Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis is Effectively Assuaged With an Essential Oil Inhaler (AromaStick®): Results From a Randomized, Controlled, Double-blind Effectiveness Trial

Background: There are effective pharmaceutical agents to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, but more and more individuals resort to alternative forms of treatment. One possible alternative candidate is essential oils. Recently, an inhaler specifically designed to deliver essential oil scents has proven very effective in treating various medical parameters (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol, blood oxygenation, or pain). Objective: This work investigates whether an inhaler (AromaStick® ‘Nasal Fresh’) designed to clear the nasal passageway and reduce congestion has beneficial effects in individuals suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis. Methods: A two-armed, randomized, controlled, double-blind effectiveness trial involving individuals with medium to strong symptoms was conducted to investigate the inhaler’s specific treatment effects. Results: Over a period of two weeks, the odor inhaler strongly reduced allergic symptoms for both overall AR symptomatology (d = 1.2) and individual symptomatic allergic rhinitis burden (d = 1.7). Conclusion: The inhaler produced strong symptom relief. Effects were largest in individuals suffering primarily from nasal symptoms.