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A review of the literature surrounding the research into aromatherapy.

Cawthorn A.

Manchester College of Midwifery and Nursing.

Whilst nurses in the UK are increasingly introducing aromatherapy into their practice, the research surrounding its use is still in its infancy. This position is in contrast to other parts of Europe such as France, where aromatherapy has been incorporated into areas of medical practice for some time, and is supported by increasing numbers of research papers. More recently, studies have been undertaken into the absorption of the essential oils, their therapeutic properties and the antimicrobial activity of certain oils. These studies will be reviewed, along with an evaluation of the studies undertaken in the UK into the use of aromatherapy with patients.