Easing Alzheimer's Anxiety

Q: : I purchased one of your hollow carved jade spice bottles, and filled it with some cloves and orange rind. I gave it to my mother who is in a nursing home for her Alzheimer's. I thought she might like it, and was so surprised that when I gave it to her, she smiled, and seemed to be more lucid! She definitely seemed happier and more relaxed. I am purchasing some more of these, and would like to know if there is some other fragrance or aromatherapy that is helpful to Alzheimer's patients

A: You chose a very good aromatherapy combination, combining with the soothing, cool quality of the jade. You can hang the spice bottle, or your mother may want to hold it for the energetic nature of the jade.

The British Medical Journal recently published some small studies of the safety and effectiveness of aromatherapy with Alzheimer's patients. One of the conclusions is that the therapy could help ease the behavioral problems that are so common in people with dementia. Lavender and lemon balm are two of the most common oils used to treat dementia, who generally have impaired sense of smell. The scientists concluded that it is not so much the fragrance as the terpenes that are a component of the essential oil These are rapidly absorbed through the lungs and could directly affect the nervous system.

So, to enhance the effects of your aromatherapy, the fragrance should be made from top quality oils with a high terpine content. Some of these also come in spray form, which you can spritz around the room. You can put the aromatherapy on a cotton ball, or soak some natural berries, cloves in the oil, and put them in the jade spice bottle. Or soak the cord that runs through the jade in essential oil. After all, that's why these hollow jade spice bottles were made, years before glass was invented.

Thanks for your question, and best regards to you and your mother.

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