Complimentary therapies

 

Aromatherapy

 Aromatherapy involves the use of oil concentrated from barks of certain plants, fruits, seeds or flowers. Popular choices used in palliative care include lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, jasmine and peppermint to name a few.

 

 Aromatherapy believes in the principle that each oil possess unique properties that enhance wellbeing, relax and leaves the person feeling invigorated.

There are various postulation as to the mechanism of action of aromatherapy, this includes:

1.) the penetration of the lipophilic oil through the barrier of the skin into the bloodstream to reach particular organs to produce various effects.

2.) Olfactory nerves located in the nasal cavity detects the aroma of the oil to relay to the brain and produces a response depending on the aroma. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evidence for effectiveness

 Aromatherapy may be used by patients to help relieve stress, anxiety, depression or fatique. 

Trials have been well recorded in literature regarding aromatherapy but further robust evidence is required to support confident claims of benefit in use.

One Cochrane review conducted by Wilkinsons in 2007 compared the use of aromatherapy versus standard supportive care. Results suggested no long term improvement in relieving depression and/or anxiety in cancer patients. 

Other randomised controlled trials reviewed by the Cochrane database provided results that were ambiguous as to whether aromatherapy produced any effect on the quality of life or stress reduction.