Essential Oils & Children - Fungal Infections
It is not uncommon for children to pick up an infection at various places. The swimming pools and the gym are breeding grounds for infectious fungi. The children can also get ringworm from pets, contaminated soil, or person to person contact. The better the immune system is the less chance it is to get an infection. I always build health first to make sure the little bodies can handle various challenges.
Ringworm
Ringworm
is not a worm, it is a superficial fungal infection of the skin. It has
a special ring formation that grows outward from the center and develop
a red ring appearance on the skin. It is most common on the scalp but
it can also appear on the body. It is contagious and can be spread from
person to person. They can be stubborn to treat, and patience and
consistence are required.
Some
essential oils that show anti-fungal properties are tea tree,
chamomile, geranium, lavender, myrrh, patchouli, and sandalwood.
One of the most powerful anti-microbial essential oil is tea tree/melaleuca. According to Valerie
Ann Worwood, 1 drop tea tree can be applied neat on the affected
area three times a day until it is clear. It normally takes 10 days, and
after that, she suggests to mix 30 drops tea tree with 2 tablespoons of massage oil.
Rub this blend over the area daily.
Valerie
Gennari Cooksley suggests the following blend. The blend is a 10%
dilution, as Cooksley thinks a concentrated blend is needed since fungal
infections can be very resistant.
Ringworm Treatment Oil
vegetable oil 2 tbls.
tea tree 25 drops
lavender 15 drops
geranium 5 drops
peppermint 5 drops
Vitamin E 400 IU
Add
the essential oils and the vitamin E to an empty dark glass bottle, add
the vegetable oil. Shake the bottle to mix well. Use a Q tip to apply
to the area. Cover the patch.
Athletes foot
It
doesn't take much for small little feet to get athlete's foot. Walking
barefoot in places like swimming pools where someone infected has been
can be enough.
Worwood's suggestions for athlete's foot are tea tree, lavender, and tagetes.
She
suggests a foot bath daily. Add 5 drops of tea tree to a cup of salt
and put in a large bowl of water. Let the child soak the feet for at
least five minutes daily.
Worwood
also suggests to make a foot powder by adding 10 drops of tea tree to a
cup of dry green clay. Mix it really well, and powder the feet
everyday.
A massage oil can also be made of 30 drops of tagetes to 2 tbls. of vegetable oil. Massage the feet before bed.
When
dealing with fungal infections it is important to avoid food that feed
yeast, change towels frequently, use only cotton socks, and drying the
skin well. Consider adding immune boosting nutrients, and repopulate the
friendly flora with Probiotics.
Don't forget to check the safety and dilution chart to make sure the oils are suitable for your child.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johanna is an aromatherapist and 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:
7:10 PM |
Read more...
Essential Oils and Candida Albicans
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the 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 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11:22 AM |
Read more...
