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Adverse effects of aromatherapy: A systematic review of case reports and case series
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This systematic review was aimed at critically evaluating the evidence regarding the adverse effects associated with aromatherapy.
Five electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant case reports and case series.
Forty two primary reports met our inclusion criteria. In total, 71 patients experienced adverse effects of aromatherapy. Adverse effects ranged from mild to severe and included one fatality. The most common adverse effect was dermatitis. Lavender, peppermint, tea tree oil and ylang-ylang were the most common essential oils responsible for adverse effects.
Aromatherapy has the potential to cause adverse effects some of which are serious. Their frequency remains unknown. Lack of sufficiently convincing evidence regarding the effectiveness of aromatherapy combined with its potential to cause adverse effects questions the usefulness of this modality in any condition.
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... Other studies highlight the anti-inflammatory and anti-AD activities of Mentha arvensis EO through the inhibition of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in animal models and in vitro cell models [88,89]. Despite these results, it should be noted that EOs have shown toxicity, especially through oral administration [90], and are contact sensitizers as they contain many compounds (e.g., cinnamic aldehyde and phenylacetaldehyde) with allergic potential. The sensitization reactions may be different if known sensitizers are used individually or combined, so great attention should be paid to fragrance-based products [91]. ...
... The sensitization reactions may be different if known sensitizers are used individually or combined, so great attention should be paid to fragrance-based products [91]. Aromatherapy has been associated with adverse dermatological reactions, such as dermatitis on the hands, among its practitioners, while skin irritation and contact dermatitis have been reported as the most common adverse effects [90]. ...
Citation: Boggio, C.M.T.; Veronese, F.; Armari, M.; Zavattaro, E.; Esposto, E.; Savoia, P.; Azzimonti, B. The Western These authors contributed equally to this work. Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, collectively termed the exposome. Among these determinants, diet emerges as a pivotal component, with diverse nutrients, contaminants, and additives shaping immune responses, microbiota composition, and systemic inflam-matory status. This literature review aimed to elucidate the interplay between dietary factors and skin dysbiosis in AD, providing insights into how these interactions may impact disease susceptibility and progression. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted using relevant keywords and medical subject headings (MeSH). Studies published in English within the past 25 years were included, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo research, as well as reviews. Priority was given to frequently cited articles, reflecting significant contributions to current understanding. Findings suggest that dietary habits influence AD by modulating both gut and skin microbiota, immune pathways, and inflammatory processes. These insights underscore the importance of considering diet within a broader exposome framework, paving the way for targeted interventions to improve AD management. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and optimize nutritional strategies, potentially informing preventive and therapeutic approaches for AD.
... According to a 2020 report on the global status of the osteopathic profession published by the Osteopathic International Alliance in collaboration with the World Health Organization, OPs, true to their origins, continue to employ a variety of manual techniques and frequently provide advice on lifestyle, exercise, activity, diet, and ergonomics [1]. This underscores that OPs, like other health professionals, promote patient health education through self-care strategies that integrate multiprofessional competencies, such as yoga principles [107], synchronized music listening [70], and essential oils [118], guided by specific prerequisites and training [119]. Simultaneously, active and participatory approaches deeply rooted in osteopathic principles help define the profession's distinctive character. ...
Background. A major goal for a significant portion of the osteopathic community is to update osteopathic principles, satisfying three needs: sourcing from the origin, proposing original and unique practical approaches, and describing the entire process in a scientifically updated way. On this line, several interprofessional proposals for healthcare providers have already been made by implementing patient-centered care and touch-based strategies informed by the enactive model. Enactivism principles can provide a foundation for rethinking osteopathic care by integrating environmental, psychological, social, and existential factors to facilitate the patient’s biobehavioral synchronization with the environment and social context, address health needs, and enhance the quality of multiprofessional healthcare services. However, there is a need to develop a conceptual model that offers a framework for organizing and interpreting disciplinary knowledge, guiding clinical observation and practical strategies, and defining both interprofessional collaboration and the unique focus of the profession. This scoping review and integrative hypothesis aim to fulfill the need for a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the distinctive osteopathic care to biobehavioral synchrony, emphasizing both interprofessional collaboration and the profession’s unique competencies. Methods. The present article was developed in accordance with established guidelines for writing biomedical scoping reviews. Results. A total of 36 papers were considered for thematic and qualitative analyses, which supported the integrative hypothesis. Considering the current tenets for osteopathic rational practice, we propose an integrative hypothesis to focus on a practical framework for osteopathic patient biobehavioral synchronization. Patient–practitioner–environment synchronization could be promoted through a four-step process: (1) a narrative-based sense-making and decision-making process; (2) a touch-based shared sense-making and decision-making process; (3) hands-on, mindfulness-based osteopathic manipulative treatment; (4) patient active participatory osteopathic approaches to enhance person-centered care and rational practice. Conclusions and future directions: The proposed model fosters patient–practitioner synchronization by integrating updated traditional osteopathic narratives and body representations into practice, offering a culturally sensitive approach to promoting health, addressing contemporary health needs, and improving inclusive health services. Future studies are required to assess the transferability and applicability of this framework in modern settings worldwide.
... Massage therapy Minor nerve injuries, bruises, and blood clot dislodgment [195] 9 Aromatherapy Allergic reactions, headache, respiratory issues, drug interactions, CNS overstimulation. [196] 10 Chiropractor Therapy Vertebral artery dissection, neck pain, and slipped disc [197] 11 ...
Despite rapid advances in stroke management and rehabilitation therapy, no effective treatment is available for the later recovery phase following stroke. Therefore, complementary and alternative medicine system (CAM) has emerged as promising adjunct therapy for stroke management. CAM has its own cultural and philosophical aspects with different societies that drive as an inspiration and perception of less harmful and more effective strategies for stroke rehabilitation. However, robust scientific studies are required to establish CAM as an alternative therapy adjunct to conventional stroke treatment.
A thorough literature search was performed using standard web databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus using ‘complementary and alternative medicine in stroke’ as the major keyword. Research and review articles containing latest preclinical and clinical studies were primarily included in this review. Moreover, different stroke treatment strategies mentioned in ancient scriptures were also considered.
CAM therapy is parallelly practiced along with clinically approved stroke therapy worldwide. It has been also reported beneficial on post-stroke neurorehabilitation in different population-based studies.
Currently, CAM suffers various limitations, including defined end-point, clear outcomes, the exact mechanism of action, and proper assessment of the patient’s physical and emotional needs. Nevertheless, CAM is being used to treat various diseases globally. However, their usage pattern differs according to a population's geography and socio-cultural background. The review briefly discusses different CAM used as stroke rehabilitation therapy and their promising role in adjunct stroke management strategies.
... Many herbal compounds, especially those used in aromatherapy, have been found to cause dermatitis, phototoxicity, oral toxicity (Farrar and Farrar, 2020), and respiratory issues, including congestion, coughing, and wheezing. Many essential oils were associated with adverse effects, including lavender, tea tree, and peppermint oil (Posadzki et al., 2012). There is no doubt that herbal compounds can be beneficial when used appropriately. ...
A significant global health crisis is predicted to emerge due to antimicrobial resistance by 2050, with an estimated 10 million deaths annually. Increasing antibiotic resistance necessitates continuous therapeutic innovation as conventional antibiotic treatments become increasingly ineffective. The naturally occurring antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral compounds offer a viable alternative to synthetic antibiotics. This review presents bacterial resistance mechanisms, nanocarriers for drug delivery, and plant-based compounds for nanoformulations, particularly nanoantibiotics (nAbts). Green synthesis of nanoparticles has emerged as a revolutionary approach, as it enhances the effectiveness, specificity, and transport of encapsulated antimicrobials. In addition to minimizing systemic side effects, these nanocarriers can maximize therapeutic impact by delivering the antimicrobials directly to the infection site. Furthermore, combining two or more antibiotics within these nanoparticles often exhibits synergistic effects, enhancing the effectiveness against drug-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial agents are routinely obtained from secondary metabolites of plants, including essential oils, phenols, polyphenols, alkaloids, and others. Integrating plant-based antibacterial agents and conventional antibiotics, assisted by suitable nanocarriers for codelivery, is a potential solution for addressing bacterial resistance. In addition to increasing their effectiveness and boosting the immune system, this synergistic approach provides a safer and more effective method of tackling future bacterial infections.
... Its popularity in natural medicine makes it a versatile choice for various therapeutic applications [24]. Studies have demonstrated that it is effective in reducing both pain [25] and anxiety. It causes a 16% decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity and a 12% increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity. ...
Background: The key to a child's treatment success in a pediatric dental setting is to control discomfort and anxiety. The proposed method supports the execution of a non-aversive behavior management scheme. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of essential oil aromatherapy on anxiety and pain associated with the administration of local anesthesia (LA) in children. Methods: This study included 176 children (87 girls and 89 boys) aged 6-9 years, who were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received aromatherapy with essential oil using a nebulizer for 2 min with a 10-min induction period before the administration of LA. Group 2 (control group) was managed using non-pharmacological behavioral techniques. Baseline anxiety levels were recorded for all children before the intervention. LA was administered according to a standard protocol. Postprocedural pain and anxiety were assessed using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS); Visual Analog Scale (VAS); Sound, Eye, Motor (SEM) scale; and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS)(f). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Results: The Mann-Whitney U test revealed a statistically significant difference in anxiety MCDAS(f) scores between the groups at both baseline (P = 0.022) and post-procedure (P = 0.001). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test also indicated a statistically significant change in anxiety scores within each group from baseline to post-procedure (P = 0.001). Furthermore, VAS, analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, demonstrated a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.001). Pain scores measured using WBFPRS and SEM scales were significantly lower in the aromatherapy group, as determined using the chi-square test. Conclusion: Prior use of essential oil aromatherapy can effectively reduce anxiety and pain in children during the administration of LA.
... Compared with drug therapy, aromatherapy is more economical and simpler to use, and has fewer side effects like skin irritation and contact dermatitis. It is widely used in relieving stress, improving sleep disorders, and the treatment of depression, anxiety, etc. (7,8) Hence, we hypothesize that a combination of lavender oil with leg massage may produce a better improvement in physiological, cognitive, and psychological variables than massage and aromatherapy alone. Since there is a lack of scientif ic evidence-based study in combination with leg massage and lavender oil, the present study was conducted with the aim and objective to find the short-term effect of leg massage using lavender oil on physiological variables like BP, pulse rate (PR), blood glucose level (random blood sugar; RBS), oxygen saturation (partial pressure of oxygen; PO 2 ), temperature, pulmonary functions, cognitive functions like attention and memory, and psychological variables like anxiety and mindfulness in patients with HTN. ...
Background: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most important non-communicable risk factors that cause cardiovascular diseases. Complementary therapies including massage and aromatherapy are widely used in the management of HTN. However, studies on aromatherapy massage in HTN are limited. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lavender oil leg massage on physical (cardio pulmonary function), cognitive, and psychological variables of patients with HTN. Materials and methods: A parallel-group randomized controlled trial, comprising 100 HTN patients aged 44.99 ± 5.39 years who were recruited and randomly divided into the study group (SG) and control group (CG), was conducted. The SG received lavender oil leg massage, while the CG received supine rest for 20 min. Outcome variables like blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PR), random blood sugar (RBS) level, oxygen saturation, pulmonary function, oral temperature, trail making test (TMT) A and B, and state anxiety and mindfulness were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The within-group analysis showed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, PR, RBS, TMT-A, TMT-B, and state mindfulness both in the SG and CG. However, a significant reduction in state anxiety was observed only in the SG unlike the CG. Moreover, the between-group analysis showed a significant improvement in state mindfulness and state anxiety in the SG compared to the CG. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that lavender oil leg massage is effective in reducing BP and RBS, and improving cognitive function in hyperten-sive patients. In addition, it is more effective in reducing anxiety and improving mindfulness than rest in supine position in patients with HTN.
... Furthermore, allergic reactions and dermatitis have been reported, particularly in individuals exposed to EOs through cosmetic and personal hygiene products. While our study focuses on the effects after olfactory exposure, it is essential to consider the broader context of safety concerns and weigh the potential benefits against the risks associated with their use (Posadzki et al. 2012). ...
The positive impact of essential oils (EOs) on stress release has been demonstrated in both humans and dogs. Among the EOs known for their anxiety-reducing properties, including Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, and Litsea citrata, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal concentration for efficacy. This exploratory study sought to investigate the effects of olfactory enrichment with a blend of these EOs on dogs introduced to an unfamiliar environment. The authors sought to determine the minimum concentration required to achieve increased relaxation. In a randomized controlled crossover study design, 54 dogs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, and 10 drops of the EO blend applied to their collars before entering an unfamiliar room with their owners. Behavioral observations were employed to quantify the total duration of activity and relaxation related behaviours for each dog under each treatment condition. A significant difference in panting was identified among the treatments (χ2(3) = 9.88; p = 0.020). Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in panting during the 10 drops treatment compared to the control treatment (p = 0.047). No significant differences were observed for other behaviors. To provide a comprehensive overview of behavioral tendencies in this canine population, owners also completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), revealing low scores for anxiety in the study group. These preliminary findings suggest that a concentration of 10 drops of the EO blend on a dog's collar induces increased relaxation, specifically reflected in decreased panting behavior. Lower concentrations did not exhibit a significant relationship with the observed behaviors. These initial findings underscore the importance of exposing dogs to an appropriate concentration of EOs when exploring their potential benefits on welfare among dogs with low anxiety levels. Further research in this area is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of EOs for canine welfare.
Essential oils (EOs) are a volatile mixture of bioactive compounds extracted from aromatic plants. The composition of EOs varies, which majorly depends on the extraction methods and plant parts. Aromatherapy using EOs has been reported for its several beneficial effects in humans. Aromatherapy is considered a complementary and/ or adjuvant therapeutic approach for treating several illnesses, especially to improve mental health and well-being. The incidence of sleep disorders, specifically insomnia, is nowadays increased, possibly due to urbanization and lifestyle. The studies showed that EOs-based treatments using lavender EO, bergamot EO, cinnamon EO, and rosemary EO (alone or in combinations) could improve sleep quality, duration, and deprivation in healthy subjects and patients, those who suffer from sleep-related issues. The current manuscript details the outcomes of EO-based treatments on the sleep quality of humans and the possible mechanisms associated with the health-promoting properties of EOs. Also, the toxicity and adverse effects of EOs have been discussed. The study indicated that EOs are potent adjuvant therapeutic candidates to manage mood-associated complications in humans. Moreover, the aromatherapeutic field requires detailed studies on toxicity and dose determination, which could provide safe and effective therapeutic results.
The second edition of this book is virtually a new book. It is the only comprehensive text on the safety of essential oils, the first review of essential oil/drug interactions, and it provides detailed essential oil constituent data not found in any other text. Much of the existing text has been re-written, and 80% of the text is completely new. There are 400 comprehensive essential oil profiles and almost 4000 references. There are new chapters on the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the urinary system, the digestive system and the nervous system. For each essential oil there is a full breakdown of constituents, and a clear categorization of hazards and risks, with recommended maximum doses and concentrations. There are also 206 Constituent Profiles. There is considerable discussion of carcinogens, the human relevance of some of the animal data, the validity of treating an essential oil as if it was a single chemical, and the arbitrary nature of uncertainty factors. There is a critique of current regulations.
In my previous paper, ‘Toxicity Myths — the Actual Risks of Essential Oil Use’ (see IJA, volume 10, issues 1&2), I considered the common ‘myths’ regarding the safe use of essential oils. This included discussion of often-stated ‘contraindications’ regarding the use of various essential oils in the case of high and low blood pressure, concerns relative to kidney and liver damage, during pregnancy and more. This paper carries on to consider further ‘myths’ regarding the safe use of essential oils, this time relative to the supposed carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer) potential of some essential oils.