1531 Esplanade • Chico, California 95926(530) 332-5540 • www.enloe.org

Aromatherapy at Enloe Medical Center

E N L O E M E D I C A L C E N T E R

Lavender (Lavandula)Uses: Nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), headache, anger, fear, stress. Enhances sense of well-being. May reduce fear and anxiety prior to medical procedures.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)Uses: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Has antispasmodic properties 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, may have immune stimulating properties and may stimulate the appetite. Uplifting and refreshing, calms emotional stress.

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita) Uses: Headaches, migraines, mental fatigue. Calming effects; anxiety and depression. Anti-nausea. May reduce post-operative nausea. Beneficial for sinus congestion. Recommended for inset of colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Deodorizer.

Stress Relief (Combination of Bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, mandarin)Uses: Calm the mind, relax the body to promote a sense of comfort, stability and well-being.

Aromatherapy can be either calming & stress-relieving, or energizing & invigorating,

depending on the essential oil that is chosen

Essential Oils Used At Enloe

S2003700 07/12

What Is Aromatherapy?Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils (EO) for a therapeutic purpose. It is used for the improvement of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is an ancient treatment for physical and mental disorders such as headache, nausea, pain, depression, stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, and many other ailments. It is not meant to replace any medical treatment or advice. A physician’s advice should always be sought for any worsening ailment or serious illness.

Ask your nurse if you would like to try aromatherapy during your hospital stay.

What Are Essential Oils?EO’s are steam distilled from aromatic plants. They are found in the flowers, leaves, bark, wood, roots, seeds, and peels of various plants. They are the pure essence of the plant with no additives. EO’s are not the same as perfume oils, which are usually synthetic compounds. Scented candles and room sprays are generally not made with essential oils and are not considered aromatherapy. Many people who have reacted negatively to scents such as that found in perfumes or room sprays will generally not have a negative reaction to pure essential oils. It is possible (though rare) to be allergic to a particular EO.

Which Oils Are Used?Several essential oils are used at Enloe Medical Center: lavender, peppermint, bergamot, ginger, and stress relief blend containing bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender and mandarin. These are used to treat pain, anxiety, stress, irritability, anger, restlessness, sleeplessness or somnolence, and nausea, which are problems commonly encountered in the hospital.

How Are The Oils Used?Essential oils can be useful in the holistic treatment of emotional and spiritual issues such as nervous tension, grief, loss, fear, and spiritual distress. Certain EO’s have also been found to reduce stress and/or anxiety before certain medical procedures. At Enloe Medical Center, the direct inhalation method is used to dispense essential oils to individual patients. A few drops of oil are placed on a cotton ball in a medicine cup and given to the patient upon request. The patient holds the medicine cup under their nose and inhales normally for 3 to 4 minutes. This can be repeated as desired. The oils are used for their therapeutic effect and the oil that is the most effective for a specific complaint may not be the oil that the patient feels has the most pleasant scent. The oils should not be touched or rubbed on the skin, as this may cause irritation.

Cautions When Using Essential OilsAvoid placing the essential oil near the eyes and mucous membranes. Keep essential oils away from open flames. Essential oils are flammable. Store at room temperature and avoid sunlight. Do not use in patients with severe plant allergies or respiratory asthma. Use with caution in patients with sensitivities, allergies, epilepsy, hypertension and estrogen-dependent tumors. If you are pregnant or lactating, please consult with the nurse prior to using essential oils.

Relaxation is an important part of your day!