Lavender?!

Jennifer.pursell, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2015

Touche.

SnowyJ, RN · Dec 16, 2015

I notice that none of those articles talk about diffusing/inhaling essential oils as beneficial for anything.

And the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil are well known. Though if I has a MRSA infection, I doubt I would trust it.

Farawyn · Dec 16, 2015

I notice that none of those articles talk about diffusing/inhaling essential oils as beneficial for anything.
And the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil are well known. Though if I has a MRSA infection, I doubt I would trust it.

I have also read up on TTO to assist in healing athlete's foot.

I will read up tonight.

No lavender oil?

Farawyn · Dec 16, 2015

An exciting learning opportunity for students and practicing nurses alike! There is evidence based data that essential oils are useful when practicing holistically using complementary and alternative medicine, which is proven to be more effective than the straight medical model. For example, you can treat MRSA and Staph with tea tree oil.

Hmmmmmmm...

With a cursory glance, TTO not as effective as traditional meds, but it doesn't appear to be a total *thud* here.

Maybe used in conjunction with? I will read more.

Interesting! Thank you.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Dec 16, 2015

This was easy to find. I know you could have done it, but I don't mind helping out.
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&q=tea+tree+oil+mrsa+staph&btnG=&as_sdt=1%2C10&as_sdtp=[/Q
Thank you for the references. Interesting possibilities, however a few things. Number 1, at this point in time I can't afford the $36 to see the entire study, and the MSM has shown that abstracts may be really abstract. Number 2, the price of tea tree oil, as well as the environmental impact, may preclude it from being a viable option. Not discrediting oils, just throwing out some questions that need addressing.

huffmannurse · Dec 16, 2015

The oil does help the kids slide down the walls easier when they're bouncing off of 'em.

Ah-ha!! I just knew it had to help somehow. :confused: ... sarcasm

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 17, 2015

I Believe in Peppermint Oil.

Me too! It's great for putting a few drops on a towel and hanging it outside the OR with the dead bowel case so it doesn't stink up all of the ORs plus the break room!

Other than that, I do like the smell of some essential oils. My shower gel has lavender in it- I find it relaxing and the perfect scent for the pre-bedtime shower.

kalycat, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2015

Our hospital uses some citrus extracts/oils to help with unpleasant smells or to put on your mask if you're in a really gnarly code brown; we also used them on towels in the OR for necrotic bowel cases. They aren't the new trendy stuff; been using them for years. Overall I think it does the best job of masking the smell of vomit; other smells, not so much.

On the floor, sometimes they work great, but mostly I think they just make the whole place smell like shittrus.

rbytsdy · Dec 17, 2015

https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lavender

all kidding aside, there is a link to aromatherapy research. I still wouldn't use it on kids in the school nurse setting but I do suggest it when I teach childbirth Ed classes as a relaxation tool.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Dec 17, 2015

Ah-ha!! I just knew it had to help somehow. ... sarcasm

The little purple rolling eye face is supposedly sarcasm. There is a reason I like purple.

Farawyn · Dec 17, 2015

The little purple rolling eye face is supposedly sarcasm. There is a reason I like purple.

:sarcastic:

annie.rn · Dec 17, 2015

https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/lavender
all kidding aside, there is a link to aromatherapy research. I still wouldn't use it on kids in the school nurse setting but I do suggest it when I teach childbirth Ed classes as a relaxation tool.

When my son was a colicky little tyke, we'd bathe him in this J&J lavender baby bath followed by a baby massage w/ the matching baby lotion. All with the lights dim and relaxation music playing. Worked wonders for him to get him settled in for the night.

So, yeah. Anecdotally I like Lavender. But probably any yummy smell could have been substituted in my scenario. I think it was the warm bath, massage, and quiet setting that did most of the work.