Aromatherapy has been proven effective for handling stress and relieving anxiety in a controlled research study conducted by Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital to examine conclusively the effects of aromatherapy on the relief of work-related stress for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses.

Erin Pemberton, BSN, RN, CPAN, LMT, CCAP, lead researcher and med/surg ICU nurse reports that, “ICU nurses are called to participate in end-of-life decisions and patient resuscitations, and support families through a patient’s journey. It is important for nurses to have outlets and options for stress relief.”

The controlled study was conducted on 14 ICU nurses over 42 nursing shifts. Nurses were given Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea). Both essential oils have been shown in previous research to calm stress and relieve anxiety. Over 57 percent of the ICU nurses involved in the research study when surveyed reported a decrease in their perceived stress levels after using essential oils.

Pemberton comment about the results, “The study showed the use of clinical aromatherapy is effective in reducing stress, which we hope will improve retention and turnover, and increase nurses’ satisfaction with their jobs,”

Properties that make Lavender and Clary Sage essential oils so effective for treating symptoms of overwhelm.

LAVENDER ( Lavandula angustifolia ) is one of the most well loved and used essential oils in aromatherapy. Lavender is called the universal healer as it has a broad chemical profile and thus a broad application.

The primary chemical property in Lavender oil is Ester known for its calming effects. Grown and distilled at higher altitudes the oil has even higher concentrations of plant Esters up to 54%.

Here are some of the commonly known uses for Lavender oil that relate to its chemical properties to relieve symptoms of overwhelm.

LAVENDER Properties, Actions & Effects:

  • Antidepressant – alleviates or prevents depression, lifts mood, counters melancholia
  • Antispasmodic – calms nervous and muscular spasms, for colic, pain and indigestion
  • Carminative/Stomachic – settles digestive system, relieves intestinal gas
  • Nervine – strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system
  • Sedative – agent that exerts a soothing, tranquilizing, calming effect on the body, good for nervous tension, stress, insomnia, anxiety, palpitations
  • Tonic – general neurotonic and cardiac regulator, strengthens and enlivens the body

    • LAVENDER more info: http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfolavender/

    CLARY SAGE ( Salvia sclarea ) relieves deep tension. The primary chemical property in Clary Sage oil is Ester. With over 250 biochemical constituents Clary Sage has a broad therapeutic application.

    Clary Sage with a "high sclareol" chemical content is known to have the most effectiveness for calming and balancing the body and mind.

    Used exclusively in the perfumery trade Clary Sage has a lovely floral scent that some experience as seductively hypnotic to the senses.

    CLARY SAGE Properties, Actions & Effects:

  • Antispasmodic – calms nervous and muscular spasms, for colic, pain and indigestion
  • Aphrodisiac – increases capacity for sexual arousal
  • Digestive – settles digestive system, relieves intestinal gas
  • Nervine – strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system
  • Sedative – agent that exerts a soothing, tranquilizing, calming effect on the body, good for nervous tension, stress, insomnia, anxiety, palpitations
  • Tonic – general tonic and cardiac regulator, strengthens and enlivens the body

    • CLARY SAGE more info: http://www.kgstiles.com/moreinfoclarysage/

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    Author's Bio: 

    KG Stiles is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and Founder of PurePlant Essentials organic aromatherapy http://www.kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials/ She develops aromatherapy programs for hospitals, businesses and individuals, as well as offers aromatherapy training and consulting.
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