Essential Oils and Seniors

Essential Oils and Seniors

When it comes to the later years in life, there can often be things that may never have bothered us before, but become a real issue. Life as you get older presents new challenges, and many of them can have much to do with energy, both physically and mentally. There can be a shift in mindset and an increase in anxiety. Essential oils have long been something that people have chosen to help them to feel calm, energized, and positive in aspects of their lives. This is why I want to explore the major benefits of how essential oils can benefit seniors greatly.  First, here’s a little background.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, and have long been seen as an alternative form of medicine that uses plant extracts to support health and well-being. The oils capture the plants essence and enable it to be used in different ways. Essential oils are most commonly used in aromatherapy, where the oils are inhaled through different methods. They can also be applied directly to the skin at certain pulse points, where they can react in different ways to give the user the desired relief or calm they are wanting. Inhaling the essential oils can stimulate areas in the brain that play vital roles in emotions, behaviors, sense of smell and long-term memory. The part of the brain, the limbic system, can also benefit as it has much to do with physical ailments such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure.

What essential oils are popular?

There are many different types of essential oils that are available today, and some of the most popular ones you probably have heard of.  Many do similar things, but some essential oils can have stronger benefits in different areas of health.

Some of the more popular essential oils include:

  • Peppermint – used to help aid digestion and boost energy levels
  • Lavender – used to relieve stress and promote calmness
  • Rose – used to improve mood and help with anxiety
  • Chamomile – used to promote relaxation and sleep
  • Tea Tree – used to fight infections and boost immunity
  • Lemon – used for many things including headaches, boosting mood, and helping with digestion

What can essential oils help seniors?

When it comes to seniors using essential oils, there are many ways in which they could help improve their health and well-being. Older people generally can feel more anxious, worried and stressed.  Essential oils used in aromatherapy, such as Rose, Lavender and Lemon could help to calm a racing heart rate and anxious thoughts. In terms of health benefits, digestion can often be a troubling health area for seniors, and using essential oils could be a way to help alleviate common ailments such as trapped wind or constipation.

In conclusion, whether applied to pulse points directly on your skin or inhaled through various aromatherapy options, essential oils can help physically and mentally with your health and well-being.