Many nurses attend my aromatherapy classes due to a desire to restore and maintain physical, mental and emotional health for themselves, families and friends. On occasion a nurse builds enough confidence with the essential oils to expand the practice to her or his patients. Marie, a nurse on a busy medical/surgical hospital unit, utilizes aromatherapy in her practice.

According to Marie, “A drop of ginger (and/or peppermint) on a cold cloth applied to the forehead or neck often eases vague complaints of nausea. Essential oils are something I can use immediately and they can help my patient while I call the physician and then wait to receive medication from the pharmacy.”

“Time is such a precious commodity in a nurse’s shift. But it really doesn’t add to my work load to make a quick ‘cotton ball sachet’ for a patient (a drop or two of a specific essential oil on a cotton ball) or place a drop of lavender, for example, on the pillowcase I wrap around a heat pack. Besides, the benefits can be remarkable. The fragrant smell of an essential oil seems to be very soothing, and it actually makes my patients feel as if I have taken more time for them.”

“In fact, I recall a time when the use of lavender saved time: A patient was angry, demanding—and in pain. While making a hot pack for her, I applied a couple of drops of lavender to the pillowcase wrap. Within approximately 15 minutes, as the scent of the lavender from the heat pack surrounded her, she told me she felt herself calm down and ‘let go.’ She was cooperative and grateful the rest of the day.”

Marie continues her observations: “Aromatherapy in the hospital setting seems most effective as a complement– used in combination with a patient’s current treatment plan. Patients have such acute problems, especially with pain and when the medication isn’t completely satisfactory, essential oils can help.”

“A recent experience was very effective for my patient’s pain and satisfying to me as a nurse. A young man had a tremendous amount of pain after surgery which was not relieved by the prescribed medications. In spite of maximum doses, he laid curled up in his bed in acute distress. I gave him medication to help him relax, placed a lavender cotton ball sachet on his chest and began to talk him through a guided imagery exercise. He gradually uncurled his body and began to breathe regularly. Later he said, ‘my pain was an 8 (on a scale of 10), and you took the pain and sent it away somewhere.’ Results aren’t always so dramatic, but it happens quite often, and encourages me to continue with essential oil use.”

“Due to the classes I’ve taken and the reading I’ve done, I am aware of possible drug interactions with the essential oils I use. Recently I chose not to use cinnamon or clove for a patient with sinusitis complaints because it might have interfered with the metabolism of the Tylenol I had just given. I used peppermint essential oil instead which relieved the congestion.”

“I always discuss essential oils with my patients before I use them. Most of the time my patients are receptive, sometimes skeptical—only once has a patient stated she was allergic to an essential oil and that was to lavender! It emphasized for me how important it is to be aware of medical history and to realize that anyone can be allergic to anything.”

Aromatherapy can be a useful nursing intervention and is within the scope of nursing practice when education in the use of essential oils is obtained before hand. Marie states, “When I can’t use essential oils, I feel as if I have one hand tied behind my back.”

Thank you so much Marie for sharing your perspective of the ‘essentials’ which are essential for you as medical/surgical nurse.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Cheryl Endlish RN is owner of Primal Hints and welcomes your comments and questions. Contact Cheryl.