THE CONVERSATION

EVIDENCE BASED

Many of the questions that arise, whether in the clinical setting or as a part of a private consultation, are similar.

People want to know a bit more about what is meant by evidence based.  They want to know that there is research to back up what is being discussed.  Knowing where to search reveals many interesting studies.  Check out research by going to pubmed or google scholar and type in essential oils clinical studies and the condition you are looking at such as inflammation, anxiety, or infection.

There’s more, but you get the idea.  If you need credible sources from peer reviewed studies, they are available.

When you look closer, you’ll notice that the authors of these studies come from around the world. As you look, you will come across laboratory studies that investigate efficacy or the properties of a specific essential oil or oil blend, animal health studies, food safety studies and medical studies.

Take a big picture approach as you learn more.

SAFETY FOCUSED

The safe use of essential oils, whether at home, at a hospice house, a hospital or in a long-term care setting, safety should always be at the forefront for all involved.

Begin now to abide by these common-sense protocols:

  • Taking any essential oil products internally is not recommended
  • Keep all essential oil products out of the reach of children
  • Children under 3 years need extra precautions for delivery and dosage
  • Improperly stored oils may irritate the skin
  •  If you develop an irritation or sensitivity to an essential oil or essential oil blend, discontinue use
  • Less is more – don’t take more than recommended
  • Just because essential oils are “natural” does not mean essential oils are not very powerful.  Respect the integrity and strength of the oils
  • Know your sources.  Can your supplier give you a gas chromatography profile?
  • Certain oils may interact with prescription medications. Learn the contraindications

THE RIGHT LANGUAGE

There is no need for marketing hype once you understand what you are working with.  There is no need to push beyond what you know and have studied.

Appreciate the boundaries that are in place.  The disclaimer below and its variations makes sense, so embrace it.

Any information presented here does not replace advice or care by your primary care provider.  This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The MD, DO, or ARNP can prescribe an antibiotic as a treatment for an infection.  Whether you are a friends and family enthusiast or a licensed medical professional, such as a nurse or massage therapist, please avoid saying “this is a natural antibiotic”.  Be content to stay within your scope of practice and the conventional boundaries set by the FDA and say “this oil provides immune system support”.

POLICY & PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ORGANIZATION

We can help you develop a roadmap to navigate in a way to arrive at your organization’s goal as neatly and efficiently as possible. Questions, concerns, and considerations can include:

  • Conducting a pilot study
  • Support from administration, physicians, and other stakeholders
  • Staff training and support
  • Purpose
  • Scope
  • Goals
  • Guidelines
  • Definitions
  • Procedures for assessment and implementation
  • Storage of materials
  • Etc

ROUTES OF APPLICATION

Good guidance is available.  There is no need to re-invent the wheel.   There is much that you can do via inhalation and dermally to safely use essential oils as a therapeutic nursing intervention.

AROMATHERAPY AS PART OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

Consider this image as a visual definition of complementary medicine. The essential oil in combination with the antibiotic offers an effective way to treat an identified bacterial infection.

http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajmr/4/1/2/

Mahmoud, Abobakr M., Rehab Mahmoud Abd El-Baky, Abo Bakr F Ahmed, and Gamal Fadl Mahmoud Gad. “Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and in Combination with Some Standard Antimicrobials against Different Pathogens Isolated from Some Clinical Specimens.” American Journal of Microbiological Research 4, no. 1 (2016): 16-25.