Application Study of Aromatic Essential Oil Cold Compress Patches in Alleviating Gastrointestinal Reactions in Chemotherapy Patients

Abstract

Objective: To explore the efficacy of aromatic essential oil cold compress patches in relieving gastrointestinal reactions among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 60 inpatients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, who were admitted to the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of a Grade A Tertiary Hospital in Nanning, Guangxi, from August 2024 to March 2025, were enrolled as research subjects. They were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. The control group received routine nursing care, while the observation group was additionally treated with aromatic essential oil cold compress patches on the basis of routine nursing care. The prescription consists of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium 15g, Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam 15g, Jujubae Fructus 5 pieces, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens 9g, Amomi Fructus Rotundus 6g, Pinelliae Rhizoma 6g, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex 6g, Amomi Fructus 6g, Anisi Stellati Fructus 6g, Foeniculi Fructus 6g, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 6g, and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma 3g. The essential oil extracts derived from the above traditional Chinese medicine components were formulated into aromatic essential oil cold compress patches by the Preparation Room of our hospital after experimental research. The processed product was developed into functional medical acupoint cold compress patches, which were applied to treat nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy in breast cancer patients, followed by clinical efficacy observation. Intervention methods: Starting on the day of chemotherapy, the primary nurses applied cold compress patches containing traditional Chinese medicine essential oil ingredients behind both ears of the patients. The patches were placed at Wangu (GB12), the depression inferior and posterior to the mastoid process of each ear, and removed after 6 to 12 hours. The intervention was administered for 3 consecutive days and discontinued once the patients' nausea and vomiting were relieved. The efficacy of the two groups in improving chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal reactions among breast cancer patients was compared. Results: The overall effective rate differed significantly between the control group and the observation group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Aromatic essential oil cold compress patches can alleviate gastrointestinal reactions in chemotherapy patients and improve their quality of life, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.