I wanted to share some research carried out in Iran and originally published in March 2014.

A controlled, double blind randomised clinical trial was carried out aiming to determine the effect of inhaled Lemon essential oil on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.

100 pregnant women (6-16 weeks) with moderate nausea and vomiting were divided into two equal groups. The intervention group placed two drops of distilled Lemon oil (diluted in almond oil) on a cotton ball and inhaled when they felt nauseous. The control group inhaled almond oil only. Participants completed a PUQE-24 (Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea) questionnaire every day for 4 days.

The severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting decreased in both groups, however the difference was much more significant in the Lemon group. The researchers concluded that inhaled lemon essential oil can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy.