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PubMed1998

Aromatherapy positively affects mood, EEG patterns of alertness and math computations.

EEG activity, alertness, and mood were assessed in 40 adults given 3 minutes of aromatherapy using two aromas, lavender (considered a relaxing odor) or rosemary (considered a stimulating odor). Participants were also given simple math computations before and after the therapy. The lavender group showed increased beta power, suggesting increased drowsiness, they had less depressed mood (POMS) and reported feeling more relaxed and performed the math computations faster and more accurately following aromatherapy. The rosemary group, on the other hand, showed decreased frontal alpha and beta power, suggesting increased alertness. They also had lower state anxiety scores, reported feeling more relaxed and alert and they were only faster, not more accurate, at completing the math computations after the aromatherapy session.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Aromatherapy for dysmenorrhea].

Dysmenorrhea is one of a number of discomforts that women often suffer. Many kinds of complementary therapies have been discussed in the literature on the subject, and aromatherapy is one of these. Aromatherapy uses the action of essential oils refined from plants to relieve discomfort. It is effective at relieving the symptom distress associated with many conditions, but the literature contains little information about essential oils and dysmenorrhea relief. This paper therefore discusses several topics that may be of interest to women, as follows: 1. The fundamental concept of aromatherapy and its applications. 2. The essential oil used for dysmenorrhea relief. 3. The principles of essential oil recipes for dysmenorrhea relief. 4. The method for using essential oil for dysmenorrhea relief, and things to note.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed1995

Sensing an improvement: an experimental study to evaluate the use of aromatherapy, massage and periods of rest in an intensive care unit.

There is widespread belief that the use of aromatherapy and massage in an intensive care environment offers a means of increasing the quality of sensory input that patients receive, as well as reducing levels of stress and anxiety. Despite a wealth of anecdotal evidence in support of these claims, there have been few objective studies to evaluate the effects of these therapies. In this experimental study 122 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit were randomly allocated to receive either massage, aromatherapy using essential oil of lavender, or a period of rest. Both pre- and post-therapy assessments included physiological stress indicators and patients' evaluation of their anxiety levels, mood and ability to cope with their intensive care experience. Ninety-three patients (77%) were able to complete subjective assessments. There were no statistically significant differences in the physiological stress indicators or observed or reported behaviour of patients' ability to cope following any of the three interventions. However, those patients who received aromatherapy reported significantly greater improvement in their mood and perceived levels of anxiety. They also felt less anxious and more positive immediately following the therapy, although this effect was not sustained or cumulative.

Clinical Nursing Research↗
PubMed1998

Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of aromatherapy in the treatment of patients with alopecia areata. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of 7 months' duration, with follow-up at 3 and 7 months. SETTING: Dermatology outpatient department. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-six patients diagnosed as having alopecia areata. INTERVENTION: Eighty-six patients were randomized into 2 groups. The active group massaged essential oils (thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood) in a mixture of carrier oils (jojoba and grapeseed) into their scalp daily. The control group used only carrier oils for their massage, also daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment success was evaluated on sequential photographs by 2 dermatologists (I.C.H. and A.D.O.) independently. Similarly, the degree of improvement was measured by 2 methods: a 6-point scale and computerized analysis of traced areas of alopecia. RESULTS: Nineteen (44%) of 43 patients in the active group showed improvement compared with 6 (15%) of 41 patients in the control group (P = .008). An alopecia scale was applied by blinded observers on sequential photographs and was shown to be reproducible with good interobserver agreement (kappa = 0.84). The degree of improvement on photographic assessment was significant (P = .05). Demographic analysis showed that the 2 groups were well matched for prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. Treatment with these essential oils was significantly more effective than treatment with the carrier oil alone (P = .008 for the primary outcome measure). We also successfully applied an evidence-based method to an alternative therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

The effect of aromatherapy in promoting relaxation and stress reduction in a general hospital.

The Tullamore Nursing Development Unit (NDU), since its inception in 1993, has been engaged in improving the quality of nursing practice offered to the patients in the NDU and in the hospital as a whole. Many areas of patient care have been addressed, including some of the more tenacious problems, which have often proved resistant to traditional nursing care. One such problem is sleep disturbance, especially in the older patient. In order to try to improve the care available, the staff of the NDU have had to adopt some alternatives to the traditional way of thinking. The use of aromatherapy has significantly improved the sleep patterns of the patients and at the same time, reduced the amount of night sedation required. Following a study of the effectiveness of aromatherapy, it is now being successfully used in the Coronary Care Unit for patients with problems of stress, with encouraging results.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed1997

Yes, but how do we know it's true? Knowledge claims in massage and aromatherapy.

While there is evidence that both massage and aromatherapy can be of benefit, practitioners make a great number of claims about the clinical effects of their treatments. These are presented in literature as simple statements of fact, often with no attempt to explain the basis upon which the claim is made. Though authors do occasionally make reference to the scientific literature, they often do so inadequately and in many cases the cited papers do not support the claims being made. Some authors have been explicit in giving personal experience as the source of their knowledge. However, there are several reasons why it can be difficult to make general statements based on individual experience. The many inconsistencies found in massage and aromatherapy literature--such as different properties being given to the same oil--provide further evidence that the knowledge base of these therapies is unreliable. Practitioners need to develop a critical discourse by which they can evaluate knowledge claims.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2003

Implementing aromatherapy in nursing and midwifery practice.

This paper reports the results of a small qualitative study of nurses and midwives who had undertaken a course in aromatherapy, one of the most popular complementary therapies in the UK. In particular, it examines barriers to putting their knowledge into practice. Participants had completed the aromatherapy course between 9 months and 2 years previously, and worked in a variety of settings. All were approached via their employing NHS trust. The interviews which took place in the clinical area were tape recorded and generally lasted for about 40 minutes. Data were analysed using the procedure outlined by Colaizzi (1978) Significant statements were clustered into themes, guided by whether they had a 'look alike/feel alike' quality, and were subsequently validated with the informants. The main themes discussed in this paper are the personal and professional benefits that respondents reported from undertaking the course, organizational issues and the frustrations they experienced because of delays in implementing changes in practice.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Psychological effects of aromatherapy on chronic hemodialysis patients.

Effects of aromatherapy (odorless condition, lavender, and hiba oil) on mood and anxiety were investigated in 14 female patients who were being treated with chronic hemodialysis. A control period consisting of natural hospital smells was established before each test session, and then aromatic test conditions were systematically evaluated for odorless conditions as well as aromatic conditions containing lavender and hiba oil aromas. The effects of aromatherapy were measured using the Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD) and the Hamilton rating scale for anxiety (HAMA). Hiba oil aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMD and HAMA, and lavender aroma significantly decreased the mean scores of HAMA. The mean scores of HAMD and HAMA in an odorless condition were not significantly different from those of the control conditions. These results indicate that in chronic hemodialysis patients hiba oil is an effective, non-invasive means for the treatment of depression and anxiety, and that lavender alleviates anxiety.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Aromatherapy massage for joint pain and constipation in a patient with Guillian Barré.

The following case study will look at the efficacy of aromatherapy massage in a patient diagnosed with Guillian Barré Syndrome admitted to an IntensiveTherapy Unit. The pathophysiology of this disorder will be discussed, medical treatment will be outlined and adjuncts to conventional nursing care will be presented. Aromatherapy massage was used to complement the conventional nursing and medical treatment of joint pain and constipation. The Mead Model for nursing care was used for assessment and the plan of care devised from this. Evaluation of outcomes were incorporated into the implementation protocol to ensure positive outcomes were achieved.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Complementary therapy: aromatherapy with massage for geriatric and hospice care--a call for an holistic approach.

The medical profession in America would benefit from including aromatherapy with massage in its care of elderly and hospice patients. The appropriate use of these modalities will enhance the quality of patient care and will compliment conventional treatment regimens. Currently, the medical profession in America treats the pathophysiological diseases of patients, but falls short in treating their emotional needs. Aromatherapy and massage can be used to fill this gap, as well as to improve the patient's response to traditional treatment routines. While there is an abundance of literature extolling the use of essential oils, the articles reflect subjective, individual findings and don't account for the multitude of influencing environmental factors which would include such things as the patient's degree of pain, personality of the person administering care and that of the patient, or even the temperature of the room itself. Further research needs to be made so that scientific, qualitative measurements can be proven and documented.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of aromatherapy in treating postoperative pain: pilot study.

This study compared the analgesic efficacy of postoperative lavender oil aromatherapy in 50 patients undergoing breast biopsy surgery. Twenty-five patients received supplemental oxygen through a face mask with two drops of 2% lavender oil postoperatively. The remainder of the patients received supplemental oxygen through a face mask with no lavender oil. Outcome variables included pain scores (a numeric rating scale from 0 to 10) at 5, 30, and 60 minutes postoperatively, narcotic requirements in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), patient satisfaction with pain control, as well as time to discharge from the PACU. There were no significant differences in narcotic requirements and recovery room discharge times between the two groups. Postoperative lavender oil aromatherapy did not significantly affect pain scores. However, patients in the lavender group reported a higher satisfaction rate with pain control than patients in the control group (P = 0.0001).

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of aromatherapy with hospice patients to decrease pain, anxiety, and depression and to promote an increased sense of well-being.

This study measured the responses of 17 cancer hospice patients to humidified essential lavender oil aromatherapy. Vital signs as well as levels of pain, anxiety, depression, and sense of well-being were measured (using 11-point verbal analogs). Each subject was measured on three different days before and after a 60-minute session consisting of (1) no treatment (control); (2) water humidification (control); or (3) 3-percent lavender aromatherapy. Results reflected a positive, yet small, change in blood pressure and pulse, pain, anxiety, depression, and sense of well-being after both the humidified water treatment and the lavender treatment. Following the control session (no treatment), there was also slight improvement in vital signs, depression, and sense of well-being, but not in pain or anxiety levels.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical aromatherapy and AIDS.

Clinical aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for expected outcomes that are measurable and is a therapy that is used as part of nursing care in Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and, more recently, the United States. Essential oils are steam distillates obtained from aromatic plants. These volatile extracts have been used for many years by French hospitals against airborne bacteria and fungi. As antimicrobial agents, essential oils may be appropriate in HIV/AIDS for specific opportunistic infections. Aromatherapy can also alter perceptions of chronic pain, help maintain skin integrity, and is useful in stress management. Methods of application vary depending on the site of infection and the psychological profile of the patient and can include inhalation, compresses, baths, massage, and the "m" technique. This article will explore the potential use of essential oils in HIV/AIDS focusing on four opportunistic infections: Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and herpes simplex types I and II.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1999

Possible health and safety problems in the use of novel plant essential oils and extracts in aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a branch of complementary or alternative therapy which is increasing in popularity, yet has scant scientific credibility. Aromatherapy should be defined as treatment using odours and practised as such. However, essential oils are usually used in conjunction with massage and often combined with counselling of some kind. The use of most commonly-used essential oils in massage is seldom dangerous, as they have low systemic toxicity, especially when used at 2% dilution (provided they are not adulterated); however their safety during pregnancy, childbirth and babies has not been clearly demonstrated. Sensitisation, however, is a growing concern. Some aromatherapists are now introducing novel plant essential oils, extracts and phytols into their massage routine many of which have no odour and are potentially toxic. The possible dangers of these plant products are therefore discussed using specific example.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2003

Learning the hard way! Setting up an RCT of aromatherapy massage for patients with advanced cancer.

Aromatherapy massage is used in cancer palliative care to improve quality of life but there is little evidence for its effectiveness. A large pragmatic multicentre randomized controlled trial was set up to examine the effectiveness of aromatherapy in improving psychological distress and quality of life in patients with cancer. This paper examines the challenges encountered in the design and execution of the study. The original design, i) focused on palliative care patients with advanced disease; ii) had both a no-intervention and a treatment control group (relaxation therapy); and iii) adopted 90% power for sample size calculations. A varied measurement strategy was employed. Recruitment proved difficult, referrers were 'gate-keeping', patients were often too ill to approach and others declined. The trial was modified to ensure viability. Eligibility was extended to all patients with cancer irrespective of stage, the relaxation group was removed and the power reduced to 80%. Although it is not generally good practice to change a study design once recruitment has started, the changes were consistent with the original basic study aims and design principles. The data collection phase was successfully completed in July 2002.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2003

Inhalation aromatherapy during radiotherapy: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the inhalation of aromatherapy during radiotherapy reduces anxiety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred thirteen patients undergoing radiotherapy were randomly assigned to receive either carrier oil with fractionated oils, carrier oil only, or pure essential oils of lavender, bergamot, and cedarwood administered by inhalation concurrently with radiation treatment. Patients underwent assessment by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Somatic and Psychological Health Report (SPHERE) at baseline and at treatment completion. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in HADS depression or SPHERE scores between the randomly assigned groups. However, HADS anxiety scores were significantly lower at treatment completion in the carrier oil only group compared with either of the fragrant arms (P =.04). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy, as administered in this study, is not beneficial.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Massage and aromatherapy massage: nursing art and science.

This article begins by reviewing the place of complementary therapies in palliative care from the perspective of UK professional organizations, namely the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (formerly the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC)) and the British Medical Association (BMA). It then reviews recent research on the use of massage and aromatherapy massage in palliative care and comments on their credibility and implications, thereby addressing nursing science. The art of nursing is explored through four case histories where massage was used intuitively when words were difficult or seemed inadequate. To conclude, by focusing on the therapies provided by a UK hospice, there is consideration of the practicalities of implementing massage and aromatherapy massage in a specialist palliative care unit.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

A clinical trial of the effect of aromatherapy on motivational behaviour in a dementia care setting using a single subject design.

An n = 1 clinical trial of the effectiveness of aromatherapy on motivational behaviour in a dementia care setting was undertaken using an AB design. Baseline data were recorded for two months, followed by two months of treatment data. Findings showed a statistically significant improvement in motivational behaviour associated with the use of aromatherapy.

Activities of Daily Living↗