Essential Oils - Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is an ancient practice that uses scented essential oils from plants, flowers, herbs, and trees for improving one's wellbeing through scent. It is a complementary therapy and is not a replacement for medical treatment. It works by stimulating the olfactory receptors – the cells responsible for our sense of smell – that in turn stimulate the parts of the brain that relate to our wellbeing.
For persons living with dementia, research shows that the complementary therapies of aromatherapy & reminiscence therapy may improve mood and quality of life. Several small studies have shown encouraging results by suggesting that essential oils improve sleep and reduce agitation in people living with Alzheimer’s disease. More research is needed in these areas.
Review recent research & articles on aromatherapy and Alzheimer's disease and dementias.
DementiaUK provides a very informative leaflet on Aromatherapy and Dementia (pdf format). One section in the leaflet entitled "How to use aromatherapy oils" provides information on the various ways one may choose to use aromatherapy essential oils.
Alzheimers.net published this article on 7 Essential Oils for managing dementia back in 2015: Manage Dementia's Side Effects with These 7 Essential Oils
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Essential Oils
You may want to consider purchasing your essential oils from the company Barefut Essential Oils. Below is some information about the company (excerpt is taken from their "About Us" section):
"The company is owned and operated by Certified Aromatherapists who have been providing all natural, chemical-free health and beauty products for 8 years.
Our essential oils are sourced from over 35 countries around the world. Barefut’s essential oils are 100% pure, therapeutic; organically grown, ethically produced and free from chemicals or pesticides. Our oils do not contain fillers, additives, or any other type of dilution.
Every batch of essential oil is GC/MS tested and analyzed by chemists of Essential Oil University under the direction of Dr. Robert Pappas. Every bottle we ship has a lot number that you may reference to view the GC/MS report on that essential oil’s product page on barefut.com.
To prevent oxidation, we nitrogen cap our essential oil containers to create a barrier between the oil and oxygen. We also keep them stored in a cool, temperature controlled, windowless room."
Also check out their Blog as they have provided many informative blog posts there.
Here are a couple of books that may be of interest to you in learning more about the many healing benefits of Essential Oils.
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The Beginner's Guide to Essential By Dr. Josh Axe, Jordan Rubin
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The Essential Oils Apothecary: Includes 100 Easy and Effective Recipes for 25 Chronic Conditions By Eric Zielinski & Sabrina Ann Zielinski / Rodale Books Soothing practices, healing rituals, and |
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Diffusers
Types of Diffusion
First of all, there are three main methods of diffusion. These are using 1) a nebulizing diffuser, 2) an ultrasonic diffuser, or 3) some type of passive diffuser (anything from an aromatherapy necklace or bracelet with lava rocks or other porous rocks to porcelain/ceramic floral decorative items with felt inserts as well as car diffusers).
Barefut also has a nice selection of essential oils balms. They eliminate the mess of your mixing a carrier oil with an essential oil yourself. Barefut's essential oil balms are mixed with the nourishing and healing ingredients of 100% all natural carrier oils, e.g. coconut oil (review each product description). Simply apply the balm liberally to the desired areas of your skin. Great to have with you and use on-the-go.
Diffusers come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. There are a variety of aesthetic differences, but the diffusers may offer different functions as well.
What Kind of Diffuser is Right for You?
In order to determine what kind of diffuser is right for your situation, you need to have a good idea about for what you want to use your essentials oil and where you will be diffusing. We do not recommend diffusing in public spaces since there is always a possibility that there is a person in that area who may have an adverse reaction to a particular oil.
For ultrasonic diffusers, it is also helpful to learn about the different prices & options available to you. Here are a couple of articles you may want to review.
How to Find the Best Essential Oil Diffuser For You, by Allison C. Cooper, THE HEALTHY, Updated October 28, 2019.
Top 5 Essential Oils Diffusers - A Buyer's Guide, by Rachel, August 23, 2022.
More Diffusion Types of Products
In addition to diffusion types of product links above on Amazon, here is a link to a variety of diffusion types of products on Christianbook - you may also want to consider using anointing oils in addition to essential oils:
Variety of Diffusion Types on Christianbook
Anointing Oils on Christianbook
Gifts2Bless is a member of Barefūt’s Affiliate Program; Affiliate of Walmart, and Christianbook. We have a mission to offer resources and gift offerings that bless, inspire, encourage, and provide refreshing ‘soul care’ to all who visit us. We want to demonstrate God’s compassionate love to those who are afflicted with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, and brain disorders and to those who provide them with love and care.