The palliation of nausea in hospice and palliative care patients with essential oils of Pimpinella anisum (aniseed), Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel), Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile) and Mentha x piperita (peppermint)

Abstract

This case study examines a variety of aromatherapy treatments offered to twenty-five patients suffering from the symptom of nausea in a hospice and palliative care program, using a synergistic blend of Pimpinella anisum (aniseed), Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel), Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile) and Mentha x piperita (peppermint). Outcomes were measured using the Bieri scale, a visual-numeric analogue. A majority of patients who used the aromatherapy treatments reported relief. However, all patients in this study were also using a variety of other treatments for their symptoms. While it is therefore impossible to establish a clear scientific link between the aromatherapy treatments and the nausea relief, this case study suggests that the oils used in this aromatherapy treatment were successful complements to the relief of this symptom.