Essential oils are obtained from aromatic plants (e.g., flowers, leaves, stems or other parts of the plant) and help balance the body through the sense of smell.
Essential oils can positively influence a healing environment by triggering a part of the brain that deals with:
- Mood
- Emotion
- Memory and learning
Essential oils can also aid in:
- Promoting sleep
- Decreasing pain
- Nausea and anxiety.
Gundersen Health System uses the "Healing Concepts" brand because of its therapeutic qualities and reputation with other healthcare organizations. It is suggested that one to two drops of one or more oils be placed on a cotton ball and taped to clothing or skin in the smell zone, which includes the upper chest/shoulder area.

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