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Effect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout: a small pilot study.
- Source :
-
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) [J Altern Complement Med] 2013 Jan; Vol. 19 (1), pp. 69-71. Date of Electronic Publication: 2012 Nov 09. - Publication Year :
- 2013
-
Abstract
- Objectives: The objective of this pilot study was to determine the effectiveness of a mixture of essential oils (peppermint, basil, and helichrysum) on mental exhaustion, or moderate burnout (ME/MB) using a personal inhaler.<br />Design: This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study. Data were collected 3 times a day for 3 weeks (Monday-Friday). The first week was baseline for both groups, the second week was intervention (aromatherapy or placebo), and the third week was washout.<br />Settings/location: Participants used a personal inhaler at home or at work.<br />Subjects: The subjects comprised a convenience sample of 13 women and 1 man who each had self-assessed ME/MB.<br />Interventions: Participants were randomized to receive a personal inhaler containing either a mixture of essential oils or rose water (as used in Indian cooking).<br />Outcome Measures: The outcome measures were a 0-10 scale with 10=worst feeling of burnout, 0=no feeling of burnout. There was a qualitative questionnaire rating aroma and a questionnaire listing perceived stressors.<br />Results: While both groups had a reduction in perception of ME/MB, the aromatherapy group had a much greater reduction.<br />Conclusions: The results suggest that inhaling essential oils may reduce the perceived level of mental fatigue/burnout. Further research is warranted.
- Subjects :
- Administration, Inhalation
Adult
Aged
Double-Blind Method
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Ocimum
Odorants
Oils, Volatile pharmacology
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Perception
Pilot Projects
Plant Extracts pharmacology
Plant Extracts therapeutic use
Plant Oils
Severity of Illness Index
Surveys and Questionnaires
Aromatherapy
Helichrysum chemistry
Mental Fatigue drug therapy
Mentha piperita chemistry
Ocimum basilicum chemistry
Oils, Volatile therapeutic use
Stress, Psychological drug therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1557-7708
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 23140115
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2012.0089