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One of the most sought after therapeutic effects from medicines, natural or synthetic, is pain relief. And it may be the single most important one, in that an effective pain reliever can truly change someone’s life. Make it possible to do things that may otherwise not be possible. In America, it’s rare that the word ‘Aromatherapy’ comes to mind when considering effective approaches to pain, but a little known essential oil is quickly growing in popularity for one big reason: safe, effective pain relief. A Superior Pain Reliever There are a few simple points a pain reliever needs to meet to be widely used and accepted: First, it needs to work — and that Helichrysum does. Many folks find relief of joint, neck, muscle or back pain nearly immediate upon application. And it’s not just a dulling of the feeling, it really actually goes away. Second, it needs to be safe — and this essential oil truly is. It’s one of the very rare essential oils that is noted by most aromatherapists as safe for use in its undiluted form. It comes with a very short list of contraindications (a doctor should be consulted if using blood thinning medication or by hemophiliacs, and it should not be used on large open wounds); it is noted as non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. It has absolutely no potential to be addictive. AND, it should be easy to use. Rubbing a little liquid on painful spots is pretty simple! A Look at the Chemistry: Why Helichrysum Works An essential oil is simply a natural volatile (easily evaporated) liquid extracted from plant matter. Essential oils are actually very complex, often made up of many, many natural chemicals — all in each single oil. Science clearly backs-up the claims of Helichrysum through an investigation into its chemistry. Within the essential oil from Helichrysum italicum (the therapeutic species of this essential oil) chemists have found compounds that are anti-inflammatory and prevent bruising (the curcumenes, similar to the anti-inflammatory compounds found in the spice ‘turmeric’); others that are muscle relaxants (the anti-spasmodic ‘esters’) which loosen tightly-knotted muscles; regenerative agents (the di-ketones, which are unique to this essential oil), and axiolytics (linalool, for example, shown in many studies to significantly calm stress). These compounds ’synergize’ — meaning together they do more than the single components are expected to — for a profound pain relieving action (in addition to the anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and axiolytic activity). What Kind of Pain Can it Help? What sorts of pain can be addressed using this essential oil? Helichrysum is topically applied , and as such works for virtually all pain in the muscular-skeletal system: Muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. All kinds of back pain and neck pain can be helped, as are traumatic injuries such as bruises, sprains and strains. Helichrysum is excellent to have around the house of sports enthusiasts — one 42 year old hockey player in Boulder, Colorado refers to it as ‘the magic oil’ for all the beating-up he takes in the rink. Arthritis can be helped too (warming oils like Ginger and Black Pepper can be blended with it, if warming helps the condition). It’s safety and efficacy is really remarkable: nearly every form of pain seems to respond positively to Helichrysum essential oil application, whereas the oil has only one commonly-noted warning. As it acts as a blood thinner, those taking blood thinning medication should consult their physician before using, and the oil should never be applied to open wounds as to not interfere with coagulation. How to Use Helichrysum Essential Oil for the Greatest Benefit There are essentially two unique conditions which determine the way the essential oil is used: whether the injury or pain is Acute (just occurred) or Chronic (has been present for some time, and is not obviously healing). For acute cases, like one has JUST twisted an ankle, banged a knee, or burned themselves, Helichrysum is applied ‘neat’, or directly from the bottle at 100% strength. This gets the most amount of oil delivered to the area as quickly as possible. Once an injury is not getting worse, or the condition or pain has been present for some time, Helichrysum is often diluted to about 20% in an oil that acts as a ‘massage’ base. Helichrysum and this ‘carrier’ oil (Jojoba is commonly used) are then frequently massaged-in; this method helps conservative the essential oil, and prevents it from evaporating, rather than penetrating through the skin. In most cases of chronic pain, diluting in another ‘carrier’ oil — like Sweet Almond, Jojoba, or even Olive oil — will ‘extend’ the Helichrysum, and can help improve its effects over a larger area. If using for the entire mid-back area for example, one can dilute one part Helichrysum into 5 or even 10 parts Jojoba oil and massage-in as frequently as necessary. Making our own formulation is very easy to do. It is recommended to start of with lower dilutions and work your way up only if necessary; this helps you conserve the precious oil by only using as much as required for the desired results. Forty drops of Helicrysum in each ounce of carrier oil will create an approximate 5 percent dilution; eighty drops for a 10 percent dilution; etc. Mixing With Other Essential Oils Helichrysum essential oil can be blended with other essential oils in your formula to make a ‘custom’ recipe. Tea tree can be added to provide antiseptic / antibactieral action. Lavender is an excellent choice if you would like to add a little ‘anti-stress’ effect. To further enhance the anti-inflammation of the essential oil, Blue Chamomile is an excellent choice (which is most effective used at a low dilution of only 1-2% of the total formula). For a warming effect, Ginger or Black Pepper can be used; these oils will increase circulation and are often included in blends for arthritis support. For even more effective pain relief, Wintergreen essential oil can be used cautiously — it is actually liquid aspirin, with a potential for overdose. The two oils together can synergize for an extra-strength pain formula for occasional use. Finally, Helichrysum is used in wound and scar healing formulas (again, once the wound is sealed) mixed with Sea Buckthorn Berry, in a base of Rosehip Seed oil (there are many versions of this recipe — a little searching will help you find the right one for you). Use RIGHT KIND of Helichrysum for Best Results When using Helichrysum essential oil, it is essential to find a very specific type: Helichrysum ‘italicum’. There are other species of this oil available, but this is the one that offers the great pain relief discussed here. It is one of nature’s most profound pain relievers, helping a great many people with a wide variety of conditions. It works for a great many symptoms of pain, safely and effectively. (It is, of course, imperative one discusses the use of the oil if being treated for any condition by a doctor to be sure in your individual condition.) Helichrysum essential oil is simple to use and readily available through Internet sources — it is, as of yet, difficult to find in local health food stores in the United States, though this may be changing soon). So whatever your needs for this type of therapy, Helichrysum essential oil can really be worth investigating. The author regularly employs pure aromatherapy essential oils and Bach flowers therapy in her practice. |
Tags: alternative-health, Aromatherapy, disease, essential oils, health, illness, massage, natural health, pain, pain relief, sports, wellness