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Cancer has become a chronic disease to which new therapeutic approaches are being applied and many patients are interested in the long-term consequences of these approaches. Aromatherapy is one approach that has been used as a safe and comfortable method to alleviate symptoms in patients with cancer, and its effects on various aspects of life have been reported. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine the effects of aromatherapy on quality of life (QoL) and pain in patients with cancer. Using a comprehensive search strategy, 11 databases were searched from their inception to July 2023 for randomized controlled trials. In the meta-analysis, the standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated as effect measures by applying a random effects model. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Aromatherapy was found to have favorable effects in improving QoL (Hedges' ĝ = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.24–1.00), but no statistically significant effect of aromatherapy on pain was found (Hedges' ĝ = −0.46, 95% CI: −0.99 to 0.07). The findings indicate statistically significant improvements in QoL when combining aromatherapy and massage, but it was not possible to disentangle the individual effects of each. Considering the characteristics of cancer patients, aromatherapy has beneficial effects as a non-pharmacological method. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy on symptom management, considering factors such as the duration of cancer development and type of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa is a type of plant that is used both for medicinal and food. Moringa seed (MS) are rich in volatile oil and have initially been employed to treat diseases of the nervous system. Insomnia, a prevalent neurological disorder, has led to this study's aim: to extract the essential oil from MS and analyze its potential to improve sleep. This study utilized petroleum ether for the thermal extraction of the essential oil from MS, which was then subjected to compositional analysis using Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC–MS). P‐chlorophenyl alanine (PCPA) was used to induce an insomnia model in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Following the successful establishment of the model, the MS essential oil was administered at concentrations of 10%, 5%, and 2.5% to investigate its sedative and hypnotic effects. The efficacy of the MS essential oil was assessed by observing the general condition of rats in each group, conducting an open field test, a pentobarbital sodium righting test, and measuring the serum 5‐HT (5‐hydroxytryptamine) levels and hypothalamic GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid) content. GC–MS analysis of the MS essential oil revealed a rich composition, including oleic acid, palmitoleic acid, stigmasterol, and γ‐stigmasterol, among other substances. Through the assessment of the rats' general condition, behavioral tests, and blood biochemical assays, it was inferred that MS essential oil aromatherapy can reduce the rat's locomotor activity, increase their interest in activity and exploration, enhance the serum 5‐HT levels, and elevate hypothalamic GABA content. Consequently, it can be concluded that MS essential oil has a sedative and hypnotic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The threat of immune escape and the discovery of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as the failure of certain conventional drugs that are already in use for the symptomatic treatment of diseases, have prompted a re-evaluation of ancient therapeutic remedies such as phytotherapy, and aromatherapy. In this context, the present study aims to shed light on some medicinal plants mostly used by the population of the Daraa Tafilalet region to strengthen their immune systems, and to provide an up-to-date literature review on this subject. Materials and Methods: A survey study was conducted using pre-prepared questionnaires addressed to the population of the Daraa Tafilalet region. MS Windows Excel and SPSS software were used for statistical analysis and results presentation. In addition, for the literature review, searches were conducted across several databases, including Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, using medicinal plants, date products, enhance immunity, and essential oils as keywords. Results: Among 142 participants interviewed, 108 used medicinal plants to improve their immune systems. However, 34 interviewers prefer conventional medicine. Date palm fruits and oregano were the most commonly used medicinal plants by the Daraa Tafilalet population to enhance the immune system, followed by anise, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and pennyroyal. These results are supported by literature data. Conclusion: These results reflect the interesting traditional medical knowledge of this population, which merits being documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The primary goal of the intensive care unit is to the anxiety of conscious patients is often ignored in the care unit. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of various non‐pharmacological therapies for anxiety disorders in adult patients in the intensive care unit, in order to enhance humanistic care in the intensive care unit and to promote the patients' physical and mental recovery together. Study Design: We conducted a systematic and comprehensive search of the literature in five databases (including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Embase) covering nearly a decade for randomized controlled trials of non‐pharmacological therapies to reduce anxiety in adult intensive care unit patients. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the literature, collected and condensed the data, and used STATA software to perform a network meta‐analysis. The ranking probabilities for each intervention were calculated using the Surface under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) method. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO. Results: This study ultimately included 26 randomized controlled trials involving 2791 adult ICU patients. Non‐pharmacological interventions for anxiety in adult ICU patients included music therapy, aromatherapy, ICU diary, virtual reality, massage therapy, monitoring room diary, and health education. when compared to the control group (usual care), aromatherapy + music therapy [MD = −2.65, 95% CI (−4.76, −0.54)] (P = 0.0137) and music therapy [MD = −1.77, 95% CI (−3.40, −0.13)] (P = 0.0338) were superior in reducing anxiety in adult ICU patients. The results of the network meta‐analysis showed that aromatherapy combined with music therapy significantly alleviated anxiety in adult ICU patients (SUCRA: 99.8%). Conclusions: Music therapy combined with aromatherapy has demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to other non‐pharmacological interventions for reducing anxiety in awake adults in the ICU. However, the underlying mechanisms of this combined therapy require further exploration. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Future research on the use of music therapy combined with aromatherapy in the care unit may help reduce anxiety in patients while fostering their physical and mental healing; however, individual variances and unique clinical circumstances must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the possible anxiolytic effect of jasmine aromatherapy in pediatric dental procedures. Materials and Methods: A parallel randomized single-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed and conducted from February 19 until April 19, 2020, on children aged 7 to 12 years-old requiring class 1 restorative treatment of primary or permanent tooth with infiltration anesthesia. Interventions were defined as 15 minutes of aromatherapy using 2mL of jasmine extract for the intervention group, and with water for the control group. Outcomes were defined as child's anxiety and pain perception, measured by modified child dental anxiety scale (MCDAS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and changes of vital signs. After the patients received interventions based on their groups, their data was collected and analyzed. We used parametric tests and linear regression for outcome comparisons. Results: 56 patients were randomized and allocated in two groups, 28 to each. The groups did not differ significantly regarding age, sex, heart rate and O2 saturation before, during, and after procedures. Based on multivariable regression, the intervention group showed a significantly reduced MCDAS (B (95% CI) =-2.11 (-4.09, -0.13), P=0.04) and VAS (B (95% CI) =-2.30 (-3.50, -1.10), P<0.001) scores. Conclusion: Jasmine aromatherapy showed to be effective in reducing children's anxiety and pain perception during dental procedures and therefore, can be suggested as a cheap and practical complementary method in dental practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) often experience high levels of anxiety, which can significantly impact their prognosis. However, evidence regarding anxiety reduction by aromatherapy in patients with ACS is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety in patients with ACS. Methods: The literature search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO from their inception until February 21, 2024. Based on inclusion criteria, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on aromatherapy in patients with ACS aged ≥ 18 years were included. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs. Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the final analysis. Aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety among patients with ACS, with a large effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.47 to -0.85). The effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) was -0.65 (95% CI: -1.15 to -0.15), indicating a moderate effect size, whereas there was no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure. Inhalation therapy demonstrated a large effect size (SMD = -1.70, 95% CI: -2.33 to -1.08), whereas massage therapy did not show a significant effect on reducing anxiety. Discussion/Conclusions: The findings show that aromatherapy can effectively reduce anxiety and SBP in patients with ACS. In particular, inhalation therapy showed a significant effect on reducing anxiety levels. Applying aromatherapy in clinical settings to reduce anxiety among patients with ACS should be considered. However, the limited number of studies analyzed hinders a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of massage therapy. Hence, further research is necessary to elucidate its potential role in reducing anxiety among patients with ACS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An effective method that is easy to implement and widely applicable for improving driving performance and reducing driving risks remains a challenge. Although fragrances are widely used in daily driving, there is a gap between empirical research on everyday blended fragrances and functional fragrances clinical reports. In this study, a deliberately chosen blend of scent without overtly stimulating or functional proven evidence was tested for its potential to enhance performance in a driving environment. Method: Thirty qualified young drivers were recruited to participate in the experiment. They were asked to watch a 15‐min first‐person perspective driving video to simulate a driving environment and then complete questionnaires and three sets of behavioral experiments while their brain activity was monitored by EEG. Result: Participants in the scented environment exhibited statistically significant advantages in two cognitive tasks during behavioral measures. These findings were effectively supported by the EEG data, showing that beta waves exhibited more activity in the occipital and prefrontal cortex, enhanced theta waves were observed in the prefrontal cortex, and the TAB index characterizing driving fatigue was suppressed in the prefrontal cortex. Conclusion: This empirical evidence highlights the potential of pleasant, natural, and blended scents in enhancing driving performance, suggesting that promoting the aromatherapy while driving as an easily applicable approach in daily life seems justified and expands the application of aromatherapy in daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States in 2021, an outbreak of 4 cases of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiologic agent of melioidosis and a Tier One Select Agent (potential for deliberate misuse and subsequent harm), resulted in 2 deaths. The causative strain, B. pseudomallei ATS2021, was unintentionally imported into the United States in an aromatherapy spray manufactured in India. We established that ATS2021 represents a virulent strain of B. pseudomallei capable of robust formation of biofilm at physiologic temperatures that may contribute to virulence. By using mouse melioidosis models, we determined median lethal dose estimates and analyzed the bacteriologic and histopathologic characteristics of the organism, particularly the potential neurologic pathogenesis that is probably associated with the bimABm allele identified in B. pseudomallei strain ATS2021. Our data, combined with previous case reports and the identification of endemic B. pseudomallei strains in Mississippi, support the concept that melioidosis is emerging in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pain and anxiety levels in palliative care patients negatively impact their quality of life, highlighting the need for research on non-pharmacological methods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of music and aromatherapy interventions on pain, anxiety, and stress levels in these patients. Material and Methods: The research was designed as a single-blind, four-group, randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 88 patients hospitalized in a palliative care center (receiving palliative care services with terminal or advanced diseases). Patients were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 22, music, aromatherapy, music and aromatherapy, and control group). Patients in the experimental groups received the intervention to which they were assigned for 20 min each day for three consecutive days: music, aromatherapy, or music accompanied by aromatherapy. No intervention was applied to the control group. The patients' levels of pain, anxiety, and stress were assessed before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Facial Anxiety Scale (FAS), and the Distress Thermometer. Results: No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics of the groups (p > 0.05). The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Kruskal–Wallis tests indicated statistically significant differences in pre- and post-intervention scores for VAS, FAS, and Distress across all experimental groups on all follow-up days (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing music, aromatherapy, and their combination effectively reduced pain, anxiety, and stress levels in palliative care patients, suggesting these non-pharmacological interventions can improve their quality of life. Trial registration: ClinicalTrails.gov (Registration number: NCT06024954) at 05-SEP-2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study explored the potential of Hinoki aromatherapy to induce biomarkers of dysmenorrhea relief through working memory. Structural magnetic resonance imaging and magnetoencephalography (MEG) were used to examine their effects on neurophysiological responses to a visual working memory (VWM) test. Behavioral performance was measured to understand its effects on the overall working memory. Methods: Twenty-four healthy participants completed the VWM task during nonmenstruation and menstruation. Behavioral (accuracy and reaction time) and neurophysiological (event-related fields, source estimation, and permutation t-test on source data) measures were assessed without and with Hinoki aromatherapy. Results: A significant difference in the ratio of accuracy to reaction time was found without and with aromatherapy in participants with dysmenorrhea, suggesting that aromatherapy may improve working memory performance in this population. MEG analysis revealed high temporal resolution of evoked latency and intensity during the VWM task. Source localization of the activation aimed to identify brain areas involved in dysmenorrhea. Aromatherapy reduced signals in these areas, which may also contribute to reducing dysmenorrhea-related visual signals. Conclusions: Based on these findings, Hinoki aromatherapy may be a promising treatment option for alleviating dysmenorrhea and improving related symptoms by reducing activity in brain pain processing regions. These regions include the left entorhinal cortex, inferior temporal gyrus, primary visual cortex, retrosplenial cortex, and presubiculum. Furthermore, decreased activity in these areas with aromatherapy suggests that they could be used as biomarkers of dysmenorrhea relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children feeding problems can be categorized as behavioural feeding disorders including food refusal, choking, gagging, expulsion and sensory-based feeding problems such as textural aversions. The oral stimulation increases oral motor organization improve muscle contractility as a result increases oral intake. Sensory characteristics of food such as taste, texture and aroma have effects on food acceptance. We present a case of 3.3 year old male with ASD having feeding issues such as refusal to consume food and would spit when tried to feed him forcefully and accepting only liquids in small quantities as compared to earlier since 55 days. The outcome measure used was Sensory Profile (Dunn, 1999) and Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool (PediEAT). Combined oral motor stimulation and aroma therapy was provided to the child for developing successful feeding skill. Conclusion: From the above pilot study it may be concluded that combination of oro-motor stimulation and aroma therapy is an effective intervention in decreasing oral sensory issues and thus improving feeding skills in children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of lavender oil inhalation on work stress and job satisfaction among health professionals. This randomized, experimental study involved 108 health professionals, of whom 36 were randomized into the intervention group, 35 into the placebo group, and 37 into the control group. The intervention was performed during work shifts of the intervention group (8 hours a day during a 5-day period). The intervention group was exposed to lavender oil inhalation through a diffuser and the placebo group was exposed to inhalation of distilled water containing light yellow food dye, but the control group did not receive anything. Data were collected with General Characteristics Form, The Swedish Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire, and The Minnesota Satisfaction Scale. The study was also registered at the Australia-New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000239864). Before the intervention, no significant difference was found in work stress and job satisfaction levels between the intervention, placebo, and control groups. After the intervention, the intervention group had a significantly lower work stress level and a significantly higher job satisfaction level than the placebo and control groups (P <.05). Lavender oil inhalation can decrease work stress and improve job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine sachets on preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing combined spinal epidural anesthesia for bone and joint surgeries. Methods Totally 60 patients undergoing combined spinal epidural anesthesia for bone and joint surgeries were randomly divided into the observation group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. All patients received comprehensive nursing interventions after surgery. The lemon inhalation aromatherapy was used to prevent nausea and vomiting in the control group, while the inhalation aromatherapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine sachets was used in the observation group. Incidence of nausea and vomiting within 24 hours after surgery, degree of nausea and vomiting and patient comfort were measured and compared between groups. Results Within 24 hours after surgery, the incidence of nausea and vomiting was 16. 67%(5/30)in the observation group, which was lower than 46. 67% (14/30) in the control group, with a significant difference(P＜0. 05). The severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the observation group was less than that in the control group(P＜0. 05). The score of patient comfort in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (66. 67±4. 71 vs. 59. 16±7. 41, P＜0. 05). Conclusion The inhalation aromatherapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine sachets can reduce the incidence and degree of nausea and vomiting within 24 hours, and improve the comfort of patients. (目的 探讨降逆止呕中药香囊预防骨科关节腰硬联合麻醉患者术后恶心呕吐(PONV)发生效果。方法 将60例腰硬联合麻醉下骨关节术后患者随机分为观察组和对照组, 各30例。对照组在常规护理基础上于术后使用柠檬进行嗅闻干预, 观察组在常规护理基础上于术后使用降逆止呕香囊进行干预。评估和对比两组术后24 h内恶心呕吐发生率、严重程度以及患者舒适度。结果 观察组发生PONV 5(16. 67%)例, 对照组发生PONV 14(46. 67%)例, 两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 05)。观察组PONV严重程度较对照组轻, 差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 05)。观察组舒适度评分(66. 67±4. 71)分, 高于对照组(59. 16±7. 41)分, 差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 05)。结论 降逆止呕中药香囊能有效预防骨关节科腰硬联合麻醉术后患者24 h内恶心呕吐, 减轻患者症状, 提高患者舒适度。)

This case report presents an innovative approach to treating female orgasmic disorder (FOD) in a 28-year-old Asian-Australian female. The patient, undergoing significant academic stress and exhibiting no prior medical or psychological conditions, presented with a 2-year history of inability to achieve orgasm despite normal sexual desire and arousal. Following a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including a physical examination and psychiatric assessment, she was diagnosed with FOD, primarily of a situational type. The treatment implemented was a unique blend of natural therapies: aromatherapy, tantric yoga, mindfulness-based therapies, Yoni massage, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This integrative approach was conducted over 17 weeks, with each treatment of 2 weeks being followed by a 1-week break to prevent tolerance. The patient initially hesitated but consented to this bold treatment regimen. Remarkable progress was observed, with the patient achieving a strong sexual climax by the 7th week and consistent improvement thereafter. As the conclusion of the treatment and a year of follow-up, the patient reported sustained relief from her symptoms. This case illustrates the potential of combining various natural therapies in treating FOD, emphasizing the importance of patient consent and the efficacy of a holistic, intermittent treatment approach.

Objective(s): One of the most common problems of nursing students in the clinical environment and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), is anxiety and lack of accuracy, which can lead to negative effects on their learning and performance. Considering the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of aromatherapy, the present study aims to the effect of lavender aromatherapy on the accuracy, exam anxiety, and performance of nursing students in OSCE. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 60 undergraduate nursing students under the OSCE in 2022. Eligible students who met inclusion criteria were recruited by convenience sampling and then were allocated randomly with the random sequence generation software, to intervention (n=30) and control groups (n=30). The intervention included aromatherapy with lavender essential oil with 100% purity for 10 minutes. Toulouse- Pieron Attention questionnaire, Sarason's test anxiety, and performance checklist were used in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods by SPSS version 26 statistical software. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in the average exam anxiety score with P = 0.03 and a significant improvement in accuracy with P < 0.001 after aromatherapy in the intervention group. Also, the results of the independent t-test showed that after the intervention, there was a significant difference in the average exam anxiety score with P = 0.02 and accuracy with P < 0.001 between the intervention and control groups. Meanwhile, the average performance score of the students' grades was not significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Considering the positive effects of inhaling the scent of lavender in improving the accuracy and reducing the anxiety of the nursing students' exam, the use of this low-cost program, with easy access and without complications, is recommended along with other methods.

Background: Facing with emergencies in operating rooms can lead to nurses' fatigue and physical discomfort. The evidence shows that aromatherapy can effect on fatigue and physical discomfort.Aim: This study was performed with aim to investigate the effect of aromatherapy with R.Damascena essential oil on fatigue and physical discomfort in operating room nurses.Method: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2023 on 60 operating room nurses in Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran. Participants were divided into two equal intervention and control groups using the random blocking method. The intervention group received R.Damascena essential oil and the control group received normal saline as a placebo. In the intervention group, two drops of essence and in the control group, two drop of normal saline were applied to cotton ball, and the participants were asked to attach it to their clothes or scarf at a distance of ten centimeters below the chin and inhale it for 10 min. Fatigue and physical discomfort were assessed before and after aromatherapy.Results: After the intervention, the mean intensity of fatigue and physical discomfort significantly reduced with a mean decrease 18.38% (t=6.62, p

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) stands as one of the most prevalent complications within the initial 24 hours following surgery, potentially extending the Length of Stay (LOS) and incurring elevated financial burdens for patients in hospital settings. Aromatherapy emerges as a non-pharmacological approach for alleviating PONV symptoms. This case study aims to evaluate PONV severity and manage symptoms in neurosurgical patients utilizing a nursing process approach. Employing a case study design integrated with a nursing process approach, this study was conducted. The inclusion criteria were respondents aged 18 or older, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) I or II classification, undergoing neurosurgery under general anaesthesia, willing to participate, conscious (GCS: 14-15), with a healthy sense of smell, and PONV scores of 1 or 2. Exclusion criteria comprised discharged or deceased patients, absence of PONV, respiratory issues like asthma/COPD, odor allergies, and severe post-surgical complications. Dropout criteria included sudden emergencies or alternative interventions during PONV assessments. Results showed 4 patients with PONV 1 scores and 6 with PONV 2 scores before aromatherapy. After aromatherapy, 6 patients had PONV 0 scores, 2 had PONV 1 scores, and 2 had PONV 2 scores. Findings underscore alterations in PONV scores pre- and post-aromatherapy administration, highlighting the potential of this evidence-based nursing intervention to enhance patient comfort and mitigate postoperative complications in neurosurgical settings.

Background: Child dental anxiety is a prevalent issue in the field of pediatric dentistry. At present, several non-pharmacological interventions are employed to mitigate anxiety during dental treatments for children. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of diverse non-pharmacological interventions in reducing dental anxiety, as well as enhancing heart rate during pediatric dental treatments. To achieve this, we conducted a systematic review and a network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the efficacy of various outcome indicators. Methods: A thorough search was conducted in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and AMED to identify all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the beginning of the databases up to August 1, 2024. The quality assessment was carried out using the Cochrane Collaboration's bias risk tool. The two outcome measures under consideration were dental anxiety and heart rate. Network graphs, league tables and SUCRA were constructed using R 4.2.3 software and Stata 16 software. This study is registered in PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42023467610. Results: The study examined 12 different non-pharmacological approaches, drawing from a pool of 61 research studies involving 6,113 participants aged 4 to 16 years. The results of the network meta-analysis revealed that music (SUCRAs: 93.60%) proved to be the most effective measure in mitigating dental anxiety, followed by aromatherapy (SUCRAs: 78.58%) and game (SUCRAs: 70.99%). Moreover, hypnosis (SUCRAs: 98.80%), music (SUCRAs: 79.58%), and relaxation (SUCRAs: 72.41%) were identified as the top three interventions for decreasing heart rate. Conclusion: In this NMA, when contemplating dental anxiety outcomes, music is recommended as a priority. For heart rate outcomes, hypnosis may be a preferred measure. However, owing to the limited number of articles, the conclusion of this study still requires additional confirmation or correction through more high-quality primary studies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents updates on regulation in the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) as of September 2024. Topics include the victory of the ATMS in defending a trademark claim by the Dietitians Association of America, the update made by the ATMS on its Infection Control Policy, and a series of changes to national law which came into effect in July.

Agarwood, a precious traditional medicinal herb and fragrant material, is known for its sedative and sleep-improving properties. This study explores the mechanisms underlying the aromatherapy effects of Chi-Nan agarwood and ordinary agarwood in improving sleep. Using a combination of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques, we identified and c ompared the chemical compositions and potential molecular targets of both types of agarwood. The GC-MS analysis detected 87 volatile components across six types of agarwood aromatherapy, with 51 shared between Chi-Nan and ordinary agarwood, while each type also had 18 unique components. Ordinary agarwood was found to be richer in sesquiterpenes and small aromatic molecules, whereas Chi-Nan agarwood contained higher levels of chromones. These differences in chemical composition are likely responsible for the distinct sleep-improving effects observed between the two types of agarwood. Through network pharmacology, 100, 65, and 47 non-repetitive target genes related to sleep improvement were identified for components shared by both types of agarwood (CSBTs), components unique to common agarwood (CUCMs), and components unique to Chi-Nan agarwood (CUCNs), respectively. The constructed protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks revealed that key targets such as MAOA, MAOB, SLC6A4, and ESR1 are involved in the sleep-improving mechanisms of agarwood aromatherapy. Molecular docking further confirmed the strong binding affinities of major active components, such as 5-Isopropylidene-6-methyldeca-369-trien-2-one and 2-(2-Phenylethyl)chromone, with these core targets. The results suggest that agarwood aromatherapy enhances sleep quality through both hormonal and neurotransmitter pathways, with ordinary agarwood more deeply mediating hormonal regulation, while Chi-Nan agarwood predominantly influences neurotransmitter pathways, particularly those involving serotonin and GABA. This study provides valuable insights into the distinct therapeutic potentials of Chi-Nan and ordinary agarwood, highlighting their roles in sleep improvement and offering a foundation for future research in the clinical application of agarwood-based aromatherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Palliative care, a cornerstone of comprehensive healthcare, prioritizes quality of life for individuals with life-threatening illnesses. Aromatherapy, with its holistic approach and patient-reported benefits, emerges as a promising complementary therapy for managing symptoms and enhancing well-being in palliative care. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of aromatherapy interventions in symptom management, with a focus on pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances among palliative care patients. Design: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases to identify relevant studies. Eligibility criteria were applied, resulting in the inclusion of eight studies for analysis. The review assessed the efficacy of aromatherapy interventions, primarily through massage, in symptom management. Variations in intervention procedures and outcome measures were noted, necessitating a critical examination of the findings. Results: The review's findings suggest promising outcomes associated with aromatherapy in palliative care. Aromatherapy interventions demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain, anxiety, nausea, and improving sleep quality among patients. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies, highlighting the need for standardized methodologies and larger-scale trials. Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the potential of aromatherapy as a complementary intervention in palliative care. While the findings support its efficacy in symptom management, methodological inconsistencies across studies warrant further research. Standardized approaches and larger trials are essential to validate the tailored effectiveness of aromatherapy for different symptoms encountered in palliative care, ultimately enhancing its clinical utility and integration into therapeutic practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intraoperative anxiety is a common problem when Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is used instead of general anesthesia during minor surgical procedures such as port catheter placement. Nonpharmacological anxiolytics such as aromatherapy have been studied for their effects on preoperative anxiety, but no placebo-controlled study of aromatherapy during surgeries under MAC has yet been performed. Methods: After IRB approval, 70 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either a lavender/peppermint aromatherapy patch (Elequil Aromatabs®; Beekley Corporation) or a matching placebo patch. The primary outcome, time to readiness for discharge from postoperative acute care units (PACU; min), was assessed every 15 min until a modified postanesthesia recovery score for ambulatory patients (PARSAP) score of 18 or higher was reached. In the preoperative holding area, the assigned patch/placebo was activated and affixed to a folded towel placed aside the subject's head, contralateral to the side of the planned surgery. The towel and patch/placebo were discarded when the subject left the operating room (OR). Results: No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups on the primary outcome of time to discharge readiness (mean [standard deviation, SD]: 82 [15] vs. 89 [21] min, respectively, p = 0.131). No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups on the secondary outcomes of intraoperative midazolam dose, intraoperative opioid dose, intraoperative ondansetron dose, or intraoperative promethazine dose. No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups in the proportion of subjects requiring rescue postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) medication in the PACU or the proportion of subjects requiring opioids in the PACU. No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups in pain intensity in PACU, average PONV score in PACU, or patient satisfaction in PACU. PACU patient satisfaction was high for both the patch and placebo groups (35/35 [100%] vs. 32/34 [94%] "very satisfied," p = 0.239). Conclusions: Aromatherapy treatment is not indicated intraoperatively to reduce anxiety or the use of antiemetics in patients requiring Port catheter placement. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05328973. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aromatherapy with an essential oil blend containing lavender, bergamot, ylangylang, and sweet orange, compared with placebo, on perceptions of anxiety in ICU RNs. Methods: Nurses recruited from six adult ICUs and a neonatal ICU participated in this blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, which took place over a 30-day intervention period. Results: Although there were no statistically significant changes in anxiety pre- to postintervention or between the intervention and placebo groups, there were also no adverse events or untoward effects. Conclusion: The results of this study may support aromatherapy as an evidence-based strategy to reduce anxiety in ICU nurses. Additional research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Culturally adapted Snoezelen reduces agitation in Arab dementia elders. • Intervention integrates Snoezelen, aromatherapy, and personal items. • Significant agitation reduction observed with tailored multisensory approach. • Quality of life improved alongside neuropsychiatric symptom reduction. • Study supports culturally sensitive interventions for Arab populations. Agitation significantly impacts Arab elders with dementia. Multisensory stimulation, such as Snoezelen, shows promise but lacks exploration in Arab contexts. Evaluate a culturally adapted multisensory intervention—combining Snoezelen, aromatherapy, and personal items—on agitation in Arab elders with dementia. A quasi-experimental design assessed 31 patients receiving the intervention against 31 controls. Agitation, quality of life, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). The intervention group exhibited notable reductions in CMAI scores for aggression and agitation behaviors (p < 0.001) and improvements in quality of life and NPI scores for agitation/aggression and depression/dysphoria (p < 0.001). This culturally tailored multisensory approach effectively reduced agitation and improved well-being in Arab dementia patients. The findings advocate for further research and suggest such interventions can be beneficial in culturally diverse dementia care settings. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID NCT06216275 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease in India, affecting a substantial portion of the population, particularly the elderly. This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the efficacy of aromatherapy massage using Curcuma caesia essential oil in managing pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. Methods The proposed study will involve individuals aged 40--70 years diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, confirmed by radiographic evidence. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving a daily 15-minute massage with Curcuma caesia essential oil, or a control group, receiving a massage with Gingelly oil alone. Outcome measures, including the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) questionnaires, will be used to assess pain levels, physical function, and daily activities. Conclusion The primary hypothesis is that aromatherapy massage with Curcuma caesia essential oil will significantly reduce pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. This study addresses the need for alternative interventions in knee osteoarthritis management, exploring the potential benefits of aromatherapy massage with Curcuma caesia essential oil. The findings will contribute valuable insights into non-pharmacological approaches for improving pain and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, potentially offering a safe and accessible adjunct to conventional treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During urodynamic testing (UT), patients may experience emotions such as embarrassment, discomfort, irritability, and tension, which can cause anxiety. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative treatment that may be employed in clinical settings to alleviate patients' anxiety before invasive procedures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on patients' anxiety and cortisol levels during UT. Materials and Methods: The sample of this single‐center, prospective, two‐armed, randomized controlled clinical study consisted of 98 patients undergoing UT. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 49) and the control group (n = 49). The anxiety level was assessed using the state‐trait anxiety inventory (STAI), and measured with physiological responses to anxiety, such as changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and cortisol levels, pre and post‐UT. Aromatherapy was applied to the intervention group starting 5 min before UT and continuing throughout the testing. The control group received routine treatment and care. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2, dependent samples t‐tests, and independent samples t‐tests. Results: In the study, post‐UT anxiety in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001), while SpO2 was higher (p = 0.021). In the study group, post‐UT anxiety (p < 0.001), HR (p = 0.000), and cortisol levels (p = 0.005) decreased compared to pre‐UT, whereas in the control group, anxiety (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.000) decreased, and SBP (p = 0.010) and RR (p = 0.004) increased. Conclusions: Aromatherapy during UT positively influenced both the psychological and physiological responses to anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the case of a 14-year old boy who underwent psychotherapy along with aromatherapy to prevent aggressive and oppressive behavior, criminal behavior and drug and alcohol abuse. It describes the patient's emotional and physical association to different essential oils, the memories that the aromas evoked, and the psychotherapeutic effect of the aromatherapy session.

The article explores the future of aromatherapy as a profession after the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics discussed include ecological sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability of aromatherapy, sustainability as a profession, application of sustainable agriculture sustainable aromatherapy practice, strategies for ensuring sustainability, and strategies for sustaining the future of the practice of aromatherapy.

The article explores the perception of aroma and flavor and their relationship with food preferences, appetite and satiety, and emotional well-being. Topics discussed include phytonutrition, phytoaromatherapy, epigenetics, mental health phytonutrition, gut-brain axis, role of gastrointestinal mechanisms in appetite, relationship of retronasal olfaction, satiation and food consumption, role of neurogastronomy and gastrophysics in facilitating awareness of flavor creation, and elements of flavor.

The article describes cases of patients who underwent aromapsychology for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and grief. A 58-year old with complex PTSD received cognitive behavioral talk therapy along with box breathing exercises and Levender essential oil therapy. A 53-year old with deep trauma and constipation was introduced to box breathing exercises, Cedarwood, Lavender, Rose and Bergamot essential oils. A 53-year old practiced cognitive reframing, journaling and essential oil protocol.

The article explores the effectiveness and potential of aromatherapy for managing anxiety. It discusses the impact of anxiety in social, occupational and other areas of life. It examines the impact of essential oils and aromatherapy on various anxiety disorders including anxiety in academic and work environment, reproductive anxiety, pregnancy and labor/maternity anxiety, preoperative and surgery anxiety, dental anxiety, procedural anxiety and anxiety in cancer and palliative care.

Copyright of Mersin University School of Medicine Lokman Hekim Journal of History of Medicine & Folk Medicine is the property of Mersin University School of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Glossophobia (fear of public speaking, presentation anxiety) is an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme fear and anxiety about public speaking. Glossophobia is a very common phobia worldwide, reportedly affecting 75% of the population. This study aims to examine the effects of different aroma inhalations (Thyme and Juniper) on public speaking anxiety, and salivary cortisol hormone levels in university students. The sample of the research consisted of a total of 104 university students, male and female, between the ages of 18-20. In the first step, cortisol hormone levels were determined using the ELISA technique in the saliva samples taken from the university students included in the study. The average salivary cortisol hormone level and public speaking anxiety levels of the university students participating in the study showed a positive and statistically significant relationship (p=0.001). There is a significant negative correlation between the participants' public speaking anxiety and post-thyme oil status at a 99% confidence level and a 1% significance level, r=-.318. When public speaking anxiety and juniper oil were analyzed, a significant negative relationship was found at r=-.290, a 99% confidence level, and a 1% significance level. It was also concluded that inhalation of 2% thyme essential oil in individuals with high glossophobia is both safe and beneficial in reducing anxiety levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cinnamomum camphora is a commercially important tree species in China, and it's also a common native tree in the forests of southern China. However, literature on the impact of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil (CCEO) on human psychophysiological activity is scarce. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the effect of exposure to CCEO on the functioning of the human autonomic nervous system, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and emotional state. Methods: Forty-three healthy university students participated. The data collected included heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and the results of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) test. Results: A drop in diastolic pressure (DBP) and pulse rate was also noticed after participants inhaled CCEO. Furthermore, EEG studies have demonstrated notable reductions in absolute beta (AB), absolute gamma (AG), absolute high beta (AHB), and relative gamma (RG) power spectra during exposure to CCEO. Conversely, the relative theta (RT) and power spectra values showed a significant increase. Additionally, the finding from POMS indicated that the fragrance evoked positive emotions and suppressed negative feelings. Conclusion: The results suggest that exposure to CCEO may promote mental and physical relaxation, facilitate cognitive processes such as memory and attention, and enhance mood states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder affecting about one-third of stroke survivors, significantly hindering recovery and quality of life. PSD also imposes a substantial burden on caregivers and healthcare systems. Aromatherapy has shown promise in alleviating depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of mixed herb aromatherapy in treating PSD. Feasibility outcomes encompass recruitment, intervention adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment. Secondary outcomes include evaluations of depression, anxiety, cognitive function, sleep quality, quality of life, and brain function using EEG and fNIRS. Methods: This single-blind pilot randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, enrolling ninety-nine poststroke patients with PSD. Participants will be randomized into three groups: a Non-Active Control Group receiving standardized rehabilitation therapy, a CBT Group receiving conventional rehabilitation with bi-weekly CBT sessions, and an Aromatherapy Group receiving conventional rehabilitation with daily aromatic inhalation sessions. Interventions will last for four weeks, with efficacy assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and one month post-intervention. Rating scales will be used to measure changes in depression, sleep quality, cognitive function, and quality of life. EEG and fNIRS will specifically be used to measure changes in cerebral cortex activity and their correlations with depression. Feasibility will be evaluated through recruitment, intervention adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment. Discussion: This pilot study highlights the potential of mixed herb aromatherapy inhalation for treating PSD, addressing limitations of CBT by promoting selfmanagement. While demonstrating feasibility through recruitment, adherence, assessment completion and safety assessment, the study also acknowledges limitations such as unequal intervention times, the lack of physical function data. And the use of culturally relevant plant powders may enhance compliance but limits generalizability. Despite these constraints, the study provides valuable preliminary data and insights into the mechanisms of aromatherapy, encouraging further research and development of effective PSD treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, which reduces the quality of life and causes depression. The present study was conducted with aim to compare the effect of acupressure and aromatherapy on depression and quality of life of breast cancer patients. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 96 women with breast cancer who visited the clinic or chemotherapy unit at Baqiyatullah and Shahid Chamran hospitals in Tehran were randomly assigned to three groups: aromatherapy, acupressure, and control. The data collection tool was the standard questionnaire for assessing the quality of life in breast cancer patients and Beck's depression questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21) and ANOVA and paired t-test. Results: In terms of quality of life, both in functional and symptomatic dimensions, the aromatherapy and acupressure groups had significantly better performance than the control group (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, both the aromatherapy and acupressure groups demonstrated a significant reduction in depression scores compared to the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Aromatherapy and acupressure significantly improve quality of life and reduce depression in patients with breast cancer. These interventions can be utilized as complementary methods in managing the physical and psychological symptoms of these patients. Further research with larger sample size is needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and explore the broader applicability of these approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Even after allergic rhinitis is diagnosed and treated, various symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose recur periodically due to various environmental factors. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of mask-based aromatherapy as a method of alleviating allergic rhinitis during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study participants were adults between the ages of 19 and 60 who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and had a Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) of 2 or more. Participants were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy group that was provided aromatherapy essential oils and a control group that did not receive aromatherapy. Participants in the aromatherapy group were asked to drop an aromatherapy essential oil onto a disposable face mask and wear it twice a day for two weeks. Results: The aromatherapy group experience significant alleviation of allergic rhinitis symptoms (visual analogue scale, F = 11.22, p < .001; TNSS, F = 15.82, p < .001). The aromatherapy group also showed significantly higher improvements in fatigue (F = 8.28, p < .001), allergic rhinitis-specific quality of life (F = 11.12, p < . 001). Conclusion: The oils used in this study appeared to be effective in relieving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In particular, the mask drop inhalation method was applied in light of mandatory mask-wearing due to the global COVID-19 pandemic during this study period. Mask drop inhalation is a method of inhaling oil close to the nose and is considered an effective method for reducing the inconvenience of applying oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing restless legs syndrome (RLS) in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Using the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design framework, a search was conducted of eight electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase-Ovid, CINAHL, Web of science, Scopus, PQDT, and RISS. The population was hemodialysis patients, and the intervention included aromatherapy aiming at RLS, compared to control groups receiving placebo or usual care. The outcome measured was RLS, and the study design was randomized controlled trials. Results: The analysis included seven articles presenting results from 10 studies, and the pooled overall effect of aromatherapy on RLS in hemodialysis patients was shown by a Hedge’s g of −1.84 (95% confidence interval: −2.45 to −1.23). Meta-regression analysis revealed greater effectiveness in studies that received funding. Age over 60, lavender oil use, intervention duration of less than 4 weeks, sessions longer than 30 minutes, a routine care control group, and quality assessment score of 10 or less were associated with RLS reduction. Conclusion: The study concluded that aromatherapy is effective for managing RLS in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly growing worldwide. Positive attitudes toward using CAM may reflect an evidence-based understanding and awareness of its common uses and potential abuses, facilitating its sound integration into the society for positive results. This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge, practices, and barriers associated with the use of CAM among medical and nonmedical students. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2023 and July 2023 involving a sample group of medical and nonmedical students from King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. A total of 341 students completed the survey. Approximately 53.4% of the participants were medical and 46.6% were nonmedical students. Herbal medicine was the most used among medical students (21%) followed by aromatherapy (12%) and chiropractic (11%), while the most used CAM among nonmedical students was spiritual healing/Quran (19%). The prevalence of good knowledge is higher in medical students compared to nonmedical students in some CAM modalities. In addition, the results show that there are no significant differences in attitudes toward CAM among medical and nonmedical students. Respondents from both groups were keen on gaining more knowledge about all the CAM modalities. It is important to utilize the data from this study for enhancing curricula in university programs and promoting education and practice related to CAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep during hospitalization can negatively affect patient health, well-being, and satisfaction. This nurse-led quality improvement project aimed to promote quality sleep on an inpatient telemetry medical-surgical oncology unit. Interventions included distributing sleep hygiene kits (eye masks, earplugs, lip balm, and aromatherapy), educating patients and staff, and redesigning workflows to limit sleep interruptions at night. Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Survey scores for quietness at night increased from 66% to 76%, with fewer reported cases of delirium postimplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients often consider bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to be one of the most painful medical procedures. The effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions to reduce pain during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy remains unclear. Aim: To synthesize existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of non‐pharmacological interventions in mitigating procedural pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Design: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: Six electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception to July 15, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool Version 2.0. Meta‐analysis was conducted using STATA 16. The certainty of the evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach. Results: This meta‐analysis included 18 studies derived from 17 articles involving a total of 1017 participants. The pooled results revealed statistically significant pain reduction effects using distraction (SMD: −.845, 95% CI: −1.344 to −.346, p <.001), powered bone marrow biopsy system (SMD: −.266, 95% CI: −.529 to −.003, p =.048), and acupoint stimulation (SMD: −1.016, 95% CI: −1.995 to −.037, p =.042) among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. However, the pooled results on hypnosis (SMD: −1.228, 95% CI: −4.091 to 1.515, p =.368) showed no significant impact on pain reduction. Additionally, the pooled results for distraction did not demonstrate a significant effect on operative anxiety (MD: −2.942, 95% CI: −7.650 to 1.767, p =.221). Conclusions: Distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation are effective in reducing pain among patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. Patient or Public Contribution: Not applicable. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This meta‐analysis highlights the effectiveness of distraction, powered bone marrow biopsy system and acupoint stimulation for reducing pain in patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy. Healthcare professionals should consider integrating these interventions into pain management practices for these patients. Registration: (PROSPERO): CRD42023422854. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients who are awaiting emergency surgery experience high levels of anxiety and pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with damask rose and chamomile essential oil on the preoperative pain and anxiety associated with emergency orthopedic surgery. A parallel-group randomized controlled design was used. Ninety participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the damask rose group (n = 30), the chamomile group (n = 30), and the control group (n = 30). In the damask rose and chamomile groups, three drops of 40% essential of each plant were used for inhalation aromatherapy (three drops every hour for 3 hours) Visual Analog Scales were used to evaluate participants' pain and anxiety levels at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 1 hour after the intervention. The results of repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that both of the intervention groups experienced a decrease in pain and anxiety over time compared to the control group (P <.001). ANOVA results showed that immediately after the intervention, the anxiety level of the damask rose group compared to the chamomile and control groups was significantly lower (P =.01). However, there was no significant difference in terms of anxiety between the damask rose and chamomile groups 1 hour after the intervention (P =.07). The use of damask rose and chamomile in aromatherapy was found to effectively lower anxiety and pain levels in emergency orthopedic surgery patients. The antianxiety effect of damask rose is faster than chamomile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mediterranean Nursing & Midwifery is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a public health concern due to infections with new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, finding effective preventive and therapeutic treatments against all SARS-CoV-2 variants is of great interest. In this study, we examined the capacity of eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) and eucalyptol (EOL) to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, using as a model SARS-CoV-2 Spike pseudotyped lentivirus (SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus) and 293T cells transfected with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2-293T cells). First, we determined the cytotoxicity of EEO and EOL using the MTT colorimetric assay, selecting non-cytotoxic concentrations ≤ 0.1% (v/v) for further analysis. Subsequently, we evaluated the capacity of EEO and EOL in cell cultures to preclude infection of hACE2-293T cells by SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, using a luciferase-based assay. We found that EEO and EOL significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection, obtaining IC50 values of 0.00895% and 0.0042% (v/v), respectively. Likewise, EEO and EOL also reduced infection by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudovirus, although higher concentrations were required. Hence, EEO and EOL may be able to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection, at least partially, through a Spike-independent pathway, supporting the implementation of aromatherapy with these agents as a cost-effective antiviral measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To describe the latest scientific evidence regarding community-based interventions performed on patients in need of palliative care worldwide. Introduction and background: Given the rise of chronic diseases, their complexities and the fragility of patients, we are facing around 56.8 million people in need of palliative care. Community-based healthcare, particularly palliative care, can address social inequalities and improve the biopsychosocial health of disadvantaged populations. Therefore, primary care, as the main health referent in the community, has a central role in the care of these patients. Methods: This is an integrative review from January 2017 to June 2022 that follows the PRISMA statement and has been registered in PROSPERO. PubMed, Cuiden, the Web of Science (WoS), Cochrane and LILACS were the five databases searched. The scientific quality assessment of the articles was carried out following the CASPe methodology. Study selection was carried out by two researchers, A.V.L. and J.M.C.T., using the inclusion and exclusion criteria mentioned below. In cases of doubt or discrepancy, a third author (J.R.S.) was consulted. Results: The interventions mentioned in the 16 articles analysed were classified under the following categories: music therapy, laughter therapy, spiritual and cognitive interventions, aromatherapy, interdisciplinary and community-based teams, advance care planning and community, volunteering, telemedicine and care mapping. Example: Educating people to talk about different ethical issues could improve their quality of life and help develop more compassionate cities. Conclusions: We have identified interventions that are easily accessible (laughter therapy, telemedicine or music therapy), simple enough to be carried out at the community level and do not incur high costs. This is why they are recommended for people with palliative care needs in order to improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/background: As part of a scientific study into the effects of aromatherapy, we investigated the effects of lavender essential oil (LEO) treatment on the autonomic nervous system in subjects for whom the sense of smell had been eliminated. Methods: This study used a single-blinded cross-over design for verification. Heart rate variability was measured and effects on the autonomic nervous system were investigated. Results and discussion: Although no significant differences were found, aromatherapy treatment with 1% LEO tended to increase parasympathetic nervous system activity. Further, when differences between values before and during aromatherapy treatment were compared, LEO treatment significantly increased parasympathetic nervous system activity. Given these findings, LEO appears to increase parasympathetic nervous system activity, even in the absence of a psychological effect due to an absence of olfactory stimulation. Conclusion: The present results provide a scientific method for verifying the effects of aromatherapy and will aid in further elucidation of aromatherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Background Design Methods Results Conclusions Relevance to Clinical Practice Patient or Public Contribution Study Registration This study aimed to compare the effect of inhaled aromatherapy using various essential oils on the sleep quality of critically ill patients.Inhalation of essential oils significantly promotes the physiological and psychological health of patients in intensive care units (ICUs). However, research identifying and ranking the effects of different essential oils on the sleep quality of critically ill patients is lacking.This study followed the PRISMA Extension Statement for Reporting of Systematic Reviews Incorporating Network Meta‐Analyses of Health Care Interventions (PRISMA‐NMA) guidelines.A comprehensive search of five databases (Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was conducted from their inception to March 15, 2023 (with an additional eligible study included dated August 14, 2023). Google Scholar was used as a supplementary method. Frequentist NMA was used to determine the effects of various essential oils. Certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed using Confidence in Network Meta‐Analysis (CINeMA).A total of 11 trials involving 690 critically ill patients were included in the analysis. The NMA of inhaled aromatherapy revealed that the combination of lavender, Matricaria recutita, and neroli essential oils (ratio 6:2:0.5) resulted in the most significant improvement in sleep quality compared to usual care, followed by Rosa damascene, peppermint, Citrus aurantium, pure sunflower oil and lavender oil alone. The overall CoE for the results was rated as low.The results of this study indicate that a combination of lavender, Matricaria recutita and neroli essential oils significantly positively affected sleep quality among critically ill patients. Despite the low quality of evidence, inhaled aromatherapy is non‐invasive and easy to use.Inhaled aromatherapy can effectively improve sleep quality among critically ill patients.No patient or public contribution applies to this work.The study protocol was registered to the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (protocol number CRD42023433194). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical staff and academic department workers reported increasing levels of stress and burnout because of strain on the health care system. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this strain and introduced several novel stressors, which included transitioning to remote work. Safe and scalable strategies are needed to help health care workers cope with these stressors. Aromatherapy may help address this need. Objectives: To assess the effect of 2 aromatherapy interventions (essential oil blends termed STILL and FOCUS) on perceived mental/psychological health parameters for academic department workers working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants were advised to use STILL for 5 days (Monday through Friday). After a 2-day washout period (Saturday and Sunday), participants were instructed to use FOCUS for 5 days (Monday through Friday). Participants completed a visual analog scale survey evaluating restlessness, fatigue, anxiety, stress, happiness, energy, relaxation, calmness, and well-being before and after each of the 2 intervention periods. Results: Twenty academic department remote workers participated in the study. Mental/psychological health surveys were completed by 6 participants before and after using STILL and by 10 before and after using FOCUS. Five participants answered all survey questions before and after both interventions. Although mean (SD) perceived stress scores improved after both the STILL (4.3 [2.3] vs 1.8 [1.7], P =.03) and FOCUS (2.9 [2.3] vs 1.5 [1.4], P =.02) interventions, this improvement was not statistically significant after Bonferroni correction (adjusted α =.006). Most participants (73.3%) reported that participating in the study was worthwhile, and 81.3% indicated that they would recommend aromatherapy to others. Conclusions: The STILL and FOCUS aromatherapy interventions did not significantly improve mental/psychological health parameters for remote academic department workers, although perceived stress was marginally improved and participants reported a perceived benefit from using aromatherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The pain and long duration of childbirth cause many worries and complications for the mother. Therefore, this study was conducted with aim to determine the effect of aromatherapy with narcissus essential oil on labor pain. Methods: This single-blind clinical trial study was performed in 2020 on 80 primiparous pregnant women in experimental and control groups referred to Farideh Behbahani Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Behbahan city, for natural delivery. The data collection tool was the demographic and obstetric information questionnaire and the visual pain scale. In the experimental group, in the active phase of labor, aromatherapy with narcissus flower essence and in the control group, distilled water was used. Pain was measured before the intervention (4 cm dilatation) and after the intervention (6, 8 and 10 cm dilatation) and the second stage of labor. Data analysis was done using SPSS software (version 20) and inferential statistical tests and descriptive statistics. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean pain intensity in the intervention group in the first stage of labor (dilations 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm) were 8.77 ± 0.71, 7.42 ± 0.79, 8 ± 0.77 and 8.43 ± 0.90, respectively and in the second stage of labor was 8.53 ± 1.59. In the control group, the mean pain intensity in the first stage of labor was 7.80 ± 1.18, 8.50 ± 0.83, 9.58 ± 0.60, and 9.13 ± 1.42, respectively and in the second stage of labor was 9.49 ± 0.61. Aromatherapy with narcissus flower essence caused a significant decrease in the pain intensity score of the first stage of labor in the intervention group compared to the control group in 4, 6, 8 and 10 cm dilatations of cervix (P<0.001). In the second stage of labor, the mean intensity of pain felt in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Aromatherapy with narcissus flower essence can reduce the intensity of labor pain due to the presence of linalool compounds. Therefore, the essence of medicinal plants such as narcissus flower can be used to make the childbirth process pleasant and reduce the pain of mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective • To explore the effects of aromatherapy massage combined with TCM emotional release technique on maternal and neonatal physical and mental health and family relationships in patients with postpartum depression. Methods • A The total number of participants in the study was 160, who were evenly distributed through random assignment into four groups of 40 in each group. This random assignment process was designed to ensure that each group was similar in terms of demographic characteristics and other potential confounding factors to increase the comparability and internal validity of the study. The 160 patients with postpartum depression admitted to the obstetrics department of the Hebei 3a Hospital were enrolled between April 2021 and May 2022, and they were randomly divided into control group, sweet orange aromatherapy massage group, emotional release technique group and combination group, 40 cases in each group. The negative emotions, stress state, mania, levels of neurotransmitters and family intimacy adaptability were compared in the four groups before and after intervention. Results • After the intervention, scores of a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) in the combination group were higher than those in the other three groups, and were higher in the emotional release technique group and sweet orange aromatherapy massage group than control group (P < .05). After the intervention, scores of PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL) and 32-item hypomania checklist (HCL-32) were the highest in the control group, followed by the sweet orange aromatherapy massage group, emotional release technique group and combination group (P < .05). After the intervention, levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) were the highest in the combination group, followed by the emotional release technique group, sweet orange aromatherapy massage group, and control group (P < .05), and adaptability level of family intimacy was also in the same order (P < .05). In the combined treatment group, generalized anxiety disorder score (GAD-7) and postpartum depression scale (EPDS) scores were increased compared with the control group, indicating increased symptom severity in these two areas. GAD-7 and EPDS scores also increased significantly in the emotional release technique group and the sweet orange aromatherapy massage group. Although the magnitude of the increase may be different, both interventions seemed to lead to an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms. As the intervention progressed, the control group had the highest scores on the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Citizen Version (PCL) and the Hyperactivity Checklist 32 (HCL-32), followed by the Sweet Orange Aromatherapy Massage Group and the Emotional Release Technique group and combined treatment group. This indicates that symptom severity was significantly higher in the control group than in the other intervention groups in both areas. Levels of serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) increased in different groups, the highest in the combined treatment group, followed by the emotional release technique group, sweet orange aromatherapy massage group and the control group. This may indicate that the combination treatment had a positive effect on modulating the levels of these neurotransmitters. The adaptation level of family intimacy also changed according to the same trend. The highest level was in the combined treatment group, followed by the emotional release technique group, the sweet orange aromatherapy massage group and the control group. This may mean that combined treatment has a positive impact on the adaptability of family relationships. Conclusion •Aromatherapy massage combined with an emotional release technique can reduce negative emotions, stress, and mania, improve positive emotions and family intimacy adaptability of patients. These findings have important clinical implications as they relate to the well-being of women and families in the postpartum period. Reducing negative emotions and stress will improve women’s mental health and improve their quality of life. In addition, positive emotional support helps create a healthy family atmosphere and has a positive impact on society as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]