Essential Oil Usage and Older Adults

Posted by on Sep 4, 2017 in Marcie's Message | Comments Off on Essential Oil Usage and Older Adults

Essential oils have been around since the birth of Jesus when the wise men brought frankincense and myrrh to the manger.  I think that we can all agree that we have seen a resurgence in the last decade with more companies offering essential oils.  When I started on this essential oil journey, it was critical to me as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to do my research to be able to recommend therapeutic grade essential oils.  I highly recommend that you conduct your due diligence prior to putting anything on your skin.  I selected Young Living (YL) for many reasons, however the most important is their Seed to Seal process.  Seed to Seal is YL’s way of authenticating their essential oils and ensuring their oils deliver the expected results. YL produces oils that are more effective than others on the market due to strict quality-control process…from the moment the seed is in the ground until the oil is sealed in the bottle.  Before purchasing your oils make sure that you are able to visit the company’s farms.  YL is the only company that has their own farms.

Essential oils are routinely being used in wellness programs, and the following is a short list of the hospitals that use YL essential oils exclusively:  The Cleveland Clinic, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, The University of Michigan Hospital, UCLA Medical Center…the list is longer and keeps growing.  Here are some common age-related health conditions and the essential oils that can help alleviate them.

Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions

Arthritis and painful, inflamed joints are common problems for many older adults.  Essential oils can be used to help ease the pain and inflammation found in the joints. Oils that are helpful for arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions are ginger, rosemary, roman chamomile, and marjoram. YL’s Panaway oil and the Deep Relief Roller Balls are favorites of my parents, and many who are athletes.  These oils work because they can assist with inflammation and supporting pain relief.

Digestion Issues

Older adults often have digestive systems that don’t work as well as they used to. Mixing certain essential oils with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil) and rubbing the mixture onto your abdomen has been shown to assist with digestion problems. Ginger, chamomile, and marjoram also work well here, as does YL’s peppermint and Digize essential oils.

Alzheimer’s and Other Dementia Risks

As we age, Alzheimer’s and dementia concerns increase. Research has been conducted that shows certain essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, basil, and lemon, can improve mental alertness and memory function.   This may help reduce an older adult’s risk of developing these conditions.

Anxiety and Depression

A large number of older adults suffer from anxiety and depression on a daily basis.  Citrus essential oils work well because they have natural mood elevating properties. Try citrus oils like orange, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot. YL’s essential oil blend, Joy, is awesome applied over the heart.  If you have panic attacks, give rose essential oil a try.

Respiratory Problems

Older adults are at a much higher risk of developing colds, coughs, and the flu. These conditions can be helped by using essential oils such as peppermint, tea tree, lavender, rosemary and thyme.  YL’s essential oil blend called RC, and their Breathe Again roller ball are fantastic!

Skin Conditions

Older adults can have a wide range of skin conditions, from cuts and scrapes to skin irritation and wrinkles. If you get a cut or a scrape, using an oil like lavender, tea tree, or chamomile is a must.  I highly recommend keeping a bottle of YL’s lavender in your kitchen in the event you experience a burn. For wrinkles try frankincense, rose, rosemary, or YL’s Copaiba blend. These are effective against wrinkles because they contain powerful antioxidants which help improve skin health.

Application Methods:

Diffusion –  Follow diffuser manufacturer’s instructions.  If you do not own a diffuser you can add a few drops of essential oil or blend to several cotton balls and place near to where the patient spends much of their time.

Massage – Hands, Arms, Feet:  Mix 12 drops of essential oil or essential oil blend into 1 ounce carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil. Use to massage hands, arms and/or feet.  Using massage as an application method provides the additional benefit of personal contact; for some this helps to create bonding between patient and caregiver which can also help to reduce stress and anxiety for everyone.

Inhalation – Add 1-2 drops of essential oil or essential oil blend to a tissue or cotton ball, and tuck into pocket or pillow case.  Inhalation is one of the quickest and easiest ways to use essential oils.

Spritzers –  Add 25 drops of essential oil(s) to a 1 oz. glass spritzer bottle, fill with purified water. Shake and spritz as desired. Spritz rooms, clothing or bed linens.

Considerations for Using Essential Oils with Older Adults:

It is important to note that some essential oils can be strong and may cause a reaction with the skin when applied. To help prevent this, essential oils should always be mixed with a carrier oil (like fractionated coconut) before application.  Older adults should use half the recommended number of oil drops for an adult. Most older adults are on numerous medications and should always consult with their doctors before using an essential oil as some may interact with certain medications.

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