Essential oil therapy in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review
Essential oil therapy in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review
Barão et al., 2021 | Complement Ther Clin Pract | Systematic Review
Citation
Barão Paixão Viviane Lucia, Freire de Carvalho Jozélio. Essential oil therapy in rheumatic diseases: A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021-May;43:101391. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101391
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to review articles that have evaluated the role of essential oil therapy in patients with rheumatic diseases. METHODOLOGY: Systematic review. No study design or language limitation was applied. RESULTS: We have identified 13 articles, most of them were used in osteoarthritis (n = 4), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 3) and fibromyalgia (n = 3). Two studies included patients with RA and OA (n = 2). The number of people involved in the study varied from 9 to 162, where female sex was observed in 60-100%. The age of the patients ranged from 36 to 78.3 years old and disease duration 1-11.67 years. The lavender essential oil was the most used, and then Ginger oil, Rosemary oil, and Rosmarinus officinalis. Time of oil use varied from 2 to 12 weeks. Importantly, all studies but one (91.6%) have demonstrated the efficacy of aromatherapy. CONCLUSION: There are few reports on essential oils in rheumatic disease, mainly osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. All but one study have showed the efficacy of this complementary therapy.
Key Findings
We have identified 13 articles, most of them were used in osteoarthritis (n = 4), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 3) and fibromyalgia (n = 3). Two studies included patients with RA and OA (n = 2). The number of people involved in the study varied from 9 to 162, where female sex was observed in 60-100%. The age of the patients ranged from 36 to 78.3 years old and disease duration 1-11.67 years. The lavender essential oil was the most used, and then Ginger oil, Rosemary oil, and Rosmarinus officinalis.
Outcomes Measured
- Requires manual extraction
Population
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Population | rheumatic diseases |
| Sample Size | 4 |
| Age Range | See abstract |
| Condition | See abstract |
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Aged
- Aromatherapy
- Female
- Humans
- Lavandula
- Middle Aged
- Oils, Volatile
- Rheumatic Diseases
- Rosmarinus
Evidence Classification
- Level: Systematic Review
- Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
- Vertical: ginger
Provenance
- PMID: 33865080
- DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101391
- PMCID: Not in PMC
- Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API
Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09