Cancer is an unpleasant and unexpected journey that many people and their loved ones find themselves navigating.  A diagnosis turns the world upside down, casting a shadow over everything known and reassuring. Patients are confronted with the anxiety and uncertainty that cancer causes, as well as the harsh realities of traditional therapies such as radiation and chemotherapy.

Self-care is extremely important amidst the chaos. Aromatherapy not only heals or treats symptoms, but also provides nourishment for the soul, and brings peace during a time of intense difficulty. Aromatherapy helps to reduce stress, enhance sleep, and even boost general well-being. As we investigate the benefits of natural therapies, we discover a compassionate route that values the mind, body, and spirit, providing much-needed support to individuals navigating the difficult journey of cancer treatment.

The Balm Box

The Balm Box stocks and supplies superb, appealing, and functional self-care and gift boxes for cancer sufferers. The products, founded by a 5-time cancer survivor, are designed and created to help and heal cancer patients. Since its inception in Fall 2020, the company has expanded swiftly and been covered by a variety of media channels, including NBC, USA Today, Yahoo! News, Authority Magazine, and countless podcasts and local magazines.

Liz Benditt, Founder and CEO of The Balm Box

Liz Benditt is an experienced marketing executive with over 25 years working with various businesses, products, and services. Her stellar client list includes Lyric Opera, Ace Hardware, Hallmark, SONIC America’s Drive-In, Blue Bunny Ice Cream, Mattel Toys, Walt Disney World, and Bluetooth.

After battling five different cancers over 15 years, Liz combined her expertise as a marketer and cancer survivor to create www.TheBalmBox.com. This site offers functional self-care and gift packages specifically designed for cancer patients.

As the President and CEO of The Balm Box, Liz also teaches undergraduate marketing courses at The University of Kansas School of Business. She is an advocate for public schools and community service, serving on leadership boards for the National Charity League for Greater Kansas City and The Mainstream Coalition.

Liz resides in the Kansas City metro area with her husband, two teenage children, and a mischievous dog.

Superior Side Relief Pillow

The weight of the arm can significantly exacerbate discomfort in a breast cancer patient’s chest area, especially after undergoing surgery and during radiation treatments. This discomfort often stems from the strain and pressure that the arm’s weight places on the tender, healing tissues in the chest. Such strain can lead to increased pain, inflammation, and prolonged recovery times, making it crucial to find ways to alleviate this pressure.

This innovative pillow offers a thoughtfully crafted solution to this problem. Designed with the unique needs of breast cancer patients in mind, the pillow fits snugly under the arm, providing essential support that redistributes the arm’s weight away from the chest. By redirecting this weight, the pillow helps to relieve pressure on the aching chest area, reducing pain and discomfort.

The pillow’s design not only targets the chest but also supports the entire upper body, promoting proper posture and alignment. This comprehensive support can prevent additional strain on other areas, such as the shoulder and neck, which often compensate for the discomfort in the chest. The soft, yet firm cushioning material used in the pillow ensures that it provides gentle support without causing further irritation to the sensitive skin and tissues affected by surgery and radiation.

Moreover, the pillow’s ergonomic shape allows it to conform to the body’s natural contours, providing customized comfort for each patient. This adaptability makes it a versatile tool for use in various positions, whether sitting, lying down, or resting in a reclined position. Patients can use it during different activities, from sleeping to watching TV, ensuring continuous relief throughout the day.

This cleverly designed pillow serves as a crucial aid for breast cancer patients, offering targeted relief and essential support during the challenging recovery period. By effectively redistributing the arm’s weight, it alleviates pressure on the sensitive chest area, reduces pain, and promotes healing, ultimately enhancing the patient’s comfort and quality of life. 

The proof is most certainly in the pudding:

• “I got these for my sister-in-law who had a double mastectomy. She loves them and I got to see her using them. She commented that they’re better than other options that are bulky and go all the way around your body. She likes being able to place them exactly where she wants.” (Kate F)
• “The side pillows are fantastic! I had a double mastectomy w/reconstruction recently. The side pillows afforded me some much-needed relief!! I used them any time I was sitting in my recliner, bed or riding in a car. They are extremely comfortable, and I highly recommend them!” (Christine)
• “Purchased for a friend-she loved it & so helpful!” (Donna)

Bergamot Essential Oil & Diffuser Bracelet

Bergamot essential oil is well-known for its ability to soothe and invigorate the spirit, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy. Its gently citrus perfume is both pleasant and stimulating, reaching the right balance without being overbearing. This essential oil is commonly used to relieve tension and anxiety, offering a natural way to promote relaxation and mental clarity.

Bergamot essential oil contains therapeutic ingredients like linalool and linalyl acetate, which are known for their calming and mood enhancing benefits.

To reap every aspect of bergamot essential oil’s advantages, include it into your everyday routine using a diffuser bracelet. These bracelets are made up of porous black lava stones that are suitable for absorbing essential oils. One or two drops of Bergamot oil onto the stones allows you to carry the healing aroma with you all day. The lava stones consistently release the aroma so that you are surrounded by the perfumed scent all day long, helping to achieve mental clarity and focus.

This method is especially useful because it allows you to enjoy the advantages of aromatherapy without using your typical diffuser. Whether you’re at work, traveling, or going about your daily routine, the diffuser bracelet provides a discreet and effective method to enjoy the relaxing and clarifying effects of Bergamot essential oil.

Aromatherapy, a Welcome Reprieve for Cancer Patients

A breast cancer diagnosis changes everything, and you’ll likely need many traditional medicines and treatments. However, there’s also aromatherapy, which is gaining attention as a supportive therapy for breast cancer patients.

During a breast biopsy, anxiety can be overwhelming. A study offered patients lavender-sandalwood or orange-peppermint essential oil tabs to wear, or nothing at all. Those who chose the lavender-sandalwood tab felt much less anxious. Aromatherapy can help reduce stress in such situations.

Pain is often part of cancer treatments. In one study, patients inhaled lavender essential oil during needle insertions for a central venous port catheter. Those who used the lavender reported less pain. Aromatherapy can provide pain relief in these scenarios.

Treating breast cancer involves caring for the mind and body. A study was carried out combining aromatherapy and music therapy for mastectomy patients. The aromatherapy group employed a combination of lavender, bergamot, and geranium oils, whilst the music group chose their music. The combination lowered pain and anxiety more effectively than either therapy alone, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to healing.

Choosing appropriate oils is important. The oils used in the studies were lavender, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, and eucalyptus, which have been recognized for their calming, pain-relieving, and mood-boosting properties.

Breast cancer is a difficult road, but aromatherapy can provide some relief from anxiety, and pain and encourage overall well-being. Aromatherapy should always be included in a treatment plan under the supervision of your healthcare team for effective and uplifting healing.

Empowering Wellness

Following a cancer diagnosis, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. While radiation and chemotherapy are required for treatment, their invasive nature generally causes patients to experience exhaustion, pain, and a sense of vulnerability. Self-care becomes a crucial part of the healing process, providing much-needed relief and refreshment during these difficult times.

Natural remedies were previously viewed with caution; however, they are now recognized as effective supplements to standard treatments. Aromatherapy, with its relaxing and extensive advantages, is a source of comfort. Products like Bergamot Essential Oil, when used with a Diffuser Bracelet, can help relieve stress and anxiety, encouraging a sense of serenity in the midst of the storm while specialized accessories like the Superior Side Relief Pillow from The Balm Box focus on the unique needs of cancer patients and offer physical support and improve the overall quality of life.

Adopting these therapies symbolizes a deeper shift in mindset—recognizing that healing is more than just treating the sickness; it is about nurturing the entire person. Patients who incorporate natural therapies and specific accessories into their care regimen can find relief and empowerment on their journey.

Explore the world of natural remedies and learn how tools such as Superior Side Relief Pillow, and Bergamot Essential Oil & Diffuser Bracelet from The Balm Box can improve your health. Embrace the road of self-care and holistic recovery.