THERAPEUTICS COLLECTION: Complimentary Therapy

FEATURES & BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY AS A COMPLIMENTARY THERAPY

Aromatherapy is now set to become one of the most popular tools that nurses can use to enhance their nursing care & simultaneously empower themselves.

Clinical Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine therapy that can be beneficial in the inpatient and outpatient setting, for symptom management of pain, nausea, general well-being, anxiety, depression, stress & insomnia.

Some safe and commonly used essential oil blends during radiation therapy include:

  – Lavender and frankincense for relaxation and emotional support

  – Peppermint and ginger for nausea relief

  – Eucalyptus and tea tree for skin irritation

Essential oils can be used effectively to help with side-effects of conventional cancer treatments: 

DRYNESS OF THE MOUTH Ellen Cove Organics Lip Balm is recomended.

FATIGUE Muscles Rub to ease an achy, tired body. Unwind blend promotes relaxation & improved sleep. Uplift revitalises).

HAIR LOSS
Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Cedarwood are all recommended for hair loss.  It is recommended to mix your choice of oil(s) in a base of jojoba oil and massage the scalp daily.

NAUSEA
Sipping hot water with a sliver of ginger root can also frequently bring relief from nausea and is a well-known remedy for morning sickness during pregnancy. Muscles Rub massaged onto the chest and/or stomach areas often relieves nausea. Smelling the Uplift blend can alleviate nausea and headaches.

Peppermint, Ginger, Cardamom, Patchouli, Spearmint are all essential oils that can help with nausea.  These can be used topically (diluted) or even one or two drops of the oil(s) of choice on a tissue and inhaled can help.


Convenient, pre-blended, multi-purpose.  For topical application, diffuser & inhalation. Therapeutic grade oils, certified organic where available.


PAIN
Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender, Roman Chamomile can all help.
Factors to be considered that might be contributing to the pain include inflammation, tension, swelling or nerve involvement.  Some of the oils listed help with these other factors, which in turn help with pain. Both Muscles Rub and Multi-purpose Balm can be used with good effect.

RADIATION THERAPY OF THE ANAL SEAM
Patchouli and Lavender, diluted in a vegetable oil (e.g., Almond oil), lessen pain and reduce epithelitis. Multi-purpose Balm can be used.

RESPIRATORY
Pine, Cedarwood, Frankincense are great to combine to help with the respiratory issues commonly associated with lung cancer.  (Shortness of breath, discomfort, upper body tension, potential infection, and coughing.) They can be used as an inhalation or mixed into a carrier oil for a chest rub. Muscles Rub can be effective to relieve tension and discomfort. Peppermint for congestion and the Uplift blend by inhalation. Ginger and lemon tea, a teaspoon of honey dissolved slowly in the mouth give temporary relief.

SKIN ITCHING
Lavender, Peppermint mixed in base of carrier oil gives great relief to itchy skin. Multi-Purpose Balm is effective to relieve itchy, dry skin, irritation, inflammation and chafing of the skin. Nourishing Body Oil relieves dry skin, can relieve and improve scarrring.

Patch Testing for Allergic Reactions:
An essential step to ensure the safety of using essential oils during radiation therapy. It helps identify any potential allergic reactions or skin irritations that may occur.
To perform such a test, dilute the essential oil as recommended and apply a small amount to a patch of skin, such as the inner forearm or behind the ear. Cover the area with a bandage and leave it for 24 hours.
If no adverse reaction occurs, such as redness, itching or swelling, the essential oil is likely safe for use.

 

Benefits of Mindful Meditation:

Mindful meditation, when practised regularly, has numerous benefits for both the mind and the body. It involves focusing on the present moment and observing sensations, thoughts, and emotions, with judgement. It can:

  • Reduce anxiety and stress.
  • Increase focus and attention.
  • Improve sleep.
  • Cultivate compassion (both self-compassion and empathy towards others), a more harmonious outlook.

 

    Blends For Meditation Benefits:

    Any of the Therapeutics Collection pure essential oils can be used during meditation.  Lavender or the Unwind blend are popular choices. Uplift to increase focus.

    Any good quality, pure essential oils can be used during meditation. Experimentation may be necessary to find the blends that work best for each individual’s needs and preferences. It is important to use high-quality essential oils for maximum therapeutic benefits.