We have been using Aromatherapy for quite some time without realizing it, in the form of Ben Gay and Tiger Balm, for sore muscles and stiff joints. Yet until recently, the real powerhouse of pain relief, Helichrysum italicum, has gone relatively unnoticed. The oil is now becoming more and more popular, as it not only relieves pain, but actually speeds healing of many injuries and ailments. What’s different about Helichrysum than oils that have been used traditionally for pain? Why might it provide better effects than the Wintergreen found in Ben Gay? Here’s a look at the multitude of actions of Helichrysum, and how you can benefit from this effective natural plant medicine.

Healing The Musculoskeletal System

To reduce pain and heal structural tissues at the same time, a synergy of active ingredients is necessary. That’s why aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain, but don’t stimulate healing — they only address one part of the equation. Essential oils are naturally made up of many chemicals — one oil can have more than a hundred identifiable molecules. And because of their molecular structure, they’re very compatible with our physiology. When topically applied, they pass right through our skin and into the bloodstream and underlying tissues where they can quickly get to work.

Inflammation Reduction

Helichrysum seems to have been designed by nature to heal trauma of our muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and even skin. Its natural chemistry has components which reduce inflammation and pain, while concurrently stimulating tissue regeneration. The anti-inflammatory action is a result of constituents known as “curcumenes”, similar in structure to molecules found in the popular inflammation-reducing herb turmeric. This is a crucial step in initiating the healing process; if inflammation is not reduced, more activity can cause more inflammation in a vicious cycle. Reducing inflammation allows the healing process to begin, as damaged tissue material can then be removed from the injury site, and fresh nutrients can be brought in.

Muscle Relaxant

Where Helichrysum distilled from plants grown in coastal regions of the Mediterranean really stand out is in its ability to release muscle tension. In particular, a sub-species known as “serotinum” has the highest levels of neryl acetate. This is of a group of compounds known as “esters” which are particularly good anti-spasmodics. Just like the word says, these compounds relieve muscle spasms — a condition that is often found in our necks and backs where the musculature has locked up in a stiff and painful condition. This can be the result of old injuries (where the body is trying to protect itself by holding together weak joints), from stress, or simple poor posture or ergonomics (like hunching over a computer all day). By relieving these spasms, circulation in the area is increased, and the healing process is dramatically accelerated.

Cellular Regeneration

Helichrysum contains molecules regarded for their ability to signal our cells to heal and regenerate. These compound are called “di-ketones”, of which Helichrysum specifically contains several “italidiones”. You’ll find the essential oil an ingredient in nearly every wound healing and scar reducing formula in aromatherapy. (It should not be used on open wounds due to its anticoagulant effects, but is suitable once an injury is no longer likely to bleed). These same regenerative di-ketones make the oil an excellent choice for all sorts of skin-care recipes; the regenerative action can be complemented by a carrier oil like Rosehip seed, whose carotene content also supports skin healing — these two oils together form the foundation of many anti-aging skin care blends.

Quicker Healing by Preventing Bruises and Blood Clots

Helichrysum essential oil is called for at 100% strength in one particular use: preventing the formation of bruises and hematomas. When an impact injury occurs, one of the first physiological responses is the filling of the damaged tissues with fluid, and the blocking of further blood flow through the area. Blood already in the area will stagnate and turn dark, resulting in a bruise. This is a natural response to prevent us from causing further damage. However, it also slows the healing process. One or more applications of the essential oil will prevent the initial swelling from occurring, and limit the formation of a bruise. This typically gets one “back into the game” much more quickly, as many avid users who are also fitness addicts will attest to. Twist an ankle, apply some oil. Bump your head, do the same. Works every time!

Personal Healing Experiences

Personal and anecdotal experience with Helichrysum essential oil confirms its purported healing actions. A user with chronic neck pain from a sever auto accident found relief within minutes of massaging the essential oil at 100% into the stiff and painful vertebrae. Other users find their sports-related injuries to heal more quickly, and are less likely to become chronic overuse conditions. Application after simple burns in the kitchen leads to quick pain relief and fast healing. While the scientific evaluation of Helichrysum’s effects are yet to be performed, this is no reason to avoid trying this essential oil for yourself — the conventional thinkers firmly believed the Earth was flat for a very long time!

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using lavender and other essential oil.

Sandalwood is both a classic scent and a classic medicine. Used as an aromatic for over 4000 years, and as a medicine in the Ayurvedic system for perhaps a millennium, the wood itself has been greatly valued by mankind. The essential oil, while only becoming popular in the last hundred years, is a truly classic scent, with important science-proven therapeutic medicinal applications. Whether it be for the body or mind, sandalwood oil can offer effective support. Here’s a look at the therapeutic applications of this treasured oil, and how you too might benefit from its medicinal magic.

For those not so familiar with the source of this wondrous material, sandalwood oil is distilled from the the wood of, of course, the sandalwood tree. Sounds simple enough, but the tree is totally unique — its a parasite, growing only on other trees. So harvesting the wood involves cutting down both trees. To make matters more challenging, the wood isn’t really ready to harvest until its at least 30 years old, and really, the older the better.

The very finest oil, certainly aromatically — and some people believe therapeutically as well — is distilled from the Santalum album species native to India. The essential oil has become so highly valued that over-harvesting of the trees has made a significant impact in deforestation in certain regions. So much so that the government of India made it a law that they now own all the sandalwood trees in the country! This, of course, is meant to prevent poaching of the trees, as clearly the offense is rather serious stealing the valuable resource from the government. Thankfully, there are plantations of this same species of tree underway, and other sources of very fine sandalwood oils that are now close in rivaling the quality of the Indian material.

Obviously there must be something to this oil for it to be so prized! While the oil and the wood have been closely tied to spiritual practices for thousands of years, research laboratories are only just now uncovering some profound medicinal properties. A paste made of the wood has historically been used as medicine for the skin, and now it’s been discovered the essential oil alone can actually prevent the formation of skin cancers. When skin is pre-treated with the oil, then exposed to potentially damaging quantities of ultra-violet radiation, the formation of cancerous tumors is significantly reduced.

Scientific researchers have elucidated the source of this cancer-preventative action. It turns out that one of the major natural chemical constituents, called “santalols” (found only in sandalwood oil, and no other natural material yet discovered) reinforces the signal for cells to die as they normally should. A feature of cancer cells is that they do not live and die in a natural cycle as healthy cells do — they just go on living, growing and spreading. So application of sandalwood oil prior to exposure to a carcinogen essentially tells the cell to keep on going through its normal healthy life cycle. And despite the lack of availability of Indian sandalwood, santalols are found in all other popular species from which the oil is distilled.

The aroma is highly regarded for its calming, centering qualities, without being sedating. Researchers in Vienna, Austria published research indicating study participants were positively affected in the areas of alertness, attentiveness, calmness, mood, relaxation and vigor. This correlates to its long-time use as the first choice aromatic in aiding meditation. It is reputed to quiet mental chatter, again while bringing the awareness to a singular focus.

Curiously, the oil has also been researched for supporting deeper, more restful sleep. The essential oil works both when inhaled and when topically applied. One study examining the effects of inhaling santalol, the primary natural constituent of the oil, found this component could result in a significant decrease in the time spent awake in sleep-disturbed subjects, and also increased the total time spent in REM sleep. This study noted that the effect was not due to the aroma’s interaction with the olfactory sense and the brain, but by its distribution throughout the bloodstream via inhalation. This implies that a similar effect may be achieved by wearing the oil as a natural perfume, or similar topical method.

This is just a brief look at some wonderful therapeutic actions available using sandalwood. Its skin care properties go far beyond sun protection; these include care for dry skin, mature skin and acne-prone skin as well. The oil is very safe, and well-tolerated by nearly everyone. When you find yourself looking for a source of sandalwood, you’ll find several varieties available. Research has shown them to be fairly equivalent in many respects therapeutically — for skin care, the lower-cost Australian is an excellent choice. For aromatic uses, find one that you enjoy the most! And know that a little goes a long way — start with a small amount, and enjoy its subtle, uplifting nature.

For more on the therapeutic value of aromatherapy oils, and one of many important oils individually such as organic Geranium essential oil, visit The Ananda Apothecary online.

Lomi lomi?

Anyone ever recieved a lomi lomi massage? I’m interested in learning more about it (beyond the report I’m doing). My resources are a little limited, so I know the basics, but I’d like to hear from someone who uses the techniques, or who has received a massage.
If not lomi lomi, how about Thai? What’s your experience been?

Hello:

The original massage training I received was in Lomilomi from a true kahuna on the “Big Island” of Hawaii.
I have both given and received them.

Please contact me at: uwaiu@yahoo.com for full details.

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