Would Grandma Benefit From Aromatherapy?

Yes, aromatherapy with massages, oils, candles, baths or showers would help your grandma for a vast number of diseases and discomfort as symptoms related to dementia, circulation, respiratory infections, arthritis; it also promotes skin regeneration, relieves stress and promotes a strong immune system.

Some of the aromatherapies that can help grandmas: 

Lavender: This aroma has mild sedative and calming effects and is associated with feelings of contentment, improved memory, increased cognitive performance and an overall positive mood. It reduces cortisol levels and is known to promote deep and peaceful sleep in elders; they could not only relax, but also fall asleep faster.  

Peppermint: This effective aromatherapy would not only enhance mental performance, but would also lift the moods of your grandma when she is anxious and stressed and promote feelings of happiness. In addition peppermint boosts the energy levels, alleviates anxiety and depression feelings, reduces inflammation and regulates the digestive tract.

Rosemary: The ideal aromatherapy to promote optimistic feelings, it also helps elders with dementia or slight memory loss. Reducing cortisol levels like lavender it is one of the best selections to overcome stress at the end of the day.

Rose: Known to promote skin cell regeneration this aromatherapy would help your grandma improve her complexion by softening the lines and wrinkles on her face. Well known for its anti-depressant and mood-boosting properties it also contains a natural organic compound called farnesol that helps to kill bacteria; its antiviral and antibacterial properties helps to disinfect and treat minor scrapes and cuts. 

Lemon: Lemon aromatherapy would be great for grandma as it would not only enhance her mood and reduce her stress and anxiety, but would also help reduce her blood pressure. It would also reduce the appearance of cellulite and wrinkles and would sharpen her memory and increase her concentration.

Eucalyptus: This aromatherapy would be great for grandmas; it is not only an antiseptic, but also helps in blood circulation and oxygenation. Besides calming and rejuvenating grandma’s mind it also protects her against colds and flu, headaches and sinusitis.

Aromatherapy proves great for grandma, but you should follow some tips: 

a) Consult a doctor before starting aromatherapy; it may interact with your grandma’s medications and illnesses.

    

b) Be gentle while giving an aromatherapy massage; grandma’s skin is very thin and could tear easily.

c) Use certain aromatic oils in moderation; they could be toxic.  

d) Watch out for changes in the skin color or condition, irritations and any other new complaints; they could be associated with the oils. It would also help to dilute the oils in case of irritation. Some of the irritants could be peppermint, basil, cinnamon, ginger, wintergreen and pine.

e) Ensure you keep the oils in a safe place after use; this is especially true of elders like grandma who are forgetful or confused and may accidentally mistake it for a medicine to be ingested.

Aromatherapy has various health benefits for elders like grandparents; however take your family doctor’s advice before using them.