Effects of aromatherapy on anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Summary & key facts

Researchers combined results from 32 trials reported in 25 papers where people were randomly placed into different groups. They looked at studies of aromatherapy using essential oils, given by breathing them in or by massage, and measured anxiety with a common questionnaire that tracks current anxiety and usual anxiety levels. Overall, breathing in or getting a massage with essential oils reduced anxiety scores by a small to moderate amount compared with control groups. The studies did not report any side effects, but the researchers said we still do not know the best dose or exact way to use essential oils.

Key facts:

• The authors searched medical databases for carefully controlled studies of aromatherapy from 1990 to October 2019 and found 25 articles that included 32 trials.
• The studies measured anxiety with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, which separately scores how anxious someone feels right now and how anxious they usually are.
• Across the trials, aromatherapy by inhaling essential oils or by massage lowered current anxiety scores by about 5 points on the questionnaire.
• Aromatherapy lowered long-term tendency to be anxious by about 3 points on the questionnaire.
• The statistical results were strong enough that the authors judged the reductions unlikely to be due to chance.
• None of the included studies reported side effects, but the review noted that the proper dose and best way to use essential oils still need more research.

Topics

Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies

Categories

Life Sciences Neuroscience Sensory Systems

Tags

Alternative medicine Anxiety Aromatherapy Cochrane Library Internal medicine Massage Medicine Meta-analysis Pathology Physical therapy Psychiatry Randomized controlled trial Traditional medicine Trait anxiety

Substances

Other

Conditions & symptoms

Anxiety Anxiety or worry