Effect of essential oils on pain management: what do we know and where do we go?

Abstract

Pain is a complex and subjective experience that affects the quality of life and well-being of individuals. Conventional pharmacological treatments for pain have limitations and adverse effects, such as addiction, tolerance, and organ damage. Therefore, alternative, and complementary therapies, such as essential oils, are needed. Essential oils are volatile and aromatic compounds extracted from plants, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for pain relief. Essential oils can modulate the activity of pain receptors, neurotransmitters, inflammatory mediators, and immune cells, as well as influence the psychological and emotional aspects of pain. However, the evidence on the effect of essential oils on pain management is still limited and inconsistent, due to the heterogeneity of the methods, the variability of the essential oil composition and quality, and the lack of standardized outcome measures and rigorous clinical trials. More research is needed to establish the efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage of essential oils for pain management, as well as to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and the potential interactions with other treatments. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the effect of essential oils on pain management and identifies the gaps and challenges for future research.