Written by Katja Boehm, Thomas Ostermann and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated March 11, 2011

Aromatherapy

Abstract and key points

  • Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils.
  • Weak evidence is available that aromatherapy can reduce anxiety, depression, sleep problems and improve a patient’s general wellbeing.
  • No evidence is available for long term effects of aromatherapy (over 2 weeks).
  • Aromatherapy is generally safe; the greatest risk involves application of essential oils which may cause allergic contact dermatitis.

Aromatherapy is also referred to as essential or volatile oil therapy, and more rarely aromatic medicine. It entails use of essential oils derived from different types of plant sources for a variety of application methods; usually through massage, inhalation, ingestion or through baths.

Claims of benefits for cancer patients include reduced anxiety levels and relief of emotional stress, pain, muscular tension and fatigue. Claims for the effect of certain oils range from restoring harmony to the energy flow and altering mood and improving overall health; to more specific claims such as having anticonvulsive and spasmolytic properties.

The latest systematic review on the topic concludes that there is no long lasting effect of aromatherapy massage but that short term improvements can be reported for general well being, anxiety and depression up to 8 weeks after treatment. Some evidence suggests short lasting effects on psychological wellbeing, depression, anxiety, sleep, overall wellbeing, symptom relief and pain control. However, other research did not confirm significant between group differences. In conclusion, weak evidence suggests that aromatherapy could reduce anxiety, depression, sleep problems and improve a patient’s general wellbeing for periods of up to two weeks.

Although essential oils have generally shown minimal adverse effects, potential risks include ingesting large amounts; local skin irritation, especially with prolonged skin contact; allergic contact dermatitis; and phototoxicity from reaction to sunlight (some oils). Repeated topical administration of lavender and tea tree oil was associated with reversible prepubertal gynecomastia, hence, there may be issues for cancer patients with estrogen-dependant tumors.

Citation

Katja Boehm, Thomas Ostermann, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Aromatherapy [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Herbal-products/Aromatherapy. March 11, 2011.

Document history

Summary currently being updated.
Summary first published in March 2011, authored by Katja Boehm and Thomas Ostermann.

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