Jo's Health Corner: Bergamot

Essential Oils & The Nervous System

The nervous system is the body's communication network and control center. The nervous system senses changes inside and outside the body and interpretes these. It also initiates actions such as glandular secretions or muscular contractions as a response to what the nervous system interprets.

It is important to acknowledge the connection between the physical and psychological aspects of our well being. The nervous system is part of the physical make up but the psychological process also takes place in the nervous system. When there's a disease on the physical level it will affect the psychological and when there's a disease on the psychological level it will affect the physical.

Aromatherapy is unique, and Battaglia says no other holistic modality can offer such a multidimensional approach to dealing with conditions associated with the nervous system. The aromatherapy massage is very nurturing and therapeutic, the essential oils have pharmacological activity, the olfaction has powerful influence of ANS memory and emotions, and there's is a caring relationship between the therapist and the client.

According to Battaglia, the following properties of essential oils are useful when dealing with conditions associated with the nervous system:

Antidepressants
Battaglia says the following essential oils can be used to alleviate depression:
~ Sandalwood, ylang ylang, neroli, jasmine, geranium, lemon, lavender, rose otto and absolute, bergamot, basil and clary sage.

Soporifics
Battaglia says sweet marjoram, lavender, and valerian can be used to induce sleep.

Nervines
There are two types of nervines - sedative and stimulant nervines. Nervines strengthen and tone the nerves.

According to Battaglia, the stimulant nervines strengthen the nervous system and are useful in stress, shock or nervous debility. He says the following oils are useful nervines:
~ Vetiver, clary sage, basil, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, angelica root and juniper berry.

Battaglia says relaxant nervines can help alleviate tension and stress. He says some excellent nervines are:
~ Bergamot, Roman chamomile, sweet marjoram, valerian, sandalwood, neroli and lavender.

Analgesics
According to Battaglia, analgesic can be used for migraines and headaches. He says the following oils are analagesics:
~ Eucalyptus, cajuput, peppermint, sweet marjoram, spike lavender, lavender, thyme and rosemary.

Antispasmodics
According to Battaglia, antispasmodics help prevent or alleviate spasms or convulsions, and may be beneficial for treating migraines, headaches and muscular spasms caused by nervous tension. Battaglia says the following oils are antispasmodics:
~ Clary sage, Roman chamomile, yarrow, sweet marjoram and lavender.

Behavior and attitude can influence our resistance to disease and positive imagery and meditation have been used in cancer treatments for years. It is also important to consider eating a well balance diet, get enough rest and sleep, use relaxation techniques and consider other natural remedies such as flower essences and herbs.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Source:

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

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Essential Oils, Herbs & Boils

A boil is an inflamed and infected lump located under or on the skin. It is most commonly caused by the staphylococcus bacterium. They are red, inflamed, tender and painful and can appear very suddenly and within 24 hours they are filled with pus. The nearest lymph glands often become swollen and tender. The boils are contagious and the pus that drains when the boil open can contaminate the skin and causing more boils. It can even enter the blood. Medicinal assistance may be required if the boils are very large.

Causes
A bacterial infection, stress, poor hygiene, food or airborne allergy, illness, lower resistance, poor nutrition, certain drugs, constipation, a toxic bowel and bloodstream, or thyroid disorders may be the cause.

Therapeutic strategy
According to Battaglia, a hot compress with essential oils is the most effective treatment. The essential oils will "draw out" a boil and speed up the healing. Enhancing the immunity, and purifying and detoxifying the blood is also important.

Essential ols
Bergamot, lavender, and tee tree are the most suitable oils according to Battaglia. The area around the boil should also be washed several times a day with 1-3% dilution of lavender or bergamot. Gary Young also recommends nutmeg, peppermint, and naioli.

Detox is needed
If the boils are many and keep recurring, then there's a need to reduce the toxicity in the body. Massage and baths with detoxifying oils such as carrot seed, juniper berry, grapefruit, geranium and rosemary are traditionally used for detoxifying the body. Check out my post, Cleansing with Essential Oils for additional tips on detoxing.

Herbs
Goldenseal and echinacea have traditionally been used to cleanse the lymph glands.

Poultices have traditionally been used to bring the boil to a head:

Mix half a tablespoon with slippery elm with one tablespoon of linseed oil. Add a tablespoon of charcoal and apply on the boil.
Apply pieces of onion wrapped in cloth.

Other suggestions
Don't pop or squeeze a boil since it may cause the infection to go deeper into the body.

Other things to consider

According to Battaglia, increase the intake of vitamin C to 3000-8000 mg daily. Vitamin C is an immune system stimulant and an anti-inflammatory.
Take garlic daily to detoxify the body and to stimulate the immune system.
Make sure the diet is high in fruit and vegetables.

Remember
Seek medical attention when needed, especially if you suffer from immune deficiency, or other medical conditions. Make sure to call the doctor if the boils are very painful, lasts longer than two weeks or if you develop a fever.

Thanks for reading!

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on your skin.

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

11:06 AM | Read more...

Essential Oils & Anorexia

It so sad to see how young girls and women and even young men are starving themselves. It seems like I run into more and more young people with eating disorders lately. Usually it is more than just wanting to be slender. It is an disorder that focuses on food, it is a desire to gain control and an attempt to deal with perfectionism by regulating weight and food. People feel that their self esteem is tied to how skinny they are. It affects 3 in 100 and not surprisingly, it affects the teens in industrialized countries the most. In countries where size zero models and actors are the role models and the cultural expectations encourage young women to be thin. Anorexia is often preceded by a traumatic event and other emotional problems are usually present.

"Anorexia is a psychological disorder where a person becomes obsessed with body size and weight, often depriving him or herself of food to avoid gaining weight." The Reference Guide for Essential Oils

Can be life threatening

Anorexia very seldom appear before puberty but if it does, obsessive and compulsive behavior and depression are often more severe than if if appears at an older age. It is important to know that anorexia can be life threatening and lead to death from heart failure, starvation, electrolyte imbalance or suicide. It can be a chronic condition.

Essential may be used

Essential oils may be used in addition to professional help, but anorexia is a serious condition and aromatherapy should not be used as a stand alone therapy. Inhalation of essential oils may alter emotions to create a change in the underlying psychology or disturbed-thinking pattern which supports the self-destructed behavior. The essential oil fragrance has the ability to directly affect the emotional hub in the brain. You see, the aroma can stimulate the amygdale gland, which is part of the limbic system. And the limbic system is the emotional center of the brain.

Check for deficiencies

It is also important to consider that someone who is anorexic may be suffering from life threatening mineral and nutrient deficiencies. For example, deficiency in magnesium and potassium can trigger heart rhythm abnormalities and cardiac arrest. It is important that potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals are replenished.

Oils traditionally used

There are several essential oils traditionally used for anorexia. What oils to use depends on each individual needs, but oils that are calming, anti-depressant, and soothing such as bergamot, lavender, clary sage, jasmine, and neroli should also be considered.

Bergamot

Is not only uplifting and antidepressant, but it also regulates the appetite according to Dr. Jean Valnet.

Mandarin

Is gentle, appeasing and promotes happiness. It calms nervous tension and restlessness. It is also traditionally used for digestive disorders.

Orange

May help the appetite and indigestion. It's sedative and may help insomnia. It is also uplifting and work as an antidepressant.

Angelica

Is calming and assisting in the release of pent-up negative feelings. It helps release and let go of negative feelings by bringing memories back to the point of origin before trauma or anger was experienced. Angelica has traditionally been used for loss of appetite as well.

Lemon

Has traditionally been used for digestive problems and anxiety. It promotes a sense of well-being. It also has antidepressant effects according to research done by Komori, et., 1995. Its fragrance is invigorating, warming, and enhancing. Lemon also promotes clarity of thought and purpose as well as physical energy.

Ginger

Has historically been used for loss of appetite and other digestive disorder. and It is also gentle and stimulating, endowing courage and physical energy.

According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference, essential oils such as lemon and ginger may when inhaled on a regular basis, combat the emotional addiction that may lead to premature death.

Other oils traditionally used for anorexia

Tangerine, grapefruit, coriander

Remember to seek professional help since anorexia is a serious condition and can be life threatening.

Important

This information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils. Be careful when using essential oils with hormonal activity and don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Make sure that you look over the safety information before you start using essential oils.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on your skin.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing

This post is linked to:
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Quick and Easy Essential Oil Glycerine Soaps

It is not necessary to make glycerine soaps with infused herbs all the time. Essential oils are more potent than herbs, and they provide powerful healing properties and pleasant aromas. Below are a couple of recipes that are quick and easy to make. Older children can also help making them.

Lavender-Peppermint Soap
4 ounces clear solid glycerine (usually about 3 cubes)
15 drops lavender
5 drops peppermint
soap molds.

Melt glycerine in the microwave (about 40 seconds) or in a double boiler. I prefer to use a double boiler. Pour hot glycerine into the soap molds. Allow it to cool slightly before adding the essential oils.

Citrus Soap
Follow the recipe above, but substitute these essential oils for lavender and peppermint.
6 drops lemon
10 drops bergamot
10 drops grapefruit
4 drops mandarin

Some grocery stores sell un-scented glycerine soaps that can be melted down. Our local Raley's sell them and I use them sometimes when I don't have any other soap base at home.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
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Healthy 2Day Wednesday
Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways

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Mama's Milk

There's no doubt that breastfeeding is the best choice for a newborn baby. However, it is not always easy for new mother to provide for her newborn and problems such as lack of flow or engorged breasts can occur. Sometimes the baby is not strong enough to stimulate the flow of milk. Many times these problems can be solved, but it is very stressful for both mother and baby. La Leche League, an organization that helps mothers with nursing difficulties, can be found in most areas today.

Here are some suggestions that has historically been used when the supply of milk is insufficient:

According to Gary Young, mix geranium, fennel, and/or sage 50-50 with massage oil and massage over breast. Keep in mind that fennel should not be used longer than 10 days at a time. The oils have historically been applied above the breast on the lymph area, and 2-3 drops have historically been applied on the spine, about heart level. I suggest that you wait a while to let the oils absorb, or wash them off before you nurse. Give them time to be absorbed first though.
You may consider diffusing mood lifting oils such as bergamot, ylang ylang, rosewood, geranium, and rose as well.

I wasn't able to breastfeed my oldest son, and there are times when we can't nurse and we have to accept it. I wish I would have known more about health back then so I at least could have made my own formula. Here is a recipe for homemade formula from the Weston Price Foundation if you cannot breastfeed.

This post was about using essential oils, but there are also herbs that historically have been used to increase the breast milk. Alfalfa, blessed thistle, and marshmallow are some of them. What kind of remedies have you used to increase your milk supply?

Source:

Essential Oils - Intergrative Medical Guide by Gary Young, ND

This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to prescribe. Essential oils are safe to use as long as contraindications have been researched prior to use. As always, consult with your health care practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from any medical conditions. Some oils are contraindicated in certain conditions, so check out this essential oil safety page to make sure the oils are safe for you.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Photo credit

This is linked to:
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Simple Lives Thursday

Green & Natural Mama Thursday @ I Thought I Knew Mama

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Varicose Veins - What to Do Naturally

Varicose veins are normally not a serious health threat if they are near the surface. They can be painful and the legs can feel heavy, tight, and tired. Swelling, leg cramps, and sore legs are some characteristics of varicose veins. Many women find these veins cosmetically unappealing and cover them up.

Varicose veins are a sign of poor circulation and venous valve collapse. These veins are abnormally enlarged due to a weakness of the valves inside the veins that allow blood flow back to the heart. When the valves are weakened the blood accumulates in the veins causing them to stretch which leads to varicosities. The veins of the legs are commonly affected due to the pressure standing has on the veins.
Be aware that there is a more serious form of varicose veins that involves the obstruction of and valve defects of the deeper veins. This type can lead to serious problems.

What to do
Even though I often write posts specifically about using essential oils and herbs it is important to remember that it starts with health building through diet, exercise, removal of toxins, and certain supplementation first. I have great success using herbs and essential oils myself, but I use them in addition to an already good diet.

Diet

If you haven't already, I advise you to remove all the refined carbohydrates from your diet and increase the intake of fresh vegetables and fruit.
A high fiber diet is important. If you increase your intake of vegetables and fruit you'll increase your intake of fiber as well.
Vitamin C may reduce tendency to blood clotting, and it aids circulation. It is hard to achieve a high amount of Vitamin C through diet alone so consider supplementing with vitamin C.
Flavonoid-rich berries may increase the integrity of the walls of the veins, so consider adding blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and hawthorn berries to your diet.
According to Battaglia, people with varicose veins don't break down fibrin as well and this leads to fibrin being deposited near the varicose veins. Ginger, garlic, cayenne, and onion increase fibrin break down so include them liberally in your diet.
Make sure you drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.

The role of astringents
Astringents are needed to tone the blood vessels. Herbs with astringent effects are horsechestnut, rose hips, sage, butcher's broom, and witch hazel.

Aromatherapy
The main purpose of the treatment is to tone the veins walls to improve circulation and to support the surrounding tissues. When you start researching about using essential oils for varicose veins you find that there's a split opinion as to if the affected area should be massaged or not. I found that it is usually fine if the oils are applied on the location and rubbed gently. An aromatic spray or a compress can also be used for extremely painful conditions.

Gently massaging with essential oils may encourage lymphatic drainage and blood return. When treating varicose veins you want to use essential oils that have astringent, vaso-constrictive, anti-inflammatory, and slightly diuretic properties.

The essential oils

Cypress is a true venous decongestant as well as an astringent and should be included. Other oils historically used are lemon, geranium, cypress, rosemay, helichrysum, bergamot, juniper. It normally takes a while before improvement so it is important to be patient. It is important to change the essential oils after a while so don't use the same combination of essential oils all the time in your blends. For example, according to Battaglia, use lemon and cypress together with calendula infused oil and wheatgerm vegetable oil as a massage blend, and after a while alternate cypress and lemon with any other oils mentioned above.

According to Gary Young, tansy improves weak veins, cypress strengthens capillary walls, and helichrysum helps dissolve coagulated blood in surrounded tissues.

Oils to use for massage
Mullein infused oil has historically been beneficial in painful or inflamed conditions such as varicose veins. Arnica infused oil is traditionally used as an first aid oil for bruising and inflammation, but should not be used on broken skin. Apricot kernel oil is high in vitamins A and B. Calendula infused oil and wheatgerm vegetable oils are other suitable oils traditionally used. Wheatgerm is a valuable source of vitamin E and has historically been used to improve blood circulation. Calendula has traditionally been used to treat venous complaints, and has been known to if applied consistently, decrease the symptoms of varicose veins by inhibiting inflammation, toning tissues, and promoting blood supply to the tissues.

Pregnancy
Essential oils should not be administered topically, including baths, orally, or vaginally before 24th week of pregnancy. If the oil is not contraindicated, it may be used in a diffuser. Geranium (avoid first trimester), lemon, bergamot can be used when pregnant.

Oils to Use With Caution
According to Cooksley caraway, cypress, juniper, lavender, rose, rosemary (avoid first trimester) and peppermint ( avoid first trimester) can be used with caution.

Other things to consider

Avoid standing for a longer period.
Elevate your legs higher than your heart.
Don' sit cross-legged since the blood flow will be inhibited.
Don't restrict the blood flow with tight clothing.
Do gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, and yoga.
Wear support hose during daytime.

Once again, dealing with varicose veins takes time so keep that in mind. If pregnant, check out this page:
Is Aromatherapy Safe In Pregnancy?

As always, this information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on your skin.

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.