The Adjunctive Use of Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils

The Adjunctive Use of Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils to Manage Nausea, Pain, and Anxiety in an Adult Orthopedic Population

This study will use passive inhalation of lavender for discomfort, anxiety and peppermint for nausea following joint replacement and spine surgery

Following review of records for eligibility and consent obtained during pre op visit subjects will be enrolled in study post op they will validate desire to participate and chose to inhale (2 drops of essential oil on cotton ball in a plastic bag) lavender for discomfort or anxiety or peppermint for GI distress

Visual analogue scales will be used to rate discomfort , anxiety and nausea

Inclusion Criteria:

- elective joint replacement able to read and speak English and describe study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

pregnancy

• unable to smell, sensitivity to fragrances asthma or breathing problems have smoke or vaped in last 2 weeks if atrial fibrillation history no peppermint uncontrolled hypertension above 160/100 non employees of UH or students of CWRU