[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "citation", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop
Featured
Breathwork
Lars Eriksson
5.0(1)Stockholm, SE
View Profile
Research Overviewaromatherapy
Aromatherapy in Cancer Care: A Review of the Research
Aromatherapy is one of the most used complementary therapies in cancer care. This review examines what clinical evidence shows about anxiety, pain, and quality of life outcomes.
Photo by Bernd 📷 Dittrich on Unsplash
Quick answer
Aromatherapy is one of the most used complementary therapies in cancer care. This review examines what clinical evidence shows about anxiety, pain, and quality of life outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- •Aromatherapy massage is among the most researched complementary interventions in oncology.
- •Consistent evidence shows short-term reductions in anxiety, pain, and nausea.
- •Most effects are short-term — persistence beyond the session is inconsistent.
- •No evidence suggests aromatherapy treats cancer itself — it is a supportive care intervention.
- •Integrative oncology programmes increasingly include aromatherapy as a standard component.
- •Always coordinate with the oncology team before beginning aromatherapy during treatment.
Evidence Context
moderate
Moderate evidence from systematic reviews supports aromatherapy massage for short-term anxiety, pain, and nausea reduction in cancer patients. A 2016 Cochrane review found significant short-term benefit for anxiety and pain.
Safety & Considerations
Always coordinate with the oncology team. Some essential oils may interact with chemotherapy. Avoid application to areas receiving radiotherapy. Use lower concentrations than standard — cancer treatment can increase skin sensitivity.
Who May Benefit
- People with cancer seeking quality-of-life support
- Caregivers supporting someone through cancer treatment
- Oncology professionals wanting an evidence overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Can aromatherapy cure or treat cancer?
No. There is no evidence that aromatherapy treats cancer. It is a supportive care intervention aimed at improving quality of life and reducing treatment side effects. Claims to the contrary are not supported by evidence.
Is aromatherapy safe during chemotherapy?
Generally yes, with appropriate precautions. Always inform your oncology team. Avoid application near cannula sites or radiation-treated areas. A qualified aromatherapist with oncology training should be involved.
References
- [1]
- [2]
- [3]
- [4]
- [5]
- [6]
- [7]
- [8]
Written by
Gyfts Editorial Team
Editorial team at Gyfts researching holistic health modalities.
Reviewed by
Dr. Ava Gardner
Integrative Medicine Researcher
MB BCh BAO, MSc Integrative Medicine, MRCGP
Dr. Ava Gardner is a Dublin-based integrative medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical experience bridging conventional general practice and evidence-based complementary care. She holds a Masters in Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona and has worked extensively in chronic pain management, women's hormonal health, and mind-body medicine. Dr. Gardner reviews health content for Gyfts to ensure clinical accuracy, balanced evidence presentation, and responsible safety guidance across modality and condition pages.
View full profile →Featured Practitioners
SponsoredThese practitioners have chosen to be featured on Gyfts.
More on Aromatherapy
Session Experience
What Happens During an Aromatherapy Session?
Aromatherapy with a qualified practitioner is more than lighting a candle. Here is what a professional session involves and how it differs from home use.
15 March 2026
Guide
Aromatherapy for Stress: What the Evidence Says
Aromatherapy is one of the most widely used complementary therapies globally. Here is an honest look at what the evidence says about its effects on stress and anxiety.
22 February 2026
Top Aromatherapy Practitioners
Highly rated practitioners specialising in this modality.
