Aromatherapy Kits

Aromatherapy Kits For Sensory Stimulation

Recent studies of people with and without dementia have shown that aromatherapy can lessen anxiety, improve people’s mood, and help people sleep better.

Essential Oils Overview
• Aromatherapy works when scent molecules are inhaled and then connect to specific receptors in the brain. Molecules that are man- made or contain impurities do not connect to the brain receptors in the same way as organic scent molecules do. It’s important to make sure your essential oils are pure and unadulterated.
• Even the best quality essential oils have an expiration date and should be stored away from sunlight, which can spoil them. A great way to learn more about storing and caring for essential oils is to take this excellent online class, which is completely free.
• Forbes magazine hired independent researchers to test the quality of different brands of essential oils. They recommend Aura Cacia brand oils. Besides being pure molecules without synthetic altering, these oils are reasonably priced and easy to find in specialty stores, supermarkets, or online.


Seven Essential Oils to Stock in Your Aromatherapy Kit
1. Lavender
Lavender is well-known for its calming properties. It’s shown to be at least moderately effective for soothing anxiety and helping people relax enough to fall asleep. This is a great oil to use in the early evening and night.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is like a morning cup of coffee. It is uplifting and stimulating but doesn’t cause anxiety as caffeine can. Use peppermint oil at the start of the day or on overcast “sleepy” days.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary can help increase appetite, so use this oil around mealtimes. It is also somewhat stimulating and uplifting, like peppermint.
4. Bergamot
Bergamot is a very appealing fragrance that isn’t overbearing. It is considered a mood elevator and also may help relieve agitation and stress. Bergamot is appropriate to use at any time of the day or night.
5. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an oil that has been studied quite extensively. Several research papers have concluded that lemon balm is relaxing and calming. It can be used at any time but is especially nice in the late afternoon and evening.
6. Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang oil is known as a natural antidepressant. Caregivers often suffer from higher- than-average rates of depression, and this oil can be helpful for both seniors and those who care for them.
7. Ginger
Ginger root is known as a good digestive aid, and ginger oil has the same properties. It is known for helping people regain their appetite. Try using ginger oil after meals.

Essential Oil Diffusers
• Essential oils can be applied topically or diluted with water or lotion to use while bathing or during massages. People can have allergies or sensitivities to oils touching their skin, and it needs to be diluted properly. Using an oil diffuser is probably the easiest, safest, and least time-consuming way to use aromatherapy oils.
• There are many diffusers on the market, but one that gets very high marks and is quite affordable is the URPower Essential Ultrasonic Humidifier. The diffuser comes with instructions on correct oil-to-water ratios. It emits fragrance with a light, pleasant steam. The URPower diffuser also has colored LED lights you can choose to turn on. The lights slowly change colors, which can add to the sensory experience. The diffuser turns off automatically if it gets too hot or runs low on water. It also has timers you can set and comes with an 18-month warranty.
Tips for Putting Together an Aromatherapy Kit
• Store all the items for the aromatherapy kit in a plastic bin with a secure lid.
• Make sure the essential oils are closed securely and stored in a cloth bag or small tin within the bin, so they aren’t exposed to too much light.
• Include instructions for using and putting away the items in the kit. Hint: Make sure to dump any extra water out of the diffuser before storing it.
• Check with a staff nurse or other medical professional to make sure no one in the group has an allergy or sensitivity to any of the scented oils.
• Include MSDS or SDS sheets in your kit, if appropriate.
• Keep activity forms, pens, and pencils in the kit as well as extra paper so staff can make
notes about how and when the aromatherapy kit was used.