Is aromatherapy effective in obstetrics? A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review is to collect clinical trials conducted using essential oils (EOs) in obstetric symptoms by evaluating if and in which context the aromatherapy practice is effective in obstetrics. The research was conducted by using the databases of EMBASE, Medline, Biosis and Toxcenter, PubMed, and Google Scholar search engine, selecting articles from January 2004 to July 2020. This study was performed according to the MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Only the randomized clinical trials were considered, and in cases of multiple publications, it was considered the most up to date information. Biases were highlighted. In the presence of homogeneous data, pooling statistics and meta-analysis were applied. The research led to 71 articles, 17 of which were eligible. Among the trials selected, eight investigated the effectiveness of EOs on anxiety, depression, and stress. Two concerned the treatment of nausea and vomiting, six evaluated the application of EOs on labor for pain treatment, and two showed the effectiveness in the treatment of episiotomy. The heterogeneity of works carried out so far has made it possible to develop a metaanalysis only in the field of pain treatment during childbirth, identifying the effectiveness of the EOs Lavandula spp. and Rosa damascena.

The Effectiveness of Neroli Essential Oil in Relieving Anxiety and Perceived Pain in Women during Labor: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Despite these limitations, the findings obtained in the current study point to the fact that available non-pharmacological remedies such as aromatherapy are effective in relieving pain and anxiety in women during the most difficult phase of pregnancy, that is, labor and childbirth [ 48 ]. They also represent a viable alternative to a strict medicalization of labor [ 49 ], providing midwifes and Ob/Gyns with natural methods that can be easily used [ 10 ].…”

Rosa Damascena mill for treating adults' anxiety, depression, and stress: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Although the previous systematic reviews supported the positive effects of RDM on anxiety and depression (Di Vito et al, 2020;Gong et al, 2020;Guo et al, 2020;Nayebi et al, 2017), the precise administration dosage and duration as well as the optimal administration method and form have not yet been determined to confirm the antianxiety and antidepressant effects of this treatment. Based on the results of subgroup analyses, aromatherapy with RDM had a significant effect on the reduction of state anxiety and depression.…”

Zum Stand der klinischen Forschung in der Aromatherapie

“…Ein aktueller systematischer Review konnte 17 randomisierte Studien analysieren, davon 8 bezüglich Angst, Depression und Stress, 2 zu Übelkeit und Erbrechen, 6 zu Entbindungsschmerz und 2 zur Symptomminderung nach Episiotomie [9].…”