Clinical aromatherapy is the
use of essential oils for clinical outcomes
that are measurable, for example nausea,
anxiety or pain. Essential oils are highly
complex mixtures distilled from aromatic
plants. They can be useful during pregnancy,
labor, delivery, and postpartum.
Essential oils can be applied in several
different ways and are simple and pleasant
to use. Essential oils are lipophilic
(they do not dissolve in water). This paper
will give an overview of published research
relevant to maternal health, followed
by examples of how aromatherapy
is currently being used in a large maternity
hospital, and give suggestions to
encourage further integration.