Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Pilot Study Evaluating the Effect of Frankincense Essential Oil in Patients With Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Increasingly, patients with cancer are using essential oils as a complementary therapy to reduce the adverse effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue. Although essential oils have few adverse effects, little is known about the effectiveness of individual oils for specific symptoms. Frankincense is one such oil that has been identified as a possible supportive therapy for cancer-related fatigue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if frankincense applied to the soles of the feet before, during, and after chemotherapy affects patients' perceptions of chemotherapy-related fatigue compared with control (carrier oil without frankincense). METHODS: Randomized clinical trial in which participants were blinded to treatment condition. The main outcome variable was fatigue. RESULTS: Seventy patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer were randomized to apply frankincense or control oil to their feet twice a day 2 days before receiving chemotherapy, while receiving chemotherapy, and 2 days after chemotherapy. No statistically significant changes in fatigue were found over time or between groups. Baseline fatigue was the only predictor of posttreatment fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Although no statistically significant changes in fatigue were found over time or between groups, important insights were gained that can inform the design of future research. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The use of essential oils as a complementary therapy to reduce adverse effects of cancer treatment is gaining popularity, and nurses may receive questions about the use of essential oils. No evidence to support the use of frankincense in the treatment of fatigue in patients receiving chemotherapy was found in this study.

Frankincense Essential Oil as a Supportive Therapy for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Case Study.

Fatigue experienced by patients diagnosed with cancer can be debilitating and can be challenging to manage. The use of supportive therapies such as essential oils is gaining popularity among patients diagnosed with cancer. This article describes one patient's experience using frankincense (Boswellia carterii) essential oil to help in the management of her fatigue. The topical application of the frankincense helped to take her fatigue from being barely able to lift her head to being able to do some basic activities of daily living.

Aromatherapy: Using Essential Oils as a Supportive Therapy.

Essential oils can be a great adjunct to cancer care, aiding in the management of side effects, such as insomnia and nausea. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the quality and safety of essential oils when using them for clinical purposes. Using lesser quality essential oils and not understanding safety guidelines can negatively affect clinical outcomes. This article provides an overview of how nurses can help patients with cancer safely use essential oils as a supportive therapy.

A review of nia as an exercise option for cancer survivors.

Nia is a fusion fitness program that blends elements from the dance arts, martial arts, and healing arts, creating a workout that is adaptable to all ages and fitness levels. As a nontraditional form of exercise, Nia integrates body, mind, and spirit as well as the five sensations of flexibility, agility, mobility, strength, and stability. Nia incorporates both cardiovascular and whole-body conditioning and is adaptable to those with a sedentary or active lifestyle, making it useful for the varying abilities of cancer survivors. Oncology nurses are in a key position to educate individuals with cancer on the benefits of exercise, such as improved physical functioning and quality of life, and decreased cancer-related fatigue. The purpose of this article is to familiarize oncology nurses with the potential benefits of Nia for cancer survivors.

Effects of Nia exercise in women receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To compare a 12-week nontraditional exercise Nia program practiced at home to usual care on fatigue, quality of life (QOL), aerobic capacity, and shoulder flexibility in women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Large community-based hospital in the midwestern United States. SAMPLE: 41 women with stage I, II, or III breast cancer starting radiation therapy. METHODS: 22 women were randomized to the Nia group and 19 to the usual care group. Those in the Nia group were instructed to practice Nia 20-60 minutes three times per week for 12 weeks. Those in the usual care group were instructed to continue normal activities. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Fatigue, QOL, aerobic capacity, and shoulder flexibility. FINDINGS: Controlling for baseline scores, change over time between groups was significantly different for the women who practiced Nia at least 13 times during the 12-week period; those in the Nia intervention reported significantly less fatigue between weeks 6 and 12, as compared to control group (p = 0.05). No statistical differences in QOL, aerobic capacity, or shoulder flexibility were found, but trends favoring Nia were identified. CONCLUSIONS: For women undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer, Nia can help relieve fatigue. Additional research in arm and shoulder mobility and preservation also may be beneficial. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Oncology nurses are in a unique position to offer suggestions to help manage fatigue, and Nia could be considered as part of a cancer survivorship program. KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION: Exercise is beneficial for women with breast cancer, and interest is growing in nontraditional exercise options. Nia can benefit women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy.