Aromatherapy Patches: How and Why to Use Them

Aromatherapy patches are a great way to experience the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Initially developed for use in hospitals, they are now available for use in homes and in other settings as well.

What Are Aromatherapy Patches?

An aromatherapy patch is a small patch designed to stick to the skin or clothes that is infused with essential oils. Patches designed to stick to the skin include a barrier layer to prevent the oils from making direct contact with the skin, which could cause irritation.

Patches designed to stick to clothes work best when they are applied to a disposable garment such as a hospital gown. The patches come in different formulations, so you can choose the blend of essential oils that works best for your particular needs.

How to Use Aromatherapy Patches

Some hospitals and clinical environments offer aromatherapy patches for the relief of anxiety and nausea. The patch is removed from the packaging and applied to the skin or clothing. It gradually releases fragrance that has a therapeutic effect.

Ideally, an aromatherapy patch should be worn on the chest area of the body. This positioning allows the scent to be most easily inhaled. If wearing clothing over the patch, it is important to position it so that the scent is not blocked. For example, you might need to leave a shirt unbuttoned at the top or position the patch above the neckline to get the maximum possible effect from the patch.

Here are a few examples of how aromatherapy patches are used:

1. MRI: Some hospitals and clinics offer metal-free aromatherapy patches for anxious patients to wear while undergoing an MRI. The scents produced by the oils can help to combat the feelings of claustrophobic anxiety produced by being inside the machine.

2. Chemotherapy: Many people experience nausea, stress, and vomiting as side effects of chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy infusion centers use aromatherapy patches to reduce this side effect.

3. After Surgery: Some post-surgical units use aromatherapy patches to reduce vomiting and nausea, which are common side effects of surgery.

4. OB/GYN: Aromatherapy patches can help with many aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, including morning sickness, labor pains, and anxiety.

5. Medical Staff: Patient caregivers, such as technicians, medical assistants and nurses, are increasingly using aromatherapy patches to reduce stress during their shifts.

Benefits of Aromatherapy Patches

Aromatherapy patches have a number of advantages compared to other products designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and other symptoms.

1. Convenient: Once the patch is applied, it will right away begin releasing therapeutic scent. There is no need to handle or adjust the patch after application.

2. Long-lasting: Aromatherapy patches can continue to release scent for up to eight hours.

3. Easy to use: Simply peel the patch from the packaging and stick it to the skin (or disposable medical gown).

4. Unobtrusive: Aromatherapy patches are small, create no mess, and designed to keep the scent close to the wearer, so they do not disturb anyone else in the environment.

5. Safe: Aromatherapy patches are designed to prevent the oil from spilling out and causing skin irritation.

6. Effective: The effects of essential oils have been shown to help people who are undergoing stressful experiences, such as medical care.

7. No negative interactions: Aromatherapy patches do not interact with other medications. Therefore they are safe to use alongside other treatments.

Effects of Specific Essential Oil Blends

There are specific blends of essential oils that are highly effective for particular purposes.

• Blends for stress and anxiety: Lavender-based essential oil blends are ideal for reducing anxiety and stress.

• Blends for nausea: Some of the best essential oils for nausea include spearmint, fennel, and cardamom. Anti-nausea blends including these essential oils can combat nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, or motion sickness.

Essential Oil Inhalation vs Transdermal Patches

Some people are confused about the difference between an essential oil inhalation patch and a transdermal patch. Some examples of transdermal patches include:

• Nicotine patches

• Contraceptive patches

• Motion sickness patches

Transdermal patches contain a medication that penetrates the skin and absorbs into the bloodstream. Essential oil inhalation patches work differently compared to transdermal patches. The oil does not come into contact with the skin at all, thanks to a barrier inside the patch. Instead, the oil emits a scent that is inhaled. The benefits of the essential oils enter the body through the airways and lungs, not through the skin.

Are Aromatherapy Patches Right For You?

If you are suffering from stress, anxiety, or nausea, then aromatherapy patches could be the right option for you. Their therapeutic effects have already helped many people to gain relief from their symptoms, without any of the risks or side effects of other treatment options. Aromatherapy patches are a safe and effective option for many people.