Evaluating aromatherapy interventions for dysphagia management in end-of-life care: a review

Dysphagia, a prevalent and distressing condition in end-of-life care, significantly impacts patients' quality of life and overall health. Conventional treatments may be limited in effectiveness or poorly tolerated in this vulnerable population. Aromatherapy has been explored as a complementary approach to support symptom relief, focusing on the therapeutic potential of essential oils with muscle relaxant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and saliva-stimulating properties. Computerised search in Scopus, PubMed®, Web of Science and b-on databases, using the combination of keywords dysphagia, swallowing difficulties, aromatherapy, essential oils, end-of-life care, palliative care, non-invasive therapy, and therapeutic use of essential oils. Although direct evidence remains scarce, preliminary findings suggest that certain essential oils—such as lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and ginger—may help ease swallowing by reducing muscle tension, inflammation, and anxiety, and by promoting salivation. Safety considerations and the need for individualized approaches are emphasized, particularly in fragile populations. This review highlights the potential role of aromatherapy as an adjunctive tool in holistic dysphagia care at the end of life. Further clinical studies are needed to establish standardized protocols and determine efficacy.