Hypertension

My husband has High Blood pressure, and has been diagnosed with hypertension. Is there an essential oil that will help?
Kathy, Oregon


Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is chronically elevated.

Persistent hypertension is one of the risk factors for strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, and arterial aneurysm, and is a leading cause of chronic renal failure. Even moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure leads to shortened life expectancy. At severely high pressures, defined as mean arterial pressures 50% or more above average, a person can expect to live no more than a few years unless appropriately treated. Hypertension is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and it contributes to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis and the development of heart failure.

There are several categories of blood pressure:
Normal: Less than 120/80
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

Causes of High Blood pressure, that can lead to Hypertension:
Factors and conditions may play a part in its development, although the exact causes of high blood pressure are not known.

• Smoking
• Stress
• Being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Too much salt and fatty foods in the diet
• Too much alcohol consumption (no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day)
• Older age (over the age of 35)
• Genetics
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Pregnancy
• Birth Control Pills
  
  

Symptoms to watch for with High Blood Pressure:
There are usually no symptoms or signs of high blood pressure. In fact, nearly one-third of those who have it don't know it. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure definitely is to have your blood pressure checked.

If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, including:

• Severe headache
• Fatigue or confusion
• Vision problems
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Blood in the urine
  
  

Treating High Blood pressure:
Making changes in your lifestyle, is a must. Changes include losing weight, stopping smoking, drinking less or no alcohol, eating a healthy diet (such as lowering sodium intake, and eating plenty of servings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods), and getting enough exercise, especially aerobic exercise.

What Essential Oils do for Blood Pressure:
The essential oil of Lavender is known to help the body lower blood pressure. Peppermint will help your body raise blood pressure. Helichrysum can help balance blood pressure.

Recipes to Lower Blood Pressure:
Marjoram lowers and regulates blood pressure.

• Put 5-6 drops Marjoram in bath water. Use 2-3 times per week. Also, inhaling the aroma deeply for several minutes, and/or, rub a few drops on the bottom of each foot.
  

Another option:

• Apply to the heart area 2x daily- Layer 2-3 drops Lavender, then 2-3 drops Frankincense, then 2-3 drops Geranium.(do not blend or mix these oils together, it is best to “layer” )
  
• Tea Tree oil aids in hypertension and recovery after a heart attack. Use internally, 4-6 drops in a capsule filled with carrier oil, taken 3x daily. This same mixture can also be applied externally, around the heart area.

Bathes and Essential Oils

Can I use essential oils in the bath, and how do I do it?
Alyssa, ID.


Water is very healing and detoxifying, and bathing is an excellent way to use essential oils, as it combines the benefits of inhalation with the powers of absorption through the skin. Essential Oil combinations are also very popular, being used in European Spas.

Add the following Essential Oil combinations to a large glass of milk and then pour into bath water. Enjoy! (You can also add EO to bath with Sol-salt, Epsom salt, or Sea salt)

*Important note: Water and Oil do NOT mix...you must add essential oils to salt or milk, first, in order to create an emulsion.


Relaxing Bath
5 drops Clary Sage
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Ylang Ylang
1 drop Vetiver

Soothing Bath
5 drops Melissa
5 drops Rose

Relaxing Bath
8 drops Geranium
6 drops Lemon
4 drops Clary Sage

Stimulating Bath
4 drops Rosemary
4 drops Orange
4 drops Jasmine

Relaxing Bath
5 drops Patchouli
6 drops Orange

Sensual Bath
4 drops Cypress
2 drops Geranium
6 drops Sandalwood

Oriental Erotic Bath
6 drops Patchouli
3 drops Geranium
6 drops Jasmine

Cleansing Bath
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Thyme
2 drops Sage
2 drops Eucalyptus
2 drops Cypress
2 drops Myrtle
2 drops Geranium

Childrens Bath
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Orange
1 drop Chamomile

Refreshing Bath
8 drops Geranium
6 drops Lemon
4 drops Clary Sage

Common Cold Bath
5 drops Lavender
3 drops Myrtle
5 drops Pine
1 drop Peppermint
1 drop Thyme

Anti-Inflammation
8 drops Lavender
3 drops Lemon
8 drops Tea Tree

Headache Releif
10 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
4 drops Lemon

Anti-Depressant Bath
1 drop Thyme
7 drops Lavender
3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Sage
2 drops Juniper Berry

Anti-Stress Bath
6 drops Lavender
2 drops Marjoram
2 drops Ylang Ylang

Muscle Pain Bath
7 drops Juniper Berry
5 drops Lavender
6 drops Rosemary

Bath apres l’amour
4 drops Ylang Ylang
4 drops Jasmine
4 drops Palmarosa
4 drops Orange

Calming Bath
2 drops lavender
2 drops Bergamont
2 drops Cedarwood

Nervousness Bath
6 drops Geranium
4 drops Basil

Insomnia Bath
4 drops Chamomile
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Neroli
2 drops Marjarom

Energizing Bath
3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Frankincense

Healing Sunburns with Essential Oils and More!!

My daughter received a really bad sunburn. Are there essential oils that will help with sunburns?

Shelly, CA


Sunburns should of course be avoided where possible --

Prevention is your best bet. Do outdoor activities before 10:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m., when the ultraviolet rays are less intense. And remember to wear a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every time you towel off and every hour.


Mild sunburn can cause redness, pain, and slight swelling for about three to seven days. Skin may peel and be itchy.


The redness of a sunburn is caused by clogged and swollen capillaries that supply blood to the skin. Severe burns, caused by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight, can damage blood vessels and destroy elastic fibers in the skin, causing it to sag and wrinkle. Excessive sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer, the most common of all cancers.


See a doctor immediately if there are signs of shock or heat exhaustion, such as:
-dizziness
-rapid pulse
-rapid breathing
-nausea, fever, or chills
-severe skin blisters
-extreme thirst, diminished/no urine output

An Essential Oil Sunscreen:

• 4 Drops Geranium
• 4 drops Lavender
• 1 tsp. Carrier Oil (Grapeseed, Olive, etc.)

Tip: Eating Squash helps prevent Sunburns.

Remember the Sunscreen

· Without sunscreen, UVA and UVB rays can increase your risk of skin cancer. Regardless of whether actual physical skin damage has occurred (such as a sunburn) even unnoticeable damage can create the right conditions for skin cancer development. When the body tries to fix cells that have been damaged by ultraviolet radiation, the DNA of the cell can sometimes become altered. This alteration can cause the skin cell to grow irregularly, and develop into a cancerous cell.

· According to the American Cancer Society, you should wear at least SPF 15 protection sunblock when spending time in the sun. SPF 15 will block an estimated 93% of UV rays, with SPF 30 and SPF 50 blocking 97% and 98%, respectively.

Read about Skin Cancer here: http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Melanoma

But, if you have found your self exposed to the sun too long, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the pain and speed healing of a sunburn.

Using Essential Oils:

• Lavender and Peppermint oil mixed with Aloe Vera Gel can be particularly soothing and cooling to burned skin. Mix 1-2 drops Lavender, 1 drop Peppermint, and a "quarter" sixe of gel on the palms of the hand, mix, and rub on location.
• You can also add 20 drops each of lavender and chamomile essential oils to a tubful of cool water and soak for ten minutes.

For minor Sunburns, create a solution of the following recipe:

• 4-5 Drops Lavender
• 1 Drop Tea Tree
• 1 Drop Peppermint
• 1 Drop Helichrysum (You can substitute Geranium, if you do not have Helichrysum)
• 1 Cup Aloe Vera JUICE or Distilled/Purified Water or Silver solution
• Shake and Spray on Sunburn every 15-20 minutes for the first 3-4 hours or whenever you feel the heat. Spray it on daily, after you shower for 2-3 days.

Another Recipe:

• 10 Drops Lavender
• 5 Drops Peppermint
• 3 drops Sports Pro blend
• Add to 1oz filtered water-add to mister bottle and shake and spray on location.
  

Some other Natural Remedies that can help are:

1. Cool Milk Compresses: - The fat and lactic acids in milk are known to have soothing qualities for sunburned skin. Soak a soft cloth or cotton gauze in cool whole milk, and dab carefully onto the burned skin. Do this for around 20 minutes, and follow by rinsing off with cool water. (Due to the importance of the milk's fat content, it's important that whole milk be used in this treatment).

2. Cool, sugarless tea: - Black, Green, or Chamomile Tea Bath. Steep 5 tea bags in 2 cups of boiling water for 20 to 30 minutes. Pour tea into a bathtub filled with cool water. Soaking in chamomile tea helps soothe inflamed skin. Black and green teas contain tannins, which help take the sting out of sunburn. The tannin in tea is the active ingredient, which helps to soothe and relieve some of the discomfort of sunburned skin. After brewing a big pot of tea, and allowing it to cool completely, slosh the affected areas with a soft sponge or washcloth. You could also fill a spray bottle, and spray the tea directly on the skin. And don't throw away the used (cool) teabags. These are especially good for sensitive areas around the eyes - simply place the teabags over your eyes if they feel hot and tired.

3. Aloe Vera: - Aloe Vera is commonly used to treat sunburn. As well as providing soothing relief, it may also assist in the healing process. Apply to the affected areas as needed. Although the gel extracted directly from an aloe Vera plant works best, if you don't have ready access to one, you may use an 'over the counter' Aloe Vera Cream that contains the gel. For this to be effective, just ensure that the cream contains a high concentration of Aloe Vera than it does water or other solutions.

4. Water: - When exposed to the sun, your body loses water and essential body salts. Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid, and begins to reabsorb fluid from the blood and other body tissues. To prevent the consequences of dehydration, increase your fluid intake to ensure you adequately re-hydrate your body for optimum recovery and health.

More on Hydration here: http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Water%2FHydration

5. Whole Milk Yogurt Masque- Apply plain whole milk yogurt to sunburned areas. The coolness and fat content of the yogurt help soothe the burn. Rinse with cool water when yogurt becomes warm. Reapply as needed.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Spritz- Fill a spritz bottle with apple cider vinegar (do not substitute white vinegar-it won’t work) and spray sunburned skin. Alternatively, pour cider on a washcloth and apply to skin. Rinse with cool water.

7. Strawberry Mash- Mash ripe strawberries and apply directly to sunburned skin.

8.Cucumber Slices- Place peeled, thinly sliced cucumbers directly on sunburn. Remove when cucumbers are warm. Cucumber slices are especially good for delicate skin, for example the face and neck.

Hot Stomach - Thermal Food

Why does "Hot Stomach" happen?
An imbalance may contribute to either excessive or deficient conditions and cause stress to the organs. Since we consume food daily, it offers powerful natural medicinal properties. Foods are considered to have directions and thermal properties. TCM five element food therapy promotes counterbalancing foods to help restore natural harmony.

How can "Hot Stomach" be prevented?

Foods have energies that offer hot, cold, cool, warm or neutral properties and are used to help restore imbalances.

Symptoms associated with cold conditions can be warmed with warm or hot foods.

Symptoms associated with hot conditions can be helped with cool or cold foods.

Exterior conditions can be helped with foods that move outward, warming the exterior, promoting sweating and reducing fever, these are hot pungent & sweet foods. These are good winter foods because of their hot energy and include, black pepper, ginger, red pepper, cinnamon.
Cold foods that move inward are good in summer because they are energetically cold, bitter or salty and include banana, watermelon, clams, crab, kelp, lettuce.

Some typical foods and their thermal properties:

• Cold: Banana, Clams, Kelp, Seaweed, watermelon, tomato, grapefruit.
• Cool: Tofu, wheat, mushrooms, spinach, apples, strawberries, mango, (mostly green leafy vegetables and most fruit)
• Neutral: Beef, white sugar, rice, pork, carrots, apricots, beets, Chinese cabbage, carp, celery, chicken eggs, corn, figs, honey, kidney beans, anise, lotus, papaya.
• Warm: Chicken, raspberries, lamb, shrimp, garlic, coffee, cuttlefish, green onion, guava, organ meats, rosemary, seeds and nuts, wine.
• Hot: Black pepper, black cumin, cinnamon, ginger, green pepper, red pepper beef, nutmeg, mustard, curry.

Headaches & Essential Oils

Will essential oils help my headaches?
Mike, Pennsylvania

Headaches

Almost everyone gets headaches, and they can start young. In fact one study found that among people ages 12 to 29 years old, 91% of men and 95% of women had experienced one or more headaches.

Headache pain drives 50 million people to doctors each year and is one of the top 10 reasons men and women seek medical care.

#1 cause is Dehydration. Your body requires half it’s bodyweight in ounces. For example: If you weigh 100#, then you should be drinking 50 ounces of water a day. Drink plenty of water first.

#2 cause of headaches is stress. Stress will cause a contraction in the muscles.

General Headache Remedy – 3 drops Lavender + 1 drop Peppermint -Apply to the back of the neck at the hairline

General Tension Headache – 3 drops Marjoram oil or Basil oil -Added to recipe for General Headaches above. Same application.

Migraines are often triggered by a contracted vessel in the brain. It needs to be opened up. Sometimes its as simple as dehydration, other times its made worse by dehydration. Always be aware and stay well hydrated.

• Try Peppermint. Take Peppermint bottle, place under the nose, breathe in several deep breaths over a 2 – 3 minute period. May open up contracted vessels.
  

Cluster Headache – 2 drops Basil + 2 drops Marjoram + 5 drops Rosemary + 2 drops Peppermint. Apply to the back of the neck at hairline, on the feet, on the web of the hands between the thumb and pointer finger.

Sinus Headache – 1 Tabl. Epsom salts, 1 drop Eucalyptus, 1 drop Rosemary, Mix with: 1 Cup Warm Water Irrigate nasal cavities so the sinuses and face don’t swell. When irrigating, expect LOTS of ‘gunk’ to be released. It’s good news (even if it isn’t ‘pretty’). Lavender oil used on the face or diluted Peppermint oil can help minimize swelling.

Hormonal Headaches – often caused or affected by birth control pills etc. Clary Sage applied to the bottom of the feet, around the ankle bones, at the base of the hairline, on the pulse points. If it doesn’t hold the headache well enough, add Lavender oil.

Gastric Headaches – certain people get them from eating crummy food or have had the gall bladder removed. Back off on the junk food, and drink a glass of water with 1 drop Lemon and 1 drop Peppermint in it.

Moderate Headaches – 1 drop Peppermint + 1 tsp honey + 1 cup warm water mixed as a tea

Severe Headaches - 1 drop Lavender oil + 1 drop Rosemary oil + 2 drops Peppermint oil. Mix oils, place on a tissue and inhale deeply several times or put in boiling water with towel draped over. Inhale. Or rub oils blend on hands, cup hands over nose, inhale.

Nervous Headache I - 3 drops Lavender oil (Moderate)1 drop Rosemary oil -Massage upper solar plexus in clockwise direction

Nervous Headache II- 1 drop Geranium oil (Severe)2 drops Lemon oil + 3 drops Lavender oil -Massage upper solar plexus in clockwise direction.

Headaches from Structural Miss-alignment –
Sports Pro blend and Birch oil can be helpful on back of neck and pulse points.

Toxic Headaches - Headaches/Migraines from intestinal flora being out of balance-

• Do colon cleanse.
• Increase ‘good’ bacterial flora
• Get a colonic
• Too much estrogen from commercially grown meats, greens, veggies etc.
• Add in lots of good, fresh, organic produce to your daily eating.
• Headaches across the forehead – check the kidneys.
• Headaches across the temples – check the thyroid.
• Headaches in corners of forehead (wild eyed) – check the adrenal glands.
• Headaches on right side over the eye – check the gall bladder.
• Headaches in the middle of the forehead, under center of eyebrow – check the sinuses.
• Headaches behind the eye – check for parasites, or pituitary function, or pancreatic congestion.
  

Applying Essential Oils

What are some of the ways to apply Essential Oils?
Ella, Alberta, CD

Methods of Application

Direct Application

Direct application onto the skin is one of the easiest ways to use essential oils. It is also a highly effective method since essential oils can easily pass through the lipid membranes of cell walls. They are able to penetrate cells and disperse throughout the body within minutes. The bottom of the feet is a good place to apply oils directly because many nerve endings are found there and the pores of the skin are large in that area.

Before you start, remember to test a small area of the skin first. Apply one oil or blend at a time. When layering oils that are new to you, allow 10-20 minutes between each oil to give the body a chance to respond before applying the second oil.

The longer essential oils stay in contact with the skin, the more likely they are to be absorbed, so do not wash them off too soon.

Carrier oils extend essential oils when they are applied to a large area. When massaging, the carrier oil helps lubricate the skin, as well. Some suggested carrier oils are:

• Grapeseed (cold-pressed)
  
• Jojoba
  
• Olive

When applying essential oils to children, always use a carrier oil. Lavender oil does not require dilution as long as it is not lavandin or genetically-engineered lavender. Add 15-30 drops of essential oil to one ounce of quality carrier oil and mix well.

How to Dispense Essential Oil

Hold the bottle of oil 1 to 4 inches above the fingers or palm of the other hand. Tip it over and wait for the oil to drip out. Then, massage the oil onto the desired area. Oil can also be dropped directly over the body in this way.

Some essential oil is thicker than others and requires a gentle rocking. Never touch the center of the drop dispenser -- let the oil drip from the edge freely.

Layering

Multiple oils can be applied, one at a time, using a technique called layering. For example, if marjoram is used on a sore muscle; it is massaged into the tissue until the area is dry. Then the next oil is applied - perhaps peppermint, until the oil is absorbed. Then the third oil, possibly basil, until the oil is absorbed.

Massage

Mix 3-4 drops of essential oil with ½ tsp. of Massage Oil to create a custom massage oil.

VitaFlex

Is a specialized form of hand and foot massage that is very effective in delivering the benefits of
essential oils throughout the body. Essential oils are applied to the areas of the feet and hands that correspond to the systems of the body needing attention (similar to the reflexology points).

Acupressure

1-3 drops of essential oil can be applied to acupressure points. Using an auricular probe with its slender point can enhance the application. Dip the probe into a drop of oil in your hand, then press the point firmly and release. This technique can be used along the acupressure points and meridians or used on the reflexology or Vita Flex points. Once the small point stimulation is complete, the general area can be massaged with same oil.

Diffusion

Diffusing essential oils is a perfect way to improve your home, work, or living environment. Diffusing can purify the air and neutralize mildew, cigarette smoke or other odors as well as protect you and your family from viruses and bacteria.

Inhalation

• Place 2 or more drops into the palm of the left hand; rub clockwise with the right hand. Cup hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply.
  
• Add several drops of an essential oil to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water. Inhale the vapors that rise from the bowl. A towel can be placed over the head and bowl to increase the intensity of the vapors.
  
• Apply a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball, tissue, natural-fiber handkerchief, or clay necklace and inhale periodically.
  
• Apply 2 or more drops of oil anywhere on your upper body, such as chest, neck, sternum under nose and ears or wrists. Breathe in the fragrance throughout the day.
  

Compress

Hot packs are an excellent way to get deeper penetration of an essential oil:

• Rub 1-3 drops essential oil on the desired location.
• Cover with a hot, damp towel.
• Cover the moist towel with a dry towel for 10-60 minutes.
  
  Warming or burning sensations may be experienced as the oil penetrates. If burning becomes uncomfortable, apply Massage Oil, or any pure vegetable oil.

Do Not use a warm, moist compress on the chest of a female. (If there are any unlying problems, this can cause it to go deeper as well.) Always go from the back area with this procedure.

Cold packs are advised for anyone with neurological problems or for swelling and inflammation.

• Rub 1-3 drops essential oil on the desired location.
• Cover with a cold, damp towel.
• Cover towel with ice packs.
• Keep the cold pack on until the swelling diminishes.
  

Warm compress for children, the elderly, or those with sensitive skin:
Use water temperature that is about 100+deg; F (just slightly warmer than body heat). If there are neurological conditions, use cool water.

• Place 5-15 drops of essential oil into a basin of warm water.
• Agitate the water and let it stand for 1 minute.
• Place a dry face cloth on top of the water to soak up the oils that have floated to the surface.

Adding to Bath

Since oil does not mix with water, they need to be mixed with a dispersing agent. Mixing 2-3 drops of oil with some Milk, Epsom salts, or Dendrick salt will help the oils disperse evenly and prevent stronger oils from stinging sensitive areas.

Use a fun Bath Mixture provided here, http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Bathes%20and%20Essential%20Oils

Fast Respiratory System Help - Diffusing Essential Oils

An excellent way to use essential oils for the respiratory system is by diffusing the them into the air and breathing them in. In fact, diffusing essential oils has historically been one of the most effective ways to purify the air and benefit the respiratory system. That is because diffusing allows the oils to bring their oxygenating qualities further into the lungs and allows the essential oils to stay in the air for a longer period.

• Research at Weber State University proved that diffusing essential oils kills airborne microorganisms. It is so effective that many hospitals in England and France diffuse essential oils daily to keep incidences of drug-resistant bacteria low, and to keep the air free from microorganisms.
  
  The process of diffusing is so effective because it breaks up the oil molecules into micro-fine mist particles, which are able to stay suspended in the air for long periods. Not only does this reduce viruses, bacteria, mold and odors in the air, but it soothes the trachea and lungs. In addition, diffused oils increase the available oxygen in the air and produce negative ions.
  
  No one wants to get sick. If you eat well, exercise, and take care of yourself, you can lower the chances. So take care of yourself and your family the natural way - with therapeutic-grade essential oils.