Definition of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy: The use of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health. Also called aromatic medicine, conventional aromatherapy, holistic aromatherapy.
Explore Aromatherapy research in the following databases:
PubMed Trip Cochrane*
*The Cochrane database requires users to enter the search term manually. Enter “aromatherapy”
Research Spotlight
The databases often return hundreds of medical studies for a single wellness approach. This section summarizes a sampling of five studies – providing just a taste of the available research.
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- Exposure to Natural Fragrances During Sleep Dramatically Boosts Cognitive Function
AGood-quality studies on aromatherapy are rare. One 2023 randomized trial from the University of California, Irvine had “astonishing” findings. One group of study participants aged 60 to 85 used a diffuser every night for six months (two hours of exposure to natural oil infusions of rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender), while the other received a sham treatment (trace scent amounts). Participants then underwent a battery of neuropsychological tests, comparing memory, verbal learning, planning, and attention-switching skills. The group exposed to nightly fragrance had a 226% difference in cognitive performance compared to the placebo group—and brain scans also revealed a significant change in the areas of the brain critical to memory and thinking. The researchers’ conclusion: minimal olfactory enrichment at night produces improvements in both cognitive and neural functioning and may provide an effective, low-effort pathway to improved brain health.
Access this research on Aromatherapy
- Lavender Oil Can Be Effective As Sleep Aid for Patients
A small randomized pilot study of hospital patients (2014) found that 100% pure lavender oil bedside was associated with lower blood pressure and a slightly higher sleep score – with researchers concluding lavender aromatherapy may be an effective sleep aid.
Access this research on Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy Reduced Stress Among Korean High Schoolers
In a small Korean nursing school study, aromatherapy significantly reduced stress levels in high school students.
Access this research on Aromatherapy - Massage + Aromatherapy Work in Tandem to Reduce Fatigue
A Hyogo College of Medicine (Japan) study found massage combined with aromatherapy provides stronger relief from fatigue than massage alone.
Access this research on Aromatherapy - Peppermint Aromatherapy Helps Mitigate Post-Op PONV
A small randomized controlled trial (2014) found support for the use of peppermint aromatherapy in conjunction with controlled breathing for postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV) relief.
Access this research on Aromatherapy - Aromatherapy Not Effective in Controlling Agitation Among Alzheimer’s Patients
A Manchester University placebo-controlled randomized trial (2011) comparing melissa aromatherapy to the drug donepezil in treating agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease, concluded there was no evidence that the aromatherapy was superior to placebo or the donepezil.
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Studies-in-Progress/Clinical Trials Underway
A clinical trial is any research study that assigns people to health-related interventions to evaluate the outcomes. “Interventions” include drugs, surgical procedures, devices, behavioral treatments, preventive care, etc.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: explore trials underway in the U.S.
- World Health Organization: explore trials happening across the globe. When you reach WHO’s search page, please type in “aromatherapy.”
Access all studies currently available for Aromatherapy in these databases:
*The Cochrane database requires users to enter the search term manually. Enter “aromatherapy”
- Exposure to Natural Fragrances During Sleep Dramatically Boosts Cognitive Function