We have received several inquiries wanting to know if there is an effort underway to help medical professionals and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The board has been actively trying to come up with feasible solutions and will continue to explore our options. However, at this time, there are too many variables that have to carefully be taken into consideration and while we do wish that there was something that we could do, this is something that is just too big for us to be able to have a direct impact on. Having said that, there is information that we can share to hopefully help indirectly with you and your loved ones.
Stress relief can play a major role in these types of situations. The following are some links to guidelines and suggestions on how to recognize and help manage that stress.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Tips for Disaster Responders: PREVENTING AND MANAGING STRESS
Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
When it comes to Aromatherapy and other alternatives, there are several options that may help with relaxation, stress relief, anxiety, and problems sleeping. It is important to remember that during this time, it is better to make blends using several different oils and remember to rotate them frequently to prevent scent association to a particularly stressful time.
Also, the best way to use essential oils for stress is by inhalation. One way to do this is by using them in a diffuser. Another good option, that is particularly good for using oils if you need something portable, or for a situation like at work where essential oils may bother other people, is to use a personal inhaler. An article that explains more about this and provides instructions, can be found here.
If you do not already have any diffusers or inhalers, there are still several easy and low cost alternatives. An inhaler can be made by repurposing a clean 5 or 15 ml essential oil bottle. Just add some cotton or fill it 1/2 to 3/4 full with salt (some like himalayan but any salt will do). Then add up to 15 to 20 drops of your desired essential oil blend. It is recommended these should only be used for up to a few weeks to a month, then they should be replaced.
Also, remember that at any time, aromatic use of essential oils can be as simple as just adding a few drops to a scent strip, cotton ball, or even a tissue, and placing it near you. Be careful to not place these on a surface that may accidentally be damaged if any essential oil should come in contact with them.
Always remember to choose what you like that works for you, and always be sure you are using pure, high quality essential oils from a reputable source.
As always, personal inhalers are not to be used by more than one person and all aromatic materials should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. If anyone experiences any adverse effects, please discontinue use immediately. Additionally, because of the chance of easily passing this Coronavirus on to others, if you decide to use some of these ideas, do so only for yourself and your direct household. If anyone you know is interested, please just pass the information on so they can make them for themselves.
Here are several ideas to get you started…
4 Essential Blends for Quarantine
Aromatherapy Recipes for Stress Relief
Aromatherapy Recipes for Anxiety
Aromatherapy for Emotional Well-Being
Aromatherapy for Insomnia and Problems Sleeping
Being Nearby 2.0 in Terminal Care