Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Meta-Analysis
. 2018 Mar 10;3(3):CD007598.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007598.pub3.

Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Sonia Hines  1 , Elizabeth Steels, Anne Chang, Kristen Gibbons
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Sonia Hines et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common, unpleasant phenomenon and current therapies are not always effective for all patients. Aromatherapy has been suggested as an addition to the available treatment strategies. This review was originally published in 2012 and updated in 2017.

Objectives: The main objective was to establish the efficacy and safety of aromatherapy comparable to standard pharmacological treatments for PONV in adults and children.

Search methods: We searched CENTRAL; MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL; CAM on PubMed; Informit; LILACS; and ISI Web of Science as well as grey literature sources and the reference lists of retrieved articles up to March 2017. The original search was performed in August 2011.

Selection criteria: We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) where aromatherapy was used to treat PONV. Interventions were all types of aromatherapy compared to placebo or with standard antiemetics. Primary outcomes were severity and duration of PONV. Secondary outcomes were adverse reactions, use of rescue antiemetics and patient satisfaction.

Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias in the included studies and extracted data. For dichotomous outcome variables, we used a random-effects model and calculated risk ratio (RR) with associated 95% confidence interval (95% CI). For continuous outcome variables, we used a random-effects model and calculated standardized mean difference (SMD) with associated 95% CI. We used the GRADE software to compile 'Summary of findings' tables.

Main results: We included seven new studies with 663 participants in the 2017 update; five RCTs and two CCTs. These were added to the nine previously included studies (six RCTs and three CCTs with a total of 373 participants) for a total of 16 included studies and 1036 participants in this updated review. The mean age and range data for all participants were not reported for all studies. We identified two registered trials that met the inclusion criteria for this review; however there are no results for these studies yet.Overall, the GRADE assessment of evidence quality ranged from moderate to very low. The method of randomization in 11 of the 12 included RCTs was explicitly stated and adequate. Incomplete or methodologically diverse reporting of data affected the completeness of the analysis. Data on additional aromatherapies were added in the 2017 update (blended aromatherapy products, and peppermint products). Heterogeneity of outcome measures and time points between studies affected the completeness of the analysis.In the summary of the findings of six studies, we did not find aromatherapy to be effective in reducing nausea severity in comparison to placebo (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -0.63 to 0.18, P value = 0.28, 241 participants, level of evidence: low). Those participants receiving aromatherapy were no more likely to be free of nausea at the end of the treatment period than those receiving placebo (RR 3.25, 95% CI 0.31 to 34.33, P value = 0.33, 4 trials, 193 participants, evidence level: very low), however they were less likely to require rescue antiemetics (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.97, P value = 0.04, 7 trials, 609 participants, evidence level: low). There were no data reported on adverse events or patient satisfaction for this comparison.A specific comparison of peppermint aromatherapy to placebo did not show evidence of an effect on nausea severity at five minutes post-treatment in the pooled results (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.86 to 0.49, P value = 0.59, 4 trials, 115 participants, evidence level: low). There were no data reported on nausea duration, use of rescue antiemetics, adverse events or patient satisfaction for this comparison.When we pooled studies comparing isopropyl alcohol to standard antiemetic treatment in a GRADE summary of findings, in terms of nausea duration, there was a significant effect on the time in minutes to a 50% reduction in nausea scores (SMD -1.10, 95% CI -1.43 to -0.78, P value < 0.00001, 3 trials, 176 participants, evidence level: moderate). Fewer participants who received isopropyl alcohol required rescue antiemetics (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.98, P value = 0.04, 215 participants, 4 trials, evidence level: moderate). Two studies with 172 participants measured patient satisfaction; there were high levels of satisfaction across both aromatherapy and standard treatment groups and no differences found (evidence level: low). There were no data reported on nausea severity or adverse events for this comparison.There was no difference in effectiveness between isopropyl alcohol vapour inhalation and placebo for reducing the proportion of participants requiring rescue antiemetics (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.24, P value = 0.11, 291 participants, 4 trials, evidence level: very low). There were no data reported on nausea severity, nausea duration, adverse events or patient satisfaction for this comparison.

Authors' conclusions: Overall, for nausea severity at the end of treatment, aromatherapy may have similar effectiveness to placebo and similar numbers of participants were nausea-free. However, this finding is based on low-quality evidence and therefore very uncertain. Low-quality evidence also suggests that participants who received aromatherapy may need fewer antiemetic medications, but again, this is uncertain. Participants receiving either aromatherapy or antiemetic medications may report similar levels of satisfaction with their treatment, according to low-quality evidence.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Sonia Hines: Queensland Health Nursing and Midwifery Research Grant received by Sonia Hines in 2008 to assist with the conduct of the original review (AUD 5906) (Hines 2012). The granting body had no influence on the findings of this review. Elizabeth Steels: no conflict of interest is known Anne Chang: no conflict of interest is known Kristen Gibbons: no conflict of interest is known

Figures

1
1
Study flow diagram
2
2
Methodological quality graph: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item presented as percentages across all included studies
3
3
Methodological quality summary: review authors' judgements about each methodological quality item for each included study
1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Aromatherapy versus placebo, Outcome 1 Nausea severity at end of treatment.
1.2
1.2. Analysis
Comparison 1 Aromatherapy versus placebo, Outcome 2 Duration of nausea measured as nausea‐free at the end of treatment.
1.3
1.3. Analysis
Comparison 1 Aromatherapy versus placebo, Outcome 3 Proportion requiring rescue antiemetics.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Peppermint versus placebo, Outcome 1 Nausea severity at 5 minutes post‐initial treatment.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Isopropyl alcohol versus standard treatment for PONV, Outcome 1 Time (minutes) to 50% reduction in nausea score.
3.2
3.2. Analysis
Comparison 3 Isopropyl alcohol versus standard treatment for PONV, Outcome 2 Proportion requiring antiemetics.
3.3
3.3. Analysis
Comparison 3 Isopropyl alcohol versus standard treatment for PONV, Outcome 3 Patient satisfaction.
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 Isopropyl alcohol versus saline, Outcome 1 Proportion requiring rescue antiemetics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

References to studies included in this review

Anderson 2004 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Andersen L, Gross J. Aromatherapy with peppermint, isopropyl alcohol or placebo is equally effective in reducing postoperative nausea. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2004;19(1):29‐35. [PUBMED: 14770380 ] - PubMed
Cotton 2007 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Cotton JW, Rowell LR, Hood RR, Pellegrini JE. A comparative analysis of isopropyl alcohol and ondansetron in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting from the hospital setting to the home. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal 2007;75(1):21. [PUBMED: 17304779] - PubMed
Cronin 2015 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Cronin S, Odom‐Forren J, Roberts H, Thomas M, Williams S, Wright M. Examining the effectiveness of controlled breathing, with or without aromatherapy, in the treatment of postoperative nausea in female patients undergoing outpatient laparoscopic procedures. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2015;30(5):389‐97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2015.03.010] - DOI - PubMed
Ferruggiari 2012 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Ferruggiari L, Ragione B, Rich E, Lock K. The effect of aromatherapy on postoperative nausea in women undergoing surgical procedures. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2012;27(4):246‐51. - PubMed
Hodge 2014 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Hodge N, McCarthy M, Pierce R. A prospective randomized study of the effectiveness of aromatherapy for relief of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2014;29(1):5‐11. - PubMed
Hunt 2013 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Hunt R, Dienemann J, Norton HJ, Hartley W, Hudgens A, Stern T, et al. Aromatherapy as treatment for postoperative nausea: a randomized trial. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2013;117(3):597‐604. - PubMed
Kamalipour 2002 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Kamalipour H, Parviz Kazemi A. The effect of isopropyl alcohol sniffing on the treatment of post‐operative nausea and vomiting. Journal of Medical Research (JMR) 2002;1(1):15‐9.
Kiberd 2016 {published data only}
    1. Kiberd M, Clarke S, Chorney J, d’Eon B, Wright S. Aromatherapy for the treatment of PONV in children: a pilot RCT. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016;16(450):2‐6. [DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1441-1; PUBMED: 27829428] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Lane 2012 {published data only}
    1. Lane B, Cannella K, Bowen C, Copelan D, Nteff G, Barnes K, et al. Examination of the effectiveness of peppermint aromatherapy on nausea in women post c‐section. Journal of Holistic Nursing 2012;30(2):90‐104. [DOI: 10.1177/0898010111423419] - DOI - PubMed
Langevin 1997 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Langevin P, Brown M. A simple, innocuous, and inexpensive treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anesthesiology 1997;84 Suppl:971. [ISSN: 0003‐3022]
Merritt 2002 {published data only}
    1. Merritt BA, Okyere CP, Jasinski DM. Isopropyl alcohol inhalation: alternative treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Nursing Research 2002;51(2):125. [PUBMED: 11984383] - PubMed
Pellegrini 2009 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Pellegrini J, DeLoge J, Bennett J, Kelly J. Comparison of inhalation of isopropyl alcohol vs promethazine in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients identified as at high risk for developing PONV. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal 2009;77(4):293‐9. [PUBMED: 19731848] - PubMed
Sites 2014 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Sites D, Johnson N, Miller J, Torbush P, Hardin J, Knowles S, et al. Controlled breathing with or without peppermint aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting symptom relief: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2014;29(1):12‐9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2013.09.008] - DOI - PubMed
Tate 1997 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Tate S. Peppermint oil: a treatment for postoperative nausea. Journal of Advanced Nursing 1997;26(3):543‐9. [PUBMED: 9378876] - PubMed
Wang 1999 {published data only (unpublished sought but not used)}
    1. Wang SM, Hofstadter MB, Kain ZN. An alternative method to alleviate postoperative nausea and vomiting in children. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia 1999;11(3):231‐4. [PUBMED: 10434220] - PubMed
Winston 2003 {published and unpublished data}
    1. Winston AW, Rinehart RS, Riley GP, Vacchiano CA, Pellegrini JE. Comparison of inhaled isopropyl alcohol and intravenous ondansetron for treatment of postoperative nausea. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal 2003;71(2):127‐32. [PUBMED: 12776641] - PubMed

References to studies excluded from this review

Adib‐Hajbaghery, 2015 {published data only}
    1. Adib‐Hajbaghery M, Hosseini F. Investigating the effects of inhaling ginger essence on post‐nephrectomy nausea and vomiting. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2015;23:827‐31. - PubMed
Apariman 2006 {published data only}
    1. Apariman S, Ratchanon S, Wiriyasirivej B. Effectiveness of ginger for prevention of nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopy. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 2006;89(12):2003‐9. [PUBMED: 17214049] - PubMed
Apfel 2001 {published data only}
    1. Apfel C, Kranke P, Greim C, Roewer N. What can be expected from risk scores for predicting postoperative nausea and vomiting?. British Journal of Anaesthesia 2001;86(6):822‐7. [PUBMED: 11573590] - PubMed
Arfeen 1995 {published data only}
    1. Arfeen Z, Owen H, Plummer J, Ilsley A, Sorby‐Adams R, Doecke C. A double blind randomized controlled trial of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 1995;23:449‐52. [PUBMED: 7485935 ] - PubMed
Betz 2005 {published data only}
    1. Betz O, Kranke P, Geldner G, Wulf H, Eberhart L. Is ginger a clinically relevant antiemetic? A systematic review of randomised controlled studies [Ist ingwer ein klinisch relevantes antiemetikum? Eine systematische übersicht randomisierter kontrollierter studien]. Logo 2005;12(1):14‐23. [DOI: 10.1159/000082536] - DOI - PubMed
Bone 1990 {published data only}
    1. Bone M, Wilkinson D, Young J, McNeil J, Charlton S. Ginger root; a new antiemetic. The effect of ginger root on postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynaecological surgery. Anaesthesia 1990;45(8):669‐71. [PUBMED: 2205121] - PubMed
Briggs, 2016 {published data only}
    1. Briggs P, Hawrylack H, Mooney R. Inhaled peppermint oil for postop nausea in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Nursing 2016;46(7):61‐7. - PubMed
Buckle 1999 {published data only}
    1. Buckle J. Aromatherapy in perianesthesia nursing. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 1999;14(6):336‐44. [PUBMED: 10839071] - PubMed
Chaiyakunapruk 2006 {published data only}
    1. Chaiyakunapruk N, Kitikannakorn N, Nathisuwan S, Leeprakobboon K, Leelasettagool C. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta‐analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006;194(1):95‐9. [PUBMED: 16389016] - PubMed
Chiravalle 2005 {published data only}
    1. Chiravalle P, McCaffrey R. Alternative therapy applications for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Holistic Nursing Practice 2005;19(5):207‐10. [PUBMED: 16145329] - PubMed
Chrubasik 2005 {published data only}
    1. Chrubasik S, Pittler MH, Roufogalis BD. Zingiberis rhizoma: a comprehensive review on the ginger effect and efficacy profiles. Phytomedicine 2005;12(9):684‐701. [PUBMED: 16194058] - PubMed
Couture 2006 {published data only}
    1. Couture D, Maye J, O'Brien D, Beldia Smith A. Therapeutic modalities for the prophylactic management of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2006;21(6):398‐403. [PUBMED: 17169749] - PubMed
Dabaghzadeh, 2014 {published data only}
    1. Dabaghzadeh F, Khalili H, Dashti‐Khavidaki S. Ginger for prevention or treatment of drug‐induced nausea and vomiting. Current Clinical Pharmacology 2014;9(4):387‐94. [PUBMED: 24218997] - PubMed
de Pradier 2006 {published data only}
    1. Pradier E. A trial of a mixture of three essential oils in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting [Essai d'un melange de trois huiles essentielles dans le traitement des nausees et vomissements postoperatoires]. International Journal of Aromatherapy 2006;16(1):15‐20. [INIST‐CNRS, Cote INIST : 27514, 35400013920567.0030]
Eberhart 2003 {published data only}
    1. Eberhart L, Mayer R, Betz O, Tsolakidis S, Hilpert W, Morin A, et al. Ginger does not prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic surgery. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2003;96:995‐8. [PUBMED: 12651648] - PubMed
Eberhart 2006 {published data only}
    1. Eberhart L, Frank S, Lange H, Morin A, Scherag A, Wulf H, et al. Systematic review on the recurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after a first episode in the recovery room ‐ implications for the treatment of PONV and related clinical trials. BMC Anesthesiology 2006;6(1):14. [PUBMED: 17166262] - PMC - PubMed
Ekenberg 2007 {published data only}
    1. Ekenberg M, Larsson A. The non‐pharmacological care of nausea and vomiting [Sjuksköterskans icke‐farmakologiska omvårdnadsåtgärder vid illamående och kräkningar]. unpublished dissertation 2007. [http://hdl.handle.net/2077/4746]
Ernst 2000 {published data only}
    1. Ernst E, Pittler M. Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. British Journal of Anaesthesia 2000;84(3):367‐71. [PUBMED: 10793599] - PubMed
Fujii 2008 {published data only}
    1. Fujii Y. Current prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting after gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Current Drug Therapy 2008;3(1):14‐25. [DOI: 10.2174/157488508783331180] - DOI
Geiger 2005 {published data only}
    1. Geiger JL. The essential oil of ginger, zingiber officinale, and anaesthesia. International Journal of Aromatherapy 2005;15(1):7‐14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijat.2004.12.002] - DOI
Golembiewski 2005 {published data only}
    1. Golembiewski J, Chernin E, Chopra T. Prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. American Journal of Health‐System Pharmacy 2005;62(12):1247. [PUBMED: 15947124] - PubMed
Hosseini, 2015 {published data only}
    1. Hosseini F, Adib‐Hajbaghery M. Ginger essence effect on nausea and vomiting after open and laparoscopic nephrectomies. Nursing and Midwifery Studies 2015;4(2):1‐6. [DOI: 10.17795/nmsjournal28625; PUBMED: 26339671] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Keifer 2007 {published data only}
    1. Keifer D, Ulbricht C, Abrams T, Basch E, Giese N, Giles M, et al. Peppermint (mentha piperita): an evidence‐based systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration. Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy 2007;7(2):91‐143. [PUBMED: 18285310] - PubMed
Kim 2006 {published data only}
    1. Kim JT, Wajda M, Cuff G, Serota D, Schlame M, Axelrod DM, et al. Evaluation of aromatherapy in treating postoperative pain: pilot study. Pain Practice 2006;6(4):273‐7. [PUBMED: 17129308] - PubMed
Kim 2007 {published data only}
    1. Kim JT, Ren CJ, Fielding GA, Pitti A, Kasumi T, Wajda M, et al. Treatment with lavender aromatherapy in the post‐anesthesia care unit reduces opioid requirements of morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Obesity Surgery 2007;17(7):920‐5. [PUBMED: 17894152] - PubMed
King 2009 {published and unpublished data}
    1. King L, Reagan S, Thomason H, Clements F, Botchuck J, Hardin S. Quease Ease aromatherapy for treatment of PONV. 2009 National Teaching Institute Research Abstracts. American Journal of Critical Care. 2009; Vol. 18:e1‐e17. [http://ajcc.aacnjournals.org/cgi/reprint/18/3/e1]
Koretz 2004 {published data only}
    1. Koretz RL, Rotblatt M. Complementary and alternative medicine in gastroenterology: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2004;2(11):957‐67. [PUBMED: 15551247] - PubMed
Lee, 2016 {published data only}
    1. Lee YR, Shin HS. Effectiveness of ginger essential oil on postoperative nausea and vomiting in abdominal surgery patients. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2016 [Epub ahead of print]:1‐5. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0328; PUBMED: 27841938] - DOI - PubMed
Mamaril 2006 {published data only}
    1. Mamaril ME, Windle PE, Burkard JF. Prevention and management of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a look at complementary techniques. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2006;21(6):404‐10. [PUBMED: 17169750] - PubMed
Mcilvoy, 2015 {published data only}
    1. Mcilvoy L, Richmer L, Kramer D, Jackson R, Shaffer L, Lawrence J, et al. The efficacy of aromatherapy in the treatment of postdischarge nausea in patients undergoing outpatient abdominal surgery. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing 2015;30(5):383‐88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2014.10.004; PUBMED: 26408512] - DOI - PubMed
Morin 2004 {published data only}
    1. Morin A, Betz O, Kranke P, Geldner G, Wulf H, Eberhart L. Is ginger a relevant antiemetic for postoperative nausea and vomiting? [Ist ingwer ein sinnvolles antiemetikum für die postoperative phase?]. Anasthesiologie, Intensivmedizin, Notfallmedizin, Schmerztherapie: Ains 2004;39(5):281‐5. [PUBMED: 15156419] - PubMed
Nale 2007 {published data only}
    1. Nale R, Bhave S, Divekar DS. A comparative study of ginger and other routinely used antiemetics for prevention of post operative nausea and vomiting. Journal of Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology 2007;23(4):405‐10. [http://www.joacp.org/index.php?option=com_journal&task=check_subscri...
Nanthakomon 2006 {published data only}
    1. Nanthakomon T, Pongrojpaw D. The efficacy of ginger in prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after major gynecologic surgery. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 2006;89(4):S130‐6. [PUBMED: 17725149] - PubMed
Phillips 1993 {published data only}
    1. Phillips S, Ruggier R, Hutchinson SE. Zingiber officinale (ginger) ‐ an antiemetic for day case surgery. Anaesthesia 1993;48(8):715‐7. [PUBMED: 8214465] - PubMed
Pompeo 2007 {published data only}
    1. Pompeo DA, Nicolussi AC, Galvão CM, Sawada N. Nursing interventions for the prevention and relief of nausea and vomiting during the immediate postoperative period [Intervenciones de enfermeria para nausea y vomito en el periodo postoperativo immediato]. Acta Paulista de Enfermagem 2007;20:191‐8. [LILACS: 457066]
Pongrojpaw 2003 {published data only}
    1. Pongrojpaw D, Chiamchanya C. The efficacy of ginger in prevention of post‐operative nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynecological laparoscopy. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 2003;86(3):244‐50. [PUBMED: 12757064] - PubMed
Rosén 2006 {published data only}
    1. Rosén E, Jackson K. Nursing interventions to prevent and/or relieve postoperative nausea and vomiting [Förebyggande och/eller lindrande omvårdnadsåtgärder vid illamående och kräkning efter operativa ingrepp]. Unpublished Thesis 2006. [http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:oru:diva‐700]
Spencer 2004 {published data only}
    1. Spencer KW. Isopropyl alcohol inhalation as treatment for nausea and vomiting. Plastic Surgical Nursing 2004;24(4):149. [PUBMED: 15632723] - PubMed
Tavlan 2006 {published data only}
    1. Tavlan A, Tuncer S, Erol A, Reisli R, Aysolmaz G, Otelcioglu S. Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy: combined antiemetic treatment with dexamethasone and ginger versus dexamethasone alone. Clinical Drug Investigation 2006;26(4):209. [PUBMED: 17163253] - PubMed
Tramer 2001 {published data only}
    1. Tramer MR. A rational approach to the control of postoperative nausea and vomiting: evidence from systematic reviews. Part 1. Efficacy and harm of antiemetic interventions, and methodological issues. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2001;45(1):4‐13. [PUBMED: 11152031] - PubMed
Visaylaputra 1998 {published data only}
    1. Visalyaputra S, Petchpaisit N, Somcharoen K, Choavaratana R. The efficacy of ginger root in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after outpatient gynaecological laparoscopy. Anaesthesia 1998;53(5):506‐10. [PUBMED: 9659029] - PubMed
Zeraati, 2016 {published data only}
    1. Zeraati H, Shahinfar J, Hesari S, Masrorniya M, Nasimi F. The effect of ginger extract on the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting after cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine 2016;6(5):1‐7. [DOI: 10.5812/aapm.38943] - DOI - PMC - PubMed

References to ongoing studies

NCT02189980 {published data only}
    1. NCT02189980. Aromatherapy using a nasal clip after surgery. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02189980 2016.
NCT02732379 {published data only}
    1. NCT02732379. Effect of aromatherapy on postoperative nausea, vomiting and quality of recovery. clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02732379 2017.

Additional references

Altman 2005
    1. Altman DG, Bland JM. Standard deviations and standard errors. BMJ 2005;331(7521):903. [PUBMED: PMC1255808] - PMC - PubMed
Apfel 2002
    1. Apfel C, Roewer N, Korttila K. How to study postoperative nausea and vomiting. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2002;46(8):921‐8. [PUBMED: 12190791] - PubMed
Apfel 2010
    1. Apfel CC. Postoperative nausea and vomiting. In: Miller RD editor(s). Miller's anesthesia. 7th Edition. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone, 2010:2729–55.
Balint 2010
    1. Balint B, Watz H, Amos C, Owen R, Higgins M, Kramer B. Onset of action of indacaterol in patients with COPD: comparison with salbutamol and salmeterol‐fluticasone. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2010;5:311‐8. [PUBMED: 20856830] - PMC - PubMed
Boogaerts 2000
    1. Boogaerts JG, Vanacker E, Seidel L, Albert A, Bardiau FM. Assessment of postoperative nausea using a visual analogue scale. Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica 2000;44(4):470‐4. [PUBMED: 10757584 ] - PubMed
Borenstein 2010
    1. Borenstein M, Hedges LV, Higgins J, Rothstein HR. A basic introduction to fixed‐effect and random‐effects models for meta‐analysis. Research Synthesis Methods 2010;1(2):97‐111. [DOI: 10.1002/jrsm.12] - DOI - PubMed
Carlisle 2006
    1. Carlisle JB, Stevenson CA. Drugs for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004125.pub2] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Dalvi 1991
    1. Dalvi SS, Nadkarni PM, Pardesi R, Gupta KC. Effect of peppermint oil on gastric emptying in man: a preliminary study using a radiolabelled solid test meal. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 1991;35(3):212‐4. [PUBMED: 1791066] - PubMed
Deeks 2001
    1. Deeks JJ, Altman DG, Bradburn MJ. Egger M, Davey Smith G, Altman DG, editor(s). Systematic Reviews in Health Care: Meta‐Analysis in Context. Statistical methods for examining heterogeneity and combining results from several studies in meta‐analysis. 2nd Edition. London: BMJ Publication Group, 2001.
Deeks 2011
    1. Deeks JJ, Higgins JPT, Altman DG (editors). Chapter 9: Analysing data and undertaking meta‐analyses. In: Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from handbook.cochrane.org.
Dobetsberger 2011
    1. Dobetsberger C, Buchbauer G. Actions of essential oils on the central nervous system: an updated review. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 2011;26:300‐16. [DOI: 10.1002/ffj.2045] - DOI
Egger 1997
    1. Egger M, Davey Smith G, Schneider M, Minder C. Bias in meta‐analysis detected by a simple, graphical test. BMJ 1997;315(7109):629‐34. [PUBMED: 9310563] - PMC - PubMed
Eisenberg 1998
    1. Eisenberg DM, Davis R, Ettner S, Appel S, Wilkey S, Rompay M, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990‐1997: results of a follow‐up national survey. JAMA 1998;280(18):1569‐75. [PUBMED: 9820257 ] - PubMed
Ernst 2001
    1. Ernst E (editor). Aromatherapy. The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Evidence‐Based Approach. Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Harcourt Publishers Limited, 2001:33–5. [ISBN: 0‐723‐43383‐6]
Ferdenzi 2011
    1. Ferdenzi C, Schirmer A, Roberts SC, Delplanque S, Porcherot C, Cayeux I, et al. Affective dimensions of odor perception: a comparison between Swiss, British, and Singaporean populations. Emotion 2011;11(5):1168. [PUBMED: 21534667] - PubMed
Gan 2014
    1. Gan TJ, Diemunsch P, Habib AS, Kovac A, Kranke P, Meyer TA, et al. Consensus guidelines for the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2014;118(1):85‐113. [DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000000002] - DOI - PubMed
GRADEpro GDT 2015 [Computer program]
    1. McMaster University (developed by Evidence Prime). GRADEpro GDT. Version assessed 6 August 2016. Hamilton (ON): McMaster University (developed by Evidence Prime), 2015.
Herz 2009
    1. Herz RS. Aromatherapy facts and fictions: a scientific analysis of olfactory effects on mood, physiology and behavior. International Journal of Neuroscience 2009;119(2):263‐90. [DOI: 10.1080/00207450802333953] - DOI - PubMed
Hewitt 2009
    1. Hewitt V, Watts R. The effectiveness of non‐invasive complementary therapies in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting following abdominal laparoscopic surgery in women: a systematic review. The JBI Library of Systematic Reviews 2009;7(19):850‐907. [http://wacebnm.curtin.edu.au/reviews/SR_81_revised_WA.pdf] - PubMed
Higgins 2003
    1. Higgins JPT, Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG. Measuring inconsistency in meta‐analyses. BMJ 2003;327:557‐60. - PMC - PubMed
Higgins 2011
    1. Higgins JPT, Altman DG, Sterne JAC (editors). Chapter 8: Assessing risk of bias in included studies. In: Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from handbook.cochrane.org.
Hills 1991
    1. Hills JM, Aaronson PI. The mechanism of action of peppermint oil on gastrointestinal smooth muscle. An analysis using patch clamp electrophysiology and isolated tissue pharmacology in rabbit and guinea pig. Gastroenterology 1991;101(1):55‐65. [PUBMED: 1646142] - PubMed
Huntley 2014
    1. Huntley A, Hunt R. Some patients experience relief from postoperative nausea with aromatherapy. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 2014;19(2):114‐5. [DOI: 10.1111/fct.12116] - DOI
Huwalt 2014 [Computer program]
    1. Huwalt J, Steinhorst S. Plot Digitizer. Version 2.6.6. Huwalt J, Steinhorst S, 2014.
Jokinen 2012
    1. Jokinen J, Smith AF, Roewer N, Eberhart LH, Kranke P. Management of postoperative nausea and vomiting: how to deal with refractory PONV. Anesthesiology Clinics 2012;30(3):481‐93. [10.1016/j.anclin.2012.07.003] - PubMed
Langendam 2013
    1. Langendam MW, Akl EA, Dahm P, Glasziou P, Guyatt G, Schunemann HJ. Assessing and presenting summaries of evidence in Cochrane Reviews. Systematic Reviews 2013;2(81):1‐9. [DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-2-81] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Lefebvre 2011
    1. Lefebvre C, Manheimer E, Glanville J. Chapter 6: Searching for studies. In: Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from handbook.cochrane.org.
Leicester 1982
    1. Leicester RJ, Hunt RH. Peppermint oil to reduce colonic spasm during endoscopy. Lancet 1982;2(8305):989. [PUBMED: 6127488] - PubMed
Linck 2010
    1. Linck V, Silva A, Figueiró M, Caramão EB, Moreno PR, Elisabetsky E. Effects of inhaled linalool in anxiety, social interaction and aggressive behavior in mice. Phytomedicine 2010;17(8‐9):679‐83. [PUBMED: 19962290] - PubMed
Lindquist 2013
    1. Lindquist R, Snyder M, Tracy MF. Complementary & Alternative Therapies in Nursing. New York: Springer Publishing Company, LLC, 2013. [ISBN: 0‐8261‐9612‐8, 978‐0‐8261‐9612‐5]
Lis‐Balchin 1997
    1. Lis‐Balchin M. Essential oils and aromatherapy: their modern role in healing. The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health 1997;117(5):324. [PUBMED: 9519666] - PubMed
Lis‐Balchin 2006
    1. Lis‐Balchin M. Aromatherapy Science. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2006. [ISBN: 85369 578 4]
Lowe 2010
    1. Lowe AE, FitzGerald L. Aromatherapy and mood changes in females with functional abdominal pain. Communicating Nursing Research 2010;43:283.
Lua 2012
    1. Lua PL, Zakaria NS. A brief review of current scientific evidence involving aromatherapy use for nausea and vomiting. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2012;18(6):534‐40. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0862] - DOI - PubMed
May 1996
    1. May B, Kuntz HD, Kieser M, KoÈhler S. Efficacy of a fixed peppermint oil/caraway oil combination in non‐ulcer dyspepsia. Arzneimittel‐Forschung/Drug Research 1996;46:1149‐53. [PUBMED: 9006790] - PubMed
Meyer 1995
    1. Meyer K, Schwartz J, Crater D, Keyes B. Zingiber officinale (ginger) used to prevent 8‐Mop associated nausea. Dermatology Nursing 1995;7(4):242‐4. [PUBMED: 7646942] - PubMed
Myles 2000
    1. Myles P, Williams D, Hendrata M, Anderson H, Weeks A. Patient satisfaction after anaesthesia and surgery: results of a prospective survey of 10,811 patients. British Journal of Anaesthesia 2000;84(1):6‐10. [PUBMED: 10740539] - PubMed
Orne 1962
    1. Orne MT. On the social psychology of the psychological experiment: with particular reference to demand characteristics and their implications. American Psychologist 1962;17(11):776‐83. [DOI: 10.1037/h0043424] - DOI
Posadzki 2013
    1. Posadzki P, Watson LK, Alotaibi A, Ernst E. Prevalence of use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients/consumers in the UK: systematic review of surveys. Clinical Medicine 2013;13(2):126‐31. [PUBMED: 23681857] - PMC - PubMed
Price 2007
    1. Price S, Price L (editors). Aromatherapy for Health Professionals. 3rd Edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2007. [ISBN: 0‐443‐06210‐2]
RevMan 2014 [Computer program]
    1. Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration. Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5). Version 5.3. Copenhagen: Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014.
Rogers 1988
    1. Rogers J, Tay H, Misiewicz J. Peppermint oil. Lancet 1988;332(8602):98‐9. [PUBMED: 2898713 ] - PubMed
Safajou 2014
    1. Safajou F, Shahnazi M, Nazemiyeh H. The effect of lemon inhalation aromatherapy on nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: a double‐blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal 2014;16(3):1‐6. [DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.14360] - DOI - PMC - PubMed
Sigmund 1969
    1. Sigmund CJ, McNally EF. The action of a carminative on the lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroenterology 1969;56(1):13‐8. [PUBMED: 5765428] - PubMed
Sterne 2011
    1. Sterne JAC, Egger M, Moher D (editors). Chapter 10: Addressing reporting biases. In: Higgins JPT, Green S (editors). Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Version 5.1.0 (updated March 2011). The Cochrane Collaboration, 2011. Available from handbook.cochrane.org.
Westphal 1996
    1. Westphal J, Hörning M, Leonhardt K. Phytotherapy in functional abdominal complaints: results of a clinical study with a preparation of several plants. Phytomedicine 1996;2:285‐91. [CENTRAL: CN‐00254483] - PubMed

References to other published versions of this review

Hines 2009
    1. Hines S, Steels E, Chang A, Gilshenan K. Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 1. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007598] - DOI
Hines 2012
    1. Hines S, Steels E, Chang A, Gibbons K. Aromatherapy for treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 4. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007598.pub2] - DOI - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources