Cramp Bark for Cramps

In Healing with Herbs: Simple Remedies for 100 Common Ailments, Penelope Ody suggests making a massage oil to rub on muscles that are cramping. She suggests mixing 40 drops each of lavender and chamomile essential oils to 25ml of cramp bark tincture and 20ml of sweet almond oil. Ensure that the oil is mixed thoroughly before massaging a little into the affected areas. Re-apply as required.

Lavender and chamomile essential oils are anti-spasmodic making them an excellent choice for cramps.

I knew very little about cramp bark as it is not something I have come across in aromatherapy before so I decided to do a bit of research on it. As the name suggests, cramp bark is good for cramp – but not just muscle cramps. It is excellent for uterine cramps, breathing difficulties in asthma, intestinal cramps, muscle spasms, stiffness and tension, general aches and pains, night cramps, and can even help lower blood pressure by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels.

Cramp bark is an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, emmenagogic, anti-spasmodic, nervine, hypotensive, astringent, and sedative.

Cramp bark can be taken internally in water (follow the instructions on the bottle), added to water (25ml to 500ml water) and used in a compress on the affected area, or added to a massage oil and rubbed in to the area as mentioned above.

You could add 5ml hypercium (St John’s Wort) oil to the blend above and reduce the sweet almond oil to 15ml as it is also well known for helping with cramps, neuralgia, stiff and aching joints, and tired and aching muscles.

Always perform a patch test before applying a blend to a large area of skin.

Arnica Homeopathic Remedy for Bruises and Sprains

Photo by xandert.

I have recently been reading a variety of books on medicinal herbs and herbal preparations and several of them have mentioned the Arnica 6x homeopathic remedy. Now I am not very familiar with homeopathy at all but thought it was interesting that these books recommended a homeopathic remedy over any herbs (which the books were about) for this particular circumstance.

Arnica 6x was recommended for use when there is pain caused by accidental injury such as after a fall, knock, or scrape, on sport injuries and muscular aches and pains after exercise, sprains and strains, and even after surgery or dental work.

Now I know that arnica gel or cream is good for bruises, sprains, and strains when it is rubbed in to the area so I suppose it makes sense that taking an arnica remedy internally will also help assist in the repair and healing of bruised and sprained tissues and muscles.

I have also read that it can be used before physical exercise or other event which may cause bruising (e.g. surgery or going to the dentist) to help limit any damage. It can also be used in the recovery after a heart attack or stroke and can help with shock after an accident or emotional trauma.

It offers natural pain relief without any side effects like conventional pain killers. It is also an anti-inflammatory.

A few days after reading about this remedy, I was at a friends house recalling how I had hit my elbow on a piece of wood while making a wardrobe earlier that day and how it was painful and effecting me massaging and she produced this small pot of Arnica 6x homeopathic pillules and told me to take one. So I took one, forgot all about it, my elbow healed quickly, and I was back massaging in no time.

It’s funny how things like this happen – one day I’ve no knowledge about this remedy and the next I find it in several books and a friend recommends it too! I think I’m going to add this remedy to my first aid box along with the lavender and tea tree essential oils and aloe vera gel. It will come in handy for me as I’m always getting bruises and scrapes on the arms and legs from karate training.

The arnica 6x tablet should be taken immediately after an accident/upset/injury and repeat at hourly intervals for up to 12 hours to ease shock and trauma. Check the instructions on the bottle before use though to ensure you take the correct dose as it seems to vary depending on the product you buy. If you are pregnant, you should consult your GP or a qualified homeopath before using this remedy.

Which Chamomile?

Photo by macroninja.

Most people have heard of Chamomile due to the herbal teas which are sold in most supermarkets. I’m not sure what type of Chamomile they contain though as there are more than one variety. In Aromatherapy, three different variations of Chamomile are used – German Chamomile, Chamomile Maroc (Moroccan), and Roman Chamomile.

I use both the Roman and Maroc variations of essential oil in my aromatherapy practice but favour the Roman version more so as it has a nicer aroma. I haven’t used German Chamomile at all, although after researching this post I think I might purchase one as it has many useful properties that the other two variations do not.

German Chamomile has a dark blue appearance due to its azulene content. Azulene is a powerful anti-inflammatory which is why German chamomile is a more effective anti-inflammatory than Roman chamomile, although it is still helpful for this.

German Chamomile is very effective at treating skin conditions, whereas Roman chamomile is better suited to calming a person.

Chamomile Maroc is not recognised as a true chamomile according to Shirley Price, author of the Aromatherapy Workbook: Understanding Essential Oils - From Plant to Bottle. It does however appear “to emulate many of the effects attributed to its aristocratic relation” – German and Roman chamomile.

Below is a table comparing the properties of all three chamomile essential oils.

Property	German Chamomile	Chamomile Maroc	Roman Chamomile
Analgesic	Y		Y
Anti-allergic	Y
Anti-bacterial		Y	Y
Anti-depressant	Y	Y
Anti-infectious		Y
Anti-inflammatory	Y		Y
Anti-spasmodic	Y	Y	Y
Calming	Y
Carminative			Y
Cicatrizant	Y		Y
Chologogic	Y
Decongestant	Y
Digestive	Y
Diuretic	Y
Emmenagogue		Y	Y
Febrifuge			Y
Hormonal	Y
Neurotonic		Y
Relaxant		Y	Y
Sedative		Y	Y
Vulnary	Y		Y

Castor Oil

Photo by Pro-Zak.

“Castor oil will leave the body in better condition than it found it” says Dr McGarey, author of Oil That Heals.

Castor Oil (Ricinus communis), also known as Palma Christi or the palm of Christ, is derived from the seeds of the Castor plant.

It penetrates deeply into the skin and is able to reach the Stratum Corneum layer of the epidermis making it excellent for all skin disorders and complaints. It is an anti-inflammatory due to its main constituent Ricinoleic acid (89.5%).

Castor oil derivatives are often added to modern pharmaceutical drugs to enhance it or as a carrier for the active ingredients.

The properties of castor oil include laxative (when taken orally), anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, digestive, hepatic, analgesic, antimicrobial, cleansing, stimulates the lymph system, strengthens the immune system, and it balances the autonomic nervous system.

It can be used for constipation, endometriosis, menstrual cramps, acne, burns, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, crohn’s disease, cuts/abrasions, fibroids, breast lumps, bunions, sprains/strains, sciatica, gallbladder and liver problems, ovarian cysts, back pain, sunburn, headaches, muscular and joint aches and pains, inflammation, psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, warts, ring worm, athlete’s foot, moles and liver spots, arthritis, skin disorders and infections, pain. The list is endless – it probably could be used for any common ailment going – try it out and see what results you get.

Castor Oil can either be massaged directly on the area you wish to treat or using it in a heated compress. Edgar Cayce advocated the use of Castor Oil in a compress to help with various ailments although they were used centuries before this in Eastern European countries. Castor Oil can also be taken internally for constipation as it is a very effective laxative but I do not recommend this method of administration and its use should be discussed with your GP if you wish to use it in this way.

To make a castor oil compress, you will need castor oil, a hot water bottle, a small hand towel, a sealable container, a piece of plastic, water, and baking soda. Although traditionally only castor oil was used in these compresses, essential oils can be added to help with a specific ailment. Fold the towel into three and place in the container and pour the castor oil over it. The container will collect any leftover oil which can be poured back in to the bottle. Ensure that the towel is saturated in oil but it should not be dripping. Place directly on the skin on the area in which it is needed. Cover the towel with the piece of plastic, and then place the hot water bottle on top. Leave the compress in place for about an hour. Remove the compress, and wipe the area with the water and baking soda solution to remove any residue. Once you have finished using the compress, store in the sealable container and keep in the fridge for your next treatment. The compress can be used many times – approximately 30 applications. It is recommended that you use the compress three days in a row and then four days without to help with any of the above. If it is an acute problem, you may only need to apply once leaving the compress in place until the symptoms/pain subsides.

Eucalyptus Variations

Photo by ximenatapia.

When I first trained as an aromatherapist I thought I new what Eucalyptus smelt like and that there was only one. Recently, I discovered that there are in fact over two hundred varieties of Eucalyptus trees and five different Eucalyptus essential oils all with slightly different aromas.

The most common Eucalyptus oil is Eucalyptus Globulus, the other lesser known ones include Eucalyptus Citriodora, Eucalyptus Radiata (this one I am particularly fond of), Eucalyptus Staigeriana, and Eucalyptus Smithii.

They all have similar healing properties although some are better at one thing than another.

Eucalyptus Radiata has a similar composition to that of the essential oils from the Melaleuca family (e.g. tea tree). It stimulates the immune system making it beneficial to people who are tired, run down, and/or prone to frequent colds and infections. It is less likely to cause skin irritation compared with Eucalyptus Globulus. Eucalyptus Radiata is excellent for reducing inflammation helping with arthritis, sprains, strains, torn ligaments and tendons. It can also be beneficial in cases of Endometriosis. It is said to be absorbed by the skin better than the other Eucalyptus oils.

As the name suggests, Eucalyptus Citriodora is lemon scented and is often called Lemon Eucalyptus. It is a very rich source of citronellal making it a powerful insect repellent, it is hypotensive, calming to the nervous system, and a febrifuge (lowers body temperature to prevent or alleviate fever). It has a similar strength anti-inflammatory property as Eucalyptus Radiata.

Eucalyptus Smithii is anti-viral and an expectorant. It is considered to be the mildest of the Eucalyptus essential oils making it more favourable for use with children and the elderly. It is less likely to cause skin irritation and the aroma isn’t quite as strong.

Like Eucalyptus Citriodora, Eucalyptus Staigeriana is also lemon scented. It is another gentler Eucalyptus so can be used on people with more sensitive skin including children and the elderly. It has similar physical properties to Lemon oil.

Eucalyptus Globulus is used in both Eastern and Western medicine especially in preparations which aid the respiratory tract such as colds/flu, coughs, and asthma.

Below is a table comparing some of the properties of these five Eucalyptus essential oils. It is not a definitive list as information about the lesser known Eucalyptus oils is not as widely available as that of Eucalyptus Globulus.

Property	Eucalyptus Globulus	Eucalyptus Radiata	Eucalyptus Citriodora	Eucalyptus Smithii	Eucalyptus Staigeriana
Analgesic	Y		Y		Y
Anti-bacterial	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Anti-depressant	Y
Anti-fungal	Y
Anti-inflammatory	Y	Y	Y		Y
Anti-microbial	Y	Y	Y		Y
Antiseptic	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Anti-spasmodic	Y
Anti-viral		Y	Y	Y	Y
Boosts immune system		Y
Decongestant	Y	Y			Y
Diuretic					Y
Expectorant	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Febrifuge			Y
Hypotensive			Y
Insect repellant			Y
Lowers blood sugar	Y				Y
Mucolytic	Y	Y		Y	Y
Nervine			Y
Sedative			Y	Y
Stimulant	Y		Y	Y

Plai – a natural anti-inflammatory

I first heard of Plai essential oil from a fellow Aromatherapist. I totally forgot all about it until I went on an essential oil course with Julie Duffy, lecturer in Aromatherapy at UWIC, where I was reminded of this oil. I learnt a little about it on the course and got to try it out in a massage. I really liked it so I decided to do some research on what the oil is used for and some of this research can be found in this post.

Plai (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) belongs to the same plant family as Ginger but instead of it having a warming affect on joints and muscles like Ginger, it actually has a cooling affect on them helping to reduce inflammation.

There has been a lot of research in to the efficacy of Plai as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory when applied directly to the affected area. The majority of this research has been carried out in Thailand as this is where the plant originates from and it is used extensively in Thai massage and herbal medicine.

In one research study, the anti-inflammatory activity of a compound found in Plai extracts was assessed and compared with aspirin, and two other lesser known anti-inflammatory drugs. The results obtained showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of the compound (compound D) mainly occurred in the acute phase of inflammation. (Panthong, A et al., 1997). Another study compared another compound found in Plai extract with the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac and found that when applied directly to the affected area, it was twice as potent as Diclofenac (also known as Voltarol). (Pongprayoon, U, et al., 1997). A gel containing Plai was tested on 21 subjects with wounded ankle joints and was compared with a placebo gel. The Plai gel was shown to reduce swelling and pain significantly in the first 2-3 days of the treatment. (Laopatarakasem et al., 1993). Since 1997 when the first two of these studies were published, there have been numerous more studies highlighting Plai’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

As an anti-inflammatory and analgesic, Plai can be used to help joint problems, inflammation, sprains, strains, sciatica, arthritis, rheumatism, muscular aches and pains, piriformis syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, gout, bunions, muscle spasms, and torn muscles and ligaments.

Just add 20 drops of Plai essential oil to 10ml of carrier oil and massage in to the affected area. It can also be applied directly to inflamed joints undiluted but take caution with this especially if you have sensitive skin as it could cause irritation. If you have a reaction to the undiluted oil, wash off immediately and use diluted in future applications. When applied undiluted, Plai has been found to ease pain for upwards of 18 hours which makes it a lot more affective as an analgesic than any over-the-counter drug, with less side affects, and a lot cheaper too!

Besides its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Plai is also anti-histamine, anti-neuralgic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, febrifugal, laxative, and rubefacient. I will discuss some of these other properties and uses in future posts.

Plai essential oil is an invaluable addition to my aromatherapy kit and it takes its place along side Lavender and Tea Tree in my home first aid kit!

The citations for the studies mentioned above are listed below:

Anti-inflammatory activity of compound D {(E)-4-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-ol} isolated from Zingiber cassumunar Roxb., Panthong, A; Kanjanapothi, D; Niwatananant, W; Tuntiwachwuttikul, P; Reutrakul, V. Phytomedicine (1997) 207- 212.

Topical antiinflammatory activity of the major lipophilic constituents of the rhizome of Zingiber cassumunar .2. Hexane extractives, Pongprayoon, U; Tuchinda, P; Claeson, P; Sematong, T; Reutrakul, V; Soontornsaratune, P. Phytomedicine (1997) 323- 326.

Efficiency of “Plai Gel” (PlaiGesal) in treatment of wounded ankle in asthlics. Srinakarin Medical Bulletin, 8(3) Mokkhasmit, M., Ngarmwathana, W., Sawasdimongkol, K. and Permphiphat, U., 1971, Pharmacological evaluation of Thai medicinal plants. J. Med. Assoc. Thailand, 54: 490-504

Using Hot and Cold Compresses to Relieve Pain

Hot and cold compresses play an invaluable role in the management of pain. They are particularly useful in helping with acute pain, but are also beneficial if you are suffering with chronic pain. They can also help with stiffness and muscle tension.

Hot compresses cause widening of the blood vessels which in turn increases the blood flow in that area. It also draws heat to the surface, encouraging muscles to relax. The contrast of the cold compress causes the blood vessels on the surface to constrict causing blood to be pushed away from the congested and inflamed tissues. This blood carries away waste products and is replaced by fresh oxygenated blood which is full of nutrients which helps speed up the healing process. It also has an analgesic effect and helps reduce inflammation.

To make the compresses, you will need two small towels (when folded 2 or 3 times they need to be large enough to cover the painful area); two bowls; access to hot and cold water; and appropriate essential oils if using.

Fill one bowl with hot water - tap water should be hot enough, and fill the other bowl with cold water, again from the tap. If you are using essential oils, add 4-6 drops to the bowl of hot water. Soak one towel in hot water, and squeeze out the excess water. Fold the towel neatly to make a compress and place on the affected area for about three minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the cold compress in a similar way using cold water. As soon as you remove the hot compress, replace with the cold one for one minute. Then repeat the sequence – three minutes hot, one minute cold, three minutes hot, one minute cold – for about 20 minutes or even longer if the pain is acute. It is important to always finish with a cold compress, particularly in any areas where there may be inflammation.

You can use hot and cold compresses individually. Hot compresses are good for backaches, rheumatism, IBS, menstrual cramps, arthritis, earache, and toothache; and cold compresses are good for headaches, neck tension, insect bites, sprains, gout, and strains.

The Wonder of Epsom Salts Baths

Hot baths are great for unwinding after a hard day at work, soothing aching muscles, and for general relaxation. They are also incredibly healing – especially if you add a couple handfuls of Epsom salts to it.

Epsom salts are made of the mineral magnesium sulphate. It has many affects on the body when absorbed through the skin in a bath. These include:

• drawing toxins from the body
• soothing aches and pains
• reducing stiffness in the muscles and joints
• relaxing muscles
• sedating the nervous system
• reducing inflammation
• softening the skin
• removing odour (It makes an excellent foot soak!)

You can even use the salts to rub over the skin as an exfoliator!

Just add two handfuls of Epsom salts to hot bath water and soak for a minimum of 20 minutes. You can also add a few drops of essential oils to enhance the relaxation experience – you can’t go wrong with a few drops of Lavender!

You might like to place a cold compress on your forehead or around your neck to prevent any light-headedness. Before you get out of the bath, rinse or sponge down your body with cool or tepid water to close the pores and balance the circulation. Always make sure that you get out of the bath slowly afterwards.

When having an Epsom salts bath, do not use any other products like bubble bath or shower gels as the salts will not work as well. Reserve this type of bath for relaxation and save the cleaning for another time!

After your bath, it is a good idea to drink plenty of water to replace the fluids lost from perspiration and to help eliminate any toxins and waste products from your body.

Please note, do not have hot baths or salt baths if you have heart problems, varicose veins, high blood pressure, are diabetic or are pregnant – speak to your GP first.

If it’s not convenient to have a bath, you can also benefit from Epsom salts by using them in a hot compress. Add a couple handfuls of salts to a bowl of hot water and allow to dissolve. Place a small towel in the bowl to soak, squeeze out any excess water and apply to the body. To keep the warmth in you can insulate the area with warm towels.

Salt, including Epsom Salt, is very cleansing and can help rid you of any negative energies which you may have picked up during your day and re-energise you leaving you feel more positive, grounded and relaxed.

So what are you waiting for? Go buy some Epsom Salts now to benefit from this healing, wonderful, and, most importantly, natural mineral! You can purchase Epsom salts from most chemists and health food stores.

More information about Epsom Salts and its health benefits can be found on the Epsom Salt Industry Council website.

A truly healing experience!