How essential oils work
“We know that essential oils in addition to smelling really nice can have a lot of different effects on the body,” explained Dr. Patterson, the medical director of the hospital’s integrative medicine program and a professor of medicine and infectious disease at UT Health San Antonio.
“(The oils) go directly through the olfactory nerve, the smell nerve, up to the brain. They can have a very quick effect on the brain in terms of mood. They can have an effect on the respiratory system by opening up the lungs and making our breathing easier,” she said.
The team developed a simple process for their study: ask healthcare workers to describe the negative sensations of wearing masks; address those sensations with the properties of specific oils; apply several drops of a selected oil to an employee’s mask and document the response.
Cranky mask wearers seem to like the results.
“We’re hearing staff saying things like, it’s keeping me in a good mood, and I’m not wanting to take my mask off because it smells good,” said Kendrick. Others reported that their headaches have disappeared.
Deciding which essential oil to apply
Each oil tends to provide a special kind of relief:
- Orange is called the “happy oil” and is often calming.
- Lemon has a brightening and cleansing sensation.
- Peppermint promotes energy and mental focus and can open up the respiratory system. It is a powerful oil and must often be diluted.
- Lavender is good for anxiety.
- Eucalyptus opens the mind as well as the lungs.
The researchers have recently expanded their study beyond healthcare employees to include patients, and believe the public can also benefit from applying the oils.
Making your mask more comfortable to wear
The research team used pure, high-grade oils that can be pricey. Online retailers often charge $20 to $30 for half an ounce. Less expensive oils found in grocery and drug stores may also help, though Dr. Patterson advises to check for additives that can sometimes produce their own unpleasant effects.
If you’re trying this, remember: less is often more. Concentrated oils can be overpowering. Start with just a drop or two on the outside edges of the mask. If the effect is too strong, dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil like olive, coconut or almond.
These days wearing masks is often required in settings where someone with the virus can expose others just by coughing, singing or talking.
So, instead of suffering, treat your mask and brain to a dose of something pleasant.
Looking for more info on masks? Check out our article on Masks and face coverings: separating fact from fiction.
The video below featuring Dr. Jan Patterson and Rebekah Kendrick goes into further detail and shows you how to properly apply essential oils to your mask.