Mind Body Medicine — Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a popular, easy-to-use, self-help CAM therapy. Defined as the therapeutic use of essential oils derived from flowers, herbs, and trees for the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, aromatherapy dates back nearly 1,000 years and is an accessible complementary modality for people of all ages undergoing cancer therapy.

Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant material through various methods, including steam distillation and mechanical expression. Each essential oil’s characteristic odor and therapeutic benefits are derived from the chemical composition inherent to the oil. Pure, therapeutic grade essential oils are expensive to produce. Many companies employ various methods to create greater quantity, sacrificing the integrity of the oil. The quality of essential oils may be tested using techniques such as gas chromatography, optical rotations, and mass spectrometry.

Application

Aromatherapy can be used when a child is anxious, sleepless, and nauseous, is in pain, experiencing an altered sense of smell, or has a decreased appetite. Other children find aromatherapy to be particularly beneficial during the stem cell reinfusion during the peripheral blood stem cell or bone marrow transplant. The pleasant aroma helps to mask the unpleasant odor of the preservatives in the stem cell product. Aromatherapy is also effective in reducing nausea in this setting as well.

It is possible to use too much aromatherapy. It is very important to follow the instructions on dosing. For example while lavender is sedating in a low dose, too much can cause insomnia.

A comprehensive essential oil survival kit for the child undergoing cancer therapy may include the following essential oils: peppermint, lavender, bergamot, lemongrass, lemon, roman chamomile, black pepper, eucalyptus, ginger. The suggested kit includes essential oils which address many of the side effects a child may experience during cancer treatment.

There are numerous applications for using essential oils. Below are some suggested methods. Essential oils can be diluted in a carrier oil, generally cold pressed vegetable oils including almond, grapeseed, sesame, peanut, and olive oil, or in other mediums such as aloe vera or witch hazel. Additional aromatherapy applications include the diffusion, direct application, and direct inhalation of essential oils.

Application

Diffusion: Diffusers dispense essential oils and their fragrance and cleansing properties into the air. It is recommended to diffuse an essential oil for 15 to 30 minutes.

Direct Inhalation: Directly inhale using a tissue sprinkled with 4 drops of an essential oil or directly from the bottle.

Body Massage: For adults, when massaging the body, dilute the oils using the standard dilution criteria of 10-20 drops of essential oil to 2 ounces of carrier oil or lotion, depending on skin sensitivity. Dosage for children is as follows:
Up to 2 years old: 5 drops of essential oil to 50 ml or lotion or carrier oil
2 years and older: 10 drops of essential oil to 50 ml of lotion or carrier oil

Bath: Use 8-10 drops of essential oil to a full bath tub of water. Another option is to make a milk bath. Combine one cup of dried milk powder to 6 drops of essential oil. Add milk mixture to bathtub while filling with warm water. Soak in bath for 10-20 minutes.

Foot Bath:  Using cool or warm water, add 2-4 drops of essential oil to a tub of water. Soak feet for 10-20 minutes.

Direct Application: The application of oils directly on the skin using 1-6 drops of oil or direct application using a dilution of 10 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.

Compress: A warm or cold compress may be employed. Add 2-5 drops of essential oils to a basin of water, stir water, place cloth in basin, wring, and apply. A warm compress may also be used over an area of direct application.

Cosmetics Addition: When carrier oil is unavailable, essential oils may be added to fragrance-free moisturizers or lotions. Use 10-15 drops per 2 ounces of moisturizer and 20-30 drops per 8 ounces of lotion. If skin is sensitive, less essential oil should be used.

Mist: Add 20-30 drops of oil to an 8 ounce mister bottle. Shake before use and spray in room or on skin.

All essential oil bottles should state the plant species the oil is derived from. A consumer should be aware of the methods used to detect quality of the oils upon purchase. Although there are no expiration dates on essential oils, exposure to air, heat, and light may decrease their therapeutic effectiveness. Therefore, store essential oils in dark glass bottles with tight fitting lids in a cool, dark place.

How can I use Aromatherapy in the hospital?

Complimentary essential oils and diffusers are available to all patients. We have small diffusers you can plug into an electric outlet. These diffusers can emit essential oils for several hours. An Integrative Therapies Program aromatherapy provider is available for a consult Monday thru Friday, 9am - 5pm.