Unique Original Articles » Choose The Best Pain Relieving Essential Oil

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.

Pain Relief is in the Chemistry

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.

Who Can Benefit from Helichrysum?

Nearly everyone with pain originating in their muscles, joints or connective tissue may find relief with this oil. Helichrysum is applied topically to the area where symptoms are noted, where it readily absorbs through the skin. The greatest effects are found where the painful spots are relatively close to the surface -- like the neck, back, and most joints. Folks with arthritis may benefit, and can even use another essential oil like Ginger to add a warming effect. Sports enthusiasts and hard-core athletes are some of Helichrysum's greatest proponents. It works on virtually any impact and trauma-related injury. Over-use injuries are more challenging, but even here the oil has been found effective if used in the early stages, when the pain first appears. Anyone can benefit anytime they hurt themselves: bang into the furniture in the middle of the night? Burn yourself in the kitchen? Twist an ankle on the stairs? Give Helichrysum a try! The sooner its applied, the more effective it will be, as one of the most wonderful actions is the way it prevents bruises from forming, which not only reduces pain but significantly speeds the healing process. Beyond these common uses, many individuals have found relief from nerve pain, and other conditions which painfully affect the skin, muscles, connective tissue and nervous system.

How to Properly Use the Oil For Best Results

Because 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.

In most cases of chronic pain, diluting in another 'carrier' oil -- like Sweet Almond, Jojoba, or even Olive oil -- will 'extend' the Helichrysum, and can help improve its effects over a larger area. If using for the entire mid-back area for example, one can dilute one part Helichrysum into 5 or even 10 parts Jojoba oil and massage-in as frequently as necessary. Making our own formulation is very easy to do. It is recommended to start of with lower dilutions and work your way up only if necessary; this helps you conserve the precious oil by only using as much as required for the desired results. Forty drops of Helicrysum in each ounce of carrier oil will create an approximate 5 percent dilution; eighty drops for a 10 percent dilution; etc.

Adding Other Essential Oils for a Personal Formula

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.

There Are Many Kinds of Helichrysum -- Which One to Use?

When 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.
Along with herbs from the garden, the author is a user of aromatherapy oils. More information on pure aromatherapy and wholesale essential oil pricing is available at the Ananda Apothecary.
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