AVR/coumadin and aromatherapy

Posted by Susan on July 31, 1999 at 22:36:53
Hello!  I have gotten so much wonderful information at this site.  Certainly appreciate everyone who takes time to respond and answer questions.  My question is a little unusual as I have not seen anything like it in the archived site information.  My issue is that I had aortic valve replacement with a St. Judes mechanical the end of February 1999, due to a congenital bicuspid valve whose time had come (even though I was basically symptom free).  I am doing great, walking a lot, back to work in 6 weeks, and generally feel wonderful.  Occasionally get very tired or have vague shortness of breath, but both seem related to the amount of rest I have had (or not), how much I ate, or the comfortable nature of clothing I am wearing. So I think I am probably very normal, if not better than average.  Never even took any pain medication post surgery except for 2 pills in the hospital.  I am a very young 51 year old female with a demanding job, and during my recovery at home I got interested in aromatherapy.  Ever since I have not even had to consider headache or sleep medication as the essential oils do just what is said they do--i.e., peppermint stops a heacache in its tracks and a little lavendar and chamomile on a tissue in the pillow case and I drift away.  My question is are there any oils I should avoid or are there any you would suggest over others (realizing this is somewhat alternative medicine that may not hold the interest of some)?  I use one or another daily for everything from waking up and getting energized (grapefruit and lemon!) to concentration (cedar, basil, frankencense, juniper) to bedtime with relaxation.  Neroli, bergomont and/or ylang ylang to de-stress.  Usually by shower gels I make, inhalation, light ring or room diffuser.  Although I have never been one to take medication, I find these routines to work wonders and keeps the tylenol, etc. out of my medicine cabinet.  Nurse at the coumadin clinic thought it was all fine.  What is your opinion?  Is this a good thing to do?  What would be excessive?  Thanks for any advice you can give me.        Susan      

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on August 02, 1999 at 09:22:08
Dear Susan
I am not aware of any interactions with coumadin from aromatherapy, though this is not a situation I have encountered before.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.