Medical benefits of aromatherapy questioned

AORN Journal, May, 2008

Aromatherapy is endorsed by some as an alternative medical treatment, but the results of one study failed to demonstrate that aromatherapy improves immune status, wound healing, or pain control, according to a March 3, 2008, news release from The Ohio State University, Columbus. Researchers monitored the effects of Lemon and Lavender aromatherapy treatments on 56 volunteers' blood pressure, heart rate, blood biochemistry, healing ability, reaction to pain, and results of psychological testing of mood and stress. Blood samples were analyzed to measure the effects of aromatherapy on immune and stress responses.

Aromatherapy treatment using Lemon or Lavender essential oils did not demonstrate a positive effect on biochemical markers for stress, pain control, or wound healing. Lemon oil did appear to enhance participants' mood, but lavender showed no measurable effect on mood or health.

Aromotherapy may make you feel good, but it won't make you well [news release]. Columbus, OH: The Ohio State University; March 3, 2008. http://reseorchnews.osu.edu/archive/aromathe.htm. Accessed March 10, 2008.