Okay, okay, I'll dial it down.... 1/2 a notch.... maybe! Essential oil of peppermint, how-some-ever, should be in EVERYone's medicine cabinet. Allow me to explain (and I'll try not to dramatize too much). I am learning about, and coming to love, essential oils. That is, the oil that is extracted from such plants as roses, lavender and, yes, peppermint to name just a (very) few.
The main reason I decided to buy this book was because I am a certified massage therapist and, at the time, was working for a minor league hockey team. I needed good oil recipes for the care of these men's abused muscles. I found those recipes in Aromatherapy and learned a good bit for my personal use in the process.
From time to time, I suffer from migraines. Well, I suffer from them if I don't catch them early enough or, occasionally, if they're so bad catching them early enough merely means being able to keep the pain to a semi-tolerable level. On those particular days, I resort to a trick I learned from reading Ms. Fitzsimmons' book. Mentha x piperita. Peppermint oil. A drop (just 1) on the finger tip and massage it into my aching temples, across my forehead at the hairline and even up the back up of my neck. Peppermint has properties that cause a capillary reaction; they warm from the oil (which is a conundrum because peppermint is cooling oil... but it really does warm!) and expand allowing increased blood flow which, in turn, allows the meds to reach where they're most needed. The warming action is also a distraction to your nerves. Instead of busily throbbing from the pain, they think "Oh. Look. Heat. Let's pay attention here!"
A piece of advice when using this oil in this manner? Make sure you have nowhere to drive yourself. Something about the fumes from the oil can make your eyes feel like they'd rather stay closed. Indulge them. Lie back and let the oil and meds, do the work. Also, if your headaches and/or migraines make you sensitive to smells, you might not want to try this. The Squirt absolutely can NOT stand strong smells when she gets a migraine. Which, unfortunately, means she can’t use this oil to reduce her pain. If you're desperate enough to try it anyway, try it in smaaaaaaall doses. Peppermint oil really is very strong. I would suggest diluting it in a small bottle of canola oil (yes, canola cooking oil can be rubbed into the skin and it will absorb. I used it on my hockey players all the time.). One drop in about 2 tablespoons should do it. If it's still too strong for you, dilute it with one more tablespoon of oil. If that doesn't work, you may be one of the unlucky few like the Squirt.
(aside)
Another headache reliever is Lavender oil. It's a milder scent than peppermint and also very good at relieving tension headaches. In this case, don't rub it into the skin. Put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and keep it near your nose. As the scent soothes and relaxes you, the pain should also subside.
(back to the story)
Another thing about peppermint oil, it's good for an upset stomach. I'd actually recommend drinking peppermint tea rather than the oil, but I know Europeans will put a drop or two in a glass of warmish-hot water and drink it. I tried that. Not a pleasant taste (tho' it did work). Go with the tea. Honestly. Or, as an alternative if you don't have tea, peppermint gum. Of course, now you're diluted with sugars, etc., but it can help a bit to calm the tummy and when you're hurting... any port in a storm, eh?
Now, for the treat. A couple of Ms. Fitzsimmons recipes using that wonderful oil, mentha x piperita. We've all pushed ourselves a little too far, or turned at just the wrong moment in just the right/wrong way and BAM! we've pulled or sprained a muscle. I've used the following recipe to great effect on both athletes and non-athletes alike. If you want to make up more than just a couple of tablespoons worth of this mix, be sure to put it in a dark brown or blue bottle and keep it stored in a dry, dark place (like your pantry... just label it well so someone doesn't mistake it for some sort of exotic cooking oil!)
Muscle Sprain Remedy:
10 drops Eucalyptus oil
10 drops Peppermint oil
10 drops Rosemary oil
Mix the oils into 2 tablespoons of vegetable (or canola) oil. Cool sprain with ice pack for 20 minutes, then massage with blend. (Warning: do not use rosemary oil if you are pregnant or epileptic. It is not recommended to use rosemary oil on infants as it is rather strong for them.)
This still feels good if you don't have a sprain, just stiff, tired muscles. Rosemary and peppermint are very good for getting the circulation going.
And for those of you who can't use an alcohol-based mouthwash, this next (and last for tonight) recipe is for you.
Mouthwash:
4 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Peppermint oil
Mix the oils into 2 cups of distilled water (or water you have boiled and allowed to cool). Don't knock it until you've tried it. The flavoring differences between peppermint and lemon make a refreshing, effective and tasty brew. [just be sure to shake well before each use.... oil and water and all that]
Now, lest any of you think I would just pull an idea or recipe out of my hat and throw it at you, rest assured that I will not post anything on this site for which I haven't already done empirical testing. In other words, I've already tried it and it's worked. This is also not to say the things that work for me will have the same effect for you. If you even suspect you are having a reaction to something, cease all usage immediately and, if it doesn't clear up, see your doctor. Better safe than sorry.
That said, I also want it understood that, while I like essential oils and think aromatherapy is a good and relaxing thing, I do not think these things take the place of medications your doctor may have prescribed for you. If you are already on medications, please check with your physician to be sure none of your medications will react badly to any essential oils.
However, I do think essential oils have their place in our arsenal against headaches, germs, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, tummy troubles, etc. After all, God created the plants these oils came from and He said in Ezekiel 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side on and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat....: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." God wanted us healthy. He wanted us happy. He invented herbs, oils and, more recently, what we call "modern" medications for us. Trying the "natural route" is fine and to be encouraged, but don't abandon your doctor all together. Learn to mix the two harmoniously.
One final note, a legitimate, caring herbalist or aroma-therapist will be more than happy to deal with your doctor as needed. If you find someone who tries the line "I can help you where your doctor cannot. And he will not be able to find out about this illness without causing it to spread too rapidly to cure...." is a snake oil salesman. Pure and simple. The same way "beautiful oriental women to massage you" parlors give legitimate massage therapists a bad name, so do these snake oil salesmen give legitimate herbalist and aroma-therapists a bad name. RUN. FROM. THEM! You can find someone legitimate by asking around. And by questioning the herbalist or aroma-therapist about their willingness to give details to your doctor.
Okay, okay one more "One Final Note", this one from Ms. Fitzsimmons' website (which is listed below):
Leave It to the Pros:
Just because [plants/oils are] found in nature, that doesn't mean you don't need to exercise care when using essential oils. Essential oils are potent and concentrated extracts and are approximately 75-100 times more concentrated than a dried plant. Pure essential oils from plants must appear in the product in quantities considered therapeutic and should ideally be of the finest quality.
A trained aromatherapist understands the therapeutic properties of each plant that offer natural healing actions and knows the appropriate use of each essential oil, including how to blend oils properly. This allows them to create safe and effective aromatherapy solutions.
This is not to say you can't use the recipes provided. These are recipes Ms. Fitzsimmons has specifically created and printed for your use and enjoyment.
And don't be afraid to educate yourself! http://www.aromatherapysolutions.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.