Effect of peppermint-lemon aromatherapy on nausea-vomiting and quality of life in pediatric patients with leukemia: A randomized controlled trial

Background Nausea and vomiting, frequently induced by chemotherapy, can delay treatment protocols and the healing process. Purpose The aim of this study is to determine how aromatherapy inhalation with peppermint and lemon using a diffuser affects nausea-vomiting management and quality of life in 2–12-year-old children undergoing chemotherapy. Design and methods The study utilized a pretest-posttest control group experimental design with randomized groups. A total of 90 children who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The experimental group received Mentha Piperita and Citrus Lemon essential oils through a diffuser, while the placebo group received water through a diffuser. The control group did not receive any intervention. Results Pulse and respiratory rates of children treated with aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than the other groups. After aromatherapy application, quality of life of the children in the experimental group was significantly higher than the other groups. The change in the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching scores of the experimental group on the 4th chemotherapy cycle compared to the 1st chemotherapy cycle was significantly higher than the change in the other groups. Conclusions Consequently, it was determined that inhalation aromatherapy with peppermint-lemon was effective in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea-vomiting symptoms and quality of life compared to the placebo and control groups. Practice implications Inhalation aromatherapy with mint-lemon can be used as an alternative method to improve the quality of life in children with leukemia who suffer from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.