Reduction of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Pilot Study of Essential Oils in the Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplantation Population.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) places a burden on patients receiving blood and marrow transplantation. The effects of complementary aromatherapy on CINV are documented, but more information is needed to implement practice changes.

Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate whether pure peppermint or ginger essential oil reduced the severity of CINV.

Methods: A controlled randomized pilot study was conducted using peppermint oil, ginger oil, and control (canola oil) groups. Nurses applied the assigned oil every four hours. Outcome and patient feedback data were collected.

Findings: Twenty patients experienced a level 2 or greater nausea event. Patients in the peppermint oil group were the least likely to experience a nausea event, followed by the ginger oil and control groups. Five patients experienced level 2 vomiting; these events did not differ between groups.