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The Effect of Peppermint Oil Aromatherapy on Pain, Functional Capacity and Cost in Fibromyalgia Patients

Key facts

Who runs it
Bilecik Seyh Edebali Universitesi
Where
Bilecik, TürkiyeSee the site
Trial code
Status
Enrolling by invitation
People taking part
175 people, planned
Started
1 Mar 2026
Expected to end
1 Jan 2027
Type of study
Interventional, 3 groupsOne group gets an existing treatment, for comparison.
Treatments tested
  • Peppermint Oil
  • sweet almond oil
  • Duloxetine
Record updated
17 September 2026

Who can take part

Age
18 years and older
Sex
Women and men
Healthy volunteers
Cannot take part

The registry criteria, word for word

Show all 15 criteriaShow less

Who can take part

  • Diagnosed with fibromyalgia according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria,
  • Experiencing chronic pain,
  • Volunteers to participate in the study,
  • Aged 18 years or older,

Who cannot take part

  • Individuals receiving other complementary treatments for chronic pain management; Criteria for discontinuing the study:
  • Patients who undergo any medication or treatment changes during the study period,
  • Those with painful medical conditions other than fibromyalgia (e.g., migraine, diabetic neuropathy, etc.),
  • Those with a chronic respiratory system disease (history of asthma or another reactive airway disease),
  • Individuals with neurocognitive impairment who are unable to answer the questionnaire,
  • Individuals with a known history of allergies,
  • Patients who are bothered by the scent of the essential oils used (peppermint oil (Mentha × piperita) and sweet almond oil (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis), or who develop an allergic reaction to essential oils
  • Individuals with compromised skin integrity in the application areas,
  • Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women,
  • Individuals using any topical products during the application period,
  • Patients who continue their treatment at a different centre after being included in the study,

Where in Türkiye

  • Bilecik Training and Research HospitalBilecik, TürkiyeNo longer taking part

About the trial

What the trial wants to find out

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of topically applied peppermint oil (Mentha × piperita) on chronic pain and functional capacity experienced by fibromyalgia patients, as well as its cost-effectiveness.

The 3 groups in the trial

  • peppermint oilTreatment being tested

    This group of patients will be introduced to the tender points where chronic pain is detected in fibromyalgia patients, and the areas where these tender points are located will be divided into six regions, which will be identified with the patient. Subsequently, one drop of peppermint oil will be applied transdermally to the inner surface of the patient's forearm, and the application site will be monitored for allergic reactions such as redness or swelling. Patients who do not report any allergic reactions will apply 2 drops of peppermint oil to each area transdermally with their fingertip at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This application will be performed twice daily by the patient for 2 weeks. For areas inaccessible to the patient, a relative/caregiver will apply 2 drops of peppermint oil. The first dose will be administered by the researcher, who will demonstrate the application to the patient. The patient's opinions will be sought and questions answered during the first dose application

  • sweet almond oilExisting treatment, for comparison

    Patients in this group will be introduced to the six sensitive areas where pain is felt, and the locations will be identified with the patient. The patient will apply 2 drops of sweet almond oil to each sensitive area twice daily, at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., using their fingertip. This application will be performed twice daily by the patient for 2 weeks. For sensitive areas that the patient cannot access, a family member/caregiver will apply 2 drops of sweet almond oil. The first dose will be administered by the researcher, who will demonstrate the application to the patient. The patient's opinions will be sought and their questions answered during the first dose administration. Sweet almond oil will be provided to patients in dark-coloured glass bottles with droppers and secure caps that open with firm pressure. Patients will be advised to store sweet almond oil at room temperature.

  • DuloxetineOther group

    Patients in this group will receive treatment planned by a rheumatologist. The pharmacological treatment plan will involve administering duloxetine 60 mg once daily for two weeks, a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor effective on descending pain inhibition pathways in fibromyalgia.

Questions to ask the study team

  1. How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
  2. Are travel costs paid?
  3. Can I keep my own doctor?
  4. What happens if I want to stop?

Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations

Print a page for my doctor

Data and sources

Registry record
Listed on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Record updated
17 September 2026