The benefits of essential oils are finally leaving the realm of obscure holistic medicine to mainstream knowledge. As studies continue to be conducted, more and more groups learn that these oils can aid them with illnesses and everyday pain. One such group is patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are the top five benefits they can receive simply by using essential oil.
1. Calming
Lavender is well known for its ability to calm the body and the mind. It also helps individuals balance their emotions, deal with depression, and help with insomnia. Alzheimer’s patients often find themselves irritable, which lavender helps with as well. While you can directly inhale this oil, it’s easier to just spray it on your bedsheets.
2. Stimulating the Mind
Alzheimer’s patients find their mental stimulation in a slow decline as the disease progresses. While peppermint can’t reverse that effect, it can help stimulate the mind while calming the nerves simultaneously. When used in the morning, it’s also an excellent way to help yourself wake up.
Peppermint isn’t the only essential oil that works this way, though. Rosemary has much of the same effect with an added uplifting effect. It’s known to help with cognitive performance, ease constipation, and even alleviate symptoms of depression.
3. De-stressing
The essential oil bergamot is an excellent way to relieve anxiety, mild depression, and stress. It also elevates the mood and helps to combat insomnia. Most people use this oil in their bathwater, but you can also diffuse it in a room or spray it on your linens.
Lemon oil works to the same effect, but is also backed by an incredible amount of research. A Colorado memory care facility provides lemon balm for their patients to help them relax. This oil is also shown to improve memory and ease indigestion.
4. Improved Digestion
While several of the oils on this list help with digestion, none work quite as well as ginger. This magical plant has a long history of medical uses, but the essential oil variety can curb a loss of appetite while eliminating constipation. You can apply this oil directly to the skin, use it in a diffuser, or place it on a compress.
5. Aiding Sleep
There are several oils on this list that help fight insomnia, but Ylang Ylang remains the best for the job. It provides relief for the Alzheimer’s patient while also making the job easier on medical staff or caregivers. Combines with lemon oil, you’ll be out like a light in no time.
The Magic of Essential Oils
It’s incredible what you can accomplish with the right combination of essential oils. While they aren’t a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, they are a practical way to help ease the symptoms without relying on medications that could potentially cause more harm or other issues.
If you or a loved one suffer from Alzheimer’s, you should give these essential oils a try. They’re inexpensive, cause no harm, and may just do the trick. You might also consider In Home Alzheimer’s Care services for your loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s.