Palliative Care & Essential Oil Choices
Using essential oils is invaluable during palliative care as they provide numerous benefits in a palliative care setting.
Essential oils are made of hundreds of botanical compounds, some of which have been scientifically proven to act in specific ways. Essential oils with antibacterial, antiviral and deodorising properties are important for keeping offensive odours at bay, as well as illness. For individuals in the last stages of palliative care, certain essential oils can promote calm and peace and ease discomfort, particularly when the breath becomes laboured and the chest has that ‘rattling/phlemy’ sound.
Essential oils, however, work far deeper than science can measure at this point in time. With regard to palliative care, essential oils that have a calming, balancing effect are excellent for the individual in need and visiting family members. Emotionally and spiritually, essential oils create an impact – sometimes in a subtle way, at other times in an obvious way. A person’s favourite aroma for example, can unlock deep and hidden memories from long ago.
A favourite aroma may aid in a more peaceful passing and could be a good idea to include it as part of the final stages of care. Be aware that aromas can also unlock unpleasant memories, so it would be best to avoid those aromas at this time (if known).
Grieving over the loss of someone can be heartfelt and emotional, and essential oils can assist in addressing the emotional and spiritual aspects of the dying process so that the person in palliative care and their family members are eased from grief, loss and suffering.
There are a number of essential oils which can be used in palliative care but it is important to keep in mind the reason for use, the sensitivity of the person in last stages of care, the location (home versus in a hospital/aged care setting) and known likes or dislikes of aromas.
Beneficial oils include lemon (Citrus limonum), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce), Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Frankincense (Boswelia carterii), True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and more.
Methods of application include vaporising, anointing (using a carrier medium such as jojoba or macadamia oil), dry inhalation (1- 2 drops placed on a tissue), room atomiser or gentle foot/hand massage if the person feels comfortable with this.
A sample vaporiser blend
Frankincense – 2 drops
Cypress – 2 drops
Ylang ylang - 2 drops
(breathing, respiratory, peace)
A sample massage blend
30ml macadamia oil
10 drops Frankincense
4 drops Ylang ylang
3 drops Roman chamomile
5 drops True lavender
8 drops Cypress
(deep peace, calm, better breathing, respiratory, letting go)
This is a blend for general use that can be massaged into the feet, forehead/temple area and applied gently around the upper chest for best effect. Apply 1 to 2 times daily.
Family members and carers are going through a range of emotions during such a time. The simple act of massage at this time is a wonderful way to connect. This small gesture can at least make family members or carers feel more useful. Gentle touch is the perfect way for relatives to demonstrate without words, that they care.
Bush flower essences are another excellent therapeutic tool to use during palliative care. There are remedies for letting go, calming the breath and mind and appeasing fear.
You can use both modalities separately or in conjunction with the other.
Be sure to document the needs of your loved one in an end-of-life planning document to ensure their wishes are met.
*This blog has been adapted from my education program Aromatherapy in Aged Care.
Author: Sana Turnock, Clinical Aromatherapist
Sana is a clinical aromatherapist with skill sets in energy and plant medicine, meditation, reflexology and relaxation massage and spent 18 years in natural therapies.
Sana has now turned her attention to being a podcaster on the theme of courage and resilience, writer, presenter and courage mindset coach in business and life.
