Table 1 Design of clinical studies on the effects of ODB and outcome parameter
From: The oil-dispersion bath in anthroposophic medicine – an integrative review
Authors | Type of study, N | Indications | ODB Application | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Experimental studies | ||||
Nienhaber[23] | physiological experiment (n = 8) | Healthy subjects | Water ODB, Rosmary-Kneipp-Bath, Rosmary-ODB, Whirl Bath and Relaxation (Baths about 30 min, thermoindifferent) | Orthostatic Reactions of Pulse and Respiration: standing pulse frequency decreased most after ODB and diastolic RR-increasing strongly subdued |
Römmelt[24] | pharmacological experiment (n = 6) | Healthy subjects | 30 min Pinus oil ODB | Percutaneous resorption of terpenes after ODB |
Römmelt[25] | physiological experiment (n = x) | Healthy subjects | 20 min ODB with Rosmary Oil, Pinus Oil and hay flower oil | Percutaneous resorption of terpenes after ODB |
Clinical studies | ||||
Braunstein[26] | Prospective study (n = 17) | Schizophrenic (n = 9) and depressive patients (n = 8) | Series of 10 Thyme-ODB | relaxation, schizophrenic patients showed immediate and long term improvement of well-being, depressive patients stagnated in well-being after 5 baths |
Case reports | ||||
Roknic et al. [32] | Case reports (n = 7) | Schizophrenic disorders (n = 3); purulent bronchitis/asthma bronchiale; hyperkinesias; Down-Syndrome related depression; Hospitalism | ODB with different oils among other therapeutic interventions | general improvements |
Liebing[33] | Case reports (n = 3) | Hysteria; attention deficit hyperactive disorder; autism | Series of ODBs (with Stibium sulfuratum, Hypericum, Prunus spinosa, respectively | General improvement and feeling of inner warmth; developmental improvement (movements, balance, sense of touch; developmental improvement (joy for life and willingness to learn) |
von Rottenburg[31] | Case report (n = 1) | Neurodermatitis of a 4-year old girl | After 12 ODBs, significant improvement of skin lesions; marginal relapses, which diminished in their intensity; finally total regeneration of skin affections | |
Phethean[34] | Case report (n = 1) | Richard: 9 years old developmental delay | ODB with different oils | Richard: Strengthening, inner resolution, more peaceful |
Lavington[35] | Case report (n = 1) | Angela: 12 years old, Autism | ODB with different oils | Angela: relaxation, inner calming |
Field reports | ||||
Alles[29] | Field report | Diabetes mellitus Type I & II | Rosmary ODB: 5 × weekly within 4 weeks and 3 × weekly within 8 weeks | No results presented; Type 2 diabetes (insulin-dependent) was claimed to be cured; in contrast, no improvements of metabolic situation in patients with type 1 diabetes |
Deckers[30] | Field report | Rheumatic Diseases | Various bathes described, i.e. saline bath, sulfur bath, and ODB and stinging-nettle bath | No results presented; just a statement that complaints and subjective well-being improves |
Field report | Painful Neuropathy | 10-day-in patient treatment with daily Rosmary-ODB | No results presented; Subjective improvements |