ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BABY BOOMERS AND BEYOND

The use of essential oils has gone mainstream. It’s rare to find someone who hasn’t heard of them, but many do not know how essential oil should be used. Aromatherapy uses essential oils for therapeutic purposes, either through inhalation or topical. They can help with common issues such as supporting your health, first aid, easing stress, improving mood, and promoting sleep. While all ages can benefit from essential oils, today, we want to focus on aromatherapy for seniors.

Although essential oils can be safe and effective ways to boost your health and wellness, safety guidelines must be followed. Safety is especially true when dealing with sensitive groups such as seniors. So, we want to guide you with recommendations of essential oils and some of our pre-mixed essential oil blends that are safe for seniors and the proper way to use them.

Whether at home, in a senior residence, or long-term care facility, you can help create an aromatherapy sanctuary for the elderly, their caregivers, and family members with pure therapeutic essential oils.

METHODS OF APPLICATION AND DILUTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS

Massage/Topical:  Add 6 total drops of essential oils or blend per ounce of carrier oil, unscented lotion, or cream. Mix well. It may be used for massage or applied with a cotton swab or cotton ball for localized areas. Always test on skin before use and dilute to 1% or less for sensitive skin.

Bath:

1. Add up to 6 drops of essential oils or blends to 1 ounce of carrier oil or unscented bath salts and mix well.
2. Swish through bath water to disperse.
3. Always test on the skin before use.

Inhalation:  Apply a drop of oil on a tissue and waft under your nose as needed or tuck it by a pillow. Added to a personal inhaler for use over more extended periods. We also have patches that adhere to the skin or clothing that provide a personalized aromatherapy experience for at least 8 hours.

Diffuse:  Place undiluted essential oils or blend in a diffuser and use as directed. It is recommended to use “intermittent diffusion” - turn your diffuser on for 20-30 minutes, then off for the same amount of time, and repeat as desired. This prevents overexposure to essential oils and maximizes their effectiveness.

Air Mist:

1. Add 20 total drops of essential oils or blend per ounce of water in a spray mist bottle.
2. Shake well before each use.
3. Do not spray directly on the body; avoid spraying directly on furniture or fabrics.

SUGGESTED ESSENTIAL OILS AND THEIR USES

The following essential oils can be used individually, or you can create combinations with your favorite oils to achieve your desired effect. We also offer a line of handcrafted essential oil blends that are ready to use for your convenience.

Agitation & Anxiety – Massage/Bath/Inhalation/Diffuse/Air Mist

• Bergamot, Chamomile Roman, Lavender, May Chang, Melissa, Mandarin
• Anxiety Release, Peaceful Mind, Serenity, Emotional Rescue

Suggestion: Add to unscented lotion or cream and use for a hand massage

Memory - Massage/Diffuse/Inhalation/Air Mist

• Blend Lemon and Rosemary in the morning to help with focus. You can add a drop of Basil to the blend to help reduce confusion and forgetfulness. 
• Blend Orange and Lavender in the evening to help calm down.
• Sunrise can be used in the morning and Serenity in the evening to help clear, focus gently, and calm the mind.

Nausea Relief/Constipation – Massage

• Chamomile Roman, Black Pepper, Fennel, Ginger, Lavender, Grapefruit, Marjoram

Suggestion:  Gently massage the abdomen in a clockwise direction.

Dry Skin – Massage/Topical

• Cedarwood, Chamomile Roman, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Palmarosa, Sandalwood
• Clearer Skin, Lavender Garden

Swelling – Massage

• Geranium, Juniper Berry
• Detoxification Aide

Fever – Topical

• Black Pepper, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint
• Immune Support, Travel Companion

Suggestion: Make a cold compress and apply it to the forehead and neck.

Sleeplessness – Massage/Bath/Inhalation/Diffuse/Air Mist

• Lavender, Mandarin, Marjoram, Chamomile, Angelica Root, Neroli
• Sleepy Time, Stress Relief, Relaxing, Lavender Garden

Nausea – Inhalation

• Mandarin, Spearmint, Peppermint, Ginger, Lemon
• Mint & Rosemary, Travel Companion, Refreshing

Odor – Diffuse/Air Mist

• Lemon (most citrus essential oils), Lemongrass, Bergamot, Pine Needle, Maychang
• Citrus Delight, Household Purifier, Refreshing, Forest Retreat

Respiratory Support – Massage/Inhalation/Diffuse

• Eucalyptus, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Rosemary, Peppermint
• Breathe Blend, Immune Support

Suggestion: Add to unscented cream and apply to neck and chest as needed.

Joint Pain – Massage/Bath

• Frankincense, Coriander, Juniper Berry, Cypress, Rosemary, Marjoram
• Aches & Pains

BEFORE YOU GO

As with using essential oils at any age, it’s always important to follow the recommended safety guidelines. Especially when working with the elderly, it’s good practice to let them smell the suggested essential oils and choose which ones they prefer. Memories are very personal and unique to the individual and can be easily triggered by an aroma that someone else may find soothing.

Test the selected oil on a small patch of skin before applying topically to ensure there isn’t an allergy.