A BSTRACT Objectives: This study assessed the effects of marjoram essential oil (EO) on lower limb blood circulation in elderly residents of long-term care facilities. Materials and Methods: A single-blinded, 2 × 2 crossover randomized controlled trial was conducted with 42 participants aged ≥65 years. Each participant received two treatments, marjoram EO and baby oil, with a 1-day washout period between applications. Blood pressure (BP), ankle–brachial index (ABI), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured before the intervention and at three time points postintervention: immediately, at 30 min, and 2 h. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the treatment, period, and carryover effects. Results: No significant carryover or period effects were detected. Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences between marjoram EO and baby oil for ABI, PWV, or upper-limb BP at all postintervention time points. However, a greater immediate reduction in right-arm systolic BP (SBP) was observed in the baby oil group ( P = 0.005). Intragroup analyses revealed an immediate decrease in SBP or diastolic BP, which then increased subsequently at 30 min and 2 h in both interventions. Conclusion: While noninvasive aromatherapy shows potential for elderly care, further studies are necessary to refine protocols and improve outcomes. Marjoram EO alone may have limited efficacy in this population.
Chi et al. (2026) studied this question.