Aromatherapy for Lymphedema

At Flow, we continue to learn and explore new ideas to ensure that our clients receive the best and the most up-to-date lymphatic care. Recently, Juzo Academy hosted a course on lymphedema and essential oils taught by Linda Anne Kahn, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist with the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA). She has been a lymphedema therapist and certified aromatherapist for 30 years. We were introduced to many novel and thought-provoking ideas that I would like to share with you.

During the workshop, we learned that what has started off as a mere hobby in the 1930s is now receiving recognition from the scientific community as investigators gain a better understanding of these oils’ properties and promises. Aromatherapy aims to alleviate symptoms and treat ailments. The treatment involves the ingestion, inhalation or topical application of one or a combination of essential oils, which are highly concentrated plant-based oils, mixed with a carrier oil for easy absorption. The certified clinical aromatherapist emerged as a new evidence-based and scientifically backed discipline within the healthcare community. Perhaps not surprisingly, these therapists have identified several ways that aromatherapy can support lymphatic health.

Essential oils have been demonstrated to affect our brainwaves¹ which in turn often induces changes in our behaviour. For example, some essential oils can calm us, others make us feel more alert; there are others that can elicit physiological responses or even potentially relieve pain². Essential oils can also penetrate the skin when applied topically. This is the rationale that these oils could be used to treat ailments.

Aromatherapy can also hurt the body if not administered properly³. Only a handful of oils are safe to apply directly to the skin⁴. For most essential oils, they must be diluted, often with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil, to make it safe before application. Some essential oils, such as sage, cypress and fennel, have been shown to be estrogenic (encourage the production of estrogen) and may negatively affect someone with estrogen linked cancer. Other oils like peppermint, ginger CO2 and cardamom can help with some side effects of chemotherapy treatment.

We recommend consulting with a certified aromatherapist before trying essential oils for therapeutic purposes and oils should be avoided for at least 5 – 7 days after chemotherapy treatments.

Below is Kahn’s essential oils recipe that could help those living with lymphedema and lipedema.

Lymphatic Roller Blend Recipe

In a bottle, mix the following essential oils with the carrier oils. Add just enough of the essential oil blend to a carrier oil; make sure you don’t have more than 2% essential oil to carrier oil in the final blend. Use over the body where needed.

Essential Oils

• 1 drop Cedarwood helps with anti-inflammatory, edema care, reduces itchiness and helps lymphatic drainage.
• 2 drops Juniper to promote better nerve and kidney function and aids lymphatic circulation.
• 5 drops Cypress is used to decongest the circulatory and lymphatic systems.
• 3 drops Helichrysum to soothe, heal and comfort the skin.

Carrier Oils

• 50 mL aloe vera
• 10 mL taminu oil

 

Melissa Krull is a registered massage therapist and co-founder of FLOW Lymphatic Health Services.

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