Aromatherapy in nursing: application and areas of use

Read on to find out: 

1. What does aromatherapy mean in nursing?
2. Application options of aromatherapy and essential oils in various care areas
3. What needs to be considered when using aromatherapy in nursing? 

What does aromatherapy mean in nursing?

Aromatherapy in nursing refers to the targeted use of essential oils to promote the physical and mental well-being of patients. This form of therapy utilises natural essential oils extracted from plant essences and incorporates them into nursing practice. It is essentially about utilising the healing properties of the oils through various application methods, such as massages, inhalation or room fragrancing. 

An important aspect of aromatherapy is its holistic approach. It aims to alleviate physical symptoms and improve the emotional and psychological well-being of patients. These improvements can be achieved through the balancing, mood-enhancing or calming properties of the oils. Lavender oil, for example, can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep, while lemon and bergamot oils can lift the mood. 

In practice, aromatherapy in nursing does not just mean the use of fragrances. Rather, it involves the careful selection and application of oils based on the individual needs of the patient. Carers must be trained to choose the right essential oils and appropriate applications to ensure safe and effective use.

Application options of aromatherapy and essential oils in various care areas

Aromatherapy is used in various areas of care, including elderly care, palliative care and acute care. 

• Elderly care: In elderly care, aromatherapy can play an important role in promoting well-being and overall quality of life. Essential oils such as lavender and chamomile can help to alleviate sleep disorders and reduce anxiety. Reports also show that a combination of lemon and rosemary oil in the morning and a combination of orange and lavender oil at night can improve cognitive abilities and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. It was also shown that the use of lavender oil can improve dynamic and static balance, which among other things led to a reduction in the number of falls in older people. A pleasant fragrance in the living areas of retirement and nursing homes can also improve the general atmosphere and promote a feeling of security. 
• Palliative care: In palliative care, aromatherapy can be used to relieve symptoms such as nausea and pain, reduce anxiety and improve the general well-being of patients. Lavender and bergamot, for example, can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which is particularly important in the final phase of life. Essential oils can be applied through baths, massages and diffusion in the air to create a calming and peaceful environment and support communication between patients, relatives and carers. 
• Acute care: Aromatherapy can be used in acute care to support recovery and reduce stress levels in patients and carers. For example, one study showed that the use of essential oils in acute care was able to reduce pain, nausea and anxiety. However, the use of aromatherapy requires careful coordination with other medical treatments. 

The use of essential oils in the care sector or hospital can benefit not only the patients, but also the carers themselves. The use of calming or stress-reducing fragrances such as lavender or lemon balm can help to reduce the stress of everyday working life, promote concentration and improve the general well-being of care staff. This can not only promote their own health, but also improve the quality of care. 

Aromatherapy can be used in many ways in the care sector. The most common methods include massages with essential oils, baths and partial baths, inhalations and diffusion in the room air, for example with an aroma diffuser. Massages can help to relax muscles and relieve pain, among other things. Baths and partial baths have a calming effect on the entire body and inhalations can help with respiratory problems, for example. Diffusion in the room can contribute to a more pleasant room air and a calming atmosphere. 

You can find out more about the use and effects of essential oils in our blog post "Effects of essential oils on the body".

Application options of aromatherapy and essential oils in various care areas

There are some important aspects to consider when using aromatherapy in care. It may only be used with the explicit consent of the patient or their relatives. It is also crucial to know the individual needs and health condition of the patient, as not all essential oils are suitable for everyone. Furthermore, carers must be trained to ensure the correct dosage and application. The recommended dosage must never be exceeded. The quality of the oils also plays an important role – only high-quality, pure oils should be used. Care should also be taken when using essential oils, as they can cause side effects such as skin irritation. The use of essential oils should always be carried out with the involvement of specialised medical personnel and in compliance with care standards.

When used correctly, aromatherapy offers a valuable addition to conventional care practices. The targeted use of essential oils can alleviate physical and psychological complaints and improve general well-being. When used correctly and considering the individual needs of patients, aromatherapy can make a valuable contribution to improving the quality of care.

Would you like to learn more about how aromatherapy works and how it can help you feel better and improve your mood?

More about aromatherapy

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