Jo's Health Corner: German Chamomile

Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin

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It is important that great care is taken when selecting the essential oils. Oils with anti-inflammatory properties like yarrow, lavender, neroli, German chamomile, and everlasting/helichrysum should be used for sensitive skin according to Battaglia.

Evening primrose, jojoba, apricot kernel and infused calendula oils are base oils that traditionally been used for sensitive skin.

Make your own ointments, creams, facial gels, and toners using the essential oils and base oils mentioned above.

My post, Essential Oils for Skin Care - Sensitive Skin will give you more information about skin care for sensitive skin.

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:

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.

4:39 PM | Read more...

Essential Oils and Psoriasis

What is it?

Psoriasis is a hyper -proliferative skin disorder. It is the rapid growth of skin cells that is causing the lesions associated with psoriasis. Skin cells grow about 4 times faster than normal and this cause the formation of silvery layers. The reddish lesions covered with silver-white scales are found on areas such as the scalp, ears, knees, chest and lower back and elbows.

Psoriasis is stubborn and often difficult to deal with and it requires a lot of patience and long-term treatment. It is important to stick to the program. General health is not usually affected but the psychological stress needs to be taken into consideration.

Causes
According to Battaglia, it is difficult to determine the causes but the general thought is that it is caused by metabolic disturbances since it affects the whole body. Battaglia says, according to Pizzorno some indications are:

Some lesions may be caused by deficiency in essential fatty acids.
Incomplete protein digestion or poor intestinal absorption of protein breakdown products.
Several gut-derived toxins are implicated in the development of psoriasis.
Can be triggered by nervous tension and stress, cuts, infections, illness, viral and bacterial infections, sunburn or drugs such as lithium, chloroquine and beta blockers.

What to do
Before we get to what specific essential oils to use it is important to also consider the following:

Identify and address food allergies.
Use alteratives to promote detoxification.
Avoid stressful situations, fatigue, environmental changes (exposure to cold), trauma to the skin.
Manage inflammatory response by the use of anti-inflammatory remedies.
Use anti-inflammatory and antipruritic essential oils.

Aromatherapy plays a very important role in reducing stress. Battaglia suggests that lavender, sandalwood and bergamot are the most suitable of the oils to use. He says that they can be used as an inhalation, in a bath, or used in a 0.5-1% massage blend. For the massage blend he recommends to use Evening Primrose oil as a carrier.

Wheat germ oil can also be applied to patches on the face, and Battaglia says you can mix 2 drops of tea tree oils to every 10 ml of wheat germ and apply morning and evening.

Anti-inflammatory oils such as yarrow, helichrysum or German Chamomile should also be considered.

Battaglia says if the liver is overloaded by excess toxins in the blood then its detoxification ability is reduced, and it means the psoriasis will worsen. According to Battaglia, carrot seed and helichrysum have historically been used to correct abnormal liver function.

Oils for psoriasis recommended by Battaglia:

Essential oils:
Bergamot, cajuput, carrot seed, German Chamomile, helichrysum, juniper, lavender, sandalwood.

Other oils:
Infused calendula oil

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

This post is linked to:
Fat Tuesday

12:30 PM | Read more...

Wound Healing and Essential Oils

I think it is important to be prepared for emergencies so I keep essential oils and herbs in my first aid kit. We use both herbs (my husband is a Master Herbalist) and essential oils in our family, but I find it easier to use essential oils in certain situations. Essential oils have traditionally been used to promote healing of wounds. Essential oils that have traditionally been used for wound healing are German chamomile, frankincense, everlasting (Helichrysum), myrrh, lavender, neroli, rose, palmarosa, yarrow and sandalwood.

For wound treatment I would choose oils that are cicatrizant, astringent, and vulnerary. Oils with cicatrizant properties promote the healing of wounds and keep them antiseptic. They will also prevent formation of scar tissue. Some oils are vulnerary and they will also promote the healing of wounds and prevent the wounds from being infected. Oils with styptic actions will stop the local bleeding. Astringent oils will contract tissues in order to make them firmer, denser and decrease discharges.

Below is a formula I used as a compress several years ago to treat a wound. Compresses are very effective and useful in treating a small area. I would have added bergamot to this blend but it is phototoxic and we were out in the sun when I made this compress.

Wound Healing Compress:

Benzoin resinoid 3 drops - Its styptic property will arrest the bleeding
Roman Chamomile 3 drops - For disinfecting the wound. Its vulnerary, cicatrizant, and antiseptic properties will promote healing of the wound and prevent scar tissue.
Purified water 9 oz

Add the water to a bowl and then add the essential oils. soak a soft cloth, gauze or a piece of flannel in the water. Make sure that you wring it out so that it doesn't drip and apply to the injured area. It is preferable to cover the cloth with saran wrap and then a towel to keep the aromas in. Re-apply the compress once it dries out. Repeat the treatment 15 minutes to one hour. Do this three times a day if needed.

Other oils historically been used for wound healing:
German chamomile, frankincense, everlasting (Helichrysum), myrrh, lavender, neroli, rose, palmarosa, yarrow and sandalwood.

Calendula officinalis has also traditionally been used for the treatment of wound healing. It is generally used as an infused oil.

Other related posts:
Lavender to The Rescue
Make an Antiseptic Vinegar
Essential Oils for First Aid- Protect Your Family
How I Would Deal With A Scorpion Sting

This post is shared on:

Wildcrafting Wednesday

Simple Lives Thursday

Seasonal Celebration Sunday

Sunday School

Fat Tuesday

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways

SImple Living Wednesday

Healthy 2day Wednesday

4:42 PM | Read more...

Essential Oils and Candida Albicans

Candida albicans is a yeast found in various parts of the body, and it is part of the normal flora. Candida can be found in the mouth, throat, intestinal tract, and the genital tract. Candida is normally in balance with other bacteria and fungi in the body, but occasionally the balance of the bowel flora is interrupted. Interrupted balance of the bowel flora can cause the fungi to move through the blood to other areas of the body. Now different symptoms occur.

Symptoms

The mouth and the vagina are two areas where various symptoms can be found. When Candida appears in the mouth it is called thrush and can be recognized by white sores on the gums, inside the cheeks, and on the tongue. When Candida is found in the vaginal region it is called vaginitis, or it may also be called thrush. White discharge and itching are the most common symptoms. Untreated Candida may lead to fungal infections, cystitis, poor memory, and depression. It may also cause food intolerance, diarrhea, bloating and constipation. When treating Candida it is important to consider a change in diet, as well as natural remedies since yeast thrive in certain environments.

It is important to consider the various symptoms associated with the condition since they require different methods of administration. Essential oils with anti-fungal, antiseptic, and immune stimulants are the most suitable oils to use. It is also important to consider the digestive and psychological concerns. Candida can cause depression and digestive concerns as well.

Essential Oil Properties

Anti-fungal oils will destruct and suppress the growth of fungi, while antiseptic oils will prevent and counteract the growth of microorganisms. The immune stimulant oils inhibit the microorganisms as well as stimulate the immune system. If digestive discomforts such as diarrhea, constipation and bloating are a problem I would consider carminative and antispasmodic oils as well. Carminative oils will stimulate the peristalsis and assist in reducing gas. Since many antispasmodics have astringent properties as well as calming the nervous system, antispasmodics will reduce spasms and contractions and therefore may be beneficial in diarrhea. Hepatic oils are also important in order to enhance liver function. They strengthen the liver and assist in increasing the flow of bile.

Lemon
is a powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial and immune stimulant oil gentle enough for oral administration such as gargle and mouthwash.

Lavender
has immune stimulant, antimicrobial and antiseptic actions at the same time as it soothes the mind. It is a non - toxic oil with powerful actions and gentle enough for oral administration such as mouthwash and gargle too.

Tea tree,
Melaleuca alternifolia has shown remarkable activity both in vitro and as well as in vivo against Candida albicans. Tea tree is an immune stimulant and a powerful antimicrobial oil. The oil is safe enough to use for oral administration such as a mouthwash or gargle.

According to Battaglia, for oral thrush, 2 drops of tea tree can be added to warm water and used as a gargle and mouthwash after meal.

For vaginitis, douche and vaginal slides seems to be the most effective even though a sitz bath can be used. For a vaginal slide 15 drops of essential oils can be added to 100 grams of acidophilus yogurt and added to a tampon. For a sitz bath, fill the bath tub with enough water to cover the hips up to the waist only. Add 5 drops of essential oil per quart of water and mix well.

Valerie Ann Worwood suggests the following blend for Candida:

German Chamomile 5 drops

Lavender 5 drops

Tea tree 5 drops

Add the oils to about 100 grams of acidophilus yogurt and mix well. Use a tampon applicator to get the mixture in to the body. She also says the yogurt can be diluted with warm purified water until a thin fluid, add the essential oils and used as a douche.

Roman Chamomile
has antifungal, antiseptic and sedative properties. Chamomile may assist in stopping the overgrowth of yeast, at the same time as it soothes the mind with its sedative properties.

Bergamot
has antiseptic, antifungal and nervine properties. It also has an affinity with the urinary system. It is also an uplifting oil, and may assist in stabilizing the emotions and ease tension.

Bergamot and Roman Chamomile are gentle enough to be used on the delicate mucus membranes of the vagina.

Lavender, bergamot and chamomile can be used in a stomach massage. They may alleviate digestive discomfort and depression due to their sedative, carminative, antispasmodic, hepatic, immune stimulant and antimicrobial actions. An uplifting oil such as bergamot can be used in an oil burner or in a bath.

Dietary Consideration

Dietary considerations are important. Avoid food that cause allergies and this includes dairy and wheat. Grain, potatoes, eggplants, salted food, and tomatoes should be avoided. Avoid all refined carbohydrates and yeast containing food such as fermented beverages, beer, yeast bread, moldy cheeses and so on.

One clove garlic and one teaspoon of olive oil can be taken daily. Foods that can be eaten freely include fish, vegetables, poultry and meat. Natural yogurt, raw garlic, and rye bisquits are fine to eat. Vitamin C, E, A, and B-Complex are known to be beneficial for Candida. Digestive enzymes, Probiotic supplements and zinc should also be considered.

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