Especially when, from a medical point of view, nothing or only very little can still be done, nurses in hospices and on palliative care units still have much to do. Aromatic care can make a valuable contribution for patients.
Aromatic care means the knowledgeable use of essential oils, natural plant oils, hydrolates and related products in healthcare and nursing. In palliative care it serves well-being and the relief of care-relevant complaints. The term developed from aromatherapy and is used within nursing. It is a complementary nursing method and part of herbal medicine.
Individual care problems are closely observed and incorporated into the care process and nursing diagnosis in line with the resident's needs. Essential oils are applied through the sense of smell and intact skin. Aromatic care includes nursing and prophylactic measures that are regularly evaluated within the care process. The person with his or her individual needs always remains at the center.
What we want to achieve in hospices and palliative care units was expressed by Cicely Saunders: dying people matter because they are who they are. They matter until the last moment of life, and we will do everything so that they may not only die in peace but also live until the end.
In hospices and palliative care units, care is holistic and highly individual, oriented especially toward the needs of the dying. Aromatic care can be integrated not only into the daily work of professional nurses. Relatives can also be guided to carry out small rubs or mouth care. This makes them feel less helpless and gives them the sense that they can do something.
In personal conversations with patients or relatives, fragrance preferences and aversions can be discussed. The patient's wishes are considered when selecting essential oils for body-care blends. Pleasant room fragrances in corridors of palliative units or hospices can also create a special atmosphere. Fresh scents such as orange, bergamot or conifer oils are especially suitable.
Good skin care is essential in this sensitive phase of life. Cold-pressed plant oils are preferred as the basis for aromatic care mixtures. They nourish the skin sustainably without drying it out or closing the pores. A mixture of almond oil or St. John's wort oil with lavender can be used in many ways and is perceived by many people as pleasant.
One of the most important topics is mouth care. It is one of the most important nursing actions in palliative care when patients no longer take in enough fluid or food and often breathe through the mouth. Coatings, crusts and bad breath may develop, or infections may occur after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Patients may suffer severe pain.
Sea buckthorn pulp oil is considered one of the most effective complementary aromatic care options here, especially in mucositis. Rose honey may be used to loosen stubborn crusts and coatings. In mouth care, the patient's personal taste must be considered, otherwise defensive reactions or refusal may occur.
Areas of use for aromatic care
- Skin care and prophylactic skin care
- Washings and baths
- Mouth care
- Restlessness and anxiety
- As a complement to pain therapy
- Psychological support
- Combating unpleasant odors
- Exhaustion and weakness
- Swollen limbs
Nausea is one of the most frequent side effects of chemotherapy. It is often associated with sensitivity to smells, altered taste and loss of appetite. Essential oils can influence the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. A simple application is smelling salt: table salt is placed in a small container and one drop each of peppermint, lemon and lime is added. For people with dementia, sugar is recommended instead of salt.
Pain is a major issue. Aromatic care offers valuable complementary support alongside conventional medicine. Analgesics may act more quickly and perhaps at lower doses. In selecting essential oils, the patient's psychological state can also be considered.
Many palliative patients suffer from anxiety. Essential oils have direct access to the limbic system, the so-called scent memory. Messenger substances are released there that influence emotions. In anxiety, essential oils may be helpful in an aroma lamp, bath, massage oil or oil compress.
This article gives a brief insight into the possibilities of aromatic care in palliative nursing. Essential oils can relieve physical complaints and influence psychological well-being. Product quality is important. Personal blends should only be prepared with expertise or with the help of specialist literature, because when dosing essential oils, less is more.
Applications such as wound treatment require a doctor's order and belong to the field of aromatherapy. Aromatic care takes place within the independent professional area of healthcare and nursing.
How to recognize high-quality essential oils
- German name and botanical plant name
- Extraction method and country of origin
- Information on the plant part used
- Information about cultivation
- One hundred percent natural essential oil
- Quantity, batch number, safety information and shelf life
- Precise information on additives such as alcohol
This article does not replace a visit to a doctor and is not a treatment manual.
