Aromatherapy and mental health
Several human trials in mental health settings have indicated
that there are positive emotional effects of using
aromatherapy and, given that at least 60% of visits to
doctors are stress-related (Charlesworth 1995), there is
great potential in this area; several mental health services
already incorporate aromatherapy into patient care
(Garnett-Ore 1996, Moore 1999). Inhaled essential oils
may increase alertness and reduce anxiety (Morris et al.
1995, Lehrner et al. 2000, Ilmberger et al. 2001), as well
Integrative literature reviews and meta-analyses Aromatherapy practice in nursing
2004 Blackwell Publishing Ltd, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 48(1), 93–103 97
as having positive effects on physical parameters of the autonomic
nervous system, enhancing relaxation (Heuberger
et al. 2001). Inhaled chamomile oil (type unstated) has been
found to reduce adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in
rats, leading to induced stress (Yamada et al. 1996),