Jo's Health Corner: therapeutic actions

Uplifting Essential Oils

After a long winter and with spring around the corner it seems like a good time to include some uplifting essential oils to feel more energized. The long and dark winters can make us feel tired, moody, and depressed. I can't wait for spring to get here, but it is still a few more weeks before it will nice and warm all the time.

SAD
Even though I've never really suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) I always feel the effects of the darker season. I'm more tired, have more cravings, and just feel sluggish. I used to live in Sweden where the winters are long and very dark, and I know several friends who suffer from SAD. SAD can be very devastating and cause a lot of problems. Fortunately there are things to do that may ease the symptoms, for example, in the Scandinavian countries some hospitals have light therapy rooms. You can also buy your own light therapy lamp. Supplements and herbs may also be of help, and of course, essential oils have traditionally been used as well. According to Valeri Cooksley, the use of essential oils for regulation and balance by stimulating the hypothalamus may help: frankincense, geranium and bergamot and citrus oils have an uplifting and sunny effect.

How I apply uplifting oils
Here are ways that I use my uplifting essential oils:

I diffuse essential oils in the air
I wear them as a perfume
I add them to my bath water
I inhale straight from the bottle
I mix them with massage oils
I put 2-3 drops on one oil in my hands and rub them together, I cup my hands over my nose and inhale.
Some other ways to use essential oils

My favorite uplifting oils
I especially enjoy the flower oils since they are light in nature with an uplifting effect on the mind and the emotions.

~ Jasmine, geranium, rose, orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, helichrysum and bergamot.

So enjoy spring feelings with some uplifting flower flower aromas even if you still have snow on the ground.

Thanks for reading!

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:

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.

Sources:

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

Valeri Gennari Cooksley, R.N. (2002). Aromatherapy, Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal. Prentice Hall Press

This post is linked to:
Titus 2sdays, Healthy 2Day Wednesday, WFMW, Seasonal Celebration Wednesday, Teach Me Tuesday, Homemaking Link Up, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways
Thank Your Body Thursday, Simple Lives Thursday, Wildcrafting Wednesday

11:14 AM | Read more...

Analgesic Essential Oils

Analgesic essential oils are used to relieve pain when applied externally, and they are also called anodynes or local anesthetics.

I previously wrote a post about E ssential Oils & Pain. In that post I discussed that chronic pain sufferers should consider using essential oils that stimulate the thalamus and pituitary since it may increase the amount of endorphins and enkelphalins. You see, the body produces its own pain-killers called neurochemicals, and these opiate-like substances are called enkephalins and endorphins.

According to Young, Peppermint has shown to block calcium channels and substance P, which are important in the transmission of pain signals. This is great news since peppermint is a fairly inexpensive and an easy to find essential oil. Douglas fir, balsam fir and helichrysum are other oils with unique pain-relieving properties.

How I apply oils for pain

Sometimes I mix the essential oils with massage oils and apply on the location
I apply the oils to relevant Vita Flex points on the bottom of the feet
It the pain is chronic or trauma related, then I apply a warm compress on the location

As often when it comes to essential oils, there are loads of them to choose from so I will pick my favorites.

The following oils with analgesic properties are my first choices:
Eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen,rosemary, black pepper, and marjoram

Other oils with analgesic properties:
Clove, cinnamon, palo santo, lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, bergamot, juniper, oregano, German chamomile, thyme, geranium, elemi, ginger, nutmeg, pine, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang and dorado azul.

Remember, some essential oils such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, oregano, juniper, wintergreen, and black pepper may irritate the skin so make sure you dilute the essential oils and perform a skin patch test. 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 contraindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils.

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

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.

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

This post is linked to:
WFMW

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Antiviral Essential Oils

It is very useful to know what kind of oils are antiviral, especially this time of the year when the flu is still going around. If you haven't already stocked up on a couple of antiviral essential oils it may be a good time to do so. Antiviral essential oils "inhibit or stop the development, function, or replication of an infection- causing virus." (Reference Guide for Essential Oils)

Essential oils can be used in so many ways. The awesome thing is that you can use them as prevention so you don't have to wait until you get sick. You will have the greatest protection if you use them before you're exposed to the virus.

I like to diffuse essential oils daily since inhaling oils is very powerful
I clean with essential oils
I apply essential oils on my body
I use essential oils as perfume
I add a few drops of essential oils on the bottom of our feet when the flu going around

There are many essential oils with antiviral properties and I'm only going to share the ones I like to use.

According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, Melissa, also known as Lemon Balm, has shown some of the strongest antiviral activity. The book also states that oils high in limonene such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, palo santo may also be very effective antiviral agents.

According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, these oils also have antiviral properties:
Eucalyptus blue (Eucalyptol natriol azul), Eucalyptus globulus, helichrysum, clove, cinnamon bark, manuka, ravensara, oregano, myrrh, cypress, Melaleuca/tea tree, lavender, pine, clary sage, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), sandalwood, bergamot, and clary sage.

Keep in mind that some oils such as clove, cinnamon, thyme and oregano are very strong and can cause skin irritation. These hot oils should not be applied directly on the skin but can be applied on the bottom of the feet.

Wildcrafting Wednesday Featured Blogger Award

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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.

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

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

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This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday, Oil Me Up Wednesdays

11:08 AM | Read more...

Anti-Inflammatory Essential Oils

Inflammation can be caused by conditions such as poor diet, bacteria, physical injury, hormonal imbalance or chemicals. Certain oils have shown to be excellent for reducing inflammation. German Chamomile for example, contains the blue compound azulene, a compound with high anti-inflammatory properties.

Certain oils are better for certain types of inflammation,according to the "Essential Oils Integrative Guide":

Roman Chamomile and lavender are best suited for inflammation caused by bacterial infection.
Myrrh and helichrysum are better suited for inflammation caused by tissue/capillary damage, bruising.
Ravensara, hyssop, and thyme are best for inflammation caused by viral infection.

Some essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties:
German chamomile, Roman chamomile, clove, palo santo, peppermint, nutmeg, lavender, tea tree, basil, geranium, bay, bergamot, Dorado Azul, ginger and wintergreen.

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

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

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Therapeutic Properties in Aromatherapy

I often refer to therapeutic actions. This is a growing list.

Analgesic: Essential oil used to relieve pain when applied externally, also called anodyne or local anesthetic.
Antacid: Essential oil used to neutralize the acid in the stomach.
Anthelmintic: Essential oil used to expel or destroy intestinal worms.
Anti-arthritic: Essential oil used to relieve arthritic conditions.

Anti-asthmatic: Essential oil used to relieve asthma.
Antibacterial: Essential oil that destroys or suppresses the growth or reproduction of bacteria.

Anticatarrhal: Essential oil which heals inflammation of the mucus membranes.
Antidepressant: Essential oil which counteracts an absence of cheerfulness or diminishing functioning activity.

Antiemetics: Essential oil used to lessen nausea and prevent or relieve vomiting.

Antifungal: Essential oil that is effective against the reproduction of growth of Candida albicans and other fungi and yeast.
Anti-hydropic: Essential oil used to eliminate excess body fluids.

Anti-inflammatory: Essential oil which is capable of counteracting or suppressing inflammation.

Antimicrobial: Essential oil capable of destroying micro-organisms or suppressing their multiplication or growth.
Anti-neuralgic: Essential oil capable of relieving neuralgia.
Antioxidant: Essential oil capable of relieving oxidation.

Antiphlogistic: Essential oil used to reduce inflammation or swelling.

Antipruritic: Essential oil which relieves or prevent itching.

Antipyretic: Essential oil used to relieve or reduce temperatures in fever.

Antiseptic: Essential oil which prevents, resists, and counteract putrefaction.

Antispasmodic: Essential oil used to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions and spasms.
Aphrodisiac: Essential oil which stimulates sexual desire.

Astringent: Essential oil that contracts tissues. It makes them firmer, and decrease discharge.
Bitters: Essential oil with a bitter taste and serves as a stimulant to the gastro-intestinal membranes.

Carminative: Essential oil which stimulates intestinal peristalsis, relieves, and promotes the expulsion of gas from the intestinal tract.
Cell proliferant: Essential oil that promotes rapid healing and restoration.
Cephaliac: Essential oil that is particularly healing to cerebral conditions and diseases.

Cholagogue: Essential oil used to promote increased flow and discharge of bile into the intestines by contracting the bile ducts.
Cicatrizant: Essential oil used to promote scar tissue.
Depurative: Essential oil which cleanses and purifies.

Diaphoretic: Essential oil that produces perspiration and sweat plus increased elimination through the skin.
Digestant: Essential oil which aids in the digestion of food.
Diuretic: Essential oil which increases the secretion and flow of bile.

Emmenagogue: Essential oil which tones the female reproductive organs and regulates menstruation.

Expectorant: Essential oil that encourages the discharge of mucus from bronchio-pulmonary passages.
Febrifuge: Essential oils which reduces a fever.
Fungicidal: Essential oil which is able to destroy a class of organisms such as mold, fungus or mushrooms.
Galactagogue: Essential oil which increases the secretion of milk.
Germicide: Essential oil that destroys pathogenic micro-organisms.

Hepatic: Essential oil used to strengthen, tone and stimulate the secretion and functions of the liver causing an increased flow of bile.
Hypotensive: Essential oil that lowers blood pressure.
Insecticide: Essential oil that is used to destroy insects.
Laxative: Essential oil which loosens the bowels and relieve constipation.

Nervine: Essential oil that tones and heals the nerves.
Parasiticide: Essential oil that destroys animal and vegetable parasites within the body.
Parturient: Essential oil that stimulates urine contractions, induces and assists with labor.
Pectorals: Essential oils that heals complaints of the lungs.
Peristaltic: Essential oil that stimulates and increases muscular contraction of the stomach and intestine.
Refrigerant: Essential oil with cooling properties. It lowers body temperatures and relieves thirst.
Rubefacient: Applied locally, this essential oil stimulates the capillary dilation and causes skin redness. It draws blood from deeper tissues and organs and relieves congestions and inflammation.

Sedative: Essential oil which calms and tranquilizers the nerves.
Soporic: Essential oil that induces a relaxing sleep.
Stimulant: Essential oil which increases functional activity and energy in the body.
Stomachic: Essential oil which stimulates and tones the stomach.
Styptic: Essential oil that stops local bleeding and hemorrhaging, applied externally.
Sudorific: Essential oil that promotes the flow of sweat, not perspiration which goes on all the time through the capillaries.
Tonic: Essential oil which stimulates, energizes and strengthens the body.
Vermifuge: Essential oils which expels intestinal worms.
Vulnerary: Essential oil that promotes healing of fresh wounds or cuts.

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

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

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The Therapeutic Term Diuretic- Two Oils That Have This Action

The term diuretic means an increased production, secretion and flow of urine caused by an agent such as an essential oil. Essential oils with diuretic actions are considered alteratives. They cleanse and purify the blood by supporting the body's natural elimination response by stimulating the five systems of elimination:

the kidney
the skin
the bowel
the lungs
the lymphatic system

The following two oils have diuretic actions:

Black pepper, piper nigrum

Black pepper should be used only two weeks at a time and the three weeks off before using it again. Black pepper should be avoided with homeopathics. It could be contraindicated with other substances. It can also be a dermal irritant if used undiluted on the skin. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also a mucus membrane irritant. Make sure you perform a skin patch test.

Cedarwood, Cedrus atlantica

Cedarwood is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A skin patch test is required.

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Two Major Therapeutic Actions For Chamomile Essential Oil

Roman chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, and German chamomile, Matricaria recutita, are two useful and popular oils in aromatherapy. They are considered non-toxic and non-irritant. German chamomile are often used in skin care products and Roman chamomile is often used as a sedative for children. The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions are the two major therapeutic actions of chamomile.

Antispasmodic action

Antispasmodics reduce muscular contractions and spasms in the bronchial tubes, blood vessels, the digestive system, the urinary tract, and in the uterus. The antispasmodic action of Anthemis nobilis, Roman chamomile, may be beneficial in asthma and other respiratory concerns since it may prevent spasms in the bronchial tubes by acting as a broncho dilator. Chamomile is most beneficial in a gentle massage or as inhalation, even though in asthma it is best to avoid steam inhalation. Steam inhalation can worsen the asthma. In crisis, its antispasmodic action may offer relief and can be inhaled straight from the bottle or a few drops can be put on a handkerchief. The ester isobutyl angelate is the constituent responsible for the antispasmodic action of Anthemis nobilis.

Anti-inflammatory action

German chamomile is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. it is the sesquiterpenes chamazulene, farnesene, azulene, and the alcohol a-bisabol in Marticaria recutita that are responsible for the anti-inflammatory action. Anti-inflammatory agents will reduce or even counteract inflammation. German chamomile is therefore said to be very efficient in inflammatory skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. Chamomile added to carrier oil can be can be used in gentle massage or added to ointments or cream.

Roman chamomile and German chamomile possess many similar properties but German chamomile is a better choice for skin problem. Chamazulene and bisabol give German chamomile strong anti-inflammatory properties. However, Roman chamomile is also an anti-inflammatory agent. It has also been known to cause contact dermatitis and should be used with caution if allergic to ragweed or other plants of the Asteraceae family.

Contraindications

Contraindications: Avoid Roman chamomile during the first trimester of pregnancy. A skin patch test should be performed. Caution if allergic to ragweed. German chamomile is non-toxic, non-sensitive, and non-irritant.

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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.

1:47 PM | Read more...

Essential Oils that Are Adaptogens

Essential oils that can either sedate or stimulate are referred to as adaptogens. Peppermint, Mentha piperita is an adaptogenic oil that can either sedate or stimulate depending on the action needed. Stimulants increase the functional activity of the body or of the organs. They may improve the circulation and strengthen the metabolism. Some of the stimulant oils may aid in purifying the blood and assist in dispelling mucus from the lungs, nasal passages and the stomach.

Battaglia also says that peppermint may be beneficial in treatment colds and flu due to peppermint's expectorant and antiseptic properties. He also says it is an ideal oil to use for sinus congestion, inflammation, infection, migraines and congestive headache.

According to Battaglia, peppermint is an ideal remedy for all digestive disorders such as colic, flatulence, diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, and stomach pains. Battaglia also say it is an effective remedy for nausea, vomiting and travel sickness.

Peppermint is a diffusable stimulant that is absorbed into the system. It exercises a stimulant effect at first when it comes into contact with the gastric mucus and then a local sedative effect takes place that assists in alleviating nausea. The local stimulating effect on the bowels will alleviate abdominal pain due to flatulence and promote the expulsion of gas.

It's sedative actions may be used when an individual experiences palpitations in order to relax the body and inhibit a rapid heartbeat. At the same time peppermint's stimulant action increases the circulation and more blood and oxygen reaches the brain. This is why Mentha piperita is recommended for exhaustion and mental fatigue. It's hepatic action strengthens and stimulates the liver and increases the blood flow of bile when the liver is congested. Due to it's cholagogue action is has been used for gall bladder congestions, it contracts the bile ducts and increases the flow of bile to the intestines.

Adaptogen oils are very interesting since they posses the power to both sedate and stimulate depending on the actions needed. Lavender is another oil that actually posses both sedative and stimulant actions. It's sedative actions have been known to alleviate palpitations, nervous tension, and to lower blood pressure. At the same time lavender has a stimulation effect for someone with depression, weak heart or shortness of breath.

Lemon is also an adaptogen and acts as a sedative or tonic as needed.

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Alterative and Detoxifying Essential Oils

With a new year and a new beginning it is a good idea to start off fresh and rid the body off toxins. Essential oils can be a great addition to herbal cleanses or used alone. They can for example be mixed with bath salts, or cold pressed vegetable oils for a great detoxifying bath.

Alteratives are remedies that cleanse and purify the blood, and they are also called detoxifiers or blood purifiers. They assist the body’s own eliminatory channels by stimulating the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowels, sweat glands, and the lymphatic system to excrete toxins.

Essential oils with lymphatic, diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic, hepatic, laxative and emmenagogue properties are considered alteratives. **( Explanation at the end of the post)

Most commonly used essential oils with alteratives properties are angelica root, black pepper, carrot seed, cypress, everlasting, fennel, grapefruit, geranium, juniper, lemon, orange, peppermint and rosemary.

Some of my favorite alteratives are:

Cypress, (Cupressus sempervirens var. stricta)
has a bitter, acidic, sharp, spicy and balsamic-woody top note. The middle note is balsamic-woody, sweet and spicy. The base note smells more like cypress with a forest scent and isnot as sweet. The aroma clears the head and is very relaxing.

Cypress was used by the Romans and the Greeks. Sempevirens means ever living, and the tree was dedicated to the gods of the underworld.

It has a calming, balancing, refreshing and clearing effect on the emotions. Cypress is useful in anger and will also restore calm. In France, Dr.Valnet used cypress for bronchitis and coughs at hospitals, and the cough was stopped by putting drops of cypress under the pillows. According to Battaglia, it also has astringent and vaso-constrictor properties, and may therefore be useful in circulatory problems.

Grapefruit, (Citrus paradisi )
has a sweet, fresh, intense citrus and fruity top note. It is a clean and refreshing smell. The middle note is softer and milder with sweet and pleasant orange-citrus aroma with some bitterness and slightly earthy tone. The base not has the same characteristic scent but is a lot weaker. Grapefruit is uplifting and positive, and it is a very energizing and reviving scent.

Grapefruit was known as the Shaddock fruit and was named after the travel adventures of Captain Shaddock. He brought seeds from China to the West Indies.

Grapefruit has a very uplifting, reviving, and energizing effect on the mood. It has historically been a good choice when feeling stressed, depressed, or suffering from nervous exhaustion. It is very balancing.

According to Battaglia, due to its diuretic and detoxifying properties, grapefruit may be useful in cellulites.

Lemon, (Citrus limonum)
has a sharp, clean and refreshing aroma. It smells like the zest of the fruit. The aroma is very relaxing, but at the same time it feels like it clears the mind and sharpens the senses. It is obvious it is a top note because the scent doesn’t last long.

Lemon trees originate in northern India and Burma. It came to Europe first in the 12th century. Columbus brought lemon and orange seeds to Spain in 1493, and Spain became one of the largest producers of lemon. Already in 1692 expressed and distilled lemon oil could be bought in Paris.

Lemon increases the ability to concentrate. It lifts the spirit and clears the mind. It is also a powerful antibacterial. According to Battaglia, lemon is said to stimulate the action of the white blood corpuscles, and he says it also counteracts the acidity in the body. He also says it has a tonic effect on the circulatory system. It is well known for its detoxifying and astringent properties.

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Lymphatic - Assist the tissue cleansing action of the lymphatic system.

Diaphoretic - Promoting sweating, assisting the excretory functions of the skin.

Expectorant - Promoting expulsion of mucus, assisting the respiratory system.

Diuretic - Promoting urination, assisting excretory functions of the kidneys.

Hepatic - Enhancing liver functions, assisting the liver's detoxifying functions.

Laxative - Promoting bowel movements, assisting excretory functions of the large intestines.
Emmenagogue - Promoting menstruation, assisting in the elimination of menstrual blood.

Thanks for visiting!

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.

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