芳香療法於護理的應用

Aromatherapy in Nursing Practice

芳香療法是運用芳香植物蒸餾萃取出的精油，以獲得身、心、靈之整合性療效，是輔助療法中被護理人員使用的第二位。精油含酮、醛、酯等化學成分，這些成分決定它的治療特性，可透過直接吸入、沐浴、按摩等方式來使用，改善焦慮、疼痛、疲倦及傷口癒合等情形。精油如同藥物一般，也具有神經、肝、腎等毒性，也可能造成皮膚過敏，不建議常規使用。許多研究提供精油療效的證據，然而除了方法學上的爭議外，仍有安全性及療效上的爭議，例如：精油與藥物的交互作用、副作用、及禁忌症等，有待研究加以探討確認，以提供精油使用的科學基礎，並提高將芳香療法正確使用於健康照護的可能性。

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils which are distilled from aromatic plants to obtain holistic effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Among nurses, aromatherapy is the second most commonly used complementary therapy. The chemical components of essential oils, such as ketones, aldehydes, and esters, determine the specific effects of the essential oils. Essential oils may be administered by inhalation, bathing, or massage to decrease anxiety, pain, and fatigue, and improve wound healing. As neuronal, liver, and kidney toxicity, as well as skin allergies may occur, it is recommended not to use essential oils on a regular basis. Research has provided evidence on the effects of essential oils, but further research is needed to identify the effects of their interaction with medications, and whether there are any side effects or contraindications. Consequently, it will provide a scientific base on the use of essential oils and enhance the possibilities for the use of essential oils in health care.