Aromatherapy May Ease Bone Marrow Biopsy Anxiety

Bone marrow biopsies are an important part of cancer care. But many people feel anxious before the procedure. A study presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting found that aromatherapy may help some patients feel calmer and more comfortable during a bone marrow biopsy. 

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Why researchers studied aromatherapy

A bone marrow biopsy removes a small sample of bone marrow for testing. Doctors use the procedure to diagnose blood cancers and monitor treatment.

Many people feel stress, anxiety, or pain during a bone marrow biopsy. Researchers wanted to find simple ways to improve comfort during the procedure.

Aromatherapy uses scents from plant oils. One of the most common types is lavender oil for anxiety, which has been studied in several healthcare settings. In this study, researchers tested lavender oil and linalool. 

What is linalool? Linalool is one of the main natural compounds found in lavender. Lavender oil contains many different compounds, while linalool is a single compound. Researchers wanted to learn whether one worked better than the other.

How the study worked

The study included 45 adults with cancer who were scheduled for a bone marrow biopsy. Patients were placed into one of three groups:

• Lavender oil
• Linalool oil
• Placebo oil

A placebo is a treatment with no active ingredient. Patients inhaled the oils before the biopsy and during the procedure. Researchers measured anxiety and pain before, during, and after the biopsy.

Most patients enjoyed aromatherapy  

Almost all patients completed the study. Researchers found that 88% of participants felt the aromatherapy was relaxing and enjoyable. No serious side effects were reported.

These findings suggest that aromatherapy was safe and easy to use during a bone marrow biopsy.

Anxiety decreased during the procedure

Anxiety levels decreased in all three groups during the bone marrow biopsy. The largest decrease was seen in patients who received linalool. 

Lower anxiety may help make the procedure more manageable for some patients. 

Some patients also reported less pain

Pain increased during the biopsy in all three groups. This was expected because the procedure can be uncomfortable. Patients who received linalool had the smallest increase in pain scores.

After the procedure, patients’ reported pain was lower in the lavender and linalool groups than in the placebo group.

Because this was a small study, larger studies are needed to confirm the results. 

A simple option to discuss before your next biopsy

Bone marrow biopsies can cause stress and discomfort for many people with blood cancer.

This study found that aromatherapy with lavender or linalool was safe and well accepted. Both scents were linked to lower anxiety during the procedure. Linalool also showed signs of reducing pain. 

More research is needed, but aromatherapy may become another supportive care option to discuss with your healthcare team before a bone marrow biopsy.

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Source: 

• A randomized controlled pilot study of aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and pain during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy