What is Clinical Aromatherapy?
Clinical Aromatherapy is an integrative, evidence based intervention that can be used to manage symptoms by serving as a first-line intervention or as a complement to other medical treatments¹.
[ 1 ] Conlon, Patricia M, et al. "Introducing Essential Oils into Pediatric and Other Practices at an Academic Medical Center." Journal of Holistic Nursing, vol. 35, no. 4, Dec. 2017.
![[ 1 ] Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare, Third Edition, pp 22-24, 182-192. St. Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f4d48a97b72cb33ce9de038/1599958985422-JMO9JK2SMVCEP5HN12LR/inforhraphic+essential+oil.png)
[ 1 ] Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare, Third Edition, pp 22-24, 182-192. St. Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone
Creating a persona helped inform upcoming design directions. It was important to understand what type of user would utilize an aromatherapy inhaler.
Patient Journey
Pain Points
Objectives were established so concept design
could be structured.
Sketch Ideation
Sketching was used to quickly iterate on forms before moving into CAD.
Meet Fun Guy: a pediatric aromatherapy inhaler
Inspired by fungi, this inhaler takes a fun spin on the generic aromatherapy inhalers currently used. Inhalers can divert attention during uncomfortable treatment, as well as provide relief via aromatherapy.
Colors correspond to each scent. Patients can pick their scent and use throughout their hospital stay and take home to continue use.
1. Pick color according to scent
2. Push down and twist to open
3. Insert cotton pad with 1-5 drops of oil
4. Change scent if needed
Fun Guy helps encourage the dialogue surrounding holistic therapies.
Aromatherapy is not a stand alone treatment, but something that can aid in a better patient experience. Introducing these therapies at a young age can establish a positive attitude regarding healthcare.