The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Table 1
Studies included in analysis. A summary of the studies included in analysis. CRP = C-reactive protein; VAS = visual analog score; WBC = white blood count.
Study
Study design
Participants (diagnosis, )
Intervention
Comparison
Summary of results
Ayan et al., 2013
Randomized controlled trial, double blind
Renal colic, 80
Rose oil in vaporizer and conventional treatment
Placebo and conventional treatment
There was no statistically significant difference between the starting VAS values of the two groups, but the VAS values 10 or 30 minutes after the initiation of therapy were statistically lower in the group that received conventional therapy plus aromatherapy.
Bagheri-Nesami et al., 2014
Randomized controlled trial
Hemodialysis, 88
Inhaled lavender oil during hemodialysis treatment
Placebo
The mean VAS pain intensity score in the experimental and control groups before the intervention was 3.78 + 0.24 and 4.16 + 0.32, respectively (). The mean VAS pain intensity score in the experimental and control groups after three aromatherapy sessions was 2.36 + 0.25 and 3.43 + 0.31, respectively ().
Hadi and Hanid, 2011
Clinical trial, single blind
Cesarean section, 200
Lavender oil in face mask with oxygen
Placebo
The aromatherapy group experienced a significant decrease in pain compared to the control group.
Jun et al., 2013
Randomized controlled trial
Postoperative knee replacement, 25
Inhalation of eucalyptus on gauze
Placebo
Pain VAS on all three days () and systolic () and diastolic () blood pressure on the second day were significantly lower in the group inhaling eucalyptus than that inhaling almond oil. Heart rate, CRP, and WBC, however, did not differ significantly in the two groups.
Kaviani et al., 2014
Clinical trial, semi-experimental
Labor pain, 160
Lavender oil on swab attached to patient
Placebo
The mean of pain intensity perception in the aroma group was lower than that of the control group at 30 and 60 minutes after the intervention ().
Individuals exposed to both odors reported significantly greater pain than did those in the control condition at 5 minutes. At 15 minutes, individuals exposed to the unpleasant odor experienced greater pain than did the control group.
Marzouk et al., 2013
Randomized controlled trial
Menstrual pain, 95
Abdominal aromatherapy massage
Abdominal massage only
During both treatment phases, the level and duration of menstrual pain and the amount of menstrual bleeding were significantly lower in the aromatherapy group than in the placebo group.
Self-massage with lavender, clary sage, and marjoram
Placebo
Pain was significantly decreased () after one menstrual cycle intervention in the two groups. The duration of pain was significantly reduced from 2.4 to 1.8 days after aromatherapy intervention in the essential oil group.
Sheikhan et al., 2012
Randomized controlled trial
Episiotomy, 120
Lavender oil in sitz bath on effected area
Treatment as usual
There was a statistical difference in pain intensity scores between the 2 groups after 4 hours (), and 5 days () after episiotomy. However, differences in pain intensity between the two groups, at 12 hours after surgery, were not significant ().
Yip et al., 2004
Randomized controlled trial
Low back pain, 51
Acupoint stimulation for relaxation with electrode pads followed by an acupressure massage
Treatment as usual
8 sessions of acupoint stimulation followed by acupressure with aromatic lavender oil were an effective method for short-term low back pain relief.
The baseline VAS for the intervention and control groups were 5.12 and 4.91 out of 10, respectively (). One month after the end of treatment, compared to the control group, the manual acupressure group had 23% reduced pain intensity ().
