Page 61 - RetailPharmacyAssistants-March2021-Updated

D o we really need to list a bunch of statistics to prove that the past year has been, to say the least, a stressful one for most people? Perhaps not. However, rather than discussing the ongoing negatives of 2020, we’ve chosen to focus on the trends in pharmacies that are helping consumers stay, cool, calm and collected. In recent times, products such as essential oils have been flying off the shelves, with many brands getting on the bandwagon and releasing their own ranges. Essential oils, along with candles and other aromatherapy- based products, are a natural way to promote relaxation. “Consumers are living a faster paced lifestyle and are also heavily influenced by social media trends,” Pharmacy Assistant of the Year for Queensland, Emma Smallbone said. “I find we have the two different demographics of consumers seeking natural therapies. “One wants something they can access easily at their pharmacy that doesn’t require a prescription, that has a low toxic load, is safe when used correctly and is from a well-known brand. The second consumer may already be on a number of medications and doesn’t want to take ‘any more pills’.” Maggie Maroussis, National Learning and Development Manager at Heritage Brands, described natural remedies as “a modern concept with ancient roots that takes us right back to both the era of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine many centuries ago. “\\\\\\\[They’re\\\\\\\] now extremely mainstream as consumers rethink the products they’re using, whether for themselves or their family’s health and wellbeing in their homes,” she said. Jomeis Fine Foods Director Vicki Nguyen recently launched her own range of terpene blends. “Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that are present in many plants ... that give each its distinct aroma,” she said, citing pine, lavender and orange peel. She says now is the right time to be releasing such products. “People are seeking healthier options more and more in all aspects of their lives, from the household cleaning products to skin care, hair care, makeup, food and medicine,” Ms Nguyen said. “The cleaner the label, the better.” BODY & SOUL 59 “We have products specifically tailored to stress and sleep across both our In Essence and Oil Garden ranges,” she said. “From sleep mists to portable roll-ons for stress and sleep, as well as our tried and true 100 per cent Pure Essential Oil blends targeted for these specific ailments, there’s plenty of choice for consumers.” Specific scents Lavender oil is sold in many retail pharmacies. Ms Smallbone said: “\\\\\\\[It\\\\\\\] is commonly used for easing feelings of tension, restlessness, promotion relaxation and reducing stress.” She continued: “\\\\\\\[This is\\\\\\\] one of our hero ingredients in our Sleep range for In Essence, or Sleep Assist range within the Oil Garden portfolio.” Peppermint oil is also popular in retail pharmacies. “Peppermint oil can also be beneficial to those seeking natural therapy support,” Ms Smallbone said. “It can assist with tension, headaches.” She says the oil has “an uplifting aroma” and is “mixed with lavender to soothe sore and tired feet and muscles”. “From sleep mists to portable roll- ons for stress and sleep ... there’s plenty of choice for consumers.” She continued: “Terpenes work therapeutically to help create homeostasis within the human body. They’ve been proven to have positive effects on the endocannabinoid system, the body’s largest neurotransmitter network, which is always striving to keep our bodies in balance.” What else is out there? Ms Smallbone, of Zammit Street Pharmacy at Deception Bay in the Moreton Bay region, discusses the other products available at pharmacies that can help promote relaxation and a state of calm. “We stock a range of candles, essential oils, vitamins, minerals and diffusers,” she said. “Many of these items are available through pharmacies nationally. Often extensions of these lines come through in promotional holiday periods, too. “We stock Thursday Plantation, In Essence, Ecoya Candles, Medlab, Amplio \\\\\\\[vitamins and minerals\\\\\\\] and a variety of \\\\\\\[other\\\\\\\] vitamins and minerals. “We stock the core essential oils like lavender, tea tree and peppermint. Also, a proprietary magnesium blend from Medlab Clinical that targets relaxation, calmness, mild anxiety and promotes better sleep.” Ms Maroussis touches on the natural- therapy products the team at Heritage Brands sells. What’s best for the customer? How confident can you be as a pharmacy assistant when recommending these types of products to a customer? “I’ll always follow the ‘Ask, Assess and Advise’ protocol \\\\\\\[from the Pharmacy Guild\\\\\\\] and if the patient answers ‘yes’ to any of the questions, I’ll seek advice from the pharmacist,” Ms Smallbone said. “Natural therapies can interact with a patient’s treatment from their healthcare professional, so caution is always advised. I explain essential oils are great at supporting patients with managing stress and can be used in many different ways.” Ms Smallbone suggests having a diffuser operating in a pharmacy, as it can create a calm atmosphere for customers in-store. Ms Maroussis concluded: “With uncertainty still looming, it’s comforting to know there are solutions available for relief that are not only natural, but also incredibly effective and safe, when used correctly.” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAR 2021