Using Patches During Cancer Treatment

This is a frequently asked question and an area of confusion for some seeking answers.  While this newsletter could quickly turn into an in-depth research paper, my aim here is to offer some simple advice for you to make that decision for yourself.

Here are some guidelines to follow!

1. Keep it Simple

Understand that you are not treating cancer, you are relieving symptoms associated with cancer and sometimes the side effects of medications.

2. Inhale or Apply to Skin?

Inhaled essential oils are highly unlikely to create any adverse side effects or interfere with medications as compared to applying them to your skin.

Why? First, because you are in control of the dose. For example, our Patches contain 1.5 drops of the oil blend and release the aroma slowly over 8 hours. Or, if you inhale from a cotton ball, or an aroma stick you only need to mindfully smell the aroma for 2-3 minutes to get results. Most adverse reactions are caused by overuse of topically applied oils or ingesting essential oils.

Inhalation is the most direct route and the correct method to use for nausea, stress, anxiety, rest and relaxation, fatigue, brain fog, or respiratory conditions.

3. Essential Oils Naturally Lift your Mood

EO's communicate with the nervous system, triggering the switch from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”. When we are able to relax, we perceive our pain as less. We respond quickly to pleasant and helpful aroma molecules. It's a biochemical response we naturally have to lovely aromas!  Most people rate the severity of their complaint as 2-3 points less (out of 10) after an aromatherapy treatment.

4. Breathe

What is the first thing we are told to do when we are anxious, worried, or feeling terrible? Take some deep breaths.

There are many breathwork techniques available you can easily access with a simple web search.

Mindfulness, breathwork, and essential oils pair beautifully together as a self-care tool to relieve stress and pain.

5. Choose the Right Oil

Flowers and fruits are typically relaxing - try mandarin, lavender, or rose, Refresh or Calming blends. 

Ginger, lemon, peppermint, or spearmint are helpful for nausea.

To help with fatigue - use stimulating scents like eucalyptus, grapefruit, or rosemary. Our Lucid Mind or Breathe Clear are top choices here.

6. Cautions

If you have an unstable respiratory condition or are allergic to the plant of the oil you are choosing, do not use it. Those with lung cancer should avoid inhaling peppermint or spearmint. If you stick with inhalation of the oils in moderate amounts as noted above, you can avoid most contraindications can cautions.

7. Caution with "Scent Printing"

The primary reason we use blended oils for our patches in medical settings is important to understand.

Using common smells like ginger or lavender links the aroma to the event.

For example, ginger or peppermint is commonly used to relieve nausea while undergoing chemotherapy. 

It's likely then, that in the future when you use peppermint toothpaste, smell a candy cane, or smell ginger in a stir fry the aroma will evoke a scent memory connected to that difficult time in your life.

Our Q-Easy patch uses a blend of ginger, orange, and spearmint. This aroma is less likely to be encountered later again in life to evoke the memory of chemo. Wherever you purchase essential oils, blends are likely available. Their blends will have names to direct you to the primary purpose of that blend. Ask if you are not sure which one to use.

 In closing, moderation is key here. You may need to try a few options to find the "aroma" that works for you. And finally, ask your provider for guidance if you are not sure what to use.