Getting Safe, Effective Pain Relief with Essential Oils

By: Melissa Stevens

One of the most challenging aspects of finding a good pain reliever is that they so often have significant drawbacks: they can be bad for the liver, they're addictive, they only mask the pain temporarily, or they just don't make you feel good. Well here's a suggestion: for decades, the essential oil from a little yellow flower called Helichrysum italicum has been successfully used in Europe for profound pain relief. It's easy to use, safe, and readily available. Aromatherapy isn't just about aromas! It's really about the branch of natural medicine dealing with the volatile extracts of plants, many of which are complex healing chemicals. And Helichrysum is fast becoming one of the most popular of these oils -- and not because of its aroma, but because of its fast pain relieving action.

Pain Relief for Everyone

The pure essential oil steam distilled from the flowers of the Helicrhysum italicum plant is really an absolutely remarkable healing agent. Not just compared to natural medicines, but compared to ALL pain relieving medicines available today. It is safe, effective, has no addiction potential and very easy-to-use. Pain relief reported by most users happens nearly instantly -- certainly within minutes of application. The oil is listed in 'Essential Oil Safety' as non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It is regularly prescribed for undiluted application to the skin (where very few other essential oils are). Most conservatively, the oil is sometimes said to be avoided during pregnancy, and by young children -- but this warning is not found in today's most advanced aromatherapy texts. The only other concern is of the oils helpful anticoagulant properties, and is sometimes contraindicated if one is taking blood thinning medication. The amounts absorbed for pain relief are exceptionally small. However, if your situation is questionable, check with a health professional before use, but know that the essential oil is considered to be exceptionally safe for the vast majority of the population.

A Look at the Chemistry: Why Helichrysum Works

Essential oils are evaluated using a process called Gas Chromatography. This test tells the us what the oil is made of -- and essential oils are really interesting: they're made of all KINDS of different natural chemicals. Within Helichrysum essential oil, one finds chemicals naturally made by the plant's flowers that 1) reduce inflammation and act as chelators (they can remove unwatned toxins), 2) prevent bruising and blood clots, 3) relax tight muscles and connective tissue, and 4) stimulate cellular regeneration. All in one oil! And it's these components that work together to offer pain relief -- in a big way. Aspirin, for example, is a blood thinner and anti-inflammate. Together, these actions produce its pain relief. Helichrysum is a far more complex natural substance, that not just masks pain, but actually addresses the cellular physiology that is causing it.

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.

When and How to Use the Oil -- Chronic and Acute Cases

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.

It's very simple to mix your own formula once you know the dilution ratios. A ten-percent dilution goes like this: There are 30 milliliters in 1 ounce (carrier oils are often purchased in ounces, where essential oils are found in milliliters). Three milliliters of Helichrysum into one ounce of carrier oil makes a 10% formula. Just double the Helichrysum to 6 milliliters for a 20% mixture. And to make it even easier, remember there are 27 drops of Helichrysum essential oil per milliliter. Got it? Good!

Making A Custom Recipe

There are many other essential oils that will add to the therapeutic action of your mixture, should you choose to make one. Ginger and Pepper are excellent choices if you'd like a warming action, helpful in many cases of arthritis -- these oils can bring more blood to the area, improving circulation and flexibility. Peppermint is also used for the same reason, but actually adds a bit of a cooling sensation. German Chamomile or Blue Tansy at one or two percent concentrations can enhance the anti-inflammatory action. Some folks choose Wintergreen or Birch essential oils, as they are made up of methyl salicylate, or 'liquid aspirin'. Care should be used with these oils, however, as they are in a class of oils that are considered toxic if over-used; they should absolutely be kept out of reach of children, and employed only as much as necessary to give the desired effect.

Getting The Right Kind of Oil

The essential oil and its actions discussed here come from only one of the 500 or so Helichrysum species. When seeking the essential oil, look specifically for one that says 'italicum' -- this is crucial! It is only this type that has the important natural blend of chemicals that impart the pain relieving and healing actions. Further, the oil can be a bit expensive. It may be helpful to consider it in relation to other pain relieving medications -- and consider that only drops are needed at a time. If working on one's neck, for example, you can imagine that only a little liquid is needed to cover and support the painful spots. No need to use more than necessary; and dilute when appropriate, as this will also conserve the oil. Once you've experienced the effects, and get a hand of its use, you probably find the oil is one of nature's great gifts. Finally, do be sure to check with your doctor if you are under care for any condition before using Helichrysum essential oil -- let them know how you'll be using it, the amounts applied and how often. The safe use of this excellent essential oil will certainly produce the best results!All the pain relieving effects discussed here refer specifically to the essential oil from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant. The best of these oils is considered to come from France and the island of Corsica -- these oils have the highest concentration of the muscle relaxing component, and often times the highest concentration of the regenerative components as well. Helichrysum from the Balkans, Croatia and Serbia Montenegro can have higher levels of anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory constituents. ALL these are 'italicum' species however, and will impart their wonderful pain-relieving and healing effects. The oil is not inexpensive! Beware of oils that seem priced too low, as they may not contain pure essential oil, and will not produce the same results. Also, if you are in the care of a medical doctor, be sure to consult them before using Helichrysum essential oil just to be sure there will be no contraindications with your condition or medication. At the same time, a great many people have experienced excellent results with this important essential oil, and if it sounds like it's for you, it's almost certainly worth a try!

Article Source: http://www.myhotarticles.com

Visit the author's favorite website for more on how to use essential oils, lavender essential oil and more.

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