Aromatherapy and Essential Oils - National Cancer Institute

Use of Aromatherapy as a Supportive Care Agent: Table of Clinical Studies

Reference Citations Type of Study/Essential Oil/Mode of Administration No. of Patients Enrolled; Treated; Control Condition Investigated Primary Outcome Secondary Outcome Level of Evidence Score

[1] Randomized nonblinded trial^a/lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller [synonyms: Lavandula spicata L.; Lavandula vera DC.]) and chamomile blend/massage 46; 11; 18 Mood, QOL, physical symptoms No effect on mood, QOL, or physical symptoms None 1ii

[2] Randomized nonblinded trial^a/lavender/massage 42; 29; 13 Pain No effect on pain Improved sleep; reduced depression; no effect on QOL 1ii

[3] Double-blind randomized control trial^a/lavender, bergamot (Citrus aurantium L. ssp. bergamia [Risso] Wright & Arn. [Rutaceae]; [synonym: Citrus bergamia Risso]), and cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica [Endl.] Manetti ex Carriere [Pinaceae])/indirect application 313 Anxiety No effect on anxiety No effect on depression or fatigue 1i

[4] Nonrandomized controlled clinical trial ^b/lavender, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Eucalyptus radiata Sieber ex DC. [Myrtaceae]), tea tree/topical application 16; 6; 10 Infection No effect on incidence of infection None 2

[5] Nonrandomized controlled clinical trial ^b/geranium (Pelargonium species), German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L. [synonyms: Matricaria chamomilla L., Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rausch.]) , patchouli (Pogostemon cablin [Blanco] Benth. [Lamiaceae] [synonyms: Mentha cablin Blanco, Pogostemon patchouly Letettier]), and turmeric phytol/oral application 48; 24; 24 Gastrointestinal symptoms No effect on gastrointestinal symptoms None 2

[6] Consecutive case series ^c/lavender or chamomile/massage 18; 8 Anxiety, depression No reduction in anxiety or depression Reduction in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration 3ii

[7] Randomized nonblinded trial^a/chamomile/massage 103; 43; 44 Physical and psychological symptoms, QOL Reduction in anxiety and in physical and psychological symptoms; improved QOL None 1ii

[8] Randomized nonblinded trial^a/chamomile/massage 52; 26; 25 QOL, physical symptoms, anxiety Improved QOL, fewer physical symptoms, reduced anxiety None 1ii

[9] Randomized nonblinded trial^a/aromatherapy blend^d/massage 52; 34; 18 Anxiety, mobility Decreased anxiety, pain; improved mobility None 1ii

[10] Consecutive case^a/various oils/massage 69 General symptoms General improvement in symptoms reported by patients; no statistical analysis completed None 3ii

No. = number; QOL = quality of life.

^aPatients with cancer.

^bPatients with breast cancer undergoing bone marrow transplantation.

^cPatients with malignant brain tumors.

^dLavender (43%), rosewood (29%), rose (7%), and valerian (4%).

References

Wilcock A, Manderson C, Weller R, et al.: Does aromatherapy massage benefit patients with cancer attending a specialist palliative care day centre? Palliat Med 18 (4): 287-90, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
Soden K, Vincent K, Craske S, et al.: A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting. Palliat Med 18 (2): 87-92, 2004. [PUBMED Abstract]
Graham PH, Browne L, Cox H, et al.: Inhalation aromatherapy during radiotherapy: results of a placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial. J Clin Oncol 21 (12): 2372-6, 2003. [PUBMED Abstract]
Gravett P: Aromatherapy treatment for patients with Hickman line infection following high-dose chemotherapy. International Journal of Aromatherapy 11 (1): 18-9, 2001.
Gravett P: Treatment of gastrointestinal upset following high-dose chemotherapy. International Journal of Aromatherapy 11 (2): 84-6, 2001.
Hadfield N: The role of aromatherapy massage in reducing anxiety in patients with malignant brain tumours. Int J Palliat Nurs 7 (6): 279-85, 2001. [PUBMED Abstract]
Wilkinson S, Aldridge J, Salmon I, et al.: An evaluation of aromatherapy massage in palliative care. Palliat Med 13 (5): 409-17, 1999. [PUBMED Abstract]
Wilkinson S: Aromatherapy and massage in palliative care. Int J Palliat Nurs 1 (1): 21-30, 1995.
Corner J, Cawler N, Hildebrand S: An evaluation of the use of massage and essential oils on the wellbeing of cancer patients. Int J Palliat Nurs 1 (2): 67-73, 1995.
Evans B: An audit into the effects of aromatherapy massage and the cancer patient in palliative and terminal care. Complement Ther Med 3 (4): 239-41, 1995.