GHS Natural Health Blog

The use of essential oils is not limited to aromatherapy and beautiful smelling candles. Essential oils are believed to have some very powerful, medicinal and therapeutic effects. In this article we will discuss some of the healing uses and properties of various types of Essential Oils.

Pain: Essential oils are especially effective when treating pain. Massaging oils and lotions are some of the very best ways to apply it to the body. Some oils to consider include, clove bun, chamomile, lemongrass and lavender. These are all great for numbing and subsequently reducing pain. To decrease the swelling often associated with pain, it is best to use chamomile, juniper, lavender and rose. These oils help to reduce both pain and swelling. Other essential oils work to reduce pain by blocking the brain’s pain signals. These oils include lemongrass, frankincense and ginger.

Sleep Trouble: Essential oils which are good for inducing sleep, include mandarin, orange blossom, frankincense, tangerine, clary sage, chamomile and sandalwood. These work well when used in bath water or directly on the skin using massage oils or lotions

Headaches: Lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and basil are just a few of the essential oils that work well in alleviating various types of headaches.

Stress: The essential oils bergamot, lavender, marjoram, rose and chamomile, amongst others, help to alleviate feelings of stress.

Depression: Essential oils such as bergamot, cardamom, clove, clary sage, orange and lemon Melissa have antidepressant properties. They work well to help remedy mild levels of depression and the blahs.

Stimulation: If you are having trouble staying alert, you may want to grab these essential oils; basil, cinnamon, black pepper, clove, peppermint, ginger, rosemary or angelica. They help to stimulate the mind and the body.

High Blood Pressure: Most people aren’t aware that essential oils have medicinal qualities. Neroli, tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, Melissa and geranium are known to help lower blood pressure. Of course, this does not mean that one is to ditch their high blood pressure medicine, but these oils are great to take in concert with medication that is already being prescribed.

Bacterial Infections: Some essential oils have very strong antibacterial properties. Some good ones to consider include cinnamon, garlic, savory, clove bud, bay laurel, thyme, bay rum, pine rose, tea tree, myrtle, lemongrass and lavender. The above oils can help treat bladder, gum, skin, sinus, throat and bowel infections. They can either be ingested through the skin or inhaled.  The right essential oils can also aid in helping to treat urinary tract infections. Sitzbaths and massages using oils with niaouli or sandlewood rubbed on the belly and around the kidney portion of the lower back can be very effective.

Viral Infections: Many essential oils have strong antiviral elements. Bay, black pepper, garlic, cinnamon bark myrrh, melissa, oregano and rose are some of the standouts. You will also find, if you look closely, that some cough drops and cold medications have some of these same oils.

Essential oils not only smell great, but they also have very strong healing properties. Their use can curtail many common ailments of the skin and the mind. They work well to lift the spirits. If one is interested in using alternative methods to heal sickness or to lift their mood, essential oils and aromatherapy are a fantastic place to begin.

 Visit Global Herbal Supplies for a full range of essential oils.

Reference: George Key

If you haven’t tried Aromatherapy massage, you have to read this article to get informed what you miss. An aromatherapy massage can be great way to relax and to relieve tired, sore muscles and a stressed out mind.

The practice of aromatherapy involves using essential oils from plants to heal the body, decrease pain and help keep one’s moods in check. It can help in decreasing depression, increase focus and provides a “pick me up”. Essential oils come from roots, flowers and plant extracts.

Aromatherapy massage utilizes these essential oils for all of these benefits. They can also be used for other spa-like treatments, for example facials and hydrotherapy baths.

To prepare essential oils for a aromatherapy massage, they should be combined with a carrier oil such as Grapeseed or Sweet Almond oil. The oils that you use will depend on how you are feeling, what you are looking to accomplish or what ailment that you are trying to treat. If you are feeling sad, or stressed, Lavender oil is a good essential oil to use. If you need to treat tired and sore muscles, then you may opt for Peppermint oil.

A massage therapist can mix up to five essential oils to create your massage oil. You want to make sure that you work with an aromatherapist who is qualified and that knows how to properly mix and use the massage oils so that you don’t suffer any skin irritations or other negative reactions.

Many store brought products claim to use aromatherapy. However, it most cases, these include little more then perfumes and fragrances. These do not quality as aromatherapy. Real aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, which most of these products do not contain. Instead, most of these use chemicals and not essential oils. So don’t be fooled. You won’t get the same benefits that essential oils provide.

If you are interested in creating your own aromatherapy massage blend, you may want to try the following recipe.

Massage Oil:

• 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil blend, or single essential oil
• 1 ounce of carrier oil
• You will need to mix the oils. The mixture should be stored in a cobalt glass or amber bottle or container. You can use this blend whenever you get your next massage.

An aromatherapy massage can be great way to relax and to relieve tired, sore muscles and a stressed out mind. If you plan on creating your own massage oil, be sure to mix your essential oil blend with a carrier oil so that you do not irritate the skin. You should not place essential oils directly into the skin without a carrier oil. Also, be sure to only use safe oils that will not negatively react to the skin. This may require that you do a little research to determine which essential oils are not safe for human use. Also never use essential oils on babies or young children.

Arthritis is a generic term that encompasses more than 100 different diseases, all of which cause pain, stiffness, and usually swelling in the joints. According to the National Arthritis Foundation, arthritis affects nearly 43 million Americans and is the leading cause of physical disability. Although it affects people of all ages, it most commonly develops as people get older.

The causes of most types of arthritis are unknown, although certain factors— particularly excess weight and joint injuries caused by accidents or overuse—increase risk. Genetic factors can increase risk for some types of arthritis. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage and bone, particularly in the fingers and weight-bearing joints such as the spine, hips, and knees. Treatments include regular exercise, medication, and if a joint is seriously deformed, surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis, the most severe form of arthritis, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing inflammation that can eventually lead to serious damage, including bone erosion and dislocated joints. In some cases, the heart, lungs, and eyes also are affected. Effects of the disease can be limited by regular exercise during periods of remission and by rest and anti-inflammatory medications during attacks. Juven-ile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in children. It often is mild, disappearing after several years, but serious cases can last a lifetime.

Gout results from an accumulation of uric acid in the blood, which leads to deposits of uric acid crystals in a joint. Typically, the first joint to be affected is the one in the big toe; other joints of the extremities—fingers, wrist, knee, and ankle—often become affected as well. Attacks, which last for days, can be extremely painful. Fortunately, gout generally can be successfully controlled. Uric acid is a waste product of the digestion of compounds called purines; avoiding foods rich in purines prevents or reduces the severity of attacks. During attacks, anti-inflammatory and corticosteroid drugs counteract joint inflammation and pain