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Efficacy of Inhaled Essential Oil Use on Selected Symptoms Affecting Quality of Life in Patients With Cancer Receiving Infusion Therapies.

  • 2022-06-01
  • Oncology nursing forum 49(4)
    • Amber S Williams
    • Jessica Dove
    • Julia E Krock
    • Corinna M Strauss
    • Shannon Panda
    • Loraine T Sinnott
    • Amy E Rettig

Study Design

Type
Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size
n = 248
Population
248 adults with gastrointestinal, neuroendocrine, or skin cancer receiving IV therapy from an academic cancer center
Methods
Participants were randomized to EO or control oil groups. Participants rated their symptoms during a seven-day period using a Likert-type scale ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 10 (worst symptoms ever)
Blinding
Open-label
Duration
seven-day period
  • Large Human Trial

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of inhaled ginger, German chamomile, and bergamot essential oil (EO) versus an odorless control oil on appetite, anxiety, fatigue, and nausea in individuals with cancer receiving IV therapy.

Sample & setting

248 adults with gastrointestinal, neuroendocrine, or skin cancer receiving IV therapy from an academic cancer center.

Rethods & variables

Participants were randomized to EO or control oil groups. Participants rated their symptoms during a seven-day period using a Likert-type scale ranging from 0 (no symptoms) to 10 (worst symptoms ever).

Results

Symptom burden was low. More men than women completed the study. The majority of participants had gastrointestinal cancer, followed by skin and neuroendocrine cancer. Ginger EO produced statistically significant results for anxiety and fatigue.

Implications for nursing

Most participants were men and had gastrointestinal cancer. The high number of zero scores for symptoms may indicate the success of current symptom management regimens. Improvements in anxiety and fatigue using ginger EO warrant further study for validation.

Research Insights

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