28 replies to this topic

[edensong]

Don't know much about it, Mother, but if you have a sulfur allergy, I'd be hesitant to use it.

What condition do you have that would make you want to try it? If it's pain or arthritis, seems like you've already got an arsenal of goodies in your cupboard!

I make a sore muscle rub that really works. It's got kpangnan butter, emu oil, castor oil, hempseed oil, arnica infused jojoba oil, calendula infused sunflower oil, evening primrose oil, and essential oils of lavender, ginger, eucalyptus, black pepper, lemongrass, sweet birch, marjoram, and lemon.

Edited by edensong, 03 January 2010 - 04:48 PM.

[Mother]

Yes, I am hesitant to try many things but you are right, I do have an arsenal of things at my disposal. I have, among other more severe problems, fibromyalgia and I know quite a few people who have had great relief with DMSO. When you have chronic diseases it makes you long to use anything that will give relief. Thankfully, I am wiser than that.

I am very much enjoying your posts. I'm glad you are back.

[edensong]

Thanks, glad to BE back.

I actually have several friends with FM and it can be seriously debilitating. When I get a chance I'll check some of the research I have to see if I have any suggestions you might try that have no sulfur. Anything else that you cannot use?

[Mother]

Thank you for caring, Evensong. Though I rarely talk about my illnesses, if it will help someone else it's worth it. I have had allergies all of my life but many years ago, as a long time wildlife rehabilitator, I contracted Lyme Disease and it left me with an impaired immune system (auto-immune disease). Among other things I have multiple chemical sensitivity as well as some severe and even life threatening allergies. Even natural and herbal remedies are sometimes difficult for me to use.

As you might guess, I am extremely careful what I use on my skin and/or in my body. Like you, I believe if you can't eat it, do NOT put it on your skin. The skin is one of the biggest organs in the body and is capable of 'ingesting' more than people realize.

I would welcome any suggestions that you might have though. If they do not help me they might help someone reading here. There are others here with similar dis-eases. That is so much a part of what Mrs. S is about. Learning and helping others. Isn't she wonderful?

[edensong]

I've read that Lyme disease is a precursor to FM.

Have you ever made an arnica stick for pain?

In my research and experience I've found that 10 drops of EOs per ounce of carrier oil is typical for blends, but for therapeutic use up to 60 drops per ounce may be necessary. That's how much I use in my muscle rub.

I'm sure you're aware how FM may be complicated by other things, like stress, anxiety, restlessness, etc. It's obviously best to make a blend for your particular needs, but here's some info I've gathered. I apologize, but I don't recall the source other than it was from aromatherapists.

The essential oils most useful in treating the symptoms of FM are:
For pain relief: spike lavender, sweet marjoram, lavender, petitgrain, Roman and German chamomile, clary sage, lemongrass, helichrysum, peppermint, ginger and black pepper. Spike lavender with peppermint and helichrysum creates an anti-inflammatory synergy.

For stress/anxiety relief: rose otto, frankincense, clary sage, sweet orange, bergamot, grapefruit, ylang ylang, sandalwood, neroli, sweet marjoram, petitgrain, mandarin, lavender, rose geranium, tangerine, jasmine.

For peaceful sleep: lavender, neroli, jasmine, marjoram, and Roman chamomile.

For a feeling of harmony and safety: frankincense, lavender, rose, mandarin, neroli, and helichrysum.
For headaches: lavender, peppermint, marjoram, and Roman chamomile.

For increased circulation: rosemary, ginger, black pepper, peppermint, lemongrass, rose geranium.

A useful overall blend might be: 4 drops of lavender, 1 drop of frankincense, 4 drops of sweet orange, and 1 drop of neroli.

Another blend could include 4 drops of sweet marjoram, 1 drop of Roman chamomile, 4 drops of mandarin, and 1 drop of rose.

If you want to provide more circulation, use 4 drops of lavender, 4 drops of rose geranium, 2 drops of rosemary, and 1 drop of lemongrass.

Also blending the spike lavender with the peppermint and helichrysum would create an anti- inflammatory synergy. You could add thyme linalool and dilute with St. John’s Wort oil and you have an anti-inflammatory muscle pain reliever.

Of course, any of those suggestions are dependent upon your sensitivities.

HTH

Edited by edensong, 04 January 2010 - 03:26 PM.

[Lois]

I also am hoping many will be helped by Edensong.
I am starting some therapy to help with my breathing 2 days a week.
I have been 3 weeks without a cigarette.

[Mother]

LOIS! YEAH. THREE WEEKS! I am SO proud of you!!! Our son has COPD and he is going on four years now without a cigarette. It's really really difficult. I will keep you in my thoughts.


(sorry, It's just so good to have you post here. )

[Mother]

Sorry Evensong, I should have answered you first. I appologize.

Your list is wonderful. Much more thorough than I've seen in a while. It made me rethink using aromatherapy again only with some of your combinations. Thank you.

FM is an extremely multifaceted dis-ease. Yes, stress, restlessness, anxeity, and so much more are a part of it but the jury is still out as to what triggers it and what IT triggers as FM in itself can cause stress, anxiety, restlessness, and a whole lot more besides. It would be nice if science would figure out a definitive cause but in the mean time I'm grateful for people like you who offer help in natural form.

Thank you for taking the time to post this for us.

[edensong]

I forgot to comment on "dis-ease" - that's the way I think of disease as well. Something is not at ease in the body.

I would imagine it's a bit of a vicious cycle with FM. I, for one, can't even relate, only sympathize.

It's trial and error for sure. Perhaps some of those EOs will give you some relief. I think I posted the ingredients to my muscle rub in another thread. I'd be happy to send you a sample if you're interested. My ex MIL also had Lyme Disease and has all kinds of body issues. She swears by it, as does my mom, who has arthritis. (It's always nice when family likes your products! )

Edited by edensong, 04 January 2010 - 10:12 PM.