The results of this study did not show any significant reduction in pain levels with aromatherapy, however, those patients receiving massage with lavender oil did have a reduction in their use of analgesic medications. Many patients also reported that they slept better or were able to roll over in bed. This study emphasizes the fact that the perception of pain by the patient plays an important role in the pain and this perception can be affected by touch and smell. Lavender and the ability to cope with critical care. A randomized controlled study of 122 patients in a critical care unit by Dunn and colleagues compared the anxiety levels in patients who received massage with lavender, massage without lavender, or neither.
Chamomile is thought to have relaxing and analgesic effects.
A randomized study by Wilkinson looked at the effects of massage with or without chamomile on 51 patients with cancer. The results of this study showed a reduction in tension, anxiety, and pain that was statistically significant. The essential oil from African Marigold was tested in a double-blinded placebo trial on the hyperketatotic plantar lesions of 30 patients. The placebo group received tincture with no active ingredients, and the other two groups received marigold paste with or without a protective pad. The results of this study showed that both of the treatment groups receiving active marigold had reduced pain level and a shorter duration of pain.