Why some hospitals are offering essential oils to surgery patients

More hospitals are using essential oils to help surgical patients with pain management, relaxation and nausea, according to an article from Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic.

Advertisement

Four things to know:

1. Essential oils are super-concentrated oils extracted from botanicals that target smell receptors in the nose, triggering calming effects in the nervous system and brain.

2. Research on the use of aromatherapy is still limited. However, smaller studies point to its benefits, and many patients say essential oils help reduce nausea, soothe sore muscles or encourage relaxation.

3. Researchers found patients who undergo aromatherapy after surgery report better pain management and higher overall satisfaction with their care, according to Mayo Clinic.

4. Essential oils can also offer benefits for patients before surgery. A 2017 study published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology found lavender aromatherapy reduced preoperative anxiety among patients undergoing general otolaryngology procedures.

More articles on clinical leadership & infection control:
Former CDC leader on bird flu threat: ‘We don’t know how the story’s going to end’
Health experts urge Facebook to crack down on anti-vaccine groups
Hospitals send many patients home with ‘risky’ antibiotics, study finds

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.