Nursing students, faculty support student well-being with aromatherapy
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – Two students from the WVU School of Nursing, Emily Boehler and Brayden McDaniel, are working alongside Dr. Marian “Marnie” Reven to make custom aromatherapy inhalers to distribute to students at the WVU Health Sciences Center.
During the Fall 2024 semester, the group distributed more than 150 aromatherapy inhalers to students to help improve their mental health and well-being. For the spring semester, they plan to partner with the team at BeWell, a mental health organization dedicated to helping HSC students.
“I think it is very important to focus on the holistic aspects of healthcare, and aromatherapy is a great resource,” Boehler said. “I saw many students, including myself, try out different blends based on their needs. I had a wonderful time helping alongside Dr. Reven and introducing more students to aromatherapy.”
When students visit their table at the Pylons, they can scan a QR code to access a document created by Dr. Reven to learn more about aromatherapy, its benefits, and the types of blends created by the Boehler and McDaniel.
Boehler crafted a special blend called “Emily’s Minty Blend” with Bergamot mint (Mentha citrate), Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.). McDaniel created another called “Brayden’s Blues Be Gone” with Cedarwood (Juniperus Virginiana) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata).
“Aromatherapy to me is a different way of expanding my knowledge and diving into something new that is enhancing my health and well-being,” McDaniel said. “Never before would I have thought to try different aromatics to better help me with mood, immune system support, and pain management. You never know until you give it a try. Stop by and see us for a sample!"
Dr. Reven’s research has shown the essential oil bergamot can provide comfort, ease, and stress reduction. Her randomized controlled trial is currently under review for publication.
“Aromatherapy is simple and cost effective and available to almost anyone,” Reven said. “Working with Layne Hitchcock and the BeWell program is what I have been wanting to do – to share aromatherapy with students and support their well-being. It is wonderful to share the art and science behind aromatherapy using essential oils.”
-WVU-
MEDIA CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu