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study determined that rose oil aromatherapy and hand-holding interventions reduce pain during PIVC. However, rose oil aromatherapy was more effective on pain than the hand-holding intervention. (Clinical Trial ID: NCT05425849).

An aromatherapy massage intervention on sleep in the ICU: A randomized controlled feasibility study.

We conducted a feasibility randomized controlled trial exploring the effect of aromatherapy massage on sleep in critically ill patients. Patients were randomized to receive aromatherapy massage or usual care, and feasibility of recruitment and outcome data completion was captured. Sleep (depth) was assessed through Bispectral Index monitoring and self/nurse-reported Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaires, and the Sleep in the ICU Questionnaire. Thirty-four patients participated: 17 were randomized to aromatherapy massage and 17 to control. Five participants who received the intervention completed outcomes for analysis (alongside eight controls). A larger study was deemed unfeasible in this population, highlighting the value of testing feasibility of complex interventions, such as massage for sleep in ICU.