Aromatherapy To Minimize The Side Effects Of Chemo

Chemotherapy produces a variety of very uncomfortable side effects. Patients and doctors look for complementary treatments that reduce them without interfering with the therapeutic action. The aromatherapy is a great choice, because it has scientific backing and patient preference.

Natural remedies for chemotherapy side effects

Olfactory 3-5 times a day (with an aromatherapy diffuser to condition a space or inhaling through a handkerchief) and topically 3-5 times a day (apply a drop on the inside of the wrists, two fingers below the crease line, and approach the nose to inhale). In addition you can put a drop in the pit of the stomach. It is essential to use chemotyped essential oils (AEQT) that meet quality and efficacy standards.

Nausea and vomiting

They are frequent problems that condition the well-being of the person. It can be used:

• Lemon ( Citrus limonum ). In addition to improving nausea and vomiting, it reduces loss of concentration, mental fatigue and pain. Its antibacterial and antiviral action also minimizes the risk of infection. Its aroma is very pleasant and its price is affordable. Avoid application in areas exposed to the sun.
• Noble chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ). In addition to relieving nausea and vomiting due to digestive hyperactivity, it helps to improve pain, anxiety, emotional shock and insomnia. In the case of mouth sores, the direct application of a single drop, from the fourth day of chemotherapy, accelerates their healing. Its smell and taste do not please everyone.
• Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ). Improves nausea, vomiting and flatulence due to indigestion. It also relieves neuralgic and inflammatory pain, regulates arterial hypotension and reduces fatigue and dizziness. Its aroma is too intense for some people. In environmental diffusion it can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory mucous membranes. Do not use in children under six years of age, in people with epilepsy or in case of brain metastases.

Lowering of defenses

It is one of the most feared side effects by both doctors and patients, since too low levels of leukocytes can prevent chemotherapy sessions from continuing.

The ravintsara ( Cinnamomum camphora ct cineol ) is immunostimulatory and antiviral antibacterial effects (prevents colds and helps eliminate mucus). Helps against deep nervous and physical fatigue, depression and anguish.

You can apply, 3 times a day, 3 drops of this chemotyped oil, dissolved in a little massage oil on both sides of the spine or on the thorax.

Tiredness

• Black fir ( Picea mariana ) for physical fatigue. Apply 1-2 drops on top of the kidneys, 3 times a day (rest 2 days every 5).
• Noble laurel ( Laurus nobilis ) for mental fatigue. 1 drop on your wrists and inhale the scent 3-6 times during the day.

Cramps

• Lavandin super ( Lavandula x burnatii clone super ) + Exotic Basil ( Ocimum basilicum ssp basilicum ) + Ylang Ylang ( Cananga odorata ). Massage 3 times a day with the mixture of 1-2 drops of each oil, together with double the base oil (calendula or almond).

Depression

• Mandarin ( Citrus reticulata ) + Ylang Ylang ( Cananga odorata ) + Noble Chamomile ( Chamaemelum nobile ). Apply 1 drop of each, 3 times a day on the solar plexus, dissolved in twice the base oil. Not to expose to sun radiation.

Diarrhea

• Tea tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia ) + Palmarosa ( Cymbopogon martinii var motia ) + Tarragon ( Artemisia dracunculus ). Apply 1-2 drops of each in the same proportion of vegetable oil 3 times a day with a massage on the belly in a counterclockwise direction.

Constipation

• Ho stick ( Cinnamomum camphora ) + Tarragon ( Artemisia dracunculus ) + Ylang Ylang ( Cananga odorata ). Apply 1-2 drops of each mixed with twice the vegetable oil, 3 times a day on the abdomen with a clockwise massage.

Although the chosen oils are very safe, they should be applied with the supervision of the oncologist, as some may be contraindicated in young children or in certain particular situations.