A team from UC Davis Medical Center and UC Davis Children’s Hospital has developed a personal aromatherapy nasal inhaler as a new option to reduce anxiety, increase relaxation and ease nausea.
Eligible patients can receive AethereoSticks, a portable aromatherapy device that can be reused for up to three months. Resembling a tube of lip balm, it is infused with essential oils.
The patient holds the tube close to their nose and takes three deep breaths as needed for the usual dose.
Aromatherapy inhalers can be provided to hospitalized patients unless:
- Children under 2 years old
- Pregnant patients
- Patients with allergies to essential oils
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled asthma, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled seizure disorder, or atrial fibrillation.
“If staff identify a patient who could benefit from aromatherapy or if a patient or family member asks if aromatherapy can be used, a nurse will carry out an assessment. [registered nurse] “First, we determine if the patient is a good candidate for aromatherapy, then they’re given a personal nasal inhaler,” says Tina Schmidt, a clinical nurse practitioner at the Pediatric Infusion Center who is part of the aromatherapy working group.
Workgroup members learned more about the benefits of aromatherapy and its use in hospitals after applying for a Children’s Miracle Network grant to fund a two-day course called Aromatherapy for Hospitals. Twenty UC Davis physicians, nurses, child life specialists and members of the patient care services leadership team attended the course.
The program first launched in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Infusion Center in 2020 and has now expanded to many parts of the hospital.
Currently, 18 hospital units are participating in the aromatherapy program, and new units continue to join. Hospital policies regarding aromatherapy are currently in place. The UC learning module “Principles of Aromatherapy for Healthcare Professionals” is available to educate staff on how to use aromatherapy and provide it to patients. Each hospital unit will cover the cost at their own expense to provide these personal nasal inhalers to patients who may be interested.
Lavender, Citrus, Anti-Nausea, Sedative Blend
Currently available essential oils include:
- A blend called “Calm” that provides a calming effect.
- Lavender has a relaxing effect and reduces anxiety and discomfort.
- A blend called Citrus that promotes a sense of well-being, elevates mood and reduces nausea.
- “Un Nausea” is a blend that helps with nausea.
Do not apply directly to skin or ingest.
“Aromatherapy is intended to enhance, not replace, a patient’s current medical plan or treatment,” Schmidt said, noting that aromatherapy is not considered a medicine.
So far, feedback from patients who have requested the aromatherapy inhaler has been positive.
“From what we’ve heard, patients have responded positively or seen some improvement and are interested in using it again,” Schmidt said. “We hope to continue to expand this program across the health system.”
