"Baby boomers," who are now reaching the later years of life, are often more active than their elderly parents were in the past; in addition, people are living longer. However, there are certain health problems which trouble a lot of seniors. Essential oils in aromatherapy use can often help or control the difficulties encountered late in life.
Essential Oils for Arthritis and Rheumatism
Arthritis and rheumatism are common complaints of seniors; pain and stiffness in aching bones can cause a great deal of discomfort, affecting the quality of life for a senior. Essential oils can help relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis and rheumatism. Suitable essential oils include:
- rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – analgesic and anti-inflammatory
- roman chamomile ((Chamaemelum nobile) – anti-inflammatory
- lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – analgesic and anti-inflammatory
- sweet marjoram (Origanum marjorana) – analgesic.
Essential Oils for Constipation, Diarrhea and Incontinence
Constipation, diarrhea and incontinence are distressing and upsetting; the cause of each problem may differ from person to person and may be the result of stress, anxiety or medication. However, whatever the cause, essential oils may be able to provide relief and restore dignity to a senior's life. Suitable essential oils include:
- ginger (Zingiber officinale) – analgesic, stimulant and general tonic for constipation
- mandarin (Citrus reticulata) – calming and digestive for constipation
- peppermint (Mentha piperita) – anti-inflammatory and digestive for diarrhea
- lemon (Citrus limon) – astringent and useful for stomach ulcers and diarrhea
- cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) – astringent for incontinence.
Essential Oils for Poor Circulation
Poor circulation and circulatory problems, including thrombosis and varicose veins, can be the result of a number of problems in the elderly. Exercise may help to relieve some problems of poor circulation but essential oils can be used for less mobile seniors. Suitable essential oils include:
- clary sage (Salvia sclarea) – for varicose veins and circulatory problems
- lemon (Citrus limon) – for thrombosis and poor circulation.
Essential Oils for Influenza and Bronchitis
Influenza, bronchitis and other respiratory diseases are not only common amongst the elderly but can affect seniors to a greater degree than someone of younger years. Suitable essential oils which may help these conditions include:
- eucalyptus (Eucalyptus smithii) – anti-infectious and anti-viral for influenza
- lemon (Citrus limon) – anti-infectious and anti-viral for influenza
- pine (Pinus sylvestris) – anti-inflammatory, decongestant, breaks down mucus for respiratory infections and diseases
- peppermint (Mentha piperita) – anti-inflammatory and breaks down the mucus of respiratory disease.
Essential Oils for Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia and Alzheimer's disease is distressing and confusing for seniors; mental capabilities are diminished and quality of life is compromised. Although essential oils in aromatherapy use can not cure mental diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, there are some essential oils which can help the senior to cope with the disease; suitable essential oils include:
- rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – a neurotonic for concentration and loss of memory
- peppermint (Mentha piperita) – mental stimulant for concentration
- basil (Ocimum basilicum) – a neurotonic for mental strain.
Aromatherapy for Seniors
Essential oils with similar properties can be substituted and used for the above conditions; in addition, essential oils can be used to help with other problems associated with the elderly. If a senior is taking medication prescribed by a doctor, or has other contra-indicating conditions for using essential oils, such as high blood pressure, both the doctor and a qualified aromatherapist should be consulted before using any essential oils.
In addition, the quantity of essential oils used should be reduced for those in the later years of life. For further advice, contact a suitably qualified and experienced aromatherapist. However, used correctly and safely, essential oils in aromatherapy use are a helpful tool for helping seniors cope with the health problems associated with the later years of life.
References:
Price, Shirley 2003 Aromatherapy for Women UK: Southwater
Price, Shirley, Price, Len 2002 (2nd Edition) Aromatherapy for Health Professionals UK: Churchill Livingstone
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