We have been taught to ‘avoid’ death.  It can feel an uncomfortable topic to talk about - I know ‘end of life’ can feel quite a morbid subject, but today’s article is for all those with a deep calling to be a sacred part of the work of ‘death doulas’ - whether that’s as a career as an aromatherapist, or simply for a loved one that you are supporting as they transition through this rite of passage. 

End of life is a sacred rite of passage, that we have culturally learned to not face.  Yet, it’s an important part of life - and one that we can try to make as sacred and special - and relaxed - as possible.  It takes a special person to be willing to fully ‘be’ with someone in their last moments and create it this way.  And, yet, for those who are courageous enough to be here to support that journey, aromatherapy can be really supportive in palliative care.  

Over the years, there has been much research about the use of essential oils for ‘end of life’ care - and there are many hospices with an ‘in-house’ team of aromatherapists.  In particular, scent has the ability to invoke memories and improve mood, so can be really supportive in creating an environment that promotes calmness, comfort and wellbeing for someone who is feeling anxious and in pain.  Providing a relaxing environment for someone in their last moments is in itself a deeply beautiful gift - and so, whilst essential oils are therapeutic, there are so many reasons to use them, including creating an environment that feels sacred and honouring of this time of life.

So, we wanted to explore how essential oils can be serving as we near our final moments - whether for supporting loved ones, or for aromatherapists who are in the role of helping people navigate the final stages of their lives.

What can aromatherapy do for palliative care?

There has been so much more research done on the role of aromatherapy in palliative care.  Studies say that essential oils can help with:

• Reducing stress
• Decreasing anxiety
• Lowering depression
• Reducing pain
• Improving sleep patterns
• Helping specific symptoms - such as constipation, or oedema

And as well as all that, essential oils in the atmosphere can really help the carer deal with challenging emotions.  I remember when my granny was going through end of life care at home with us, how my mum diffused Lavender essential oil to create a nice environment - and I think that’s the kind of thing that can stick with us as a memory; bringing some peace and calm - and some sacred honouring - to something that can feel so painful, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

How can we use essential oils for end of life support?

We have to use discernment as to how to best support palliatively, depending on circumstances, but for this article’s purposes - in which I’m trying to keep the guidance as simple and safe as possible - we will discuss two ways: diffusion and massage oil blends. I always recommend checking the oils you want to use with the patient’s healthcare practitioners - see yourself as part of their support team, and check if there are any concerns or suggestions before you proceed.

Diffusion

On the whole, diffusion is going to be suitable for most circumstances, and is particularly serving where we are working with improving the overall scent in the room, creating a peaceful, relaxing and sacred environment.  Don’t underestimate the power of diffusing essential oils - this is a way we can get oils into the bloodstream, through inhalation, but it also creates an honouring environment.

Massage

Where appropriate, light touch massage can be really comforting and relieving to those in pain.  When working with massage, particularly with those who are more fragile, use only the lightest massage pressure.

Some blend ideas will follow.

Which essential oils could we use?

I recommend some essential oils that have been described as safe and effective below:

Relaxation oils: to calm anxiety and create soothing

• Bergamot - a sweet, fruity citrus oil that is also warm, this is a relaxing, calming oil
• Cedarwood - a woody, balsamic oil, this calming oil is very soothing
• Chamomile - an intense, herby oil, this is excellent for relaxation and soothing pain
• Clary Sage - a dry, musky oil, this is the oil of euphoria, making it deeply relaxing
• Lavender - a floral, fresh, sweet, herbaceous oil this is one of the most popular essential oils for calming, relaxing and soothing
• Mandarin - a gentle, uplifting, soothing citrus oil, for those who are sensitive
• Neroli - a light, floral oil for those who are stressed
• Patchouli - a musky, spicy, herby oil, this one is relaxing and uplifting
• Rose - a floral, rich oil, this is soothing and also has a spiritual, motherly feel to it
• Ylang Ylang - an intense, sweet, yet woody, exotic oil that is soothing and said to help lower blood pressure

Oils for pain: 

• Black Pepper - a spicy, woody oil, this analgesic oil helps with muscle pain, fatigue and digestion
• Clary Sage - as well as being ‘euphoric’ and sedative, this oil is also a powerful muscle relaxant and can help with pain
• Chamomile - as well as being relaxing, this oil is also good for pain, inflammation, and spasms
• Geranium - a floral oil, this one also helps with pain
• Lavender - as well as being relaxing, this is another deeply pain-relieving oil

Selecting the oils:

I’d recommend that when you are choosing oils, select based on what your loved one likes.  If they are conscious and able to let you know their favourite, then let them select their top three.  If they are unable to respond, then choose what you intuitively sense that they would like.  If you’re a carer, perhaps ask family members for the person’s favourite scents.

Oils not to use:

Some oils have what we call ‘contra-indications’, which means oils that shouldn't be used in particular circumstances, which is why it is helpful to check with the healthcare team first. I recommend you check out each oil you choose, by doing some research - usually we include any Safety Notes on each oil’s page, which can provide guidance.  From the oils I’ve recommended here, I’ve intentionally recommended oils that are fairly ‘safe’ - just avoid Bergamot with oestrogen-based cancers. 

Instructions for use:

So how to use these oils?

As mentioned above diffusion is one of the best ways to create a sacred, honouring and peaceful environment that can create a sense of calmness for loved ones in this rite of passage.  

For diffusion blends, work as follows:

Diffusion: choose your loved one’s favourite three oils and add 1-2 drops of each oil (total of 5 drops) in water in an electrical aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner.  Diffuse in short bursts of 15 minutes at a time, as desired, throughout the day or night.

For those who are in pain, don’t be scared to work with a very light touch, and gently massage the hands or feet, or face.

Massage: select one favourite essential oil to work with, so that the massage isn’t over-stimulating.  Add 1 drop of essential oil to 5ml of carrier oil (Olive oil or Comfrey are serving in this instance) and gently and softly stroke the oil into their skin, in a direction towards the heart.  This doesn’t want to be a stimulating massage, so use very gentle, light strokes.

It can be surprising the impact of bringing essential oils into a setting that can usually feel so emotionally confronting.  We’ve been taught, culturally, to avoid getting up front and personal with death, but it can be so rewarding to fully meet it and honour the sacredness in it as a rite of passage. Essential oils are a way of doing this, and they also bring a beautiful therapeutic effect of relaxation.