April, 2019
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Why Helichrysum Essential Oil Belongs In Your Medicine Cabinet
The precious essential oil of Helichrysum is relatively unknown in the United States, even in natural health and wellness circles. Interest and experience with this natural healing phenomenon is growing rapidly, however and with very good reason. Helichrysum is one of the most potent, dramatically healing essential oils used in European medical aromatherapy today. As noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt, America’s leading medical aromatherapist, the effects of this oil are so convincing that it has never met with any kind of criticism. An essential oil so useful, even those who consider aromatherapy a pseudo-science do not challenge its wonderful effects! So what is Helichrysum oil, and how can it benefit the newcomer to aromatherapy?
With so many species of Helichrysum grown, and several essential oils distilled from these, it is important to recognize the most important of the therapeutic varieties. It is the italicum’ species of the Helichrysum plant that is mentioned with highest regard in the aromatherapy literature; moreover, the serotinum’ sub-species may be the most potent. When looking for the oil, be sure it is 100% pure, undiluted, Helichrysum italicum for best effects.
Helichrysum italicum is found growing wild around the Mediterranean, where fine grades of the essential oil are distilled. With growth in the oil’s popularity, exceptional oils are now being produced in North America as well, with laboratory credentials and brilliant aromas to prove it. As with many other essential oils, it is the care taken in the growing of the plant and use of precise distillation techniques that make an oil therapeutic grade’; where different geographical locations can sometimes produce different chemotypes’ of essential oils, this does not seem to be the case with Helichrysum. As is also the case with most essential oils, a pleasing, well-rounded, natural aroma is indicative of its healing potency.
By now you’re likely asking: So what does it DO? Ah, well, a great many things! Helichrysum italicum is a unique essential oil in its distinct synergy of molecular components. It is the only oil known to contain safe but powerful regenerative di-ketones. Its curcumene components have been studied for their anti-inflammatory action; further, the oil contains what are known as spasmolytic esters’ which cause tissues to relax. Relaxing, anti-inflammatory and regenerative a wonderful combination in a single therapeutic oil.
As Dr. Schnaubelt notes: The pain-reducing, analgesic, and regenerative effect is unique…Generally, Helichrysum italicum works for all conditions in which inflamed tissue needs to be calmed down and regenerated. The oil has a great variety of applications due to this broad range of action. It is regularly used for skin, muscle and connective tissue injuries and healing with profound results. Most simply, the essential oil may be applied directly to larger cuts, scrapes and even surgical incisions to speed healing (true Lavender oil works well for small wounds add a little Tea Tree in either case for a stronger anti-microbial effect).
Helichrysum oil is wonderful for active sports and fitness enthusiasts of all sorts. Its anti-inflammatory action is so helpful for bumps, bruises, sprains and strains; Its effect is so potent that in many cases, it may prevent bruising and swelling all together if applied in time. Even if applied later, as one would an Arnica preparation, it will still speed healing. Chronic injuries may also be helped with other supportive ingredients. Tendonitis can be treated, for example, with a blend using 1 part per 100 each of Helichrysum italicum, Lemon Eucalyptus and Yarrow essential oils in a base oil of your choosing a base of comfrey cream may be most beneficial.
Helichrysum is included in many therapeutic blends for the skin. It is considered anti-inflammatory, tissue regenerating and a cicatrisant (scar reducing). To treat scars, old and new, use 25 drops Helichrysum, 25 drops Rosemary Verbenone and 75 drops Calophyllum (Tamanu) in each ounce of Hazelnut oil. Apply regularly to the scar; this formula is even used for smoothing of old keloid scars over a period of six months. For additional support, add 75 drops of Rosehip seed oil to the blend. Helichrysum is used in blends to reduce stretch marks after pregnancy: Use a 3% dilution of Helichrysum oil in Hazelnut with 20% Rosehip seed as the base and apply regularly. During pregnancy, a low dilution blend (1% total essential oils) of Neroli and Cypress in Hazelnut oil is recommended to prevent the marks from occurring. Hemorrhoids may be relieved with 1% Helichrysum and 1% German Chamomile in Sesame oil. Allergic skin reactions and eczema may be calmed with 1% each Helichrysum and Blue Tansy essential oils in Hazelnut oil.
Helichrysum essential oil is indicated for many other conditions, and should be discussed with your healthcare provider to see if it makes sense as an adjunct therapy. The oil may ease symptoms of neuralgia through its regenerative and analgesic properties apply a 3% dilution of the oil in Hazelnut or Jojoba to tingling or painful areas. It may offer support for other physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis in a similar concentration, with added warming oils may be added for improved. Helichrysum acts as an anti-coagulant, and is supportive of the veins. It is considered effective for reducing tinnitus: a drop is placed on a cotton ball and put in the ear each night for two weeks some recommend simply placing a drop on the pinky and massaging the ear canal. The antispasmodic and decongestive actions help with coughs, colds and asthma. It also can offer great support for stress related exhaustion and headaches.
On the more esoteric side, where aromatherapy also affects the psyche and emotions, according to Mojay’s Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit’: Those (emotions) that are most indicatedare enduring resentment, half-conscious anger, bitterness of spirit, and a stubbornly negative attitude. For many, there can be a direct link between these hardened emotions and physical manifestation of illness. Aromatherapy massage with Helichrysum may be extremely beneficial, as one receives the oil’s aroma, its biological effects, and the healing touch of massage. Here, the oil may be used in a 1-3% dilution, alone or with other oils tailored to the person’s needs.
So as you can see, Helichrysum is well-suited to a great many individuals concerned with natural health, wellness and fitness. Whether you’ve got active children, you’re active sports enthusiast or have one in your family, you’re healing your skin or improving its appearance, or have other muscular, nerve, joint or vascular conditions, Helichrysum italicum oil may offer welcome healing action. Helichrysum can be applied regularly, as it is a safe essential oil with no contraindications. The oil is still relatively rare, and the flowers only yields a small amount, so the cost may seem a little high – but a little goes a long way. It is only used undiluted in acute situations; otherwise a low dilution is often used. Helichrysum italicum is one of aromatherapy’s stand-out healing oils, coming highly recommended by many natural healers, and deserves a place in nearly everyone’s medicine chest.
Health Benefits Of Natural Medicine
Herbal medicines are steadily turning to be the selection of many patients these days. The potential of preserving the natural qualities that market a more healthy method of healing individual problems contributed to the popularity of these medicines. Plus, because these types of medicines tend to be grown wild or even can be tendered at a person’s home backyard, it is cheaper as instead of manufactured medicines.
Exactly what really are herbal medicines and how do we advantage from their store?
Herbal medicine is the alternate for in a commercial sense manufactured medicines, which are undoubtedly made open up in the market. The herbal medicine differs from contemporary medicines as it is created with 100% content of natural plant extract presumed to have medicinal values as effective as the modern drugs less the negative effects and less the cost. There are renowned herbal plants in the Philippines widely used today to treat numerous ailments, which includes ampalaya, bayabas, sambong, banaba, luyang dilaw and others. They are included in the approved as well as suggested herbal medicines from the Department of Wellness. Given this, there are advantages that can already be recognized affirming the belief from the DOH on the ability of these medicines as follows:
All-Natural Qualities. At this point, when a lot of commercially accessible products have side effects effects towards the very health that we are trying to protect, the safest bet will be the products that come and therefore are prepared the natural way. When deciding on these products, we reduce the risk and the danger to these negative effects.
Easily Available. In tropical countries like the Philippines, we have a wealth of these plants and herbs. We have access to the uncooked supplies that we demand for preparations and mixtures involved for the natural preparation. For example, bayabas, ampalaya, luya, and malunggay are seen as because backyard plants. They are home-grown plants and do not need much effort. Thus, they are readily available and economical. It is only required to teach the Filipino families which herbal plants to plan for which ailment, so that every Filipino loved ones can enjoy the advantages of organic remedy.
Along with from all the benefits that have been established here, there is yet another advantage for using as well as patronizing herbal medicines — it is cost-effective therefore, it is a economical option.
Careers in Alternative Medicine
Although traditional medicine cannot replace modern medicine as far as diagnosis, investigation and emergency care are concerned, certain ‘alternative’ systems which focus on overall health, have shown remarkable and swift results even in chronic illnesses like diabetes, leucoderma, cancer as well as hard to cure diseases like arthritis, asthma and even AIDS.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda, literally meaning the science of life, aims at healing the individual as a whole, instead of merely at the molecular level. This ancient healing system is based on the theory that everything is composed of panchamahabhutas, or the five basic elements (akaash, jal, vayu, agni, dharti). The main source of our knowledge of Ayurveda is the Atharva Veda, which dates back to around 1200 BC.
Find Alternative Medicine Programs in the United States and Canada. With the phenomenal expansion of complementary and holistic therapies, there are growing numbers of healing arts schools that now offer alternative medicine programs to both practitioners and prospective students searching for unique career-training opportunities.
Of the numerous alternative medicine programs – massage therapy, holistic health, energy healing, and nutritional consulting are some of the more popular academic programs available today.
Alternative Healing Education
Alternative healing education provides courses to students that may lead to certificates, diplomas and degrees in the healing arts. In many instances, alternative healing education classes can encompass broad spectrums of noninvasive healing modalities such as aromatherapy, Ayurveda, energy healing therapies, herbology and herbal medicine, chiropractic, acupressure, and naturopathy to mention just a few. Some alternative healing education programs enable students to sit for local and national licensure exams; as in the cases of massage therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Additionally, a number of alternative healing education programs include certificate courses that help students to become certified in a wide variety of healing arts
Alternative Medicine Courses
Depending on your career interest, successful completion of one or more alternative medicine courses can lead to professions in naturopathy, natural health, homeopathy, massage therapy and Oriental medicine to list just a few. Alternative medicine courses in natural health, for example, can help students achieve required education to become natural health consultants, educators or natural health technicians. Naturopathy schools that provide alternative medicine courses are commonly comprised of comprehensive studies in naturopathy, phytotherapy, botanical and herbal medicine, aromatherapy, and other Chinese medicine subjects.
Alternative Medicine Colleges
Before registering in the wide expand of alternative medicine colleges, you should first determine which alternative medicine practice you would like to enter. For example, if you interested in chiropractic, be sure that the selection of alternative medicine colleges in which you choose to enroll offer this course of study. Some alternative medicine colleges provide training in a diverse range of health therapies including education in pathology-specific treatments, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Studies offered through alternative medicine colleges in this area may include diverse curriculums in botanical or herbal medicine, supplements and vitamins, hydrotherapy, mind-body therapies, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture and other massage therapies.
Folk Medicine – The Natural Solution
Long before orthodox medicine took center stage in the health care practices around the world people who were sick used to visit different kind of doctors. These doctors were not the steth-wielding, tech-savvy, white-coated medical geniuses of today. Mostly, they were bearded, wizened and gnarled humans looking less like physicians and more like witches or wizards. But they were revered, loved and even feared because of one particular skill they possessed the healing touch.
In the early days of civilization, a vast majority of people were cut off from formal’ medical care. Competent physicians were a luxury, to be enjoyed only by the super-rich and royalty. For everyone else, there was the local witch-doctor who was respected for his or her in-depth knowledge of folk medicine. This was the man or woman who treated everything from boils to gangrene, from cesarean to malaria and even small pox.
What is astonishing is that many of these so-called doctors’ effectively cured their patients. What is even more interesting is that these medicines have lost none of their charms with the passage of time and more and more of them are finding their rightful place in mainstream medicines.
Remember how your grandma used to give you wild cherry bark for cough, or boil the twigs and leaves of red cedar to cure your cold? Well, that’s folk medicine! If you were to ask your grandma how she learnt those techniques, she’d draw a blank! These unofficial health-related practices were passed on informally by word of mouth and were developed through observation and experimentation.
Illnesses ranging from the common cold and sore throat to warts, cancer, malaria, impotence and arthritis are said to be treated through folk medicine.
Folk medicine largely depended on the use of natural materials such as herbs, plant roots, trees, barks, fruits, insects and food items. Therefore, these practitioners paid a lot of attention to botany.
But the advent of modern medicine saw a decline in folk medicine as these rustic’ practices were put under the microscope, dissected and then discarded as worthless. One more reason contributed to the decline of folk medicine.
Folk medicine started its downward slide with the advent of magical healing powers. Seedy people on the lookout for a few fast bucks were successful in capitalizing on the trust and faith of large sections of the society. Once their ruse came to light, people began to lose faith in folk medicine. Soon folk medicine was relegated to a gray area between orthodox medicine and quackery.
However, as more and more people have started to realize, there is a wealth of knowledge in traditional folk medicine. As people have started adopting the holistic way of life, there is a struggle to re-invent the precious folk medicine of yore. In recent years, the folk medicine of indigenous people is becoming more popular.
Some examples of folk medicines that we use in our daily life are:
Garlic – to reduce blood cholesterol levels
Chinese acupuncture – to treat blood clotting and migraine
The juice of neem leaves – to treat malaria
Poultice – to treat infected wounds
Turmeric – to treat bee or wasp stings
Today, amazingly more than two-thirds of the world’s population rely on the healing powers of folk medicine at some point of their lives. For many nothing else is available or affordable. For some, nothing else is acceptable. And for a very few, nothing else works.
Natural Medicine and Emotional Freedom
When it comes to medicine, most people think of doctors, hospitals, and medications. This is often referred to as western medicine, and many people rely on it to stay healthy or for help when an accident happens. This doesn’t mean this is the only way to take care of yourself, however, this just means that this way of thinking is ingrained from the day we were born. There are other options, and many people rely on natural medicine to stay healthy and to cure what ails them.
Natural medicine has been around for a long time, and some people won’t go to medical doctors for help when they aren’t feeling well. I have a good friend on the other side of the world who not only relies on natural medicine, she used to practice it. She no longer sees patients but she is still a fount of information on the subject. She’s a smart lady, and if she says it works, then it works.
Most people don’t even think of natural medicine as an alternative, but this perhaps is a mistake. There are many stories I have heard about patients who found no help in western medicine, but had their problems cleared up quickly and easily with natural medicine. Quite often, they will tell you emotions have a bigger effect on the body than we may think, and finding a reason for illness or a cure might begin with taking care of the body’s emotional state. Natural medicine often relies on herbs and other unique methods to cure what ails you.
Here’s a helpful way also to keep your mind and body to cure what ails you by using through various meditation techniques, this helps to intensify the object of contemplation, giving rise to greater awareness and awakening. And when it comes to mediations many people may search for internal space by going to church and continue to go to church because they have been using meditation techniques as an alternative medicine.
Visualization and guided imagery are meditation techniques that have been used by psychologists, psychotherapists, holistic healers and sports physicians for easing illness, combating stress, Emotional Freedom anxiety and depression, and increasing physical and mental performance.
The purpose of all meditation is to focus one’s awareness in the present moment, with the aim of freeing the mind of past and present concerns. It is important to create a private space where you won’t be interrupted. Locking the door, turning off the phone, or doing things to ensure that you will not be distracted can help you better use your meditation techniques.
A walking meditation is one way to relax your body and mind. This requires that you walk very slowly outside (or in a room), concentrating on your breath and focusing on the movements of your feet. Other meditation techniques include transcendental meditation, flame meditation and breathing meditation.
Transcendental meditation techniques involve the invocation of a mantra, syllable, word or phrase, repeated either silently or aloud over a short period of time. This helps to free the mind from the incessant internal dialogue that subconsciously creates tension in our body.
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