Patients often have to endure stressful waits for test results

Experts at Napier University in Edinburgh have received �15,000 to examine how the treatment could work.

They will concentrate on the effects of neroli and sandalwood oils. The study will focus on patients with lung lesions waiting for cancer tests.

The year-long study is being carried out by scientists at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

The grant has come from the Scottish Executive's chief scientist.

Faculty research director Professor Beth Alder said: "This funding is excellent news. This is an opportunity to prepare for a larger research project which could yield exciting results.

If we can find a way to help patients combat their anxiety it will also prove a great medical benefit Laura Stirling Napier University

"This would not only benefit patients, but also greatly aid the health service."

The project is being led by Laura Stirling, from the School of Acute and Continuing Care Nursing, who is also an aromatherapist.

She added: "Patients who have been into hospital for tests will often have to wait several days for the results and may then have to have surgery immediately.

"This can be an anxious time for people and anxiety makes patients more of an operative risk."