Research Notes Essential Oils Can Reduce Inflammation
Traditional medicine has long employed herbal preparations to reduce inflammation of wounds or achy muscles and joints. In fact, our single most popular inflammation-reducing drug came originally from the bark of the white willow tree: aspirin. Today, many home users as well as licenced practitioners make use of essential oils for inflammation reduction, which in turn reduces pain, which actually reduces further inflammation. Massage therapists have long known that certain essential oils can help speed the healing of their clients, and home users have found the same result with arthritic and rheumatic conditions.
A look at the most recent research gives a long list of abstracts where scientists have validated the inflammation reducing potential of essential oils. Several plants have a long history and strong reputation for their anti-inflammatory activity. Ginger, for example, has an interesting dual-action of being both warming to an area, and have potent anti-inflammatory activity at the same time. Ginger oleoresin (an oil and resin compound) has been successfully studied for its anti-inflammatory activity. Supercritical carbon dioxide extracts of Ginger root, also with strong anti-inflammatory activity, are easily obtained by licensed practitioners and home users to include in their joint and muscle ache recipes.
Just published in the Journal of Lipid Research are the results of an investigation in Japan confirming the anti-inflammation activity in several essential oils. This confirms the therapeutic selections of several — not just any single — essential oil for reducing inflammation. The range of oils found to have anti-inflammatory activity was very broad, from thyme and clove, to rose, eucalyptus and even cold-pressed Bergamot; many of these oils the traditional therapist would not expect to display a significant effect. Also of interest was the notable absence in the research of what are considered some of the strongest anti-inflammation essential oils, namely Lavender, Helichrysum, German Chamomile and Ginger. This of course does not deny in any way the inflammation-reducing action of these oils; instead in bolsters their potential use by noting that even oils NOT considered the foremost inflammation reducers can have dramatic effects.
The strongest inflammation-reducing activity was produced by the essential oil of Thyme, a pungent herb long used as a savory flavoring. Thyme essential oil is highly regarded for its immune system boosting and anti-viral / anti-bacterial actions. Interestingly, the study noted that all essential oils tested reduced inflammation in a manner similar to resveratrol, the long-life-enhancing component of red wine. Inflammation itself is oftentimes a symptom of a strained or challenged immune system, as well as a marker of aging. One’s ability to naturally keep inflammation under control is likely to result in fewer illnesses and a slower aging process. Along these lines, it was the single natural component Carvacrol, also found in high concentrations in Oregano essential oil, that had the strongest anti-inflammatory activity of any of the single isolated compounds from any essential oil used in the study. While carvacrol by itself is actually a dangerous chemical in that it can burn our tissues, it seems to have a multitude of beneficial actions including reducing inflammation, being a strong anti-microbial agent, and boosting immune system function.
Many people find relief from painful muscles and joints through the daily self-massage with a pre-made or home-made aromatherapy massage formula. You can find many on the market with high-grade essential oils that can help, or you may be interested in making your own custom recipe. These formulas typically contain a concentration of 2 to 5 percent essential oils in a carrier oil (like Hazelnut or Sesame). Each one percent is made by adding eight drops of an essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Thus, a three percent concentration would be twenty-four drops essential oil in each ounce of carrier. An excellent example of an anti-inflammatory blend would be one percent German Chamomile, two percent Helichrysum Italicum and two percent Lavender. A little research can help you find the oils that will work best for you.
Diffusing aromatic botanicals into your home is a lovely way of supporting your families well-being. The author recommends diffusing a variety of blends to nouish all aspects of wellness.
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