Sinus Problems and Epsom Salts

In a previous post, I discussed the healing properties of Epsom Salts when used in a hot bath. Not only is it extremely good at soothing muscular and joint aches and pains, but it can also help with various sinus problems including sinusitis, congestion, and reduce the pain associated with these conditions.

You will need 2 cups of very cold water (Let the cold water tap run until it is very cold), a bowl, a flannel, 1 tbsp of Epsom Salts, and 2 tbsp of Bicarbonate of Soda. Pour the water in to the bowl along with the Epsom Salts and bicarbonate of soda and mix together. Soak the flannel in the water, wring out, and place over the sinus area. Keep in place until the flannel becomes body temperature then soak in the cold water again and repeat.

The cold compress quickly helps relieve a blocked nose and sinuses and is excellent for when you have a cold, allergic rhinitis or hayfever too.

This Epsom salt compress can also be applied to bruises, sprains, and strains to help soothe and reduce inflammation; aching muscles and joints from injuries or overexertion; insect bites to help take the sting out; rashes to reduce inflammation and itching; and to draw out foreign bodies such as splinters.

As well as using Epsom salts in a compress, they can also be added to water and sniffed gently up the nostrils to clear mucus from the nasal passages. Blow your nose after application.

The above compress remedy, along with many other natural home remedies for various skin conditions and ailments, can be found in Jude's Herbal Home Remedies: Natural Health, Beauty and Home-care Secretsby Jude C. Todd.

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.

15 Ways to Use Essential Oils

1. Therapeutic massage. Add up to 8 drops of your chosen essential oils to 10ml of carrier oil and either massage yourself or get someone else to do it. Professional therapeutic massage is very relaxing and beneficial for many common ailments.

2. Inhalation. Add 4-6 drops of your chosen essential oils to hot water. Cover your head with a towel, lean your face over the bowl of hot water ensuring that your eyes are closed, and breathe deeply.

3. Baths. Add 6-8 drops of essential oils to the bath water just before you get in. For a foot bath, you will only need 4 drops. With both, add the essential oils to a teaspoon of milk or dispersing agent and stir well before adding it to the bath water.

4. Room sprays. Add 8-10 drops of your chosen essential oil to 250ml of water. Distilled water is best for this. Pour into a spray bottle, and shake well before use.

5. Potpourri. Add 4-6 drops of essential oils to dried flowers, petals, leaves, fruit, etc. and shake up in a plastic bag. Place in a bowl in the room you wish to fragrance. Also, if your old potpourri has lost its fragrance, add some essential oils as above to bring it back to life.

6. Oil burners. Oil burners can be used therapeutically or to fragrance a room. Learn how to use an oil burner .

7. Ring burners. These are an alternative to an oil burner and do not require water or a candle. A specially designed terracotta or metal ring is placed on top of a standard light bulb and you can add 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil to it to fragrance the room.

8. Aroma-stream. These are quite expensive items but are excellent to use if you have children or pets as there is no need for a candle making it a safer option. Also they can be left on over night so you can use oils to help aid sleep, relieve congestion, or to relax while you are sleeping.

9. Car diffuser. This device plugs in to your car cigarette lighter and diffuses the essential oils in to the car. Only a couple drops are required. Use essential oils to keep you focused and alert such as rosemary or peppermint; or oils to wake you up in the morning such as grapefruit; or even lavender to help reduce anxiety levels when you are stuck in traffic.

10. Aroma-dough. Essential oil scented dough can be handled and squished about to help reduce stress and to help mobilise fingers and wrist joints.

11. Scented candles. Essential oils can be added to a lit candle (but not near flame) to fragrance the room.

12. Pillows and handkerchiefs. If you don’t have an oil burner, add 2-3 drops of essential oils to a cotton wool ball and place on top of the radiator. Place one drop of essential oil on to a handkerchief and breathe in deeply – this is especially good using Eucalyptus or other decongestant oil when you have a cold, sinus congestion, hayfever, or other respiratory problems. Add 3 drops of essential oil to your pillow (or on a tissue which you can place on your pillow) – this is great if you suffer with insomnia and headaches. Lavender is always a good choice for this.

13. Body and facial creams. Essential oils can be added to unscented cream for use as body and facial moisturisers and can also be added to aloe vera gel and applied to cuts, burns, and various aches and pains to help alleviate the pain and speed up healing. Add up to 8 drops of essential oil to 10ml of base cream or gel for use on the body, and up to 4 drops to 10ml for use on the face.

14. Toiletries. Essential Oils can be added to unscented base toiletry products such as shampoos, conditioners, bubble bath, and bath oils. Use in same dilutions as for the body and facial creams above.

15. Compresses. Add 5-8 drops of essential oils to either hot or cold water. Soak a flannel in the water, wring out, and apply to the affected area. This is great for aches and pains, inflammation, and headaches. Learn how to make a compress.

Balance Holistics’ Top Five Most Read Posts

Photo by pontuse.

I meant to write this post at the beginning of the year giving a rundown of the top five most read posts of 2008 but I never got round to it. So I thought I’d write the post now and report on my top five most read holistic therapy blog posts since starting the blog last year.

The top five most popular posts were based on the number of views per post. The title of the post links to the actual post and I have also included a few sentences from the post to give you a brief idea what the post is about (although the titles are pretty self explanatory).

1. Hopi Ear Candling and Flying
“Are you jetting off on your Summer holidays but not looking forward to the pressure pain you get in your ears during take-off and landing? Then why not try Hopi Ear Candling. It is an excellent treatment to have before you fly to help ease these symptoms…”

2. Bunions From a Reflexology Point of View
“According to the TheFreeDictionary's Medical dictionary, “a bunion is an abnormal enlargement of the joint (the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or MTPJ) at the base of the great or big toe (hallux). It is caused by inflammation and usually results from chronic irritation and pressure from poorly fitting footwear.” From a Reflexology point of view, Bunions are an indication of congestion along the spleen/pancreas meridian…”

3. What is a Healing Crisis?
“Sometimes after a Holistic treatment, you may feel your symptoms get worse before they get better. For example, if you suffer from psoriasis, you may experiences an increase in breakouts for a period of time while the body eliminates any toxins from the skin. Occasionally after a holistic treatment, you may also experience reactions when the body begins its self-healing process and elimination of toxins. This is called a healing crisis…”

4. The Wonder of Tiger Balm
“There are two varieties of Tiger Balm available – white and red. Each has the same ingredients but the amount of each differs. The red version also contains Cassia. Tiger Balm Red is the original product and is better for stronger pain. Tiger Balm White is a gentler product but is still very effective. It has so many uses – a lot more than it says on the pot. I carry it with me everywhere…”

5. 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…”

My favourite post. It is hard for me to pick one favourite post as I have written so many (46 since starting the blog in July 2008). I have enjoyed researching and writing all of them. I quite like The Wonder of Epsom Salts Baths . I regularly use Epsom Salts at home and I’m always recommending them to clients to help reduce inflammation, soothe aches and pains, and relax the muscles. Another favourite is The Wonder of Tiger Balm (fourth most read blog post) – I think Tiger Balm is amazing!

What post did you enjoy reading the most? Which one did you think was the most informative? What would you like to see more on the Balance Holistics blog? Please share in the comments section.

Tension Headaches

Photo by pvera.

Most people will suffer from a tension headache at some point in their life. But for some they experience these headaches on a daily basis.

This type of headache can last from half an hour to several days and often grows in severity throughout the day. The pain can range from moderate to severe but is not usually accompanied with other symptoms like a migraine is.

Tension headaches can be caused by emotional tension, stress and anxiety; physical tension in the neck, back of the skull, and the scalp; and triggers, such as caffeine, tiredness, bright light, etc.

Here are a few things that can help with tension headaches.
- Compresses. Add 5 drops of lavender essential oil to some hot or cold water. Place a small towel in to the water, ring out the excess water, fold in half and place on your forehead, and/or neck. Try using a gel eye mask which can be cooled in the fridge before placing over your eyes.
- Essential Oils. Peppermint, roman chamomile, lavender and eucalyptus are all effective essential oils for relieving headaches. Place 4-6 drops of your chosen oil in an oil burner, add a drop to a tissue and inhale, or add 5 drops to 10ml of massage carrier oil and massage in to your forehead, temples, and back of neck.
- Massage. A professional massage from a trained therapist can help with relaxation, stress relief and target any tense and painful muscles which could be contributing to your headaches. I would recommend either an Indian Head Massage or an Aromatherapy back, face and scalp massage.
- Exercise. Exercise is good for the mind, not just the body. Exercise provides a way for the body to release tension and pent-up frustration therefore helping with stress relief.
- Posture. Keep an eye on your posture when you are sat at your desk or at home in front of the TV as poor posture can put strain on the muscles in your neck and shoulders which can contribute to tension headaches. Also, when reading or using a computer, ensure there is adequate lighting so you do not strain your eyes.
- Meditation. There is a wide variety of meditation CDs available on the market today and these are a great way to spend some time relaxing and looking after yourself.

If you are unsure of what is causing the tension headaches, it might be useful to keep a diary to see if any patterns emerge. You may then be able to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and avoid any triggers which may be causing the headaches.

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!