I have been selected to as one of the best 100 blog sites on  the Alternative Health Blog Website.  I am number 75.   You can see it Here

Five years ago I became an aromatherapist. I was always interested in alternative medicine and how it could help when conventional medicine failed or was too invasive or debilitating. I felt the earth had more to give us than the use of manufactured synthetic products. I made sure my family ate well and emphasized natural foods so they would grow up healthy and wise. I tried to follow my convictions but unfortunately I became sick with a blood disease and found I had to take prescription drugs as there was no other way to help me. Although I had no choice but to take the drugs, I did have a choice on how I was going to approach the pain I was having. I researched many methods before I came across the properties and potential of essential oils. I found by using the oils it greatly helped me with pain and with the stress I experienced. I learned how to use them correctly and safely and wanted to share that with friends and family. I decided I needed more and went to a renowned school in the field and became certified. Now mind you, I was 60 years old when I decided to go back to school. Never did I dream I could study again, let alone delve into the sciences; chemistry and physics but I got through it. I have taken many courses since getting my certification and I am now enrolled in several advanced training courses.

I worked with many people but I felt there was missing something. I saw an ad on line from the Stein Hospice Group in NJ looking for a trained Aromatherapist. I applied for and was awarded the position. I had to go through additional training as I was working with the terminally ill. This organization is extremely caring and decided to try Aromatherapy with their clients to help them and their families get through this difficult time of their lives. I am so glad they chose me to help them and I enjoy working with their team. They all have hearts of gold and really care about their clients.

People that need hospice are going down the last trail of life. Many have fears and anxiety of what is going to happen next. Many have Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia and cannot take care of themselves anymore. It is not just for those who are passing on. Aromatherapy is an excellent alternative as long as it is done safely. I learned that many of these organizations do not know how to use Essential Oils correctly. While their intent is to help patients, improper use can actually make it worse. This lack of adequate training has manifested itself in the use of the oils neat (undiluted) on people whose skin is very thin and cannot handle the intensity. Others are using Oils in diffusers but with the wrong dilution (too many drops). I have the ability and have chosen to help this hospice organization use the Oils correctly so as to provide the most effective care to these very special patients

Some patients with Alzheimer’s disease talk to themselves about their past experiences or find themselves living in the past and it can be quite frightening.

Prior to seeing residents, the Hospice sends me an intake form that gives me medical info, allergies they may have, likes and dislikes. This helps me evaluate what is needed and also helps me to decide what oils can be used safely. It is not easy trying to figure out what is needed for each individual. I first have to check to make sure that the selected oils will not negatively interact with or counter the effects of the medicines they are taking. I have to query the family members to determine if there is a smell they like or dislike. I have to be sure they are not allergic to any specific plant.

 I am hoping through the seminars I give and my work at these nursing homes, more will open up to the potential of essential oils, hydrosols and how Aromatherapy can help them or those they love or care for.

It touches my heart that aromatherapy can work for both the elderly and those who are waiting to move on. I will continue to help those in need, despite the difficult paths I must follow.

If you want to take a look at the paper I wrote that explains more please go to

https://aromaticstudies.com/aromatherapy-experience-hospice-patients/