Barclay, J., Vestey, J., Lambert, A., & Balmer, C. (2006). Reducing the symptoms of lymphoedema: Is there a role for aromatherapy? European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 10(2), 140–149.

To assess the effectiveness of self-massage and skin care using a base cream containing aromatherapy oils versus using a base cream without aromatherapy oils in terms of objective reduction in limb volume and patient-reported symptom improvement and well-being after simple lymphatic drainage

• The sample (N = 81) was comprised of patients who were randomized to either the experimental group (n = 40) or the control group (n = 41).
• The majority of patients were female (n = 77), with only four male patients.
• Age of the sample ranged from 25–80 years.
• Patients were included in the study if they
  • Were referred to the Dorset Cancer Centre Lymphedema Service
  • Had lymphedema for more than one year
  • Had bilateral or unilateral stable lymphedema
  • Had no evidence of acute inflammation, thrombosis, or recurrence
  • Agreed to avoid other aromatherapy-based treatments and products during their treatment period
  • Were not pregnant or sensitive to aromatherapy or wheat germ.

• Circumference was measured every 4 cm using a self-tensioning tape measure and recorded as absolute volume.
• Truncated cone calculation was used to calculate volume.
• Measurements were taken monthly for three months.
• If no improvement was seen over three months, patients were taken off the trial and returned to standard hospital therapy.
• Symptom improvement, activity, and well-being were measured using the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile 2 (MYMOP2).

Self-massage and skin care significantly improved patient-identified symptom relief and well-being for patients. It also, but not significantly, reduced limb volume. Aromatherapy oils did not appear to influence any improvement in these measures. In the experimental group, 69% had limb reduction, compared to 57% in the control group (p = 0.38). Both groups combined showed slight improvement (p = 0.034). The finding supports the use of simple lymphatic drainage. Well-being, pain, discomfort, mobility, and body image were evaluated and showed significant improvement in patient-identified symptom relief and well-being. No difference was observed using aromatherapy.

• Determining the value of subjective benefits was difficult, even using the scale.
• The study used both primary and secondary patients.
• The study sample was not a very homogeneous group, presenting too many variables.
• Patients did not necessarily have a cancer diagnosis.
• The cause of lymphedema was not defined.