Aromatherapy for Brain Health

Moment of Inspiration!

In 2017 I attended the Alliance for International Aromatherapists (AIA) conference. One session I really enjoyed was from Dorene Petersen, the Dean of the American College of Healthcare Sciences (Where I obtained my Aromatherapy Certification.)

In her presentation, "Clinical Use of Aromatherapy for Brain Health" she explored clinical uses and research on certain essential oils that show beneficial impacts for neuro-protective support, cognitive enhancement, and the prevention & support of Alzheimer's disease.

Dorene called me out during her presentation, knowing of my work with the aromatherapy patches and senior care, she challenged me to "make a patch" for brain health to support those with Dementia.
Whew!! When your "shero" calls you into action - you better get to it!

Facts from World Health Organization (WHO) about Dementia & Alzheimer's

1. As of 2017 Dementia is now deemed a public health priority.
2. Worldwide, there are now nearly 10 million new cases each year, and that's set to to triple in numbers by 2050.
3. Risk factors include physical inactivity, obesity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, diabetes, and hypertension

 WHO’s Principal Goals for Dementia Care:

1. Optimizing Physical Health & Well Being
2. Stimulate Cognitive Function
3. Care for the Caregiver
   
   

How Essential Oils can help Achieve WHO's Goals

1. Optimizing Physical Health & Well Being
Essential oils are a precious gift from nature when used for stress reduction. Inhaling your favorite aroma paired with mindful breathing, guided imagery, and in a quiet space gives the  nervous system a chance to cool down, rest and relax.

2. Stimulate Cognitive Function
Olfactory research clearly shows certain compounds found in essential oils help stimulate mental cognition. Did you know that our brains never stop learning new smells? Simply by inhaling new aroma’s we are lighting up regions in the brain and creating new neural connections.

 John McGann Ph.D. Lab Director, at Rutgers University, states “olfactory abilities have an unexpectedly large impact on human health, notably mental health”. It's quite well known that a decline in our ability to smell may be a sign of dementia or other mental health conditions.

3. Care for the Caregiver
Caregivers can choose oils with relaxing actions and give hand massages as one simple way for both to inhale and benefit from the relaxing effects of the oils.  I suggest that inhaling calming aromatic molecules be included as part of anyone's self-care routine - an olfactory system exercise to prevent mental decline!

Simply using essential oils to focus on one's breath for a five minutes, quiets the mind, and relax, which improves health!

Meet my Lucid Mind Blend!

Based on the research and my intended goal of the blend to support overall brain health, I focused on the oils of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, ct.cineole), and Lemon (Citrus Limon).

I call this blend Lucid Mind.  The aroma is surprisingly smooth, refreshing and invigorating. It feels expansive in your head and helps to aid focus. I'm sniffing some while I write! :-)

Mental: Best uses/indications for the Lucid Mind patch are confusion, groggy, mental fatigue, feeling overwhelmed. That's just on the emotional and mental levels!

Physical: This blend offers physical actions of decongestants, respiratory supportive actions, it is detoxifying, and may help with headaches.

In caring for those with dementia, the Lucid Mind patch is fast becoming the patch of choice, often paired with the Anxiety Rescue patch for agitation and anxiety. This pairing would work well for the caregiver too!

Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, or leave a comment if this blog has sparked a thought for you!

Be Well,
Jodi Baglien
[email protected]
612.802.9483

 Resources:
Click here for a Fact Sheet on Dementia from WHO
Neuroprotective Essential Oils for Cognitive Enhancement and Alzheimer's Support