Migraine Headaches And Chronic Pain: Essential Oil Of Lavender, A Natural Remedy

If you suffer migraines or chronic headaches, you are not alone. In fact, you're in good company. A migraine is only one type of headache. In the United States alone, 24 million people suffer with migraines with 75% of them being women.

Another, powerful statistic: 1 out of 13 people over the age of 15 wake up with a morning headache. Women are twice as likely to experience depression and/or anxiety disorders as men. If you experience depression or anxiety, you are twice as likely to wake up with a headache.

Depression and chronic pain go hand in hand. All of these statements point to the fact that millions of men and even more women in the United States endure headaches, chronic pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. It is simply distressing to read these facts. We are suffering both physically and emotionally with pain and moods that take away the joy of daily living.

As a woman with fibromyalgia, I have made it a personal project to learn about herbal therapies to help myself manage my own headaches and chronic pain. As a nurse, I feel compelled to share alternative therapies that can ease the pain of migraine and help us manage the stress of daily living that triggers migraine headaches, muscle aches and depression.

What choices do we have other than prescriptions and over the counter medication to treat migraine headaches and chronic pain?

Essential oils and aromatherapy offer a great deal of comfort for migraine sufferers.

The most familiar herbal fragrances of all, lavender, naturally soothes the mind and body.

If you wake up with headaches or suffer with migraines, the sweet aroma of lavender is a safe, natural way to relax muscle tension and ease migraine pain. Because depression is often associated with chronic pain and headaches, lavender's natural ability to lift mild depression makes this essential oil valuable to your mental as well as physical health.

Lavender as an alternative herbal remedy

Lavender can be used for headaches, migraines and sore muscle relief. Lavender eases joint stiffness and helps us cope with chronic pain. Interestingly enough, lavender has antiseptic qualities and even repels insects naturally.

Lavender is one of the only 2 essential oils that can be used directly on skin with no dilution!

Simply apply a few drops of essential lavender oil to your temples when you start to feel tension around your head, neck or shoulders. Migraine suffers may experience an aura that signals a migraine. Essential oil of lavender may not prevent the actual onset of the migraine but it can help you relax your muscles and emotional tension that could trigger the migraine pain.

Lavender and easing migraine pain

A lavender eye pillow is recommended for the relaxing, soothing aromatherapy qualities of the lavender. Lavender promotes relaxation and more restorative sleep. Studies in hospitals and nursing homes found that patients exposed to the scent of lavender fell asleep faster, deeper and longer.

Flax seed mixed with the lavender help the eye pillow to rest across the brow, eyes, cheekbones and temples with gentle weight that blocks out light while applying pressure to ease the headache pain. Flax seed reducing inflammation and helps reduce puffiness around the eyes.

A lavender eye pillow with flax seed can be warmed for tension headaches or chilled for migraine headache. Rather than fall asleep in the throes of a migraine, start to relax by laying in cool quiet darkness with a few drops of essential oil of lavender on your pillow case and an eye pillow in place. The cool pressure of the eye pillow mixed with relaxing properties of lavender could help bring on both migraine relief and restorative sleep.

Lavender and workplace stress

The use of lavender in the workplace may help you handle workplace stress, relax under pressure and focus better.

Lavender is one of the essential oils tested in studies which showed that the participants relaxed with lavender aromatherapy and were more focused to solve problems and although slower with math computations, fewer errors were noted.

A sprig of lavender, bowl of potpourri or essential oil drops of lavender applied near warmth will help you relax, focus and be more productive in the workplace. If you work in a hectic environment that doesn't give you an office then a lavender body mist or small vial of lavender's essential oil that you can keep in your pocket may just do the trick!

Lavender and depression

Lavender is not a cure or treatment for depression BUT we have discovered that pain, poor sleep, anxiety and chronic pain are associated with depression.

Lavender brings a natural relaxed state that helps us cope better with life's aggravations. Studies have shown that in healthy non-depressed individuals, the aroma of lavender does have the ability to gently elevate our moods.

Whether you are currently suffering with depression or simply feeling down, remember that your physician is the best person to discuss treatment medical for depression.

Taking herbal tea baths and burning lavender candles are a part of taking care of ourselves that does not require a prescription or cost a great deal of money. Lavender infused bath and body products provide a natural stress reducer that can lift mild depression and clear our minds so we can work through problems more effectively.

Lavender and insomnia

Restorative sleep is a must for everyone. Struggling with insomnia or frequent waking during the night does nothing but aggravate us the next day!

The scent of lavender promotes relaxation and helps you sleep better overall. Studies in hospitals and nursing homes found that patients exposed to the scent of lavender fell asleep faster, deeper and longer.

Poor sleep is one known cause of morning headaches and can trigger migraine headaches. Grinding your teeth, muscle tension especially around the face and neck are common causes of morning headaches. Keeping a small bowl of lavender in your bedroom and light misting of bed linens will help you relax before you fall asleep.

Lavender and anxiety

Generalized anxiety disorder is an increasing problem for millions of Americans. Anxiety and depression plagues us as we struggle to cope with life's challenges. It's commonly known that anxiety expresses itself with racing thoughts and a pounding heartbeat but one of the first signs of anxiety is the inability to think clearly. Mental stress that leads to anxiety will make our minds cloudy and solving life's problems becomes a mountain of anxiety.

Possible causes, triggers of headaches and chronic pain

poor sleep

muscle tension

depression

inadequate hydration and nutrition

hormone imbalance

immune dysfunction

poor coping skills

At first glance of possible triggers for headaches, it's no wonder millions suffer with migraines, headaches, depression and chronic pain.

eat healthy

drink 8-10 glasses of water each day

explore natural ways to alleviate hormone imbalances

monitor your blood pressure to make sure your headaches aren't a symptom of high blood pressure

talk to your doctor about feelings of depression and anxiety
each day, find time to do something special for yourself

go for a fifteen minute walk

light a candle

write in a journal

spend time with friends

surround yourself with such relaxing scents as lavender to ward off headaches and chronic pain

The scent of lavender has tendency to slow down our minds and bodies. We relax. Our brain responds positively to lavender. We are soothed.

Simply surrounding our senses with lavender can help us cope with life's nagging problems.

Lavender helps us sleep better at night and relax under pressure in the work place. Relaxing before you fall asleep can prevent you from waking up with a morning headache. Essential oil of lavender and lying in a dark cool room with a chilled eye pillow can ease migraine pain.

Your boss getting you frazzled? Overwhelmed by the daily grind? Fighting chronic depression? Sense a migraine coming on? Got an ache in your shoulders and a stiff neck from sitting at a computer all day?

Stop thinking that suffering with migraines and headaches is simply a part of life.

Start taking care of yourself every day in ways that make you feel calm and prepared to ENJOY life! Fill your life with lavender and other essential oils that can create a sense of well-being not found in traditional medicine. Learn how to manage your migraines and chronic headaches before they start to control you.

Infuse lavender in your life to ease migraine headaches, depression, insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain naturally!

Tammy Ames, RN BSN is the owner of Home Spas by Tam offering handmade spa products for your own home spa with natural skin care products, body scrubs and essential oils for aromatherapy and organic comforts to ease the aches and pains of daily living.

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Migraine Headaches Treatment, How To Treat Migraine

Most people who get migraine headaches claim that attacks are usually brought on by specific events. The number one cause of migraines for most people is the weather. Nearly 21%, or 4,200,000 of migraine sufferers say that changes in the weather bring on their headaches. This is one of the most prevalent reasons of what causes migraines.

Another home treatment for migraine is massage. Lie down on a quiet darkened room and have someone massage your head and scalp to relieve the pain. But you can also do it yourself; you can massage your scalp and forehead rotating your fingers.

Aromatherapy A combination of aromatic oils and massage is an excellent way to soothe head pain. An aromatherapist will prescribe your own personal combination of oils, or you can massage your own head and temples with lavender, basil, or camomile oils. An inhalation, or hot water bath, containing the essential oil of true melissa, rosemary, or sweet marjoram can provide soothing relief.

Nasya or medicated oil drops used for the treatment of migraine is of two types. The first is called “Shirovirechan”, in which strong, irritant medicines are instilled as nasal drops, which induce sneezing and watery discharge. The second is called as “Avapidak nasya’ in which a paste is prepared of a herb or several herbs, and the liquid is inserted in the nostrils. Usually, herbs like Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Pippali ( Piper longum) are used along with honey. Both procedures are aimed at removing the cause of the headache and the pain.

A number of patients receiving Botox injections for the treatment of deep wrinkles on the forehead stopped having migraine headaches or had significantly fewer migraine headaches since starting the injections. About half of them completely recovered from migraines and there was partial improvement in about a third. When this was discovered by doctors, research on the use of Botox for migraines was begun.

This is the final step in the process. Lavender oil is renowned for its medicinal properties and this is doubly so for migraine headaches. Lavender oil is cheap and completely safe to use. Only use pure Lavender oil for treating migraines - lavender scented fragrances or scented oils are useless. It must be the purest lavender oil you can find.

Avoid all harmful articles of diet. Herbal laxatives initially, to cleanse the colon, may be helpful in bilious headaches. Often the stomach is overloaded when the headache comes on. If this is the case use an emetic.

Natural migraine remedies can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. If you are on prescribed medications, discuss with your doctor before taking any herbal remedies. Chronic headaches may indicate an underlying health problem or illness. It is important to obtain a proper medical diagnosis from your doctor before proceeding with any remedies.

By: John Adison

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Endometriosis 238- Ednometriosis And Flower Remedies - Lavender

As we mentioned in previous articles, endometriosis growing somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. As we know, flower remedies play a very important role in some cultures in treating all kinds of diseases. In this article, we will discuss how lavender helps to treat endometriosis.

I. Definition
Lavender is a flower plant, belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae and native to the Mediterranean, South Africa and Southeast of India. It has been used in traditional medicine for balms, salves, perfumes, cosmetics, and topical application.

II. How lavender effects women with endometriosis

1. Immune system
Lavender is said to contain chemicals that helps to reduce the inflammation caused by physical impact or abnormal cell growing in the wrong part in the body, including endometrial cells, thereby, it helps to reduce the risk of endometriosis.

2. Nervous System
It also has a calming effect in the brain cell by improving the information transmitting between cells, thus it reduces the symptoms of endometriosis such as tiredness, physical and emotional stress and anxiety.

3. Insomnia
Lavender has been used in tradition medicine in relaxing the nervous tension at night resulting in lessening the risk of sleeplessness for women with endometriosis during memstrual cycle.

4. Hormone Inhibitor
As an extrogen hormone inhibitor, it helps to reduce the over production of estrogen' s level during menstrual cycle, resulting in reducing the risk of endometrial implants and adhesion as well as symptoms of endometriosis.

5. Cell division
Avender is also a mitotic that helps to regulate the cell division and cell growth resulting in lessening the risk of endometrial cell growing in other part of the body, excluding the endometrium.

By: Kyle Norton

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Aromatherapy and Kids

Essential oils have distinct composition determining the fragrance, colour, and effect on our body. Before you introduce your child to the aromatic world of fragrances, seek advice from your GP or qualified aroma therapist. If possible, carry out detailed research your self on the oil you plan to use on your infant or child.

Listed below are few commonly used essential oils that are used for kids.

- Lavender oil is excellent home remedy for headaches, earaches and even insect bites.
- Geranium and rose oils act as a good skin softener, toner and natural astringent.
- Chamomile and peppermint oils prevent hair loss.
- Lavender, lemon and curry leaf oils provide relief from dandruff.
- For any bruises and burns, use tea tree and lavender oils.
- Black pepper oil is good for constipation.
- Cedar wood, eucalyptus and tea tree oils alleviate coughs.
- Ginger, lavender and thyme oil works wonders on sore throats.
- Lavender and roman chamomile oil blend allows for restful sleep at night.
- Lemon and grapefruit oils added to a tub of warm water for a bath refreshes the kid.

A word of caution for any parents planning on using aromatherapy oils on their children. Please exercise caution while using essential oils. Its best to stick to mild oils and less is best. Since essential oils are highly concentrated, make sure that they are properly diluted with water or carrier oils. Improper dilution can result in skin irritation for your little ones. Don't let your children be alone while using essential oils.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/aromatherapy-and-kids-227589.html

Herbs for Skin Care - Learn to Care your Skin

The latest craze in skin care is also the oldest: herbal products. Once considered merely the eco-friendly choice of hippies, these plant derivatives are now found everywhere. The most highly reputed manufacturers have recently added herbs to their skin care lines, from cleansers to moisturizers and everything in between. Still, those who have not tried them may be concerned about their effectiveness. After all, "must have" products come and go, from infomercial fads to weight loss gimmicks. For those who are skeptical, here are the facts about herbal skin care's benefits.

Using Herbs in Skin Care

How does what you put on your skin affect you? What herbs should be used externally and when and for what reasons? These questions are important and asked often. We will make an attempt to help sort this out and explain why we use a particular herb

After the bath, apply diluted evening primrose oil or aloe vera cream. Do not use very hot water when bathing or showering. Calendula and comfrey have skin-softening properties. They can be used in a facial sauna or to make herbal or floral waters. Used in skin preparations for its astringent and detoxifying properties. A natural diuretic which does not deplete potassium. Tea tree oil has been known to penetrate into the skin's cellular level.

Add 1 drop of oil to your favorite day or night cream to help moisturize and smooth skin. Blondes can use the tea as a hair rinse also to add shining highlights to the hair. Use in Ointments, Creams, Compresses and Toners for wounds, skin regeneration, skin infections, and inflammatory skin conditions. Used as a Compress, in Lotions and Creams for oily skin, it is supposed to be cleansing, clarifying and emollient and soothes sensitive skins with surface blood capillaries. Borage, fennel, coltsfoot or calendula tea also helps improve the skin. Add 1 tsp. of herbs to 1 cup of boiling water and drink daily. A weekly facial sauna using the herbs chamomile, lavender, and peppermint is good for dry skin. Do not drink soft drinks or eat sugar, chocolate, potato chips, or other junk foods.

Splash the skin alternately with cold and warm water. Used for Oily, spotty skin and for wrinkled, sagging complexions. (Facial Toners, Lotions, Creams); Cleanses, stimulates blood circulation, closes pores and restores elasticity. Yarrow is used for its astringent, healing and soothing effects on the skin and hair. Strengthens skin tone. Melt the lanolin in a small bowl over a pan of hot water. Add the sunflower and almond oils and beat together. Remove from the heat and continue beating as the mixture thickens then stir in the oil of lavender.

A Rich Moisturizing Night Cream For Dry Skin

This cream is soothing and fragrant. Both almond and sunflower oil have a moisturizing, softening action on the skin. Almond oil also has a reputation as a cleanser. The lavender oil is soothing.

3 tablespoons lanolin
1 tablespoon sunflower oil
1 tablespoon almond oil
1 teaspoon oil of lavender

Melt the lanolin in a small bowl over a pan of hot water. Add the sunflower and almond oils and beat together. Remove from the heat and continue beating as the mixture thickens then stir in the oil of lavender. Pour into a sterile pot and screw on the lid when the cream is cold.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/herbs-for-skin-care-learn-to-care-your-skin-256642.html

Aromatherapy Treatment: Natural Medicine to Heal

Sometimes in the medical treatment, traditional sources of medicine work better than the chemical compounds. And, there are many who prefer to go for herbal treatment rather than going for the allopathic ones not because merely that they are without side effects, but because they have the natural healing process which delights you as well. After all, they are taken from the nature. Aromatherapy treatment is just like that. Here the aromatic ingredients are taken from deep down the nature for the mental and bodily well being.

Aromatherapy treatment is sure to give relief from a large number of problems. There are essential oils, the distilled liquid extracted from herbs plants, barks, roots which have the fragrance therapy as well as other medications to heal your physical and physiological wounds, at times to relax you.

Aromatherapy can be used for the treatment of a number of ailments. A range of aromatherapy essential oils are used for treatment of specific conditions. The following is a list of essential oils that are used as different medication purposes. Just look at the tremendous impact they can have on our mind and body:

Essential oils reducing pain: Bergamot; Chamomile; Lavender; Marjoram; Rosemary.

Anti inflammatory oils: Bergamot; Calendula chamomile; Lavender

Preventing and combating local bacterial infection: Bergamot; Eucalyptus; Juniper; Lavender; Rosemary; Tea-Tree.

Sleep inducing: Chamomile; Lavender; Marjoram

Immune system stimulant essential oils: Garlic; Lavender; Tea Tree.

Sometimes, they are hepatic also, which strengthen the liver: Cypress; Lemon; Peppermint; Rosemary; Thyme.

Well, not only for the bodily well being, aromatherapy treatment is used for the mental pleasure too. You can use the aromatherapy candles to have a relaxing aura around you. They are the best to calm down the tension through their sweet fragrance spread over the aura around you. Again, there are aromatherapy massages where essential oils are used for relaxation purposes. You will have a soft human touch mixed with the pleasure of having the benefit of natural products harping throughout your body. The fragrance also takes you to a new height. There are aromatherapy bath salts and the soaps that exfoliate your skin and keeping it smooth in addition to providing an unmatched relaxation.

Aromatherapy treatment is natural and is beneficial both for the mental and bodily well being. Also aromatherapy is easily accessible through online means. Aromatherapy is a complete treatment source but don’t forget to make sure you are not allergic to any product before using it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/aromatherapy-treatment-natural-medicine-to-heal-291177.html

Healing With Essential Oils

Pain: Essential oils are especially effective when treating pain. Massaging oils and lotions are some of the very best ways to apply it to the body. Some oils to consider include, clove bun, chamomile, lemongrass and lavender. These are all great for numbing and subsequently reducing pain. To decrease the swelling often associated with pain, it is best to use chamomile, juniper, lavender and rose. These oils help to reduce both pain and swelling. Other essential oils work to reduce pain by blocking the brain’s pain signals. These oils include lemongrass, frankincense and ginger.

Sleep Trouble: Essential oils which are good for inducing sleep, include mandarin, orange blossom, frankincense, tangerine, clary sage, chamomile and sandalwood. These work well when used in bath water or directly on the skin using massage oils or lotions

Headaches: Lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and basil are just a few of the essential oils that work well in alleviating various types of headaches.

Stress: The essential oils bergamot, lavender, marjoram, rose and chamomile, amongst others, help to alleviate feelings of stress.

Depression: Essential oils such as bergamot, cardamom, clove, clary sage, orange and lemon Melissa have antidepressant properties. They work well to help remedy mild levels of depression and the blahs.

Stimulation: If you are having trouble staying alert, you may want to grab these essential oils; basil, cinnamon, black pepper, clove, peppermint, ginger, rosemary or angelica. They help to stimulate the mind and the body.

High Blood Pressure: Most people aren’t aware that essential oils have medicinal qualities. Neroli, tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, Melissa and geranium are known to help lower blood pressure. Of course, this does not mean that one is to ditch their high blood pressure medicine, but these oils are great to take in concert with medication that is already being prescribed.

Bacterial Infections: Some essential oils have very strong antibacterial properties. Some good ones to consider include cinnamon, garlic, savory, clove bud, bay laurel, thyme, bay rum, pine rose, tea tree, myrtle, lemongrass and lavender. The above oils can help treat bladder, gum, skin, sinus, throat and bowel infections. They can either be ingested through the skin or inhaled. The right essential oils can also aid in helping to treat urinary tract infections. Sitzbaths and massages using oils with niaouli or sandlewood rubbed on the belly and around the kidney portion of the lower back can be very effective.

Viral Infections: Many essential oils have strong antiviral elements. Bay, black pepper, garlic, cinnamon bark myrrh, melissa, oregano and rose are some of the standouts. You will also find, if you look closely, that some cough drops and cold medications have some of these same oils.

Essential oils not only smell great, but they also have very strong healing properties. Their use can curtail many common ailments of the skin and the mind. They work well to lift the spirits. If one is interested in using alternative methods to heal sickness or to lift their mood, essential oils and aromatherapy are a fantastic place to begin.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/healing-with-essential-oils-322365.html

How to Use Aromatherapy Oils in Home Remedies?

Aromatherapy is one of the popular alternative therapies used in treating number of health problems. Aromatherapy oils are natural plant oils and because of their gentle way of healing, they can be used in many different ways. You can choose to use them in your bath, for massage or in preparing a number of home remedies. Below are few home remedies for common health problems.

Aromatherapy oils in various home remedies –

1. For cellulite – Make a blend a four drops of juniper, four drops of fennel and four drops of lemon oils in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of a carrier oil. Massage this into the cellulite affected areas daily after your bath, when the skin is warm and receptive.

2. For sunstroke – Add four drops of juniper, four drops of fennel and four drops of peppermint oil to a cool bath. Soak for 15 minutes. Then, rub a little neat lavender oil into your temples at regular intervals. The bath will help to reduce your temperature and the lavender oil helps your headache.

3. Dry or cracked lips – Make up a carrier oil of 2 fl oz (50 ml) apricot kernel oil and 2 fl oz (50 ml) of avocado oil. Add six drops of sandalwood and six drops of rose oil. Rub this to the lips, repeating the application regularly.

4. For sunburn – f the sunburned area is small, apply the lavender oil and repeat as necessary. If the area is large, add twenty drops of lavender oil to a cool bath and soak for 10-20 minutes. You can make a soothing spray by adding 10 drops of lavender oil to 1 pint (300 ml) of cool, clean water.

5. Small cuts – Apply lavender or tea tree oil to the cut. These are both antiseptic and don’t sting.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

About the Author

Read more about aromatherapy, ayurveda, yoga and massage therapy at Natural cures website – a health guide to make you and your family live better, fit and healthy. Also read the benefits of anti-aging herb Shilajit and stress relieving herb Ashwagandha.

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