title: Effect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout: a small pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this pilot study was 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study. Data were collected 3 times a day for 3 weeks (Monday-Friday). The first week was baseline for both groups, the second week was intervention (aromatherapy or placebo), and the third week was washout.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants used a personal inhaler at home or at work.
  
  
  METHODS
  The subjects comprised a convenience sample of 13 women and 1 man who each had self-assessed ME/MB.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were randomized to receive a personal inhaler containing either a mixture of essential oils or rose water (as used in Indian cooking).
  
  
  METHODS
  The outcome measures were a 0-10 scale with 10=worst feeling of burnout, 0=no feeling of burnout. There was a qualitative questionnaire rating aroma and a questionnaire listing perceived stressors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While both groups had a reduction in perception of ME/MB, the aromatherapy group had a much greater reduction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that inhaling essential oils may reduce the perceived level of mental fatigue/burnout. Further research is warranted.
authors.affiliation: liz.varney@gmail.com
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Varney
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buckle
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019341:Aromatherapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D036562:Helichrysum / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D005222:Mental Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy*; D036142:Mentha piperita / Q000737:chemistry*; D008875:Middle Aged; D031339:Ocimum; D018649:Ocimum basilicum / Q000737:chemistry*; D009812:Odorants; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010465:Perception; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010938:Plant Oils; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010938:Plant Oils; C015424:peppermint oil; C051168:basil oil