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PubMed2001

The development of clinical practice guidelines for the use of aromatherapy in a cancer setting.

The need to develop guidelines for the use of aromatherapy was identified to ensure safe and appropriate use in clinical practice. Therapeutic actions and safety data were reviewed along with literature relating to nurses' use of aromatherapy. A policy was developed with the needs of the oncology patient being the foremost consideration. Methods of administration and dosage of essential oils were stipulated to address safety issues.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2002

Aromatherapy: therapeutic applications of plant essential oils.

As is the case with many other complementary and alternative therapies in the United States, the use of essential oils or aromatherapy has increased in recent years. The term "aromatherapy" can be confusing because it is used to describe a wide range of practices involving odorous substances. In order to advise and better inform patients, physicians and other health professionals should be able to differentiate between aesthetic applications of odors and clinical uses of essential oils (essential oil therapy). They also should be able to identify key issues regarding safety and efficacy. There is a growing body of evidence in the scientific literature suggesting that plant essential oils, alone or in combination with other therapies, may be beneficial in treating a number of health conditions. This article describes essential oil therapy and identifies key issues for practice.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2005

[Aromatherapy in nursing practice].

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils which are distilled from aromatic plants to obtain holistic effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Among nurses, aromatherapy is the second most commonly used complementary therapy. The chemical components of essential oils, such as ketones, aldehydes, and esters, determine the specific effects of the essential oils. Essential oils may be administered by inhalation, bathing, or massage to decrease anxiety, pain, and fatigue, and improve wound healing. As neuronal, liver, and kidney toxicity, as well as skin allergies may occur, it is recommended not to use essential oils on a regular basis. Research has provided evidence on the effects of essential oils, but further research is needed to identify the effects of their interaction with medications, and whether there are any side effects or contraindications. Consequently, it will provide a scientific base on the use of essential oils and enhance the possibilities for the use of essential oils in health care.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Aromatherapy: does it work?

Results from Itai et al.'s (2000) study support a group utilization project to educate nurses regarding aromatherapy, so that nurses can implement it in their practice to reduce their patient's anxiety levels. A major feasibility issue would be the price tag; one must consider both the cost of paying for the training that the nurses would need and the materials needed to implement the practice or aromatherapy. Future research would be very valuable, especially if it replicated this study using a larger, more diverse sample of patients.

Comment↗
PubMed2005

Audit of an aromatherapy service in a maternity unit.

This paper reports the results of the audit of a maternity aromatherapy service at a small Midlands maternity unit. The service was introduced in May 2000 and the principal aims of the audit, conducted in October 2002 were to investigate clinical effectiveness, maternal satisfaction and staff training needs. The service has been shown to be effective in normalising childbirth and increasing satisfaction of mothers in respect of their labour experiences. A concurrent audit of staff demonstrated interest and enthusiasm of the service and identified areas for further development. The service was short listed for the Prince of Wales Foundation for Integrated Health Awards for Good Practice in 2003 and awarded a certificate of achievement.

Analgesia, Obstetrical↗
PubMed2002

Will aromatherapy be a useful treatment strategy for people with multiple sclerosis who experience pain?

This paper outlines the use of massage and aromatherapy for pain management and how it might work, concentrating specifically on patients with multiple sclerosis who have long-standing pain. The services currently offered to these patients are discussed to include the assessment procedure, the treatments undertaken and the range of essential oils used. The review procedure, and continuation of the treatments are also outlined with a brief summary of audit results being presented. Plans for future service development and research are also proposed.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Influence of aromatherapy on medication administration to residential-care residents with dementia and behavioral challenges.

Thirteen older persons (seven men and six women) in residential care participated as subjects in this study. All participants had histories of confusion due to dementia and were identified by staff as being consistently resistant to medication administration as indicated by vocal outbursts, moving away, or physical combativeness. Subjects were exposed to four aroma interventions during medication administration: 1) lavender vera (lavendula officinalis); 2) sweet orange (citrus aurantium); 3) tea tree (malaleuca alternifolia); and 4) no aroma (control). All medication administrations were videotaped for later data collection. Observers were trained to record frequency and duration of resistive behaviors during medication administration in allfour interventions for each subject. Reliability between two observers was extremely high. Results showed no statistically significant differences across all aroma conditions for either resistive behavior or duration of administration. Also, there were no statistically significant differences based on gender. This study indicates that aromatherapy does not reduce combative, resistive behaviors in individuals with dementia. Research with a larger sample in future studies may yield other results.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Can aromatherapy replace pre-medication?

An examination of the use of the therapy within the theatre environment would be a useful extension of the care we already give our patients. It would be interesting to explore the cost effectiveness of oils versus conventional medication, and even though there may be a negative result the desire to provide holistic care may overshadow the cost. If this care can be achieved through therapeutic touch such as massage, and enhanced by the addition of aromatic oils, then perhaps theatre nurses should be training to meet the needs of the patient. It may be appropriate therefore for studies to be undertaken into the suggested benefits of aromatherapy. If, as it has been implied, this therapy is beneficial in reducing the levels of anxiety, it would seem sensible to introduce it to preoperative patients who suffer varying degrees of anxiety.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2001

The role of aromatherapy massage in reducing anxiety in patients with malignant brain tumours.

Research suggests that aromatherapy massage (AM) is increasingly being used by cancer patients, especially in the palliative care setting, although few studies have assessed its effectiveness. I wanted to find out whether AM reduces anxiety in patients with a primary malignant brain tumour attending their first follow-up appointment after radiotherapy. Eight patients were recruited to the study, which comprised three methods of data collection: the measurement of physical parameters; the completion of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS); and semi-structured interviews. The results from HADS did not show any psychological benefit from AM. However, there was a statistically significant reduction in all four physical parameters, which suggests that AM affects the autonomic nervous system, inducing relaxation. This finding was supported by the patients themselves, all of whom stated during interview that they felt 'relaxed' after AM. Since these patients are faced with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis, this intervention appears to be a good way of offering support and improving quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the ambient odor of lavender as a treatment for travel-induced excitement in dogs. DESIGN: Clinical trial. Animals-32 dogs with a history of travel-induced excitement in owners' cars. PROCEDURES: Each dog was studied during travel in the owner's car to a familiar walking site during 2 conditions of olfactory stimulation. The first condition was a control condition, during which dogs were exposed to no odor other than that arising naturally from the environment. The second condition was an experimental condition during which dogs were exposed to the ambient odor of lavender. Dogs' behavior was recorded during the car journey for 3 consecutive days under the control condition and for 3 consecutive days under the experimental condition. The percentage of time spent moving, standing, sitting, resting, and vocalizing in each condition of olfactory stimulation was quantified for each dog. RESULTS: Dogs spent significantly more time resting and sitting and less time moving and vocalizing during the experimental condition. There was no significant relationship between dogs' behavior and sex, castration status, day, or the order of exposure to each olfactory condition. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional treatments for travel-induced excitement in dogs may be time-consuming, expensive, or associated with adverse effects. Aromatherapy in the form of diffused lavender odor may offer a practical alternative treatment for travel-induced excitement in this species.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Lavender aromatherapy in recovery from exercise.

20 men were randomly assigned to a control or an experimental group. After baseline screening, all subjects performed moderate physical exercise for 2 min., then rested for 10 min., during which the experimental group was exposed to lavender aromatherapy. Recovery measures included diastolic and systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate. As the mean difference in diastolic blood pressure fell just short of statistical significance, further study with larger groups is required.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1996

Using aromatherapy in the management of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an uncomfortable, inflammatory skin disease for which there is no cure but which can be managed at an acceptable level for the individual. This article explores the use of aromatherapy as an alternative management approach. The author describes a range of treatment outcomes, which show both physiological and psychological benefits.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Aromatherapy in arthritis: a study.

In an attempt to redress the lack of research into the use of complementary therapy in the nursing care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the author studied the effects of massage and aromatherapy on patients' wellbeing.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed1999

Advancing my health care practice in aromatherapy.

This paper describes a clinical trial to examine the effects of aromatherapy on stress reduction in haemodialysis patients. The author used a social readjustment rating scale (SRRS), health assessment questionnaire and reflective journal in the collection and analysis of data.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Aromatherapy massage: its use in a ward setting.

This article describes the properties of essential oils and the use of aromatherapy in a ward setting to treat patients with a variety of conditions. It outlines some of the benefits and risks to patients.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed1995

Allergic airborne contact dermatitis from essential oils used in aromatherapy.

Contact allergy to various essential oils used in aromatherapy was demonstrated on patch testing in a 53-year-old patient suffering from relapsing eczema resistant to therapy on various uncovered parts of the skin, in particular the scalp, neck and hands. Sensitization was due to previous exposure to lavender, jasmine and rosewood. Laurel, eucalyptus and pomerance also produced positive tests, although there was no hint of previous exposure. A diagnosis of allergic airborne contact dermatitis was thus established. On topical and systemic glucocorticoid treatment (peroral methylprednisolone at an initial dose of 60 mg/day) the skin lesions eventually resolved. Due to persistence of the volatile essential oils in the patient's home after a year-long use of aroma lamps, complete renewal of the interior of the patient's flat was considered essential. Due to changing self-medication habits, with increasing orientation to 'natural' modes of treatment, increasing numbers of such sensitizations might be on the horizon.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Aromatherapy.

Jane Buckle presents the results of a randomised, double-blind trial of two essential oils of two different species of lavender, topically applied on post-cardiotomy patients. The emotional and behavioural stress levels of 28 patients were evaluated pre- and post-treatment on two consecutive days. The therapeutic effects of the two lavenders appeared to be different: one was almost twice as effective as the other, thereby disproving the hypothesis that aromatherapy, using topical application of essential oils, is effective purely because of touch, massage or placebo.

Adaptation, Psychological↗