Guest guest Posted January 11, 2008 Report Share Posted January 11, 2008 Hi Christina Well, as I'm still in Google Scholar....I found this Effects of Aroma Oil Inhalation on Nausea Vomiting and Anorexia in Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy http://tinyurl.com/2oaa7e I think many things will come into play, particularly how weakened the person is by the chemo. Some react to the therapy much worse than others and the key is to find what works for the individual (as you did). I've had success with peppermint for some clients who suffered with nausea, whilst others responded better to the hand reflexology point (web between thumb and index finger, slide up towards joint of finger and thumb). I do remember reading that even though asnomics (sp?) can't sence the aroma, oils do have an effect (next project...! lol) LLx On 11/01/2008, Christina M <BodyAmbrosia wrote: > > Thanks Marge, and Liz. > > Do you think this might vary with the medication one is on? I know when I > was trying to alleviate nausea with chemo, the person was already on some > serious pain meds. I really believed that what she was taking was > affecting > her sense of smell. At that point mint tea (it was a blend of peppermint > and spearmint) and ginger-ale did the trick. > > I often wonder when it is better to use aromatherapy vs. herbs. In that > instance, I tried stuff until something worked. > > Cheers, > Christina > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Hi Liz, Thanks for that. Even though it was a small study, it did seem to highlight the effectiveness of the aromatics. Clearly, not every case is the same. This small list of studies we've seen indicates that EO's are more effective than I originally thought, based on my experience. I'm glad to hear that. Seems it's definitely worth a shot with many patients. Cheers, Christina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 Hello All, I'm actually a chemotherapy nurse and offer aromatherapy at the hospital where I work so I thought I might contribute to this topic I have worked with a few people using aromatherapy to help with chemotherapy induced nausea. I usually blended combinations of peppermint, spearmint and lemon and received positive feedback from the patients who used them. Aromatherapy has been really helpful for patients who become nauseated from overwhelming or negative aromas. Chemotherapy affects the sense of smell, often enhancing it to the point that simple aromas make them queasy. Many say that the cancer clinic has a 'smell' and they become nauseated just walking in the door. But, when we find an essential oil they find pleasing, it can block the negative smells and help prevent the nausea. A key factor is to have them rotate the aromas they are using to help relieve nausea. That may help decrease their risk of become negatively conditioned to a certain essential oil aroma. I've also had luck working with anxiety. One person used their blend during their MRI and said they should hand aromatherapy out to everyone who gets an MRI to help with the anxiety! I appreciate people posting the research they find on aromatherapy. I know that it has brought so much to the patients I work with. Have a great day! Kamron ATFE2 , Liz <liztams wrote: > > Hi Christina > Well, as I'm still in Google Scholar....I found this > > Effects of Aroma Oil Inhalation on Nausea Vomiting and Anorexia in Cancer > Patients Receiving Chemotherapy > http://tinyurl.com/2oaa7e > > I think many things will come into play, particularly how weakened the > person is by the chemo. Some react to the therapy much worse than others and > the key is to find what works for the individual (as you did). I've had > success with peppermint for some clients who suffered with nausea, whilst > others responded better to the hand reflexology point (web between thumb and > index finger, slide up towards joint of finger and thumb). > I do remember reading that even though asnomics (sp?) can't sence the aroma, > oils do have an effect (next project...! lol) > LLx > > > > On 11/01/2008, Christina M <BodyAmbrosia wrote: > > > > Thanks Marge, and Liz. > > > > Do you think this might vary with the medication one is on? I know when I > > was trying to alleviate nausea with chemo, the person was already on some > > serious pain meds. I really believed that what she was taking was > > affecting > > her sense of smell. At that point mint tea (it was a blend of peppermint > > and spearmint) and ginger-ale did the trick. > > > > I often wonder when it is better to use aromatherapy vs. herbs. In that > > instance, I tried stuff until something worked. > > > > Cheers, > > Christina > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 Kamron, thanks so much as my son is having anxiety attacks with his Cancer~ do you use this same blend for the anxiety? His cancer is out of remission(brain tumor) we knew it was terminal but thought we might get a longer break from it than the DR had said~ so he's having horrible panic attacks while we try to decide the best course of action at this time~ Thanks, I appreciate any and all imput since I'm such a novice at all this~ Sindy - ] Re: AT & Chemo I've also had luck working with anxiety. One person used their blend during their MRI and said they should hand aromatherapy out to everyone who gets an MRI to help with the anxiety! I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2008 Report Share Posted January 15, 2008 Hi Sindy, I'm so sorry to hear about your son. My thoughts are with you and your family. I hope I can offer something that may be of benefit. Aside from conventional medications for anxiety, the first two essential oils that come to mind are frankincense and neroli. Lavender, of course, is another option. It is really important to have him choose an essential oil that he finds pleasing. I don't know how old he is or what he enjoys, but possibly finding an aroma that links to happy memories. Maybe camping or being outdoors is something he enjoys, so a woodsy aroma may be relaxing to him. Once you have the essential oil, it may be helpful to have him combine breathing techniques with the aromatherapy. Even something as simple as placing a few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball and having him breathe in through his nose and out through his mouth. Just nice slow, even breaths- helping him to focus and center using breath and the aroma. There are CD's you get get that have simple breathing techniques. Guided imagery is another great complement to aromatherapy. Another simple way for him to use aromatherapy when he is out and about, is by using personal inhalers. I use them a lot in my practice. Sometimes people feel funny about sniffing a cotton ball placed in a plastic baggie There are a few suppliers on this list, that I know of, that carry them. They are inexpensive, very portable and last a while. I would also encourage you and your family to utilize any resources your treatment center has, if you aren't already. For instance, the social workers at my clinic offer many healing modalities to help families transition and cope. These are just my suggestions, I'm sure others on this group have experiences they can share, as well. Again, I wish you all luck as you decide the next step. Kamron ATFE2 , " Sindy Anderson " <sssoap wrote: > > Kamron, thanks so much as my son is having anxiety attacks with his Cancer~ do you use this same blend for the anxiety? His cancer is out of remission(brain tumor) we knew it was terminal but thought we might get a longer break from it than the DR had said~ so he's having horrible panic attacks while we try to decide the best course of action at this time~ > Thanks, I appreciate any and all imput since I'm such a novice at all this~ > Sindy > - > ] Re: AT & Chemo > > I've also had luck working with anxiety. One person used their blend > during their MRI and said they should hand aromatherapy out to > everyone who gets an MRI to help with the anxiety! > > I > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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