A new aromatherapy inhaler, called QueaseEase aromatic inhaler, is being used to help control nausea, according an article, published on in the Sun-Sentinel, Feb. 25, 2010.

The article suggests the inhaler is particularly effective in treating nausea in pregnant women and cancer patients with nausea from chemotherapy.

One pregnant woman quoted in the story said the inhaler stopped her nausea for about four hours and that smells that bothered her before the inhaler no longer did.

Judy Aufenthie, a certified aromatherapist and health and healing coordinator at the Center for Health and Healing, interviewed in the article, said that essential oils -- peppermint, spearmint, lavender and ginger -- reduce nausea and vomiting.

"Aromatherapy empowers patients to take control over their nausea," Aufenthie was quoted as saying in the article. "You take a couple whiffs when you get nausea, and you don't have to wait for your medication to work."

Aromatherapy can also be used to treat anxiety, stress, and pain.

According to the article, aromatherapy products do not need approval by the Food and Drug Administration because no specific claims are made for the treatment of cancer or other diseases.

Aromatherapy also is not regulated by state law, and there is no licensing required to practice aromatherapy in the United States. Professionals often combine aromatherapy training with another field in which they are licensed, for example, massage therapy, registered nursing, acupuncture or naturopathy.