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Nature's Best Pain Reliever: Helichrysum Italicum
| 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.nnA Remarkable Pain RelievernnThere 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!nnA Look at the Chemistry: Why Helichrysum WorksnnEssential 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.nnWhat Kind of Pain Can it Help?nnWhat 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.nnHow to Properly Use the Oil For Best ResultsnnBecause Helichrysum used topically, its application is extremely simple. It can be used at any concentration, depending on the condition (most essential oils are diluted prior to use). There are two basic situations which determine whether to dilute the oil or not: whether the injury or pain is chronic or acute. For acute pain and injuries -- those that have JUST occurred -- application at full strength is best. This application should be done as soon as possible if an injury has occurred, as the oil can significantly reduce the potential for bruising and formation of a hematoma. Also, many folks find a drop or two of the oil to be very effective at eliminating pain from burns; it comes in handy in a busy kitchen for sure! Be sure to avoid open wounds, as the oil does have anti-coagulant, blood-thinning properties. Once the wounds are sealed or scab is formed, it is again safe to apply Helichrysum.nnIt'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!nnAdding Other Essential Oils for a Personal FormulannThere 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.nnUse RIGHT KIND of Helichrysum for Best ResultsnnWhen 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. |
About the Author
For more resources on using medical grade essential oils and Bach flower essences, visit the Ananda Apothecary.
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