Aromatherapy for First Trimester Nausea, Vomiting, and Subjective Well-Being: A Blinded, Randomized, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial of Three Essential Oils.

Background: Pregnant patients often seek natural remedies when they experience pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting (PINV). Scant evidence exists to quantify the beneficial effects of essential oil inhalation as a remedy for PINV, yet is identified as a common integrative and complementary medicine treatment, particularly during the first trimester. The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effects of aromatic essential oils on nausea, vomiting, and quality of life during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Methods: This was a 4-arm randomized, blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial to evaluate the potential of grapefruit, ginger, and peppermint essential oils on nausea, vomiting, and overall quality of life. Citrus paradisi is cold pressed from the citrus rind, Zingiber officinale is extracted from the root of the herb, and Mentha x piperita is extracted from the leaves of the plant. The essential oils were diluted in avocado oil for skin application. The placebo consisted of avocado oil. Participants were recruited through the research practice's database and completed the intervention in their own homes to mimic real world scenarios. Seventy-four pregnant women within their first trimester were randomized into four groups, including the placebo group. Results: Outcomes were measured using the Quantification of Emesis 24-hour scale (PUQE-24), a validated measurement of nausea, vomiting, and quality of life during pregnancy. All groups improved on all measures progressively during the trial. When placebo and intervention groups were compared, there was no significant difference between groups on sleep and nausea outcomes. Ginger essential oil was found to reduce retching and the use of aromatherapy in general improved well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]