Essential Oils for Exhaustion

Underlying physiological reasons such anemia, hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis are some things that may cause exhaustion. It is also important to make sure that the exhaustion is not caused by overwork, excessive drinking, insomnia or that you're recovering from a bacterial or viral infection that would make you tired.

40% of the cases of tiredness/exhaustion cases are caused by lifestyle and psychological reasons. If these are recognized they can be worked on. It's a good idea to start with the working environment, is it too noisy, are you sitting too close to the photocopiers, do you use the computer all day, are you sitting in a good chair, is the lighting to dim, are you sitting close to the air vents?

Essential oils have historically been used for exhaustion, tiredness, and fatigue for a long time. The oils recommended for exhaustion can be used in all the usual way. At the bottom of this post you'll see some links to tips on how to use essential oils.

Worwood recommends the following:

Essential oils to help in cases of exhaustion:

Bergamot, eucalyptus globulus, eucalyptus radiata, rosemary, black pepper, cypress, grapefruit, ginger, marjoram, frankincense, lemon, cardamon and pine.

As you notice, some oils listed are traditionally used to calm, but Worwood says that overstimulation in tiredness can result in increased tiredness instead of relief from it.

Essential oils to help in cases of nervous exhaustion:

Juniper, rosemary, Roman chamomile, clary sage, lavender, petitgrain, orange, neroli and marjoram.

Essential oils to help in cases of general mental fatigue:

Basil, Eucalyptus Piperata, Eucalyptus Citridora, lemon, rosemary, peppermint, petitgrain,

Essential oils to help in cases of mental tiredness:

Marjoram, peppermint, clary sage, rosemary, lavender and grapefruit.

Essential oils to help in cases of intellectual fatigue:

Rosemary, cypress, black pepper, ginger, peppermint, lemon, grapefruit and basil.

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 safefy 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.

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. 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.

References

The Fragrant Mind, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1996

1:44 AM | Read more...

Essential Oils for Emotional Burnout

Burnout can affect the mental and emotional processes which influence the physical. The body shuts down when the emotions shut down, when there are no feelings anymore or tears to cry. There are many reasons why someone could get burnout, perhaps caring for a relative with terminal illness for a long time or a break up from a spouse.

When someone gets burnout it may paralyze a person, it may seem like all the feelings that normally make up a person's personality are gone. The person may feel like he or she is in a vacuum and can't reach out to others. The person may simply feel depressed and exhausted. The emotional side has closed down to recharge the batteries but the feelings are still there of course.

Valeri Worwood recommends the following essential oils for those with all kinds of emotional burnout:

Vetiver, rose Otto, patchouli, lavender, clary sage, sandalwood, frankincense, ginger, Roman chamomile, bergamot, neroli, Melissa, marjoram, sandalwood, lemon, helichrysum, jasmine, petitegrain.

How to

When making blends for burnout it is better to start softly, Worwood suggests to start with half the amount and use 15 drops to the usual 30 ml (1 oz) base oil for massage that she recommends. Use only 1-2 drops of a blend in the bath or 1-2 drops in the diffuser. Over time you can increase the amount and eventually add 30 drops to 30 ml of base oil.

Important

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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References

The Fragrant Mind, Valerie Ann Worwood, New World Library, 1996

9:33 AM | Read more...

Tips ~ Enjoy Essential Oil Aromas from Morning to Evening

Here are some ideas on how you can add aroma throughout the day to fully enjoy your day.

When you wake up

For an invigorating kick in the morning, use a blend of peppermint and mandarin (or tangerine or grapefruit. Diffuse or add to shampoo, lotion or shower gel. You can also add a couple of drops to a wash cloth and use in the shower. Peppermint can irritate the skin so dilute well and mandarin is phototoxic so don't apply to skin before sun exposure.

When you get to work

Once you get to work in can be a good idea to activate the brain. Rosemary is often called the ginko biloba of the west. Rosemary has historically been known to influence memory and efficiency. Add it to a diffuser, apply a couple of drops on a tissue and inhale, inhale straight from the bottle, or mix with massage oil and add to a roll-on bottle. Make sure you ask your co-workers before you add any oils to a diffuser. Avoid rosemary if you have high blood pressure, asthma or epilepsy.

After lunch

Many feel tired after lunch, perhaps even little bloated, especially if the lunch was ingested too quickly. Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is an antispasmodic and it is also known as the decision maker. According to the Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, for mental fatigue - inhale basil first, and then apply to the crown of the head, the forehead, the heart and the navel.

Dilute basil well before you apply to the skin and consult a health care practitioner if you suffer from high blood pressure. It should be used with caution in high blood pressure.

After work

Many are tired after work. Diffusing lavender is said to help you let go of things that happened at work or during the day. Lavender is cleansing and balancing. Bergamot is another useful oil which is soothing and healing.

When you want to sleep

Marjoram and orange are said to influence the central nervous system so psychological and physiological cramps are relaxed. These oils help tense muscles and thoughts to relax. Avoid marjoram if you have asthma and low blood pressure.

When you want to add some romance

Ylang ylang, jasmine and sandalwood can be very useful if your rather snuggle with your partner than go to sleep.

These are just some ideas. Be creative how you use your oils throughout the day, I like to add a roll on top to my bottles, mix my own blends and add to a roll on bottle and bring with me in my purse when I leave my house.

Other posts of interest:

Do You have a Hard Time at Work?

Do You Feel Overwhelmed?

Uplifting 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

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.

Photo credit #1, #2
Photo credit #3
Photo credit #4
Photo credit #5
Photo credit #6

Source:

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

Hälsa. Nr 10. Oktober 2003

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

11:56 AM | Read more...

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.

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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Source:

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

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

12:43 PM | Read more...

Fragrance Energetics

'Fragrance energetics' was developed by Peter Holmes and it is a system where the aroma of essential oils is linked to their impact on their psyche. Jennifer Peace Rhind, in her book A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice, writes that Peter Holmes "suggests that it is the energetic dimension of a fragrance that elicits responses within an individual, that manifest on cognitive, emotional and spiritual levels." Rhind also writes that Holmes "suggests that if the root of disease is in the psyche, the fragrance of the essential oils will work via the psychoneuroendocrine pathway, thus healing the physical dimension, and vice versa."

There are three fragrance parameters in fragrance energetics:
tone - The quality of the odor and the most significant
intensity and note -The evaporation rate

There are also six fragrance categories adapted to include the most common characteristics and odor types that can be found in essential oils. The different categories are rooty, lemony, spicy, green, sweet and woody. Specific therapeutic effects can be brought out by these six fragrance characteristics according to Holmes.

High/top tone oils such as citrus oils, niaouli, eucalyptus, ravintsara, mimosa absolute, ylang yland extra, and lavender will have an uplifting and stimulating effect.

Low/base tone oils such as sandalwood, vetivert, patchouli, most pine oils, woody oakmoss, and cinnamon will have a sedative and depressing effect.

According to Rhind, Holme suggested that:

"•Spicy oils are stimulating, invigorating, intensifying, awakening, opening and dispersing.

•Sweet oils are relaxing, calming, harmonising, regulating, moistening, dissolving, nourishing and regenerating.

•Lemony oils are clearing, clarifying, sensitising, focusing, energising and invigorating.

•Green oils are balancing and regulating, cooling, relaxing, clearing and clarifying.

•Woody oils are centring, contracting, grounding and strengthening.

•Rooty oils are stabilising, grounding, solidifying, tonifying, desensitising and calming."

Jennifer Peace Rhind. Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice Kindle Edition.

The different odor effects can be chosen to counteract negative moods. When feeling insecurity and loss of boundaries the 'woody' sandalwood can be used to help since according to Rhind, it has contracting and centring properties.

Holmes also explored the application of essential oils using the Chinese medicine philosophy, where they correspond in terms of warm/cool qualities and their meridian tropisms. He also explored the essential oils' relationship with Zang Fu, (Chinese organ) models, and their relationship with the Chinese Five Elements.

He also explored acupoint applications, which means that essential oils are applied on the skin with a Q-tip before the acupuncture needle is inserted.

I found this very fascinating and I highly recommend Jennifer Peace Rhind's book, A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. Peter Holmes has also written books which I haven't read yet but they are on my wish list. A list of his books can be found here.

Source:
Jennifer Peace Rhind. Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice. Kindle Edition.

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12:57 PM | Read more...

Shingles ~ Herpes zoster

Years ago I worked in elder care back in my home country and I had a couple of clients with shingles and it was very painful for them. In elderly people the pain can persist for months or even years. I wish I would have known about essential oils and natural healing when I cared for them.

Shingles is an active short-lived viral infection of the central nervous system. It affects certain areas of the skin and the affected skin areas become sensitive. It usually starts with fever, chills and sometimes intestinal upset. The affected skin area becomes excessively sensitive on the third or fourth day and painful blisters appear on the fourth or fifth day. The blisters erupt on the nerve pathway and crust, and they normally heal within 5 days.

The shingles are caused by the Varicella zoster, which is also responsible for chicken pox. Many viruses are dormant in sensory nerves after childhood chicken pox. A compromised immune system caused by stress, illness or long-term use of corticosteroids can cause the dormant viruses to become active again.

Gary Young suggests the following single oils for shingles:
Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree)
Elemi (Canarium luzonicum)
Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica)
Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Oregano ( Origanum compactum)
Blue cypress (Callitris intratropica)
Sandalwood Santalum album)
Mountain Savory Satureja montana)
Thyme thymol Thymus vulgaris CT thymol)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

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