Aromatherapy: does it help to relieve pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in community-dwelling older persons?

Effect of aromatic massage on brain waves and physiological indices of older adults

BACKGROUND

Massage and aromatherapy are frequently used by older adults as alternative interventions to enhance immunity and induce relaxation. This pilot study evaluated the effect of massage therapy with oil and aromatherapy alone and in combination using objective biological indices.

METHODS

Twenty-eight participants recruited by convenience sampling included adults aged between 25 and 65 years (Group 1), elderly individuals over 65 years without nursing care (Group 2), and older adults over 65 needing long-term nursing support (Group 3). A multiple-group pretest-post-test design was employed, and the effect among the three groups was compared. Interventions included: (i) oil massage therapy; (ii) aromatherapy; and (iii) aroma oil massage therapy. Each therapy session lasted 5 min, with 3 min of observation before and after the session and 10 min interval between sessions. Group 3 omitted one therapy (2: aromatherapy) to reduce their physical burden. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded for α, β, and θ activities of brain waves. EEG data were collected at three points: before, during, and after each treatment. Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentration, oxygen saturation (SPO2), and pulse rate were measured before and after each session.

RESULTS

Across all therapy modalities, there was a noticeable increase in the α wave, indicative of relaxation, during the treatment. Significant differences were observed before and during the oil massage in both Group 1 and Group 2. Aromatherapy demonstrated a significant difference before and during treatment in Group 1. Among the biological parameters, s-IgA levels indicated no significant changes. The pulse rate decreased with oil massage. Significant differences were noted before and after therapy in all cases for SPO2 and in Group 2 for pulse rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Three therapies induced EEG and physiological changes in the adult group and older adults without nursing care. However, these effects are limited in older adults requiring nursing care.

Microbial bionic nano-aromatic drugs for prevention of depression induced by chronic stress

Depression is a mood disorder mainly clinically characterized by significant and persistent low spirits. Chronic stress is the leading cause of depression. However, traditional medicine has severe side effects in treating depression, ineffective treatment, and easy recurrence. Therefore, it is of great significance to prevent depression in the environment of chronic stress. In this study, aromatherapy was used for the prevention of depression. To solve the defects of intense volatility and inconvenience in using essential oils, we designed bionic nano-aromatic drugs and adhered them to the wallpaper. Inspired by the moldy wallpaper, we successively prepared the morphology-bionic nano-aromatic drugs, the function-bionic nano-aromatic drugs, and the bionic plus nano-aromatic drugs by referring to the morphology of microorganisms and substances in bacterial biofilms. Bionic nano-aromatic drugs remarkably promoted their adhesion on wallpaper. Molecular dynamics simulation explored its molecular mechanism. The essential oils, which were slowly released from the bionic nano-aromatic drugs, showed excellent biosecurity and depression prevention. These sustainedly released essential oils could significantly increase monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain under a chronic stress environment and had excellent neuroprotection. Besides, the bionic nano-aromatic drugs with simple preparation process and low cost had excellent application potential.

Bergamot essential oil improves CUMS-induced depression-like behaviour in rats by protecting the plasticity of hippocampal neurons

Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is an extract of the bergamot fruit with significant neuroprotective effect. This study was to investigate the effects and the underlying mechanism of BEO in mitigating depression. GC-MS were used to identify its constituents. Antidepressive properties of BEO were evaluated by sucrose preference test (SPT), force swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT). Nissl staining was used to determine the number of Nissl bodies in hippocampus (HIPP) of rats. Changes in HIPP dendritic length and dendritic spine density were detected by Golgi-Cox staining. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) and synaptophysin (SYP) in the HIPP of rats. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the HIPP, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of rats. Inhaled BEO significantly improved depressive behaviour in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. BEO increased Nissl bodies, dendritic length and spine density, PSD-95 and SYP protein in the HIPP. Additionally, BEO upregulated serum 5-HT, serum and CSF IGF-1, while downregulating serum IL-1β. Collectively, inhaled BEO mitigates depression by protecting the plasticity of hippocampal neurons, hence, providing novel insights into treatment of depression.

Effects of Orange Oil Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety During Invasive Interventions in Patients With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants

Invasive interventions, such as peripheral intravenous cannula, port needle placement, and blood collection, are often required for both inpatient and outpatient follow-up patients with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. This prospective, randomized controlled experimental study assessed the effect of orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy on pain and anxiety levels in invasive interventions with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. It was conducted prospectively with 80 patients with hematological malignancies who were treated in the adult bone marrow transplant unit and adult hematology service of a private hospital between May 2021 and April 2022. The orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy was applied to patients in the intervention group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for data collection. Regarding the personal characteristics of the patients, 42.5% were ≥61 years old, 60% were men, and 85% were married. VAS pain scores of the intervention group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the STAI scores of groups (P >.05). The study results show that orange oil inhalation has been determined to reduce pain during invasive interventions.

Aromatherapy for the brain: Lavender's healing effect on epilepsy, depression, anxiety, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease: A review article

Neurological diseases affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junctions, and muscles. Herbal medicine has long been used to cure these diseases. One of these plants is lavender, which is composed of various compounds, including terpenes, such as linalool, limonene, triterpenes, linalyl acetate, alcohols, ketones, polyphenols, coumarins, cineole, and flavonoids. In this review, the literature was searched using scientific search engines and databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, and PubMed) for papers published between 1982 and 2020 via keywords, including review, lavender, and neurological disorders. This plant exerts its healing effect on many diseases, such as anxiety and depression through an inhibitory effect on GABA. The anti-inflammatory effects of this plant have also been documented. It improves depression by regulating glutamate receptors and inhibiting calcium channels and serotonergic factors, such as SERT. Its antiepileptic mechanism is due to an increase in the inhibitory effect of GABA and potassium current and a decrease in sodium current. Therefore, many vegetable oils are also used in herbal medicine. In this review, the healing effect of lavender on several neurological disorders, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease was investigated. All findings strongly support the traditional uses of lavender. More clinical studies are needed to investigate the effect of the plants' pharmacological active constituents on the treatment of life-threatening diseases in humans. The limitations of this study are the low quality and the limited number of clinical studies. Different administration methods of lavender are one of the limitations of this review.

Effect of chamomile aromatherapy with and without oxygen on pain of women in post cesarean section with spinal anesthesia: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Pain is the most common side effect in cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. It seems that oxygen therapy and chamomile aromatherapy may diminish pain. The present study was conducted to examine and compare the effect of chamomile aromatherapy with and without oxygen on the severity of pain of women following cesarean section surgery with spinal anesthesia.

Methods

The present randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 136 women undergoing cesarean section surgery with spinal anesthesia at Imam Sajad Hospital, Yasuj, Iran in 2020. The eligible women were assigned into four 34-member groups including oxygen therapy plus aromatherapy, oxygen therapy, aromatherapy, and control via block randomization. Each of these interventions were performed 6, 6.30 and 7 h post operation. In the first intervention group, one drop of chamomile essential oil with distilled water was poured into a small nebulizer using a simple mask connected to 6 L of oxygen. The second intervention group received oxygen without chamomile aromatherapy at similar times, and the third intervention group received chamomile aromatherapy without oxygen. The control group received only routine interventions. The instrument used in the research was visual analog scale which was completed by the researcher 6, 12, 18 h after cesarean section. The data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 20.

Results

There was a significant difference in the intensity of pain of patients between the various groups of study following the interventions (P < 0.001). Pain intensity reduced significantly in the group receiving combined intervention of chamomile aromatherapy plus oxygen compared to the other three groups. Moreover, the pain intensity diminished more in the groups undergoing each of these interventions alone as compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The combined intervention of chamomile aromatherapy with oxygen was more effective than each of the chamomile aromatherapy and oxygen interventions alone in reducing the pain of cesarean section patients though each intervention alone was still effective in lowering pain post-operation.

The Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Depression in People With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in people with cancer. Medical therapies are usually prescribed to alleviate anxiety and depression, but they are associated with a variety of adverse effects. Recently, aromatherapy showed potential as a complementary medicine to improve psychological health and wellbeing. However, its effectiveness on relieving anxiety and depression has not been established.

Objective

This study explored the beneficial effects of aromatherapy on psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression in people with cancer.

Methods

We searched international databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Ebscohost, ProQuest and Scopus from inception to 31 May 2021. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative analysis was performed on the studies that met our inclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis was performed on the studies with available data by RevMan software.

Results

The quality of the literatures were assessed carefully by two researchers, a total of 17 studies were included in the systematic review and 10 articles were conducted in meta-analysis. The aromatherapy was effective in relieving anxiety (SMD = -0.49, p < 0.05) in people with cancer. Subgroup analysis suggested that most effective methods were aromatic massage (SMD = -0.70, p < 0.005), aromatherapy with lavender essential oils (SMD = -1.12, p < 0.01), short-time interventions (duration < 4weeks) (SMD = -0.87, p < 0.05) and studies in Asia (SMD = -0.83, p < 0.05). Regarding depression and psychological wellbeing, there were no difference between aromatherapy and control groups.

Conclusion

In cancer patients, the aromatherapy was effective for relieving anxiety. However, there was no beneficial effect on depression and psychological wellbeing.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021272465.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds from 14 landscape woody species: Tree species selection in the construction of urban greenspace with forest healthcare effects

Biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) is an important part of forest healthcare effect, while it has not received enough attention in urban greenspace construction. Consequently, the aim of this study was to analyze BVOC emission rates and compositions released from leaves and flowers of landscape species in urban greenspace and to make suggestions for species selection and planting configuration in urban greenspace construction. BVOC emissions were collected and analyzed using dynamic flow enclosure technique with GC-MS in summer months (for leaf) and spring months (for flower) from 14 woody landscape species in northern China, which are 2 coniferous species (Pinus tabuliformis and Sabina vulgaris) and 12 broad-leaved species (Viburnum opulus, Kolkwitzia amabilis, Philadelphus pekinensis, Lonicera maackii, Cercis chinensis, Deutzia parviflora, Berberis thunbergia, Kerria japonica, Rosa xanthina, Syringa oblata, Syringa reticulata, and Cerasus serrulata). We found leaf emission rates of coniferous species were more than 20 μg∙g^-1Dw∙h^-1 and mainly consisted of monoterpenes, while that of sampled broad-leaved species were less than 10 μg∙g^-1Dw∙h^-1 and mainly consisted of fatty acid derivatives. Most broad-leaved species had relatively high emission rates of flowers, ranging from 15 to 115 μg∙g^-1Dw∙h^-1. Flower emissions of Syringa oblata and Syringa reticulata contained large amounts of aldehydes, and that of other broad-leaved species mainly contained terpenes, alcohols, and esters. We suggest the species with leaves that release large amounts of monoterpenes, and species with flowers that release large amounts of fragrant compounds are classified as healthcare species, while species with a dense crown and low emission rates of pungent compounds are classified as space-creation species. Based on this, planners could design urban greenspace with healthcare effects, and develop multi-functional, innovative, and sustainable urban greenspaces.

The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Considering the prevalence of mental health problems in older adults, this study aims to investigate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy using lavender and chamomile essential oils on depression, anxiety, and stress of community-dwelling older people.

METHODS

A three-armed, parallel, randomized, and controlled trial design was used in this study. 183 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 61): the lavender, chamomile, and control groups. The participants in the experimental groups inhaled three drops of 1.5% lavender and chamomile essential oils for 30 nights. The participants in the control group inhaled only distilled water in a similar fashion. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Scale (DASS) at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvement occurred in depression, anxiety, and stress levels immediately and one month after the intervention in lavender and chamomile groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Inhalation aromatherapy with both lavender and chamomile essential oils helped decrease depression, anxiety, and stress levels in community-dwelling older adults.

Effect of Aromatherapy with Damask Rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) on Anxiety in the Elderly: Open-Labeled Quasi-Experimental Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Anxiety in orthopedic surgeries, especially knee replacement, is one of the most common complaints of the elderly. Aromatherapy with Damask Rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) can be one of the non-pharmacological methods in complementary medicine to control anxiety. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effect of aromatherapy with R. damascena on elderly anxiety after knee replacement surgery. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 80 elderly patients (60 to 90 years old) undergoing knee replacement surgery according to inclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling method randomly from Moheb Mehr and Shafa Yahyaian hospitals of Tehran, Iran, and were divided into two groups of case and control. The case group was exposed to aromatherapy intervention at four intervals of 30 minutes. The instrument for measuring anxiety was the Visual Analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A). Results: The results showed that the study elderly were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables in both case and control groups, except for two variables of education level and consumption of analgesics, which were also determined by two-way ANOVA. These parameters (education level, P = 0.54, and consumption of analgesics, P = 0.661) were not confounding variables. Significant differences were observed in the anxiety of the case group before and after the intervention (P < 0.001), while this difference was not significant in the control group (P = 0.304). Moreover, the difference in anxiety scores was significantly decreased after the intervention compared to before intervention in both case and control groups (P < 0.001). Probably Damask Rose aroma molecules produce and secrete neurotransmitters such as endorphins and encephalin, thereby reducing pain and anxiety. Conclusions: According to the findings of the study, the aromatherapy with R. damascena seems to be effective in reducing postoperative anxiety in these elderly patients.

Combination of 3-Dimensional Virtual Reality and Hands-On Aromatherapy in Improving Institutionalized Older Adults' Psychological Health: Quasi-Experimental Study

Background

In Taiwan, which has one of the most rapidly aging populations in the world, it is becoming increasingly critical to promote successful aging strategies that are effective, easily usable, and acceptable to institutionalized older adults. Although many practitioners and professionals have explored aromatherapy and identified its psychological benefits, the effectiveness of combining 3-dimensional (3D) virtual reality and hands-on aromatherapy remains unknown.

Objective

A quasi-experimental trial was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of this combination in lowering perceived stress and promoting happiness, sleep quality, meditation experience, and life satisfaction among institutionalized older adults in Taiwan.

Methods

A total of 60 institutionalized elderly participants either received the combined intervention or were in a control group. Weekly 2-hour sessions were implemented over 9 weeks. The outcome variables were happiness, perceived stress, sleep quality, meditation experience, and life satisfaction, which were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses indicated that the experimental group showed significant post-intervention improvements in terms of scores for happiness, perceived stress, sleep quality, meditation experience, and life satisfaction (n=48; all P<.001). Another GEE analysis showed that the significant improvements in the 5 outcome variables persisted in participants aged 80 years and older (n=35; all P<.001).

Conclusions

This is the first trial to explore the effectiveness of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on aromatherapy in improving older adults’ psychological health. The results are promising for the promotion of psychological health in institutionalized older adults.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04324216; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04324216.

One-year visiting care service treatment with Korean medicine for a solitary elderly woman in a public health setting: A case report

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This report presents a case of 82-year-old uneducated solitary elderly women.

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She received one year of visiting care service with Korean medicine treatments in a public health setting.

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Her pain severity remained moderate after an initial decline, depressive symptoms remained almost unchanged, and cognitive functions improved after initial significant improvements over a year.

In public health, the plight of the solitary elderly is associated with serious social and medical burden. In this vulnerable population, neuropsychiatric complications such as senile depression and dementia as well as chronic pain conditions often co-occur. In this case report, we present a case of an 81-year-old solitary woman who received one year of visiting care service with Korean medicine treatments in a public health setting. During the one year, her pain severity (measured using numeric rating scale) remained moderate after her initial decline and her depressive symptoms and cognitive function scales (Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form Korean and the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination for Dementia Screening) remained almost unchanged; however, another cognitive function scale (Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment) showed noticeable improvements. This case report suggests that providing visiting care services with Korean medicine may be a viable strategy for addressing the issues of the solitary elderly.

Effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications.

METHODS

In this systematic review, international (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and CENTRAL) and national databases (SID and Magiran) were searched from inception of the databases to April 31, 2019. JBI and Jadad scales were used to assess the quality of the studies included.

RESULTS

of 43 Studies conducted on 3239 cancer patients in 13 countries from 1995 to 2019, entered the final stage. The results showed that the aromatherapy improves the various physical and psychological complications, although few studies have shown that aromatherapy had no effect on skin reactions.

CONCLUSION

Considering the various complications and costs in cancer patients, it seems that the aromatherapy can be used as a proper supplemental treatment to improve complications, although further studies are needed to determine the protocol and the standard dosage.

Evaluation of aromatherapy with lavender oil on academic stress: A randomized placebo controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Academic stress is prevalent among pharmacy students. Several factors such as hectic schedules, courses and exam load as well as lack of recreational time during semester have been reported as determinants of academic stress. Studies revealed; the use of aroma oils especially with relaxant properties may help ease stress.

METHODS

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lavender oil on academic stress during exams in pharmacy students. A randomized-single-blind placebo-controlled trial providing aromatherapy with lavender oil as an intervention was conducted in male pharmacy students. The outcomes assessed included stress, stool pattern, headache and vital signs that comprised of systolic, diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and heart rate (HR). The study was approved from concerned authority and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT#03460626).

RESULTS

The placebo and experimental group showed a significant (p < 0.01) difference in stress score (F = 244.865, p < 0.0001), headache VAS score (F = 8.187, p < 0.0001), SBP (F = 11.141, p < 0.0001), DBP (F = 3.873, p < 0.001) and HR (F = 8.537, p < 0.0001); at during-exam time-point as compared to control group. No significance was achieved; among three treatment groups in stool pattern (F = 2.143, p > 0.05) and, at post-exam time-point (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Aromatherapy with lavender oil did not have any effect on academic stress.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered prospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT#03460626) on 19th February 2018.

More than pills: alternative adjunct therapies to improve comfort in hospitalised patients

Discomfort in the hospitalised patient continues to be one of the healthcare system’s greatest challenges to positive patient outcomes. The patients’ ability to focus on healing is impaired by discomforts such as pain, nausea and anxiety. Alternative, non-pharmacological therapies have shown to be effective in reducing discomfort and managing pain, complementing analgesic agents and optimising pain therapy modalities. This multi-cycle project is aimed to assess the effect of alternative therapies on inpatient, progressive care patients who reported discomfort or little to no relief in discomfort from prescribed analgesics and adjuvant agents. In the first Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) cycle, patients who reported discomfort were offered aromatherapy or visual relaxation DVDs. In the second PDSA cycle, patients were offered a comfort menu that consisted of multiple alternative interventions such as aromatherapy, ice or heat and ambulation. During each cycle, participants completed a survey measuring comfort levels before and after patient-selected alternative intervention(s) were administered. In the first PDSA cycle, 88% of patients reported an increase in comfort level after the intervention, and 97% reported an interest in using alternative therapy again. In the second PDSA cycle, 47% reported increased comfort, and 89% indicated a willingness to try alternative therapies again for improvement of comfort level. Overall, the quality improvement project increased the level of comfort reported by hospitalised patients, creating a gateway to comfort with less emphasis on prescribed analgesic medications.

The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Sleep Quality of Nurses on Monthly Rotating Night Shifts

The goal of this study is to examine the effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep quality of nurses with monthly rotating night shifts. Subjects were enrolled at a medical center in central Taiwan with overall score ≥ 5 of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and randomly assigned to the treatment or control groups. They were validated by pretests during their first graveyard shift in the trial period and the sleep quality information was collected by using the PSQI and sleep detectors. During the second graveyard shift, the treatment group received aromatherapy massage and the control group rested in the same aromatherapy room after work. All subjects filled out the PSQI surveys and the sleep quality information was collected during massage or resting and the following night. We found that the total PSQI was significantly decreased in the treatment group following the aromatherapy massage. Specifically, the components such as subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbance, and daytime dysfunction were significantly decreased. However, there were no significant changes of average PSQI scores between the two groups before and after intervention. Taken together, our study suggested that aromatherapy massage could improve sleep quality of nurses with monthly rotating night shift.

Usage patterns of aromatherapy among the French general population: A descriptive study focusing on dermal exposure

Although likely benefits of aromatherapy are well documented, little is known about essential oils consumption and exposure to molecules present in the oils. The aim of our study was to determine usage patterns of 12 types of essential oils among a quite large panel, sorted per sex and quintile of age from birth to 70. A survey was conducted in September 2014 among 1507 French individuals, selected to build a representative panel of the general population. The key point of our study, apart from the fact that it has never been done among general population, was the focus on dermal exposure. Information about types of essential oils used, skin areas exposed, frequencies and quantities were collected. Our work revealed that some sub-populations could be significantly exposed to molecules of toxicological concern, especially in terms of skin sensitization. This work is the first step to assess human exposure to these molecules, and will help safety authorities and risk managers to protect the population.