Clinical aromatherapy. Part I: An introduction into nursing practice.

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest-growing complementary therapies used by nurses in acute-care and long-term care settings in the United States (Buckle, 2001; Thomas, 2002). Simply defined, aromatherapy is the controlled use of plant essences for therapeutic purposes (Ernst, 2001). Licensed and certified caregivers, such as massage therapists and estheticians, use aromatherapy regularly in their practices. Although interest in aromatherapy is increasing among nurses, most have not received specialized education in the selection, safe use, and clinical efficacy of essential oils. Risks are associated with the use of essential oils, and aromatherapists, healthcare providers, and patients must be made aware of the risks and practice safe use of essential oils. Aromatherapy generally should be considered an adjunctive treatment and not an alternative to conventional care. This article provides an overview of aromatherapy, guidelines for selecting quality products, and the potential risks associated with essential oils. “Clinical Aromatherapy Part II: Safe Guidelines for Integration Into Clinical Practice” (see page 597) provides an overview of the qualifications necessary for aromatherapy practice, a brief summary of published data, and guidelines for safe integration into clinical nursing practice. Despite the growth of aromatherapy, a limited amount of published data defines dosing, methods of administration, and therapeutic outcomes of essential oils. The development of clinical practice guidelines provides a safe, standardized approach to the use of essential oils and aromatherapy within clinical practice settings. Cherie Perez, RN, BS, CCRP, RMT, is research nurse supervisor in the Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and a volunteer facilitator at the Place ... of Wellness at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. This poster originally was presented at the Oncology Nursing Society 28th Annual Congress in Denver, CO. Adapted with permission. (Mention of specific products and opinions related to those products do not indicate or imply endorsement by the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing or the Oncology Nursing Society.)