Aromatherapy for Allergies From a Nursing Perspective

¶ … aromatherapy and allergies and the various nursing aspects and implications on the uses of aromatherapy as a treatment for allergies.

Aromatherapy is defined as the art of using essential oils taken from leaves, bark, roots, and flowers, to enhance moods, sharpen minds, awaken the individual's physical sense of being, and most important of all treat various allergies. By simply breathing in the fragrances present in the essential oils derived from these sources, an individual has a soothing effect on his or her soul, and arouses the sensual self. For thousands of years, man has used these essential oils of plants and flowers to improve both his physical as well as the emotional well being.

Though the effectiveness, strengths and the healing powers of the essential oils derived from various herbs, plants and flowers have proven in a number of ailments and allergies, their importance in aromatherapy has only recently been acknowledged as one of the most excellent forms of influencing the moods, feelings, and as healing agent for the body, mind and the spirit. (Aromatherapy Contents, 2001)

Overview of Aromatherapy

There are a number of essential oils, each with a unique quality and characteristics, and when blended together, create an entirely different experience, all dependent on the range, quantity, and method of mixing these essential oils. Peppermint for example is used for invigorating, refreshing and stimulating, while the essential oil of Rosemary is rejuvenating, strengthening and uplifting. If one were to combine the two given examples of essential oils, Peppermint and Rosemary, and add some Lavender to the combination, the resulting mixture so developed would be an excellent remedy for a footbath.

Yet, another good example is that of Eucalyptus oil. A few drops of this oil, when added to boiling water and covering your head with a towel soaked in this water could do wonders for a number of allergies, for example, winter colds. Similarly, adding a few drops of this oil to the bath water is also a good remedy for an all-over cold treatment. Other important uses of Eucalyptus oil are it's characteristics as an ant inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic, diuretic, analgesic, deodorizing, as well as an insect repellent and in veterinary care.

Besides the above-mentioned types of essential oils, a normal aromatherapy medicinal kit could comprise of other oils such as Tea Tree, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Geranium, Thyme, Lemon, and Clove, along with aloe Vera, witch hazel and rosewater, all of which have proven their versatility in aromatherapy for an equally different number of ailments and allergies commonly found today. (Richerson, 2002)

Allergies

An allergy is defined as the sensitivity of an individual to something, which may or may not altogether cause a problem to that individual. There are various types of allergies, for example, allergy to dust falls under the heading of respiratory allergies. This may induce sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, coughing or even asthma. Other symptoms of this type of allergy may be the occurrence of itchy eyes, mouth, and/or sour throat. Another type of allergy is related to various foods, which may induce stomach aches, frequent indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea, all of which show that the individual is sensitive to various foods. Other common allergies include that of skin, smells, and drugs. (Allergies, 2001)

Since allergies may be difficult to diagnose, and in some cases incurable, the most viable treatment are the alternative remedies, one of which is our subject topic, aromatherapy.

The Nursing Aspect

According to studies carried out and comprehensively mentioned in her book, 'Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing' Jane Buckle, who is herself a nurse, states that aromatherapy is "the fastest growing form of complimentary therapy in the United Kingdom and the United States, and is being rapidly employed by nurses and other health professionals in the hospitals, hospice and community settings." Jane in her said book highlights the importance of this form of nurse care, and explains that when combined with orthodox medications, this mode of therapy has effectively become part of the nursing diagnosis. (Buckle, 2002)

Other studies and trials carried out in the United States, though still in their earlier stages, have suggested that aromatherapy could be used for the better management of chronic pain. In this regard, one U.S. state board of nursing has recognized and accepted the therapeutic importance of aromatherapy and suggested it's application as part of their holistic nursing care. (Buckle, J.,1999)

Nursing - Education and Practice

One of the most important roles in the treatment of ailments, diseases, and our subject, the allergies remains incomplete without the participation and active role of the nurses. In the treatment of allergies through aromatherapy, the nurses should learn the properties of essential oils, and the different methods of application and use to effectively treat various allergies.

The importance of extracting oils, their uses, storage, and the different techniques of blending the essential oils to formulate the required mixtures, all are an essential part of the nurses' expertise when using aromatherapy as a treatment measure. The nurses should therefore gain access to the knowledge to the various types of allergies, and apply the requisite remedies found in aromatherapy.