New Delhi: If medications aren't easing your pain, you might be interested in finding alternative remedies for relief. Essential oils may be one natural way to relieve pain.
Essential oils are highly fragrant substances found within the petals, stems, roots, and other parts of plants. They’re typically removed from the plant though steam distillation.
The oils resulting from this centuries-old technique may improve physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. Each type of oil has its own unique scent and benefits. These oils can be used individually or as blends.
Researchers have found evidence to suggest that certain oils may treat the symptoms of certain ailments, such as:
inflammation
headaches
depression
sleep disorders
respiratory problems
However, various researchs such as a research by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It doesn’t regulate essential oils. This means that essential oil products can vary in purity, strength, and quality across manufacturers. Therefore, be sure to only purchase essential oils from reputable brands.
These oils can be inhaled or applied topically when mixed with a carrier oil but never apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin. Also remember, do not swallow essential oils but yes do a skin patch test before applying diluted essential oils to your skin.
Essential oils are particularly useful in the management of chronic pain as in the case of arthritis and sciatica. What makes them even more special is that, besides easing the pain, they help remedy at least some of the conditions that caused the pain.
For instance, when peppermint essential oil is used on aching muscles, it not only relieves pain but improves blood circulation to the area, reducing the inflammation that causes the pain.
Likewise, the lavender essential oil commonly used to relieve headaches and neck pain also helps reduce the stress and anxiety that could be the underlying cause of these painful conditions.
Lavender and peppermint essential oils are popular pain relievers for general use, but there are a number of other essential oils that can be used for specific conditions.
The pain relieving properties of different essential oils are accompanied by one or more beneficial actions such as:
Antirheumatic – brings relief from chronic rheumatic pain and stiffness of the joints
Antimicrobial – action against disease-causing bacteria and other microorganisms; it is useful in treating pain resulting from sinus congestion, stomach infections, and boils.
Sedative – a mild tranquilizing effect that reduces irritability and discomfort resulting from aches and pains
Anesthetic – a temporary loss of sensation or numbing of the affected area; it can reduce the intensity of pain while healing takes place.
Carminative – reduces gas formation and accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract; beneficial in reducing stomach ache and cramps.
Decongestant – Facilitates drainage in the upper respiratory tract; relieves headaches from nasal and sinus congestion resulting from colds and allergies.
Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation and swelling often associated with joint pain and muscle injuries
Antispasmodic – disrupts painful muscle contractions or spasms which often result from injuries to the nerves and spine and helps relieve lower back pains. Antispasmodic action can relieve abdominal pains, especially in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Antidepressant – helps treat not just depression but a number of related conditions, including neuropathic pain, migraine, and chronic pain.
So, here are the following Six essential oils may help with pain relief:
Lavender essential oil:
The sweet-smelling lavender essential oil needs no introduction; it is the number one remedy for a migraine and tension headaches. It is soothing and relaxing and has a mild sedative effect which helps relieve stress and anxiety that could be causing the headache. Mere inhalation of the vapors is sufficient to bring about relief in most cases. Being a mild oil, one or two drops can be applied undiluted on the neck and forehead for quicker results.
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic action of lavender essential oil can relieve body aches resulting from sore muscles. Mix a few drops in a tablespoon of castor oil or coconut oil and massage into the affected area. Use this excellent sleep aid in a diffuser in the bedroom or add it to bath water before going to bed to sleep off your pains.
Rose oil
Many women experience abdominal cramping during menstruation. Rose essential oil aromatherapy has been shown to relieve pain associated with periods when paired with conventional treatment.
Research on this suggests that rose oil aromatherapy may also be effective in alleviating pain caused by kidney stones when coupled with conventional therapy.
Peppermint essential oil
One of the earliest essential oils to be used medicinally, peppermint essential oil is obtained from a natural hybrid of spearmint and watermint. The highly refreshing smell of the oil comes from the active ingredient menthol which is the major component of the oil.
The antispasmodic effect of this oil has been put to good use in several medicinal preparations to relieve nausea, indigestion, and stomachache. It soothes the lining of the stomach and intestines and suppresses painful spasms.
Also, the analgesic action of peppermint oil is not limited to the antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract. When used topically, it relaxes muscles in the lower back, reduces tension headaches and pain due to fibromyalgia. It is a decongestant and helps relieve headaches due to sinus congestion.
Juniper essential oil
Extracted from the berries of the blue-green evergreen Juniperus communis, the essential oil is used to treat a number of painful conditions such as hemorrhoids, colitis, and dysmenorrhea.
Sitting for 15 to 20 minutes in a hot bath to which a few drops of the oil are added helps relieve hemorrhoids. Its carminative effect relieves pain due to gas accumulation. Juniper berry oil is used topically to treat rheumatic pain too.
Ginger essential oil
Fresh ginger and its extract are popular as digestive aids, but the essential oil is just as effective in treating a number of painful autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus etc.
The essential oil can be used topically or inhaled. Unlike the analgesic drugs used to manage the above conditions, ginger oil therapy has been found to have no adverse side effects even when used for extended periods of time.
Sandalwood essential oil
This is one of the most expensive essential oils since the oil is obtained from the heartwood of the Sandalwood tree Santalum album. The tree should be at least 50 years or older to provide high-quality oil.
However, its antispasmodic property and the anti-inflammatory action of sandalwood make it worth having in your medicine chest. It is a powerful pain reliever whether it is muscle pain, skeletal pain or neuralgia. Use a few drops in a diffuser to experience the benefits.
References:
http://www.naturallivingideas.com