Geranium Inhalation Aromatherapy: An Alternative Therapy to Alleviate Nausea & Vomiting in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a primary treatment modality for many types of cancer but is frequently accompanied by adverse effects, particularly nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are triggered by complex interactions between neurotransmitters and receptors in both the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems. Although antiemetic medications have improved over the years, many patients continue to experience discomfort that negatively affects their quality of life. Complementary therapies such as aromatherapy are increasingly explored as supportive approaches to help alleviate these symptoms. Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens) possesses calming, anti-inflammatory, and potential antiemetic properties. Inhalation aromatherapy is thought to reduce nausea by stimulating olfactory pathways associated with relaxation and autonomic regulation. This study aims to investigate the potential benefit of geranium inhalation aromatherapy as an adjunct to standard chemotherapy care. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) involves 90 cancer patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy at a public hospital in Surakarta, Indonesia. Participants are selected through simple random sampling. Inclusion criteria include patients aged under 65 years, with a BMI of 18.5-22.9 kg/m², receiving chemotherapy regimen 1, and willing to provide informed consent. Participants will be randomized into two groups: a treatment group receiving geranium inhalation aromatherapy and a control group receiving no aromatherapy. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics-including age, gender, education level, occupation, body mass index, duration of illness, cancer stage, hemoglobin levels, leukocyte and platelet counts, kidney function, liver function, and chemotherapy status-will be recorded to ensure comparability between groups. Geranium aromatherapy will be administered through inhalation, a method known to deliver rapid olfactory stimulation and promote relaxation. Nausea and vomiting will be assessed using the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (INVR), a reliable and widely used instrument for evaluating chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Measurements will be collected at baseline and 12 hours after chemotherapy. This study is expected to provide additional insight into the feasibility, safety, and potential role of aromatherapy-specifically geranium essential oil-in supporting the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as part of a holistic approach to cancer care.