Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Herbal Medicine, cilt.56, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of thyme oil inhalation as a complementary aromatherapy method in reducing asthma symptoms and improving respiratory function in hospitalised patients with asthma. Materials and methods A single-blind, placebo-controlled, pretest–posttest randomised controlled trial was conducted in the pulmonary ward of a tertiary hospital between 01 November 2024 and 20 May 2025. A total of 156 patients diagnosed with asthma were randomly assigned to three groups: intervention (n = 52), placebo (n = 52), and control (n = 52). The intervention group received thyme oil inhalation three times daily for four days. The placebo group received a neutral carrier oil inhalation, while the control group received routine care. Data were collected using standardised forms. Posttest evaluations were conducted on day four. Results After controlling for pretest scores, weight, and smoking habits using ANCOVA, the intervention group showed significant reductions in asthma symptoms, including dyspnoea, cough, nocturnal and chest wheezing, and secretion, compared with placebo and control groups ( P < 0.05). Respiratory function, particularly forced expiratory volume in one second and forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratios, also improved. Conclusion Thyme oil inhalation appears to be an effective, safe, and nonpharmacological complementary therapy for asthma management. These findings suggest that thyme oil can significantly improve both clinical symptoms and respiratory function test results. It may be recommended as supportive care alongside standard asthma treatments. Further large-scale, long-term studies are necessary to establish optimal protocols and confirm these results. Trial registration The clinical trial was registered under the number NCT06664671. Registered on 28 October 2024, before patient enrolment began on 01 November 2024.