Rare & Exquisite Floral Aromatics & Professional Therapeutic Quality Essential Oils from Around the World
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Try the following FREE aromatherapy recipes, essential oil recipes, massage oil recipes, aromatherapy blends, aromatherapy formulas, essential oil formulas, and massage oil formulas for aroma therapy treatment for relaxation, muscle aches and pains, colds, flu, headache, sleep, arthritis, stress, and more.
In addition to using Essential Oils and Aromathrapy Blends in Massage Oils, Sprays and Baths, you might enjoy diffusing them in one of our Aromatherapy Diffusers
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR INSOMNIA
Insomnia is a common problem among a wide range of patients, including elderly and hospitalized patients. Essential oil of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has been shown in many studies to be effective in resolving insomnia. A review of a sampling of these studies indicates that in addition to promoting improved sleep, the use of lavender essential oil has also been shown to result in greater daytime alertness, calmness and less confusion and aggressiveness as well as decreased need for nighttime sedation. It is important to use the right kind of lavender for insomnia (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula vera, or Lavandula officinalis) as some species of lavender are stimulating and can aggravate insomnia (Lavandula latifolia and Lavandula stoechas). It is also important to limit the number of drops of lavender applied alone or as part of a blend to 4 drops per application as even the relaxing lavender oils become stimulating in higher doses.
Other essential oils that have been shown in clinical studies to effectively promote sleep include spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi), Melissa (Melissa officinalis), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), European basil (Ocimum basilicum), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), marjoram (Origanum majorana) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Of all the essential oils mentioned for promoting sleep, lavender has the greatest body of supportive evidence.
Essential oils can be used to promote sleep by diffusing 3 to 5 drops of a single oil or a blend of oils through a fan diffuser for one to two hours beginning 30 minutes prior to bedtime. If the patient wakes during the night, the procedure can be repeated. Alternatively, you may place 3 to 5 drops of essential oil on a cotton ball set on a dish or in a salt shaker near the bedside; or, you may use three to 5 drops essential oil diluted in 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil for a hand and/or foot massage at bedtime and repeated at 4 hour intervals if needed. When assisting elderly or debilitated patients, use the lower doses.
A suggested formula for improving sleep and decreasing nighttime agitation:
This blend is effective for many patients in acute and long-term settings and is available as Good Sleep from Artisan Aromatics. This Aromatherapy Blend and other Sleep Blends are also available from Artisan Aromatics: Online Shop These sleep blends (and other blends too) may be purchased as pure essential oils to diffuse into the air or to mix with your own vegetable oils for topical application or as pre-mixed essential oils in the proper dilution of vegetable oil for topical application (pre-mixed oils for topical application are available in quantities of 2 ounces or greater).
ESSENTIAL OILS IN DEMENTIA Back to Top
Patients with dementia face a number of challenging issues that complicate their care and compromise their quality of life. A number of essential oils have well-documented efficacy in the management and amelioration of some of these issues and can reduce the burden on caregivers as well as improve patients' life experience.
Agitation and Combativeness: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is one of the most effective essential oils for reducing agitation and combativeness and in one study a patient who was so combative that he required sedation was found to improve dramatically when a cotton ball with a couple of drops of lavender oil was pinned to his shirt. Other studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of lavender for reducing aggressiveness and agitation in this population, either employed as single oil or as a component of a blend. Other essential oils employed in these studies have included mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata), geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and marjoram (Origanum majorana). In my own experience with patients, I have found the combination of lavender essential oil and frankincense (Boswellia carteri) to have calming and stabilizing affects.
For addressing agitation and combativeness, blends are generally more effective than single oils, with the exception of lavender which can sometimes be effective alone. Two to 4 drops of pure essential oil can be diffused into the patient's room by a fan diffuser but I find that aromatherapy jewelry - or, alternatively, a cotton ball with a drop or two of essential oil pinned to the shirt- is generally more effective for addressing agitation. Hand massage using 2 or 3 drops of essential oil diluted in two teaspoons of vegetable oil is also a good alternative unless the patient is agitated by touch, as some patients with dementia are. Note: always exercise caution with patients who become agitated or aggressive - do not assume that an essential oil intervention will eliminate the behavior.
A suggested formula for addressing agitation and/or aggressiveness in patients with dementia:
References/Bibliography: Back to Top
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General Info:
3 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 tablespoon (tbls)
2 tablespoons (tbls) = 1 ounce (oz)
6 teaspoons (tsp) = 1 ounce (oz)
10 milliliter (ml) = 1/3 oz.
15 milliliter (ml) = 1/2 oz.
30 milliliter (ml) = 1 oz.
10 milliliter (ml) = approximately 300 drops
Generally 2 drops of Essential Oil should be used per Tsp of Carrier Oil (but follow individual recipes if available).
Generally it takes from 1 to 2 oz of carrier oil for a full body massage.
Generally you can use any kind of natural carrier oil except mineral oil. There are lots to choose from and each has their own properties. For most applications, I prefer our own Massage Base. It's a combination of Sweet Almond, Grapeseed and Jojoba oils.
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