Essential Oils to Stimulate a Senior’s Appetite

Many seniors lose their appetite due to medical conditions, medication side effects, depression, or other reasons. Loss of appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss, a very serious concern among seniors. Unintentional weight loss is highly correlated with a decreased ability to take care of oneself, hospitalization, hip fractures, and mortality.

Elderly Care in Riverhead NY: Essential Oils

Talk to the doctor about waning appetite and weight loss and see if you can uncover the underlying reasons for the changes. In addition, try out some of these essential oils, which have been shown to have positive effects on the appetite.

Tangerine Essential Oil

Tangerine essential oil helps activate the digestive system, stimulating the gastric juices and sensations of hunger. Overexposure to this oil can have the opposite effect, however, so it’s best used just prior to mealtime. Try diluting a couple of drops in a large bowl of warm water. Dip a clean washcloth in the sweet water, and help the senior wash their hands just prior to eating to stimulate hunger.

Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is effective in relaxing the stomach. It’s hard to want to eat with a tense tummy, so relieving this tension can go a long way towards feeling like eating again. For best effect, use in a room diffuser.

Ginger Essential Oil

Ginger is appreciated worldwide for its appetite-stimulating and anti-nausea effects. Ginger oil is especially effective in a room diffuser. Ginger tea is also a popular choice.

Peppermint Essential Oil

Known to knock out nausea, peppermint oil can be a powerful tool for combating indigestion and stomach cramps. It relaxes the tummy, which can promote a better appetite if that’s what’s been curbing it. Peppermint tea is a classic. Peppermint oil can also be used in a room diffuser or applied to the skin. Always dilute with a carrier oil, like almond or coconut oil, before using essential oils on the skin.

Home Care Support for Weight Maintenance

Many seniors find that bringing in-home care support can make a significant difference in nutritional intake. Home care support takes on different forms, depending on the person’s needs. Home care aides can help with essential oil aromatherapy, as well as other support services.

Home Care Companionship

For seniors who are lonely or depressed, having a home care companion at mealtime can improve mood and rekindle an interest in eating. Seniors who forget to eat or drink enough can benefit from a home care aide’s gentle cues and reminders.

Shopping Support and Meal Preparation

Seniors often have difficulty getting to the store or preparing meals for a number of reasons. Home care can help them with these monumental tasks, enabling them to have access to healthy, appealing foods they enjoy eating.

Assistance with Eating and Oral Care

Seniors who have trouble remembering to eat, or who have physical difficulties that encumber them, may benefit from home care assistance with the eating process. When seniors have trouble with their teeth, gums, or mouth it can cause resistance to eating. Home care aides can help with routine oral care. They also may be able to identify tender areas or signs of pain when eating, which should be referred to a dentist for assessment and treatment.

If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Elderly Care in Riverhead, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.

Sources

https://monq.com/eo/lifestyle/top-5-essential-oils-boosting-appetite/

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0501/p718.html