ENLOE MEDICAL CENTER

Aromatherapy can be either calming & Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) stress-relieving, or energizing & invigorating, Uses: Headaches, migraines, depending on the essential oil that is chosen mental fatigue. Calming effects; anxiety and depression. Essential Oils Used At Enloe Anti-nausea. May reduce Lavender (Lavandula) post-operative nausea. Aromatherapy Uses: Nervousness, anxiety, Beneficial for sinus congestion. at Enloe Medical Center insomnia, depression, Recommended for inset of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), colds, flu, and respiratory headache, anger, fear, stress. infections. Deodorizer. Enhances sense of well-being. May reduce fear and anxiety Stress Relief (Combination of prior to medical procedures. Bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, mandarin) (Zingiber officinalis) Ginger Uses: Calm the mind, relax Uses: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. the body to promote a sense of Has antispasmodic properties comfort, stability and well-being. and settles the digestive system and stimulates the appetite. Has warming properties and may be useful in chills, colds, and flu. May be useful in clearing the sinuses. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Uses: Antidepressant, may relieve tension headaches, useful for nervousness, agitation, and insomnia. Calmative and antispasmodic— may benefit digestive disorders, 1531 Esplanade • Chico, California 95926 may have immune stimulating (530) 332-5540 • www.enloe.org properties and may stimulate the appetite. Uplifting and refreshing, calms emotional stress.

S2003700 07/12 What Is Aromatherapy? Which Oils Are Used? How Are The Oils Used? Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential Several essential oils are used at Enloe Essential oils can be useful in the holistic oils (EO) for a therapeutic purpose. It Medical Center: lavender, peppermint, treatment of emotional and spiritual issues is used for the improvement of physical, bergamot, ginger, and stress relief such as nervous tension, grief, loss, fear, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It blend containing bergamot, clary sage, and spiritual distress. Certain EO’s have is an ancient treatment for physical and geranium, lavender and mandarin. also been found to reduce stress and/or mental disorders such as headache, These are used to treat pain, anxiety, anxiety before certain medical procedures. nausea, pain, depression, stress, anxiety, stress, irritability, anger, restlessness, At Enloe Medical Center, the direct sleeplessness, and many other ailments. sleeplessness or somnolence, and inhalation method is used to dispense It is not meant to replace any medical nausea, which are problems commonly essential oils to individual patients. A few treatment or advice. A physician’s advice encountered in the hospital. drops of oil are placed on a cotton ball in should always be sought for any worsening a medicine cup and given to the patient ailment or serious illness. upon request. The patient holds the medicine cup under their nose and inhales Ask your nurse if you would like to try normally for 3 to 4 minutes. This can be aromatherapy during your hospital stay. repeated as desired. The oils are used for their therapeutic effect and the oil that is What Are Essential Oils? the most effective for a specific complaint EO’s are steam distilled from aromatic Relaxation is an important may not be the oil that the patient feels has plants. They are found in the flowers, part of your day! the most pleasant scent. The oils should leaves, bark, wood, roots, seeds, and not be touched or rubbed on the skin, as peels of various plants. They are the pure this may cause irritation. essence of the plant with no additives. EO’s are not the same as perfume oils, Cautions When Using Essential Oils which are usually synthetic compounds. Avoid placing the essential oil near the eyes Scented candles and room sprays are and mucous membranes. Keep essential generally not made with essential oils and oils away from open flames. Essential oils are not considered aromatherapy. Many are flammable. Store at room temperature people who have reacted negatively to and avoid sunlight. Do not use in patients scents such as that found in perfumes with severe plant allergies or respiratory or room sprays will generally not have a asthma. Use with caution in patients negative reaction to pure essential oils. It with sensitivities, allergies, epilepsy, is possible (though rare) to be allergic to a hypertension and estrogen-dependent particular EO. tumors. If you are pregnant or lactating, please consult with the nurse prior to using essential oils.