Nursing with Essential Oils

A new trend among nurses has been the incorporation of Aromatherapy into their practice. This was first truly seen among nursing home works but is now blossoming into other forms of nursing and patient care. As a result, many interesting studies were conducted and published concerning the validity and usefulness of certain essential oils. Conditions studied included high blood pressure, insomnia and Alzheimer's. One study by a nurse found that different species of lavender had varying effects on blood pressure, some were found more effective compared to others. Yet other studies using lavender found it was extremely effective in helping one to calm down and fall asleep faster. Groups of nurses who utilize essential oils are starting to form and we have them to thank for helping to show Aromatherapy as an important way of using botanicals for health and healing. Many times in a very gentile way.

As more research is done, an ever growing list of essential oils show promise among nursing patients. Lavender by far has been found to be one of the most useful, gentle and well tolerated essential oils. Its calming nature allows one to fall asleep faster and prevents unneeded stress from needless aggravation (as is frequently seen in Alzheimer's patients). It can also be used in wound care as it is very healing and for pain relief of may sorts. Other promising essential oils include chamomile, which like lavender, helps heal wounds and relieve pain. Both the German and blue Roman chamomile can be used. Tea tree and eucalyptus can help stave off infection (or draw it out) and ylang ylang can help calm down Alzheimer's sufferers. Peppermint, a great stimulator of appetite, along with ginger has been used on cancer patients along with those with eating disorders and AIDS.

With the use of Aromatherapy comes a responsibility, nurses often show. This responsibility is the knowledge that botanical fails to mean safe for everyone, all of the time. People in nursing homes especially have many health concerns and medications which may interact with the essential oils they wish to use. They also may show heightened sensitivity to fragrances, chemicals, solvents, etc. Therefor it is very important to work on an individualistic level, instead of growing people together according to there condition. In addition, high grade essential oil needs to be used. Some sort of consensus among nurses concerning brands should be made to maintain quality assurance (or some measure of it). Essential oils deserve a place in the nurses arsenal. Hopefully wheir use of Aromatherapy will, in the long run, benefit us all.

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