Recent studies corroborate the use of aromatherapy for pain relief. “Aromatherapy is effective because it works directly on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center,” says Mehmet Oz, MD, professor of surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City. “This has important consequences because the thinking part of the brain can’t inhibit the effects of the scent, meaning you feel them instantaneously.” Of the many uses of aromatherapy, pain relief is only one; anxiety reduction and rejuvenation are other common objectives.
Dr. Oz, a cardiovascular surgeon, studied aromatherapy to find alternative methods to expedite recovery time and reduce anxiety in heart patients. Dr. Oz and his collaborator, clinical aromatherapist Jane Buckle, PhD, recommend using 15 drops of an essential oil, such as lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus, diluted with 1 oz. (2 Tbsp.) of a “carrier” or neutral oil, such as almond, avocado or jojoba, dabbed directly on the skin. This means you literally have scented relief on you when you need it, says Dr. Oz.
Alan Hirsch, MD, neurologist at the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, believes you don’t have to limit yourself to essential oils. Limiting the length of your exposure to certain scents, however, will ensure they remain effective. “Short-term exposure is key because people stop responding to scents after a few minutes.
To use aromatherapy for pain, relaxation, and rejuvenation, Drs. Hirsch and Oz recommend trying these scents.
Relax: vanilla. In the Columbia University Medical Center study, subjects who smelled vanilla while completing stress tests had more stable heart rates and blood pressure readings than those who took the tests in an unscented environment.
Try: Place a few drops of vanilla extract onto a handkerchief and carry it with you throughout the day.
Recharge: peppermint, jasmine, citrus. These scents make you feel more awake. “Even though these scents are pleasant, they act as mild irritants and the effect is similar to that of smelling salts,” explains Dr. Hirsch.
Try: Sprinkle a few drops of the essential oil of your choice in a candle diffuser, or dilute two drops in 1 tsp. of avocado or almond oil, then rub it onto the back of your hand.
Relieve: Green apple. “We found that the smell of green apples reduced the severity and duration of migraine headache pain and may have a similar effect on joint pain,” says Dr. Hirsch. “The scent seems to reduce muscle contractions, which are the main cause of pain in migraines.”
Try: For aromatherapy pain relief, eat a green apple for a snack or bathe with green apple bath salts.
Mable
wondering what to use in case of pain: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia or L. vera or L. officinalis) is superb and safe (except for the few having the bad luck of being allergic to Linalool). There are more antipain- and antistress oils like Immortelle (Helicrysum Italicum) and Majoran (Origanum majorana), but inform yourself well first, about when, how and how much to-use! For Dutch readers, check twitter @weldaad_nl or the information on my site weldaad.nl
Essential oils should be used diluted in a good carrier-oil. I only suggest Lavender, Immmortelle and Teatree to be used undiluted, and then only a little when really neccessary.
Then: @Donna,
What is the latin name of the Pli oil?
And about Green apple: I suggest eating apples. The only apple-oil I know is a synthetic one, and for therapeutic use I suggest NOT to use synthetic, but only good-quality-pure-essential-oils!
If I a mistaken and real oil made from pure apples does exist: please let me know (of course with good (among others gas-chromatologic) information!
This past summer I began experiencing pain and acute stiffness in my thumb joint, several other finger digits and my lower back. It was a bit of a surprise to discover upon awakening that my finger joints did not want to move and hurt when they did!
I have found two things that have relieved my symptoms when they flare up. One is reducing dairy, sugar and wheat in my diet. I see a direct relationship between my discomfort and the amount of these foods that I consume. The other relief has come from the use of essential oils.
The oil I use for arthritis is a synergist blend of several oils each with their own potent powers. These powers include pain relief, swelling reduction, cell regeneration, antioxidant action, cooling, anti-biotic benefits and cleansing of toxins. My experience of this blend resulted in immediate reduction of the inflammation and dissolution of the experienced pain. My friends who have tried this product experience equally rapid relief.
For those of you who would like to explore the power of essential oils, I recommend using only the highest quality oils. I am blessed to have found a fantastic, pure source of essential oil products. The products I have been using are tested thoroughly for efficacy and purity. Toxin and free of fillers, the oils come in their original concentrated form and each and every batch is tested, each and every time.
There are several options available for the relief of symptoms associated with arthritis. As a daily user of essential oils, I would be pleased to share that knowledge with you directing you to potent, natural, alternative solutions for your discomfort.
Feel free to drop me a note in request of more information: reson8 peace@ yahoo.com.
Kathleen Boldt
PS. Fun news piece: tonight at the 2011 Grammies, the essential oil company where I purchase my products is one of the privileged companies that is contributing their products to the star’s gift bags. How fun!
Sincerly
Bonnie
Carolyn Kimball
carolyn.kimball@yahoo.com
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