Essential Oils & Chronic Pain

The body produces its own pain-killers called neurochemicals. They are opiate-like substances called enkephalins and endorphins. They are produced in the spinal cord and the brain. One theory is that people with chronic pain have less of this pain relieving substances, but more research is needed.

The thalamus and pituitary are stimulated when inhaling essential oils, and this may increase the amount of endorphins and enkephalins. These essential oils are known as aphrodisiac and euphoric since they make us feel good. Valerie Cooksley suggests that chronic pain sufferers should incorporate these oils into their lives.

Click for a larger view

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

Analgesic Essential Oils

Analgesic essential oils are used to relieve pain when applied externally, and they are also called anodynes or local anesthetics.

I previously wrote a post about Essential Oils & Pain. In that post I discussed that chronic pain sufferers should consider using essential oils that stimulate the thalamus and pituitary since it may increase the amount of endorphins and enkelphalins. You see, the body produces its own pain-killers called neurochemicals, and these opiate-like substances are called enkephalins and endorphins.

According to Young, Peppermint has shown to block calcium channels and substance P, which are important in the transmission of pain signals. This is great news since peppermint is a fairly inexpensive and an easy to find essential oil. Douglas fir, balsam fir and helichrysum are other oils with unique pain-relieving properties. 


How I apply oils for pain

• Sometimes I mix the essential oils with massage oils and apply on the location
• I apply the oils to relevant Vita Flex points on the bottom of the feet
• It the pain is chronic or trauma related, then I apply a warm compress on the location

As often when it comes to essential oils, there are loads of them to choose from so I will pick my favorites. 

The following oils with analgesic properties are my first choices:
Eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen,rosemary, black pepper, and marjoram

Other oils with analgesic properties:
Clove, cinnamon, palo santo, lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, bergamot, juniper, oregano,  German chamomile, thyme, geranium, elemi, ginger, nutmeg, pine, rose, vetiver, ylang ylang and dorado azul. 

 Remember, some essential oils such as cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, oregano, juniper, wintergreen, and black pepper may irritate the skin so make sure you dilute the essential oils and perform a skin patch test. I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contraindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. 

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

• Topical Application
• Inhaling Essential Oils
• Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
• How to Dilute Essential Oils
• Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing

Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

This post is linked to:
WFMW