The use of aromasticks at a cancer centre: a retrospective audit.

OBJECTIVE

To consider the use of aromasticks in a cancer centre in the UK: the reasons for their use, the choice of essential oils used in them and the demographics of the patients to whom they were given.

BACKGROUND

Aromasticks are personal aromatherapy inhaler devices, used in this hospital by the complementary therapy team to improve patients' well-being and quality of life by helping with symptom control.

METHODS

A retrospective audit of aromastick use covering a 28 month period from January 2011-April 2013.

RESULTS

A total of 514 aromasticks were given out, to patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and symptoms. The most common reasons for aromastick use were to alleviate nausea or to encourage relaxation. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), lemon (Citrus limon), frankincense (Boswellia carterii), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), orange sweet (Citrus sinensis) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) were the essential oils used most often.