(NaturalPath) A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, set out to determine the effectiveness of a mixture of essential oils (peppermint, basil, and helichrysum) on mental exhaustion, or moderate burnout (ME/MB) using a personal inhaler.
This study was a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study. The duration and frequency of the data collection was three times a day for three weeks. The first week was at baseline for both groups, the second week included the intervention (aromatherapy or placebo) and the third week was a washout.
This was a pilot study and the researchers used a convenience sample of 13 women and one man who each had self-assessed ME/MB. The results were seen through a qualitative questionnaire.
The participants either received a personal inhaler containing either a mixture of essential oils or rose water.
The results were that while both groups had a reduction in perception of burnout, the aromatherapy group had a much greater reduction. More tests need to be conducted, but it seems that inhaling essential oils can reduce the perceived level of mental fatigue and burnout.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.