Guest Post: Benefits of Essential Oils on Lupus symptoms
Several weeks ago, I posted about the benefits of peppermint oil for hair loss. We can never have too many solutions for that pesky symptom! But because the symptoms of lupus go well beyond hair loss, it appears that other essential oils may offer symptom relief.
In fact, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), for MS patients: “Essential oils (aromatherapy) may give symptomatic relief with sleep, relaxation, joint mobility, and an improved sense of well-being.”
The NCBI is part of the National Library of Medicine, which falls under NIH. You can read the rest of the article here from the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. The last paragraph of the NCBI article is particularly interesting to me, as it highlights the reasons why Complementary and Alternative Medicines may benefit the overall quality of life of a patient for reasons other than direct symptom management. You may also find this article on essential oils from Lupus News Today interesting.
Today, we are featuring guest blogger Corie Keyes from Keyessentials. Below, she highlights several essential oils that may alleviate some lupus symptoms. Read on to learn more about her personal experience with the oils, but please keep in mind the following note from Corie:
Essential oils are super potent, and you want to make sure they are pure. So please don’t go to the drugstore and buy any off the shelf. Please do your research on the company and make sure you trust them and their quality practices. If you have any questions on the oils I personally use, my contact info is below. Also be sure to read the label, as most oils aren’t suitable for internal use. So please read the labels and do your research before you take any oil internally.
Thanks for joining us, Corie!
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Did you know that essential oils can help manage some common symptoms associated with Lupus? What are essential oils, you ask? They are tiny volatile molecules that are extracted from plants. They are what give plants their distinctive scent and what protects plants from predators. Our bodies chemical makeup is very similar to plants, and when we use essential oils, our bodies know what to do with them right away and that is why they work so well for many common issues. These oils are nothing new, they have been around for thousands of years, and are even mentioned in the bible! They are just becoming more popular again because of their significant benefits. Here are just some of the ways oils may help you manage your symptoms:
Inflammation
We all know that Lupus is an inflammatory condition. One of my favorite oils, frankincense, has an active constituent that has been shown to be potent against an enzyme that is responsible for excess inflammation in the body (1). I would suggest 2 drops under your tongue 2-3 times a day, and if you don’t like the taste you can put it in an empty veggie capsule. Another suggestion for inflammation is Helichrysum, as it can support the nervous system and help calm unhealthy immune reactions(2). Mix 1-2 drops with fractionated coconut oil and apply to the back of your neck.
Pain
Lavender, lemongrass and a soothing blend could be very beneficial for achy joints and muscles. Put 1-2 drops in an unscented lotion or fractionated coconut oil and massage onto the area of concern. There are tons of options for pain, so if one oil doesn’t work, there are TONS more to try. What works for some may not work for others, just like regular OTC medications.
Skin Irritations
Lavender, Geranium and Frankincense are excellent choices for skin irritations! You can add a drop to your personal face moisturizer or you can put a few drops in some coconut oil and apply directly to the irritation. Lavender is great for redness, geranium is very soothing and frankincense has tons of benefits for skin, even may help with fine lines and wrinkles.
Stress/Insomnia
I’ve heard that stress can cause your symptoms to increase and who doesn’t have stress in their lives these days. Essential oils can help with that as well. Lavender is all things calming, so you could diffuse lavender during times of high stress. You can purchase a diffuser from amazon for about $25. It takes a little bit of water and a few drops of oil, and disperses them in the air. They are a great way to get the benefits of the oils! More calming oils are roman chamomile, bergamot, clary sage, ylang ylang or the restful blend.
Hair Loss
Certain essential oils can also help promote hair growth. Rosemary, peppermint, and melaleuca can all be added to your shampoo and massaged into the scalp. Remember, you only need 1-2 drops! Less oil, more often is key. Also, being consistent is best. Be sure to use your oils daily.
Digestive Issues
For those dealing with digestive issues, you can use peppermint, ginger, fennel or the digestive blend. Peppermint is great for calming an upset tummy, fennel and ginger are good for gas bubbles or mix a drop of all three and fractionated coconut oil and apply to the abdomen for any type of stomach cramping or digestive upset.
In my opinion, these oils are truly life changing. If you have any questions, please let me know. My website is www.keyessentials.info and my email is c.keyes@hotmail.com.
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**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. I am not a doctor, I am just an Essential Oil educator and am suggesting these oils based on my research and personal experience.
(1).Kothavade, P.S., Nagmoti, D.M., Bulani,
, Juvekar, A.R. (2013, October 1). Arzanol,
a potent mPGES-1 inhibitor: novel anti-
inflammatory agent.
ScientificWorldJournal.
Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
pubmed/?term=Helichrysum+autoimmune
(2)
Siddiqui, M.Z. (2011, May). Boswellia serrata, a
potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview.
Indian J Pharm Sci.
Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.
nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22457547
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