Undergoing a breast biopsy can stir up real anxiety on top of discomfort. Pain medications may ease physical pain, but they rarely settle nerves. A recent PubMed study highlights a simple, budget-friendly option: inhaling lavender or lavender-peppermint essential oils before the procedure. You can read more HERE and HERE
Why Lavender Works
Lavender works its magic through natural compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, gently calming our nervous system when we breathe it in. Peppermint brings a bright, refreshing note, even though lavender on its own does the heavy lifting for easing anxiety. Simply inhaling these oils lets your body shift into relaxation mode quickly—and all without any drug-related side effects.
Study Overview
From July 2021 to March 2023, Dr. Ezgi Hancı’s team ran a randomized trial at Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University Hospital in İstanbul. They invited 135 women scheduled for breast biopsies and split them into three groups of 45: one group used lavender pads, another used a lavender-peppermint blend, and the last group received standard care. For the aromatherapy groups, we placed a small pad soaked in 2 mL of oil on each woman’s shoulder for 20 minutes before the procedure. Everyone rated their anxiety and pain levels before and after, using the State Anxiety Inventory and a simple pain scale.
Key Findings You Can Trust
• Both lavender and lavender-peppermint pads led to lower anxiety scores on the State Anxiety Inventory.
• Pain levels, measured with a simple scale, were also significantly reduced.
• There was no clear advantage to blending peppermint: lavender by itself did the heavy lifting.
• Anxiety and pain were linked; easing one helped ease the other.
How to Bring This into Practice
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Choose quality oil
Look for pure lavender essential oil from a trusted source like Jade Bloom! -
Prepare your pad
Use about 2 mL of oil on an absorbent pad roughly 2.5 by 1.2 centimetres. -
Timing matters
Place the pad on the shoulder or put oil in diffuser necklace, near the nose level, for 20 minutes before the biopsy. -
Track how you feel
Keep it simple. Jot down your anxiety and pain levels before and after. Even a quick note helps you see progress.
Why This Matters for Patients and Providers
This aromatherapy ritual costs less than a dollar per pad and fits easily into clinic workflows. For patients it offers a sense of control—a moment they can create themselves. For care teams it’s a low-risk addition that enhances patient comfort without adding steps or training hurdles.
A Personal Note
I’ve seen firsthand how small practices can shift big experiences. Whether preparing for a medical procedure or facing a busy day, giving yourself a moment of calm makes a difference. A lavender pad before a biopsy isn’t a grand fix. It’s a simple, science-backed kindness you can offer yourself or your patients.
Next Steps
If you work in healthcare, consider piloting this protocol. Start with a small group, collect feedback, and share what you learn. If you’re facing a biopsy, ask your provider whether aromatherapy pads could be an option. Either way, remember that compassion can be woven into even the most clinical moments.
Aromatherapy before biopsy reminds us that care isn’t only about medicine. It’s also about how we engage our senses and emotions. A drop of lavender today could mean a more comfortable experience tomorrow.
