TGIF: Inhale and Unwind!

AromaTalk Tip of the Week: Bi-Polar Challenges

"I have an 8 year old son who is Bi-polar. His oil of choice is Peppermint. He puts it on his temples for headaches, around his belly button for his stomach aches, and on the back of his neck to regulate his body temperature. His body overheats with his Bi-polar medicine, and this is all we can find to comfort him."

~Tammy Eirdam, Kalispell, MT

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AromaHelp Tip of the Week: Arthritis

Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation of the joints specifically; there are 2 main types.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the connective tissue around joints which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, and is often accompanied by weight loss and tiredness. It seems to affect women more than men and, unlike osteo-arthritis, usually attacks pairs of joints. In severe cases, the joints can become crippled and deformed.

Osteo-arthritis is a progressive wearing away of cartilage which results in severe pain and reduced mobility. The connective tissue thickens and fluid may fill the joint, causing swelling.

Aromatherapy can help to relax muscles and relieve pain, but it cannot renew worn cartilage nor can it always help to relieve pain in the bone. A change in diet plus adding whole food nutritional supplements to reduce inflammation can support and nourish the body on a cellular level.

One of the most effective natural supplements for reducing the pain associated with arthritis is MSM which is an exceptionally bioavailable source of sulfur that restores flexibility to cell membranes and slows the breakdown of cartilage. Young Living Essential Oils Sulfurzyme capsules combine the power of MSM with the nutrients of the Ningxia wolfberry to enhance proper assimilation and metabolism of sulfur.

Below are just a few essential oils useful for arthritic conditions:

German and Roman Chamomile,Wintergreen

for inflammation.

Juniper, Eucalyptus, Cypress, Lemon, Rosemary, Helichrysum

are useful for swelling.

Black Pepper, Marjoram, Ginger, Nutmeg

are warming, help relax muscles, relieve mild pain.

Peppermint has been studied for its ability to kill pain by blocking substance P and calcium channels. *

*Gobel et al., "Effect of peppermint and eucalyptus oil preparations on neurophysiological and experimental algesimeteric headache parameters."Cephalalgia. 1994 Jun;14(3):228-34;discussion 182

Bath: Warm soaking baths can help to relax muscles and relieve pain. Sprinkle 2 drops each of Lavender, Rosemary, and 3 drops of Eucalyptus with several drops of carrier oil and/or a cup of sea or epsom salts in the water. If pain is severe, add a further 2 drops of Roman Chamomile.

Massage: Blend 5 drops each of Juniper, Eucalyptus, Roman Chamomile, and Lavender in 2 oz carrier oil or unscented lotion and apply a generous amount regularly to affected areas.

Caution: Apply only gentle pressure and avoid massage of painful or inflamed joints.

Be Well,

Jennifer