What is it about?
People receiving palliative care often experience stress, anxiety, discomfort, and emotional distress. In this chapter, we explore how pleasant fragrances can stimulate the sense of smell and help improve comfort, relaxation, mood, and overall well-being in patients with serious illnesses. We discuss different aromatic compounds, their effects on the brain and emotions, and how fragrance-based interventions may be used as a supportive, non-invasive approach alongside conventional palliative care. This work highlights the potential of fragrance to enhance quality of life for patients and their caregivers.
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Why is it important?
Our work highlights that fragrances can do more than simply create pleasant surroundings; they can positively influence mood, relaxation, and emotional well-being in patients receiving palliative care. This is important because improving quality of life is a primary goal of palliative care, and fragrance-based interventions offer a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective approach to support patients and caregivers.
Perspectives
Writing this chapter was particularly meaningful because it allowed me to explore an often-overlooked aspect of patient care—the role of fragrance and the sense of smell in improving well-being. Through this work, I gained a deeper appreciation of how simple, non-pharmacological interventions can contribute to comfort and quality of life in palliative care settings. I hope this chapter encourages further research into holistic and patient-centered approaches to healthcare.
Prof. Sambit Kumar Parida
Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Rajasthan
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Fragrance as an Olfactory Stimulant in Palliative Care, May 2026, Bentham Science Publishers,
DOI: 10.2174/9798898815851126010006.
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