Jo's Health Corner: antispasmodic

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

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Essential Oils Especially For Women

Essential oils can be very useful for female concerns. In fact, aromatherapy is one of the most effective methods of dealing with pregnancy, menopausal, and menstrual problems. Many essential oils have been used to help regulate the hormone production and they can relax or uplift. Many oils are also very useful for reducing stress-related tension which may make the symptoms worse.

According to Battaglia, jasmine and rose may be used to relieve specific complaints, such as menstrual problems, since they have a general strengthening effect on the female reproductive system.

Some essential oil constituents have hormonal like behavior since their structure is similar to hormones. This means they interact with the receptors that identify hormones. According to Battaglia, estrogenic activity has been found in oils such as sweet fennel and ansiseed.

According to Salvatore Battaglia, oils with these properties are considered useful in treating conditions associated with the reproductive system:

Antispasmodics
Essential oils such as clary sage, Roman and German chamomile, sweet marjoram, and lavender may be used for conditions like menstrual cramps and labor pains.

Emmenagogues
According to Salvatore Battaglia, essential oils with emmenagogue actions have the ability to promote menstrual discharge, and they have may be used to treat amenorrhea and scanty periods.
Oils with emmenagogue actions are basil, German and Roman chamomile, clary sage, sweet fennel, lavender, juniper berry, sweet marjoram, rose, rosemary, myrrh, and peppermint.

Galactagogues
Galactagogues are used to increase milk flow. Galactagogue essential oils include aniseed, jasmine, sweet fennel, dill, and lemongrass.

Uterine tonics
Uterine tonics have a toning and strengthening effect on the whole system, on the tissue of the organs. Oils that are uterine tonics include jasmine, clary sage, myrrh, frankincense, and rose.

Parturients
Oils with parturient properties help induce labor by stimulating contraction. Essential oils that are parturient are jasmine, nutmeg and rose.

Antimicrobial
Essential oils with antiseptic and antibacterial properties may be used to treat vaginal pruritus and thrush, as well as leucorrhea. Antimicrobial oils include eucalyptus, bergamot, myrrh, German chamomile, rose, sandalwood and tea tree.

My favorites

Geranium
Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. Geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, it stimulates the adrenal cortex, which regulates the hormonal system, and therefor geranium is traditionally recommended for where fluctuating hormones are a problem. Battaglia, says it useful in treating PMS and menopause problems.
According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.

Clary sage
(Salvia sclarea) essential oil contains natural phytoestrogens. It has a mellow, warm, herbal scent that is uplifting and relaxing, making it a perfect choice for supporting a normal, healthy attitude during PMS. It is also supportive for menopausal women.

Roman chamomile
(Chamaemelum nobile) has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming for both mind and body. Its gentleness makes it especially valuable for restless children. Soothing to all types of skin, it is used extensively in Europe in skin preparations. Roman chamomile is also beneficial when added to massage oil for relief of muscle discomfort after exercise. Roman chamomile was one of the Saxons' nine sacred herbs.

Jasmine
is a great oil for emotional problems. Jasmine is a great oil for emotional problems, and according to Battaglia it is an anti-depressant. He also says it has historically been helpful in childbirth. Battaglia says if it is massaged in the back and the lower abdomen, it may relieve pain in the lower abdomen and strengthen the contractions.

According to Battaglia, jasmine has historically been used to assist in the expulsion of the placenta. Its hormonal activity is useful in menstrual problems. According to Battaglia, jasmine has traditionally been a good oil for for the skin and may help in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and dry aggravated skin.

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.

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