A trial of a mixture of three essential oils in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting

The management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) that occurs in 30% of all surgical cases is indispensable for a rapid recovery, patient comfort and the overall image of general anaesthesia. Currently, allopathic drugs proposed in surgery include major drugs such as morphine as well as analgesics of class IIB such as Nefopam and Tramadol. We wanted to demonstrate that it is possible to treat these negative effects of anaesthesia with a mixture of three essential oils via percutaneous application on the anterolateral aspect of the neck.

This study comprised of 73 cases and used a mixture of Zingiber officinale (ginger), Elletaria cardamomum (cardamom) and Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) essential oils in equal parts.

The results were collected approximately 30 min following application as soon as the symptoms appeared in the theatre recovery room. Seventy five percent of cases had a favourable outcome. The best results were obtained with patients who had received a single drug that provoked the symptoms. In all other cases, results were reduced to a 50% success rate.