Aromatherapy

Many studies have looked at how aromatherapy and aromatherapy massage can reduce symptoms.

One study, a Cochrane review in 2016 looked at 19 studies. It looked at pain, anxiety, depression and stress in people with cancer.

• 13 studies compared one group who had massage with another group who did not have massage

• 6 studies compared one group who had aromatherapy massage with another group who had massage only

Many of the studies in the review were small and not of good quality. The researchers were aware that aromatherapy and massage might give people a positive experience. They found that there was not enough evidence to say that massage can help to relieve symptoms. The researchers said we need further studies on aromatherapy and massage.

Several other studies over the past few years have looked at using aromatherapy oils. These studies were in people with cancer and to help with anxiety, depression, pain and poor quality of life. In some of these studies aromatherapies helped to reduce some symptoms, but in others, it did not.

A 2016 study looked at how aromatherapy can help people with thyroid cancer having radioactive iodine treatment. It can damage normal salivary glands. Researchers wanted to see if aromatherapy can help to reduce this damage.

People in the study inhaled lemon and ginger essential oils. They found that it increased saliva production. The saliva helped to flush out the radioactive iodine from the salivary glands. So, the iodine caused less damage to the normal salivary glands.

Currently, researchers around the world are looking at several essential oils. These include ginger, lavender, orange, and jojoba essential oils. They want to see if it can help to relieve the following symptoms of cancer and its treatment: 

• nausea

• vomiting

• pain

• anxiety or distress

• fatigue

• sleep difficulties

• lack of appetite

The International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA)

The IFA is a charity aiming to preserve public health and well being through knowledge, practice and expertise in aromatherapy. It gives information about aromatherapy to the general public and is actively involved with improving academic and regulation standards worldwide.

IFA Head Office 146 South Ealing Road Ealing London W5 4QJ

Phone: 0208 567 2243 Email: office@ifaroma.org

Visit the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA) website

The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists

International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists 82 Ashby Road Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1SN

Phone: 01455 637987 Email: admin@ifparoma.org

Their website has information about:

• finding an aromatherapist

• aromatherapists who meet national standards for training

• education and standards necessary for a qualified aromatherapist

Visit the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists website