Aromatherapy could treat post-operation nausea

Aromatherapy and intravenous administration of a sugar solution could offer an effective alternative to drugs when it comes to treating the nausea many experience after operations, says research published in Anesthesia & Analgesia.

A total of 301 people who were nauseous after surgery received one of four types of aromatherapy. Two groups received true aromatherapy, with essential oil of ginger or a blend of oils (ginger, spearmint, peppermint and cardamom) placed on a gauze pad. The other groups were given gauze pads with non-aromatherapy solutions: either rubbing alcohol or a saline solution (the placebo).

People given the two aromatherapy treatments had lower nausea scores, compared to the other groups and were less likely to need antiemetic drugs. The aromatherapy blend was more effective than ginger only.

Postoperative nausea occurs in up to one-third of surgical patients and is linked to longer hospitalisation and increased risk of readmission. Non-drug approaches to managing it are needed.

“Aromatherapy is promising as an inexpensive, non-invasive treatment for postoperative nausea that can be administered and controlled by patients as needed,” says study lead, Dr Ronald Hunt.

Another study shows that intravenous dextrose solution may also be useful in managing post-operative nausea and vomiting.