Photos and Blog Post by:
Cacey Armstrong, LSW, Case Manager for River Pointe of Moorhead
Essential oils have been used for a long time, in various cultures. They have multiple purposes including medicinal and health. They are used for: aromatherapy, household cleaning, personal beauty, and natural medicinal treatment.
10 facts for beginners
- Made from all natural compounds found in the root, petal, rind, leaf, or bark of a plant
- They have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties
- 1 drop of peppermint is equal to 28 cups of peppermint tea
- Can penetrate our cell membranes to help fight viruses
- Can get into bloodstream within 30 seconds
- Clove oils contains 450 times more antioxidants than blueberries
- 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs
- Bergamot oil costs only 11 cents per drop, and is used for relaxing and calming
- Peppermint oil can be used as an all-natural fever reducer to bring down a fever in seconds
- Certified Pure, Therapeutic Grade oils can be taken aromatically, topically and internally to help with various health conditions.
Scents we use in Riverton Suites:
- Lemon
- Sweet orange
- Tea tree
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Peppermint
10 Reasons To Have A Diffuser
- Relaxation and Sleep
- Mood Elevation
- Ward Off Illness
- Helps You Breathe Easier
- Pain Relief
- Improve Cognitive Function
- Safer Alternative to Candles and Incense
- Repel Insects
- Saves Money
- Helps You Look Fashionable!
7 Top Essential Oils for Dementia
- Lavender
Lavender helps with calming and balancing strong emotions. It has also been used to help with depression, anger and irritability, and can help in some cases of insomnia. Lavender can be directly inhaled, used as massage oil or sprayed on linens.
- Peppermint
Peppermint is an energizer and can be used to stimulate the mind and calm nerves at the same time. Best used in the morning, peppermint oil can be inhaled directly, diffused in a room, used as as massage oil, sprayed in the air or even placed in a bath.
- Rosemary
Similar to peppermint, Rosemary is an uplifting oil used to stimulate the mind and body. It may even improve cognitive performance and mood. Rosemary has also been known to ease constipation, symptoms of depression and also reinvigorate the appetite. Rosemary oil can be directly inhaled, diffused through a room or used as a spray.
- Bergamot
Bergamot can be used to relieve anxiety, agitation, mild depression and stress. This mood elevating and calming oil can also be used to relieve insomnia. To use bergamot oil, place a few drops in a bath, use as massage oil, diffuse through a room, or use a spray on clothing or linens.
- Lemon Balm
While lemon oil may be among the more expensive oils, it is also one of the most studied and more effective oils. It has been shown to help calm and relax people who are dealing with anxiety and insomnia, improve memory and ease indigestion. Lemon oil can be dropped into a bath, inhaled directly, diffused, sprayed or applied directly to the skin as massage oil.
- Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang oil can help ease depression while also promoting good sleep. This oil is great for not only for a person living with Alzheimer’s, but also for caregivers struggling with restlessness and lack of sleep. Ylang Ylang is often combined with lemon oil and can be placed in a bath, inhaled, diffused or sprayed.
- Ginger
Ginger oil is helpful for anyone struggling with digestion issues. Commonly used to treat a loss of appetite and constipation, ginger can help promote good eating habits. Ginger oil can be applied directly to the skin as an abdominal massage, inhaled, diffused, sprayed or placed on a compress.
Since starting to use Essential Oils in Riverton Suites we have seen a decrease in insomnia. We have noticed an increase in appetite and better moods. We hope to continue to see more benefits from Essential Oils as time goes on. If you are interested in more information about Essential Oil use, or are checking out Assisted Living options, give us a call at 218-287-6900.