Sniff your way to better rehab? aromatherapy patches tested in hospital study

NCT ID NCT05282706

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether wearing aromatherapy patches with lavender, mandarin, or peppermint oil could reduce pain and nausea in hospital patients during physical or occupational therapy. 165 adults in an acute care setting were randomly assigned to receive an aromatherapy patch or a placebo patch. The goal was to see if the scents helped patients complete their therapy sessions and feel better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

aromatherapy patches (lavender, mandarin, or peppermint oil)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help patients feel better during therapy and possibly shorten hospital stays.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study, so results may not be conclusive. The effect might be due to the placebo effect, and people with respiratory conditions were excluded.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Nausea Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Bianca Gonzales

    San Antonio, Texas, 78253, United States