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

Summary & key facts

This meta-analysis combined 32 randomized trials from 25 articles to see if aromatherapy lowers anxiety. It found that both inhalation and massage aromatherapy were linked with lower scores on a common anxiety scale (STAI). The review noted no reported side effects, but said more research is needed on the right dose of essential oils.

Key facts:

• The review pooled 32 randomized controlled trials reported in 25 articles.
• The authors searched databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, CNKI, WanFang, CBMD) up to October 2019 (Web of Science from January 1990 to October 2019).
• Anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).
• For state anxiety (SAI), the overall weighted mean difference was -5.16 (95% CI: -5.78 to -4.55), p < 0.001, favoring aromatherapy.
• For trait anxiety (TAI), the overall weighted mean difference was -2.85 (95% CI: -3.95 to -1.75), p < 0.001, favoring aromatherapy.
• Both inhalation and massage forms of aromatherapy were reported to significantly decrease anxiety in the pooled results.
• No side effects were reported in the included studies.
• The authors stated that the proper dosage of essential oils still needs further research.

Abstract

The meta-analysis suggested that aromatherapy with different essential oils could alleviate anxiety significantly no matter the reason of anxiety. However, the proper dosage of essential oils needs further 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