International Hypnosis Research Institute - Aromatherapy

A brief review of current scientific evidence involving aromatherapy use for nausea and vomiting.

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 17:28:00 -0500

The objective of this study was to compile existing scientific evidence regarding the effects of essential oils (EOs) administered via inhalation for the alleviation of nausea and vomiting. CINAHL, PubMed, and EBSCO Host and Science Direct databases were searched for articles related to the use of EOs and/or aromatherapy for nausea and vomiting. Only articles using English as a language of publication were included. Eligible articles included all forms of evidence (nonexperimental, experimental, case report). Interventions were limited to the use of EOs by inhalation of their vapors to treat symptoms of nausea and vomiting in various conditions regardless of age group. Studies where the intervention did not utilize EOs or were concerned with only alcohol inhalation and trials that combined the use of aromatherapy with other treatments (massage, relaxations, or acupressure) were excluded. Five (5) articles met the inclusion criteria encompassing trials with 328 respondents. Their results suggest that the inhaled vapor of peppermint or ginger essential oils not only reduced the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting but also decreased antiemetic requirements and consequently improved patient satisfaction. However, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn due to methodological flaws in the existing research articles and an acute lack of additional research in this area. The existing evidence is encouraging but yet not compelling. Hence, further well-designed large trials are needed before confirmation of EOs effectiveness in treating nausea and vomiting can be strongly substantiated. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Jun;18(6):534-40. Lua PL, Zakaria NS. Centre for Clinical and Quality of Life Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia. peilinlua@unisza.edu.my

The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman..

Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:27:00 -0500

Full title: The effects of clinical aromatherapy for anxiety and depression in the high risk postpartum woman - a pilot study. The aim of this study was to determine if aromatherapy improves anxiety and/or depression in the high risk postpartum woman and to provide a complementary therapy tool for healthcare practitioners. The pilot study was observational with repeated measures. Private consultation room in a Women's center of a large Indianapolis hospital. 28 women, 0-18 months postpartum. The treatment groups were randomized to either the inhalation group or the aromatherapy hand m'technique. Treatment consisted of 15 min sessions, twice a week for four consecutive weeks. An essential oil blend of rose otto and lavandula angustifolia @ 2% dilution was used in all treatments. The non-randomized control group, comprised of volunteers, was instructed to avoid aromatherapy use during the 4 week study period. Allopathic medical treatment continued for all participants. All subjects completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) at the beginning of the study. The scales were then repeated at the midway point (two weeks), and at the end of all treatments (four weeks). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was utilized to determine differences in EPDS and/or GAD-7 scores between the aromatherapy and control groups at baseline, midpoint and end of study. No significant differences were found between aromatherapy and control groups at baseline. The midpoint and final scores indicated that aromatherapy had significant improvements greater than the control group on both EPDS and GAD-7 scores. There were no adverse effects reported. The pilot study indicates positive findings with minimal risk for the use of aromatherapy as a complementary therapy in both anxiety and depression scales with the postpartum woman. Future large scale research in aromatherapy with this population is recommended. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2012 Aug;18(3):164-8. Epub 2012 Jun 27. Conrad P, Adams C. Wellspring Pharmacy, Community Hospital North, Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN 46077, USA. pconrad@ecommunity.com

The effect of aromatherapy on postoperative nausea in women undergoing surgical procedures.

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 17:26:00 -0500

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common source of patient discomfort and decreased satisfaction. Aromatherapy has been identified as a complementary modality for the prevention and management of PONV. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of aromatherapy on the severity of postoperative nausea (PON) in women undergoing surgical procedures in the postanesthesia care unit. Women complaining of PON received traditional antiemetics, inhalation of peppermint oil, or saline vapor. A visual analog scale was used to rate nausea at the first complaint; at 5 minutes after intervention; and, if nausea persisted, at 10 minutes after intervention. At both 5 and 10 minutes, statistical analysis showed no significant differences between intervention and nausea rating. Obtaining eligible subjects was challenging. Although many women consented, most received intraoperative antiemetics and did not report nausea postoperatively. J Perianesth Nurs. 2012 Aug;27(4):246-51. Ferruggiari L, Ragione B, Rich ER, Lock K. Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11571, USA.

Risk factors of patients with and without postoperative nausea (PON).

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 17:26:00 -0500

This purpose of this analysis was to study risk factors of postoperative nausea (PON) and their strength. Data were obtained during the screening phase of a controlled clinical trial of aromatherapy for PON. In a sample of 1151 postsurgical subjects, 301 (26.2%) reported PON. Significant risk factors identified in the order of odds ratios for nausea were female gender, gastrointestinal surgery, use of volatile anesthesia gases, history of PON, history of motion sickness, and use of opioids after surgery. Although still over 1.0, the risk factors of length of surgery over 1 hour and gynecologic surgery had the lowest odds ratios. Likelihood of nausea increased significantly with the number of significant risk factors (P<.0001). Administration of preventive antiemetic medication also increased with the number of significant risk factors (P<.0001). Among 301 subjects reporting nausea, 49 (16.28%) received preventive medication. Despite prevention efforts, PON remains a substantial side effect for many surgical patients. J Perianesth Nurs. 2012 Aug;27(4):252-8. Dienemann J, Hudgens AN, Martin D, Jones H, Hunt R, Blackwell R, Norton HJ, Divine G. School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. jadienem@uncc.edu

Effect of sweet orange aroma on experimental anxiety in humans.

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:25:00 -0500

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential anxiolytic effect of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) aroma in healthy volunteers submitted to an anxiogenic situation. Design: Forty (40) male volunteers were allocated to five different groups for the inhalation of sweet orange essential oil (test aroma: 2.5, 5, or 10 drops), tea tree essential oil (control aroma: 2.5 drops), or water (nonaromatic control: 2.5 drops). Immediately after inhalation, each volunteer was submitted to a model of anxiety, the video-monitored version of the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Outcome measures: Psychologic parameters (state-anxiety, subjective tension, tranquilization, and sedation) and physiologic parameters (heart rate and gastrocnemius electromyogram) were evaluated before the inhalation period and before, during, and after the SCWT. Results: Unlike the control groups, the individuals exposed to the test aroma (2.5 and 10 drops) presented a lack of significant alterations (p>0.05) in state-anxiety, subjective tension and tranquillity levels throughout the anxiogenic situation, revealing an anxiolytic activity of sweet orange essential oil. Physiologic alterations along the test were not prevented in any treatment group, as has previously been observed for diazepam. Conclusions: Although more studies are needed to find out the clinical relevance of aromatherapy for anxiety disorders, the present results indicate an acute anxiolytic activity of sweet orange aroma, giving some scientific support to its use as a tranquilizer by aromatherapists. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Aug;18(8):798-804. Epub 2012 Jul 31. Goes TC, Antunes FD, Alves PB, Teixeira-Silva F. 1 Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe , Sergipe, Brazil.

Soothing the senses.

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 17:24:00 -0500

The Namaste programme is a systematic method of treating people with advanced dementia. It uses sensory approaches - such as massage and aromatherapy - to reach people who are often overlooked at the end of their lives. Here, nurses in south London care homes explain how it has brought comfort and pleasure to the'silent residents' and made nursing more purposeful and rewarding. Nurs Stand. 2012 Jun 27-Jul 3;26(43):20-2. Trueland J.

Living with pleasure in daily life at the end of life...

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 17:23:00 -0500

Full title: Living with pleasure in daily life at the end of life: Recommended care strategy for cancer patients from the perspective of physicians and nurses. One of the most important goals of palliative care is achieving a good death. Most Japanese believe that "having some pleasure in daily life" is necessary at the end of life. The aim of this study was to identify, from the perspective of physicians and nurses, a care strategy that ensures that cancer patients have pleasure in daily life at the end of life. Method: We conducted semistructured interviews with experts in palliative care units. A total of 45 participants included 22 palliative care physicians and 23 nurses. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using a content analysis method. Results: Care for end-of-life cancer patients that ensures they have some pleasure in daily life was classified into five categories: "Pain assessment and pain easing" aimed to offer physical and psychological pain assessment and relief. "Maintenance of recuperative environment" aimed to offer care that arranged for assistive devices and equipment in the patient's room. "Support of daily life" aimed to offer care that eased accomplishment of daily activities. "Care that respects individuality" aimed to offer care that assessed sources of pleasure for the patient. "Events and complementary and alternative therapies" aimed to offer such care as aromatherapy and massage. Significance of results: The elements of care identified in this study are useful for all end-of-life cancer patients, even those who do not enter palliative care units. The next step of research is to test the efficacy of interventions that reflect the five identified categories of care for end-of life cancer patients. Palliat Support Care. 2012 Jul 6:1-9. Nakano K, Sato K, Katayama H, Miyashita M. Saiseikai Central Hospital, Nursing Department, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Aromatherapy and Massage Intrapartum Service Impact on Use of Analgesia and Anaesthesia in Women...

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 17:22:00 -0500

Full title: Aromatherapy and Massage Intrapartum Service Impact on Use of Analgesia and Anaesthesia in Women in Labor: A Retrospective Case Note Abstract Background: Over the past decade, interest in complementary therapies and alternative medicine has escalated among midwives and the general public in response to increased demand from expectant mothers for more choice, control, and continuity in labor. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore if an aromatherapy and massage intrapartum service (AMIS) reduced the need for analgesia during labor. This article reports results related to the effects of an AMIS on type of analgesia chosen by women in labor, and on rates of anesthesia-one aspect of the full study. Setting/location: The study was conducted in a general maternity unit in southwest England, UK. Design: A quantitative research approach was taken, whereby contemporaneously completed service evaluation forms of 1079 women (601 nulliparous women and 478 multiparous women; AMIS group) were retrospectively analyzed in comparison with the birth records of an equal number of similar women (comparison group). Data analysis was achieved by entering data from the forms and comparison sample into an SPSS package and running statistical tests. Results: In the AMIS group, overall analgesia usage was higher for transcutaneous electrical stimulation at 34%, compared with 15.9% (p<0.001 allowing for parity), and for nitrous oxide and oxygen at 87.6%, compared with 80.8% (p<0.001). Pethidine use did not differ after adjustment for parity at 30.1%, compared with 24.2% (p=0.27) in the AMIS and comparison groups, respectively. Rates were lower in the AMIS group for epidural anaesthesia at 29.7%, compared with 33.8% (p=0.004 allowing for parity) in the comparison group; spinal anesthesia at 6%; compared with 12.1% (p<0.001) in the comparison group; and general anesthesia at 0.8%, compared with 2.3% (p=0.033) in the comparison group. Conclusions: Having an AMIS appears to have a positive impact on reducing rates of all types of intrapartum anaesthesia. The Service is a beneficial addition to conventional midwifery practice that may influence mode of delivery and reduce general anesthesia rates. J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Aug 16. Dhany AL, Mitchell T, Foy C. 1 The Birthing Unit, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital , Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom

Anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance...

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 17:20:00 -0500

Full title: Anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance, a natural compound found in foods and plants. Aim: This systematic review was aimed at critically evaluating the evidence regarding the adverse effects associated with aromatherapy. Method: Five electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant case reports and case series. Results: Forty two primary reports met our inclusion criteria. In total, 71 patients experienced adverse effects of aromatherapy. Adverse effects ranged from mild to severe and included one fatality. The most common adverse effect was dermatitis. Lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil and ylang-ylang were the most common essential oils responsible for adverse effects. Conclusion: Aromatherapy has the potential to cause adverse effects some of which are serious. Their frequency remains unknown. Lack of sufficiently convincing evidence regarding the effectiveness of aromatherapy combined with its potential to cause adverse effects questions the usefulness of this modality in any condition. Int J Risk Saf Med. 2012 Jan 1;24(3):147-61. Posadzki P, Alotaibi A, Ernst E. Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, UK.

The effect of lavender oil on stress, bispectral index values, and needle insertion pain...

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:49:00 -0500

Full Title: The effect of lavender oil on stress, bispectral index values, and needle insertion pain in volunteers. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether lavender oil aromatherapy can reduce the bispectral index (BIS) values and stress and decrease the pain of needle insertion in 30 volunteers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty (30) healthy volunteers were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the experimental group received oxygen with a face mask coated with lavender oil for 5 minutes, and the control group received oxygen through a face mask with no lavender oil for 5 minutes. The stress level (0=no stress, 10=maximum stress), BIS value, and pain intensity of needle insertion (0=no pain, 10=worst pain imaginable) were measured. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, sex, height, and weight between the two groups. Stress level, BIS value, and pain intensity of needle insertion before aromatherapy were similar between the two groups. However, the stress values (p<0.001) and BIS value (p<0.001) after aromatherapy were significantly reduced compared with the control. In addition, the pain intensity of needle insertion was significantly decreased after aromatherapy compared with the control (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lavender aromatherapy in volunteers provided a significant decrease in the stress levels and in the BIS values. In addition, it significantly reduced the pain intensity of needle insertion. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Sep;17(9):823-6. Kim S, Kim HJ, Yeo JS, Hong SJ, Lee JM, Jeon Y. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.

The effect of lavender aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system in midlife women with insomnia.

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:48:00 -0500

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of 12 weeks of lavender aromatherapy on self-reported sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) in the midlife women with insomnia. Sixty-seven women aged 45-55 years, with a CPSQI (Chinese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) greater than 5, were recruited from communities in Taiwan. The experimental group (n = 34) received lavender inhalation, 20?min each time, twice per week, for 12 weeks, with a total of 24 times. The control group (n = 33) received health education program for sleep hygiene with no intervention. The study of HRV was analyzed by time- and frequency-domain methods. Significant decrease in mean heart rate (HR) and increases in SDNN (standard deviation of the normal-to-normal (NN) intervals), RMSDD (square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals), and HF (high frequency) of spectral powers analysis after lavender inhalation were observed in the 4th and 12th weeks of aromatherapy. The total CPSQI score of study subjects was significantly decreased in the experimental group (P < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed across the same time period (P =0.776) in the control group. Resting HR and HRV measurements at baseline 1 month and 3 months after allocation showed no significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The study demonstrated that lavender inhalation may have a persistent short-term effect on HRV with an increase in parasympathetic modulation. Women receiving aromatherapy experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality after intervention. However, lavender aromatherapy does not appear to confer benefit on HRV in the long-term follow up. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:740813. Chien LW, Cheng SL, Liu CF. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Effectiveness of aroma massage on advanced cancer patients with constipation: a pilot study.

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:51:00 -0500

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of aroma massage on constipation in advanced cancer patients. METHODS: This study employed a randomized control group pre- and post test design and included an aroma massage group, plain massage group, and control group. To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy, the degree of constipation was measured using a constipation assessment scale, severity level of constipation and the frequency of bowel movements. Data was analyzed by repeated measures of Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, Spearman's rho and ANOVA using SPSS program. RESULTS: The score of the constipation assessment scale of the aroma massage group was significantly lower than the control group. Apart from the improvement in bowel movements, the results showed significantly improved quality of life in physical and support domains of the aroma massage group. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest aroma massage can help to relieve constipation in patients with advanced cancer. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):37-43. Epub 2010 Jun 12. Lai TK, Cheung MC, Lo CK, Ng KL, Fung YH, Tong M, Yau CC. Department of Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, 2-10 Princess Margaret Hospital Road, Lai Chi Kok, Hong Kong, China. laitk@ha.org.hk

Healing advantages of lavender essential oil during episiotomy recovery: a clinical trial.

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:50:00 -0500

Episiotomy is the most common perineal incision in obstetric and midwifery. Nowadays alternative and complementary methods such as Aromatherapy using essential oils are established as an alternative therapy. This research was carried out to assess the effect of lavender oil in wound healing. This randomized control trial was conducted on 120 primiparous women with singleton pregnancy, without any acute and chronic disease and allergy who had undergone normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and episiotomy. They were randomly allocated in case and control groups. Case group received lavender oil and controls received povidone-iodine. Incision sites were assessed on the 10th day postpartum. 25 out of 60 women in lavender group and 17 mothers in control group had no pain (p = 0.06). There was no significant difference between two groups in surgery site complications. However, redness in lavender group was significantly less than controls (p < 0.001). This study suggests application of lavender essential oil instead of povidone-iodine for episiotomy wound care. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 Feb;17(1):50-3. Epub 2010 Jun 17. Vakilian K, Atarha M, Bekhradi R, Chaman R. Nursing and Midwifery College, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Tehran, Iran. swt_f@yahoo.com

Orange Interventions for Symptoms Associated With Dimethyl Sulfoxide During Stem Cell Reinfusions...

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:48:00 -0500

Full title: Orange Interventions for Symptoms Associated With Dimethyl Sulfoxide During Stem Cell Reinfusions: A Feasibility Study. BACKGROUND:: For over 2 decades, oncology nurses at a regional comprehensive cancer center offered sliced oranges to patients during the reinfusion of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) to relieve symptoms associated with the preservative dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). OBJECTIVES:: This randomized pilot study examined feasibility and efficacy of sliced orange intervention (OI), orange aromatherapy intervention (OAI), or deep breathing (control) to address unpleasant adverse effects during HPC infusion. METHODS:: Orange intervention sniffed or tasted a quartered orange, OAI sniffed orange aromatherapy, and control took deep breaths. Perceived "symptom intensity" for tickle/cough urge, nausea, retching, and perceived "relief" were measured on 0- to 10-point numerical scales. RESULTS:: Sixty of 72 eligible patients consented to participate and were randomized to OI (n = 19), OAI (n = 23), or control (n =18). Study personnel successfully administered study procedures. Over the course of 2 bags of cells infused, the OI group reported significantly greater relief with the intervention (P = .032). Among participants less than 90 kg, OI group reported significantly lower symptom intensity (P = .012). CONCLUSIONS:: Results suggest a feasible protocol and potential efficacy of sliced oranges for treating symptoms associated with DMSO-preserved stem cells. Study procedures provide a tested protocol for future studies. Follow-up study is warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate other treatment options. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:: Oranges offer a simple, noninvasive intervention for relieving symptoms associated with DMSO preservative during autologous HPC infusion. Cancer Nurs. 2011 Mar 2. Potter P, Eisenberg S, Cain KC, Berry DL. Author Affiliations: School of Nursing, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon (Dr Potter); Infusion Services, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington (Mr Eisenberg); Department of Biostatistics and Office for Nursing Research, Seattle, Washington (Dr Cain); Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Berry).

Aromasticks in cancer care: an innovation not to be sniffed at.

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:47:00 -0500

AIM: To evaluate the effects of a new aromatherapy intervention introduced within an acute cancer care setting in the UK. BACKGROUND: Aromatherapy is a popular complementary therapy within oncology settings and is known to help relieve patients' anxiety. A new method of delivering aromatherapy to patients was adopted by a complementary therapy service at a UK hospital; aromasticks are similar in design to the Vicks® Vapour Inhaler®, with the intention of helping patients manage anxiety, nausea and sleep disturbance. DESIGN: A retrospective service evaluation. METHOD: Patients referred to the complementary therapy service were, if appropriate, offered an aromastick. If the offer was accepted patients' details were captured on an evaluation form. One week later the patients were followed up by a different therapist. Frequency of using the aromastick and perceived benefits were documented. A total of 160 patients were included in this evaluation. RESULTS: 77% (n = 123) of all patients reported deriving at least one benefit from the aromastick. In anxious patients, 65% reported feeling more relaxed and 51% felt less stress. 47% of nauseous patients said that the aromastick had settled their nausea and 55% of those experiencing sleep disturbances felt that aromastick helped them sleep. The results also suggest that the effects of the aromastick may be directly proportional to the frequency of their use. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Evidence demonstrating physiological changes associated with aroma inhalation plus the data presented in this paper highlight the potential for aromasticks within the clinical setting. Although the results of this evaluation of patient perspectives are not controlled, the data does underline the worth of further investigation. Future research is needed to show that aromasticks represent a tool patients can use to self-manage their own symptoms and help them retain an internal locus of control. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011 May;17(2):116-21. Stringer J, Donald G. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, United Kingdom. jacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.uk