Med Essential Oils

Learn about the world of essential oils through the words of one of the best producers of aromatherapeutic treatments. Through this journey of healthy/healing discoveries, you will allow your nose--the most vital sense for maintaining awareness into the twilight years--to make your life better/maintain physical, mental, emotional balance.

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The Urgent Need for Clinical Aromatherapy is NOW!

 There are records from the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and the Europeans of the Middle Ages, all the way through to today in America, India, and Australia, that give testimony to the use and efficacy of essential oils in healing practices. Though spanning eras and vast geography, clinical aromatherapy continues to stay out of the mainstream and in obscurity. Now is the time that this needs to change. 

 The World Health Organization stated in the Foreword of its 2014 Antimicrobial Resistance Report, ”A post-antibiotic era—in which common infections and minor injuries can kill—far from being an apocalyptic fantasy is instead a very real possibility for the 21st century.” The Director of the World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan, started sounding the alarm in 2004 when she stated, “Resistance could bring the end of modern medicine. ” Even back then she explained that our continued overuse of antibiotics, indeed, interferes with the healing for which they were created. This means that because of overuse, antibiotics are becoming ineffective as bacteria strains are growing resistant to them. I experienced this resistance firsthand when I contracted Lymes Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever—the prescribed antibiotics had no effect whatsoever. The doctor reported that I had a bacteria strain that was resistant to the antibiotic. I was given no alternative treatment and was told to go home and to treat the symptoms.

 Overuse of antibiotics not only occurs because of inappropriate medical practices, but also surfaces amongst meat-eaters as a result of consuming cow, pig, chicken, and other livestock that have been routinely treated with antibiotics. This unhealthy practice is widespread because the antibiotics enable animals to grow larger and fatter more quickly. Unfortunately, the administration of low doses of antibiotics in animals throughout their life means burgers, steaks, pork chops and broiled chicken, come to your dinner table with antibiotics if the animal has had any amount of antibiotics within a certain time period pre-slaughter.    

 The World Health Organization’s plea for the reduction of antibiotic use sounds like a common sense plan, but I also propose the use of aromatherapy’s essential oils as a viable alternative to antibiotics that could more effectively reduce the need for antibiotics.

 Medicinal essential oils are meticulously steam-distilled volatile oil essences of leaves, flowers, roots, and bark of plants, bushes, and trees. They are powerful, highly concentrated healing agents that have antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties. It is well known that many of our modern drugs are plant derivatives, such as digitalis from foxglove for heart conditions or derivative of snakeroot for hypertension or derivative of rhododendron for fatigue. Plants are basic to healing. Regarding aromatherapy, which includes application of oils via skin similar to  ‘pain patches’ and ingestion, only in certain supervised circumstances, European researchers, particularly those from the UK and France, led the way to explore the properties of essential oils, as they pertain to healing and wellness, for decades.

 Now, researchers worldwide, including in the United States, have joined in examining their use. Fifteen years ago, I didn’t know any orthodox medical personnel who used essential oils or alternative measures in their practice. In fact, alternative or natural approaches were regarded as nonsense. Today, I personally know doctors, physical therapists, and nurses, who use essential oil compounds and those who take a wait-and-see stance. Knowledge regarding essential oils is readily available. There are now rigorous aromatherapy programs of study available in the United States where before such programs were only offered in Europe. 

 It is usually assumed that aromatherapy is only used for brightening up or calming one’s mood. That’s only scratching the surface as the medical profession looks for alternatives to psychotropic drugs that   continually produce drastic side effects. Many people do not know that essential oils are antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic, some more so than others, and some more specifically effective to certain pathogens than others. Essential oils can aid in the treatment of inflammation and pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia, MS. IBS, intestinal parasites, asthma, pneumonia, cancer, gum abscesses, hot flashes, eczema, dermatitis, lymph congestion, swelling, and dreaded MRSA, to name only a few.

 And, oh yes, essential oils treat Lymes disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. I used essential oils as one of the measures to heal myself from Lymes and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever when antibiotics were ineffective due to bacterial resistance to the antibiotics. A friend of mine, who is a nurse, used essential oils to heal chronic, severe, cellulitis where antibiotics had failed.  Another friend, who is a family psychotherapist, used essential oils to relieve bronchitis. Although these are only three stories, there are thousands of stories like these. In addition to lifestyle changes to focus on boosting immune system effectiveness, surely aromatherapy’s essential oils warrant serious consideration as an alternative to antibiotics.

 Do essential oils produce side effects?  It is uncommon if an allergy to specific plant matter is checked  in advance of use and if the oils are used as directed.

 Are they cost effective?  Yes. 

 Are some of them toxic? Yes some are, but they are not easily found on the open market.

 Is knowledge regarding essential oils readily available?  Rigorous professional grade study programs offering certification approved by professional aromatherapy organizations are available. 

 Is consideration of using aromatherapy thinking outside the box?  Yes, all the more reason at this time of urgency to consider them.

 References:

www.who.int, World Health Organization, 2014 Antimicrobial Resistance Report

www.CDC.gov/drug resistance

www.foodsafetynews.com

www.tufts.edu/med

www.niad.nih.gov

 Price, S. and L. Price. Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2nd Edition. London: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Tisserand, R, and T. Balacs. Essential Oil Safety. London: Churchill Livingstone, 2004.

 Tisserand, R. The Art of Aromatherapy. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 1977.

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Menopausal Symptoms Alleviated with Aromatherapy Essential Oils

  HOT FLASHES!!!  HOT FLASHES!!!  HOT FLASHES!!!

  For those of you who do not know what I’m referring to, a hot flash occurs when a fiery inner furnace inside a typically middle-aged woman wakes up from dormancy and shoots hellish heat throughout her torso, and flashes upward through her neck and face. You can usually tell when a woman is having a hot flash: her eyes may enlarge in terror or narrow with frustration, as she braces at the onset of the torrent of heat; her breath may quicken and she will undoubtedly be left drenched in sweat, head to toe, from the intense heat.

Do you think this reaction is easier to deal with in the cold winter months? Wrong! The heat is too intense, too sudden–like being in the path of a blowtorch’s flame. Of course, a hot flash is unimaginably unnerving and uncomfortable in the heat of the summer. The outer heat intensifies the inner heat or vice versa, either way, to say it’s intense is an understatement.

I need to stress here that it occurs randomly, 24/7. It can happen at a social event, in a meeting, working out, trying to enjoy a movie–anytime. It can wake you up, leaving your bedclothes soaked in sweat, and robbing you of replenishing rest. Additional symptoms of hot flashes may include depression, irritability, anger, mood swings, headache, migraine, and vaginal dryness.

Does it happen to everyone? No, there are a few lucky women who do not experience this as they go through the “change of life” when hormone production naturally decreases or at the result of surgeries such as hysterectomy. But for women who do experience hot flashes, usually the first remedy members of the medical field offer is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). There is a lot of controversy regarding synthetic HRT, which cites smaller problems like breakthrough bleeding to bigger problems such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, or blood clots. In severe cases: some women, after consulting their MD, will still opt for HRT.

For other women who would rather not, there is still hope! There are Chinese herbs, western herbs, and essential oils that can be highly effective, singly or combined. The list includes: dong quai, black cohosh, wild yam extract, Vitamin B Complex (or foods high in them), Vitamin E (or sunshine), evening primrose, and black currant oil.

I’m here to tell you about essential oils that have worked for many women, and are contained in MedEssential Oil’s Clary Cooler blend. 

  MedEssential Oils’ Clary Cooler blend contains, first and foremost, clary sage. Although I think essential oils generally are one of God’s greatest gifts to us,  clary sage is particularly so for women. Estrogen-like, it stimulates hormones and is known to relieve hot flashes and headaches/migraines. It increases mucous secretion in all uro-genital organs and aids leucorrhea (any inflammation of mucous membranes). It also reduces excessive perspiration. Sometimes during menopause, women experience hair loss and clary sage helps with that as well. 

On the emotional front, clary sage aids depression and nervous tension. As Gabriel Mojay states in Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, “…it calms states of tension yet revive(s) those of fatigue. In terms of Oriental medicine, clary sage oil both strengthens Qi-energy that is depleted, and circulates Qi-energy that is stuck.”

The second essential oil of the formula Clary Cooler is one of the most popular essential oils: lavender. Energetically cooling, lavender is well known for its calming effect. It is regarded as a tonic for depression, mood swings, panic and anger. Additionally, it too is used as an aid for headache and migraines.

The third essential oil of Clary Cooler is geranium, which is frequently used in formulations for menopausal symptoms as it stimulates the adrenal cortex, which is key in regulating the hormonal system and may help with hormone fluctuations. Energetically, its essence is cool and moist. It is regarded as a neuro balancer, easing nervous tension, nervous exhaustion, frustration, and irritability.

The last essential oil of Clary Cooler is bergamot.  A citrus oil, it is intrinsically refreshing and uplifting. Moreover, it eases mood swings, insomnia, depression and pairs well with lavender. It is also reported to have a tonic strengthening effect on the uterus.

The above formulation, Clary Cooler, works well synergistically to bring about relief from menopausal symptoms and can be a very effective alternative to HRT. I also encourage a combination of the herbal remedies with the essential oils, if necessary. Last, but emphatically important: attention to diet will assist greatly in controlling menopausal symptoms. Specifically, white sugar or a heavy sugar load can trigger hot flashes. I’ve had clients who, with the simple dietary adjustment of eliminating white sugar, diminished their hot flashes. Nutritionally speaking, it helps to delete white sugar and refined carbohydrates such as white flour from your diet. Focus on (you guessed it) green leafy vegetables, legumes/beans, peas, seeds/nuts.

  Clary Cooler can be found at www.medessentialoils.com.  A word of caution is that bergamot can cause photosensitivity, producing a rash when exposed to direct sunlight. So do not expose treated skin to direct sunlight for 12 hours after application. Luckily, the prescribed application sites are easily shielded from sunlight–lower abdomen and reflexology points on the foot. Additionally, Clary Cooler works extremely well with inhalation and comes in handy in discrete inhalers as well as in 5 ml bottles.  See website description for full directions.

  The statements herein have not been reviewed by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.

    References:

  Sheppard-Hangar, The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual, Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy, 2000

  Mojay, Gabriel, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Healing Arts Press, 1997

  Price, Shirley and Price, Len, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2nd Edition, Churchill Livingstone, 2003

  Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 2nd Edtition, Perfect Potion, 2

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                                   ONYCHOMYCOSIS--even the word kind of sounds like “yuck”.  If you’re a sufferer of this infection, then you already know this word means toenail fungus, which is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi.

How do you know you have it?

            -bad smelling toe nails

            -dark color under the nail

            -a thickening of the nail itself

            -white spots on the nail

            -the spread of these same symptoms to other toes

How did this happen to me?

            -simply walking barefoot in the park, at the beach, at the gym, etc.

            -you may have a chronic disease such as diabetes, issues with

            circulation, an immune-deficiency disorder, which all can make you 

            very susceptible

            -you just might sweat a lot 

            -or you already have “athlete’s foot”, which sort of attracts fungus  

             and makes your toenails easy targets

Okay, so I have it, now what do I do about it?

            -medication

            -debridement = removing the nail and fungus completely

            -oral “antifungals” that take about 3 months or 90 days to remedy away the fungus

            -topical treatment applied to the nail

            OR

You can use MedEssential Oils Non-toxic Essential Oil Blend for toenail fungus and heal in about six weeks!

I went to the www.medessentialoils.com, but I don’t see the toenail fungus treatment available?

            Well you’re in luck:

 MedEssential Oils is looking for 18 people to test a non toxic essential oil blend for toe nail fungus.  The testers receive free product, which is to be applied to 2 times daily.  The goal is to see how long it takes for the blend to totally eradicate the fungus.  Expected length of time is 6 weeks.  Must be reliable.   Please contact Carol Quigless at [email protected] for more details. Thank you!

  So go splash in a river after a long hike, go swimming with friends, take a shower with no fear, your toe fungus remedy is on its way! 

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Summer (Food and Barbecue) Lovin'!

Hmmm….now there are those ribs on the grill…and I know I shouldn’t have any…and I already have a veggie burger on the plate,  but just this time is o.k.  Moderation, you know.   Ooooh how about those fluffy home made rolls?  Now, throw on some potato salad and sweetened mixed bean salad, add extra onions. Did I forget a little iceberg lettuce wedge with the low-cal ranch dressing? I’ll cut calories where I can, plus it adds a little green to make it all healthy; just a little to round out the plate. Oh, I didn’t see that peach cobbler AND the chocolate cake! I’ll top those off with a little scoop of ice cream. Room or no room, I gotta have that, but I’ll need another plate  ‘cause this one is already overflowing.  And you know, it’s only once a year so I’ll wash it down with ice cold soda and maybe an ice cold beer, but I gotta have some salted peanuts and chips with that and look at those dill pickles….. Is there anything on the buffet for indigestion?

  Does this sound like someone you know?  The menu varies from person to person but the idea is the same—overeating plus eating foods that give your stomach and digestive tract a fit later on are dilemmas we all face at a summer barbeque. Even if you escape discomfort from overeating or avoid having gas from the inability to digest your “feast”, the next day, you will notice that you’re bloated and have low energy. This could even manifest with your hands or feet feeling a little swollen and possibly even joint pain. These barbeques could activate your GERD or acid reflux. A lot of us get out of control sometimes and aromatherapy can come to the rescue.  Some essential oils that can help are: 

  --Lemon (Citrus limomum):  Balances stomach acidity, aids indigestion liver cleaner and stimulant, reduces blood sugar, stimulates all supporting alimentary canal smooth muscles (pancreas, gall bladder, stomach)

  --Ginger (Zingibar officinale):  Aids indigestion, gas in abdomen and cramping, nausea/vomiting

  --Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculs):  Aids gas, colitis (inflammatory and spasmodic), upset stomach from emotional distress, indigestion

  --Juniper Berry/fruit  (Juniperis communis/Cupressaceae:  Stimulates pancreas/aids digestion, aids detox from over indulgence in food and alcohol

  --Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin):  Aids infectious intestinal colitis

  --Caraway (Carum carvi):  Aids indigestion, aids liver and gall bladder/bile insufficiency, calms cramping and spasm, aid colic and gas

  MedEssential Oils has blended these oils to create relief for adults, who may over indulge or who suffer from digestive upsets, called Digestive Aid. Please note that this blend is not suitable during pregnancy, nor is it suitable for children. But the question remains, “Why are you over indulging?”  If it’s a response to nervousness or anxiety, calming essential oils or blends may be helpful such as MedEssential Oils’ Golden Living, Sleep Tite, Eye of the Calm, Peaceful Transformation or Alpine Calming Strength.  If your indigestion is due to “nerves” while eating, take a look at Calm Stomach. 

So as the summer heat turns up, keep you indigestion possibilities down with MedEssential Oil’s Aromatherapy solutio

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The Family that Breathes Together! Dealing with headaches

Hey Aunt Carol:  I am hoping to buy some MEO from you—something minty/menthol?  Ideally it is something that I can inhale and put behind my ears to open things up or relieve a headache. I got some peppermint oil from the local pharmacy, but I know your blends are the best on the market. Can you provide some specific blend recommendations? I looked on your website and Be Alert looks like it might be a fit but I wanted to get your advice.

Greetings, Maryanna!  

I would suggest Sinus Aid if you don't have high blood pressure—peppermint essential oil can exacerbate hypertension. If you do have hypertension, I would suggest Breathe Free, which does not have peppermint. Both blends are antibacterial and both assist breathing. However, Sinus Aid primarily targets sinus problems and accompanying headaches while Breathe Free primarily targets bronchial problems and secondarily affects sinuses. Be Alert has peppermint oil and has other essential oils that assist concentration. While it can be helpful with sinus problems/headache, Sinus Aid would be more effective.

  To use Sinus Aid, place a drop in the palm of your hand and dip into it with a finger from the other hand. Apply to your temples and at the nape of your neck. You can also put a little behind the ears if you'd like. Rub palms of hands together, cup hands over nose and inhale for 3 minutes. Shortly after, or during, you should be clear as a bell and headache free! Note that you use VERY little and if there is any skin irritation or if the sensation on the skin is too strong, apply a carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, coconut—even olive oil out of the kitchen cabinet—can be used although it has a strong aroma of its own, but it will work. Also note that peppermint essential oil is much stronger and much more concentrated than the regular peppermint oil you would get at a pharmacy unless it says peppermint essential oil.  

  These blends all come in small 5 ml. bottles and are highly concentrated; only a drop or two needed. They also come in inhalers, which are handy if you don't want to smell like the blend you're using. To use the inhaler, open it by twisting it at the bottom of the tube, insert the tube into one nostril while closing off the other, inhale deeply 3 times; do the same on the other side. This is effective as well for opening things up and getting rid of headaches, especially when you're on the run. Another reason to consider using an inhaler is that peppermint essential oil right out of the bottle can cause dangerous choking reflexes on children 2 years old and younger, so if you’re going to be around a child of that age, an inhaler would be the safest way to access the peppermint oil.

  Let me know if you have other questions.  It was good hearing from you!

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Spring is Time for Transformation

Spring is Time for Transformation

  STOP.  Stop NOW.  And BE STILL.  SEE what’s going on.  The awakening from winter’s hibernation is here.  Tremendous power and energy pushes change and growth all around you.  The budding of the leaves and flowers is unstoppable–winter’s last blast did not deter the blooming of the daffodils as they push through the snow. Dogwood and red bushes show their color in spite of icy winds.  The deer make their presence known again and the bears yawn awake.  Is the energy of life more powerful than the energy of destruction? After the wars, the volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, etc., the force of life transforms devastation into beauty and bounty once again. 

There is powerful transformational energy around us now. Even within, it’s there. Winter’s New Year is the time that we make resolutions for change and by now they’ve dropped.  But spring is the time to pull all those resolutions back into focus because all of nature supports us with the apparent energy of transformation and change.  Will you miss this wave of life force by being too busy, with a mind in a whirlwind, unable to relax?  Do you not see and feel the growth going on around you? To effect personal change and transformation, stillness, contemplation, or meditation, allow your whole being to profoundly set intention and effect change.

The essential oil blend Peaceful Transformation is designed to assist. It is specifically designed not only to quiet the mind, but also to facilitate change. It is designed to assist meditation and prayer, to allow energy to flow calmly. The ingredients of sandalwood, frankincense, palmarosa, lavender and rose make it a high vibration blend, aiding in the elimination of distractions and bringing peace out of chaos.  Spring is the perfect opportunity for transformation and change–don’t miss it!

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“Aromatherapy is more thoroughly defined as the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for physical and emotional health and well-being. Science is now confirming what has been known for centuries: essential oils have healing properties on both physical and emotional levels. Absorbed through the skin and via the olfactory-brain connection through inhalation, they have been considered among the most therapeutic and rejuvenating of all botanical extracts throughout the ages.”

― Valerie Gennari Cooksley, Aromatherapy: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate and Heal

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Lymphatic Drainage made simple!

Lymphatic Drainage For Puffiness and Swelling

     There is a surge of interest now on eliminating puffiness and swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system due to surgery, injury or inflammation.  Surgeries, which typically weaken the lymphatic system can range from breast cancer surgery to joint replacement surgery; injuries include sprains and broken bones; swelling of joints due to inflammation is common with arthritis and bursitis.

     Although the lymphatic system received little attention until the last decade, it plays a major role in our immunity and wellbeing.  Akin to the circulatory system, the lymphatic system has a network of vessels and is comprised of organs, lymph nodes and lymph fluid.  Lymph fluid carries white blood cells for healing body tissues and collects cellular debris from metabolism and infection.  When the lymph vessels or nodes are removed or damaged and lymph fluid cannot circulate, it collects, causing swelling (lymphedema), discomfort and diminished effectiveness of the immune system.    

     Health professionals spend thousands of dollars to learn how to manually drain swelling and to receive actual certification in order to facilitate lymphatic drainage.  But there is a simpler, more effective and inexpensive solution using essential oils! The advantages are: the oils reduce swelling within minutes, it facilitates the health professional’s lymphatic drainage treatment, it requires very simple instructions that the lay person can use for self-treatment, usage reduces necessity for compression apparel;, and it reduces discomfort and pain within minutes. With the use of MedEssential Oil’s product, drainage is as easy as applying the oil and gently massaging towards the heart. 

     MedEssential Oils’ Lymphatic Drainage blend contains essential oils that are astringent, ease fluid retention, aid epidermal circulation, stimulate glandular function and last but not least, address any underlying local infection that might be brewing. The bonus of using the Lymphatic Drainage Essential Oil Blend is that it helps with physical and mental fatigue, nervous exhaustion and stress.  Too good to be true?  See MedEssential Oils website testimonials at www.medessentialoils.com.  And please contact me with any questions at [email protected].

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It's never too early in life to detoxify the body!

Dear MedEssential Oils:

 My 17 year old son adores your Alpine Calming Strength lotion and uses it regularly especially in moments of high stress when he needs extra focus. Unfortunately, after about a week and a half of daily use of the lotion he became aware of a strong increase the pungency of his body odor. He is a pretty active kid and puberty is upon us, but this was an outstanding odor. He took a week off from the lotion, then started using it again, only to again experience the same effect. Is this an allergic reaction? Why do you think this is happening?  Thanks, Clueless in LA

Dear Clueless:  It may not be an allergic reaction but rather a detoxification reaction.  Alpine Calming Strength is an essential oil blend of black spruce, pine needles, frankincense, fragonia, rose geranium and ylang ylang and is designed for calming, reassuring, emotional support for soothing sense of loss, grief or lack of confidence.  Essential oils are known to be detoxifying, and can be affecting your son in this manner, especially if he is or has been experiencing profound emotional upset. 

1(lotion): He is borderline adult so you may dilute the lotion to 1.5% which is appropriate for an older child, meaning you would add 2 more ounces of an unscented lotion to what he has now, which I would be happy to send you. 

 +

2(hydration): Additionally, make sure he is drinking plenty of water to accelerate cleansing/detoxification and help weaken BO.  A rule of thumb is divide body weight by 2, which will give you the bottom-line ounces of water necessary to keep his body hydrated, perhaps a little more since he is very active. Dividing those ounces by eight will give you cups.  Squeezing a slice of lemon or lime into his water would also help plus drinking peppermint tea with lemon (hot or cold) would be most refreshing and useful.

+

3(mild/youth friendly liver cleanse): If desired, cleansing/detoxifying can be taken a step further by using a mild food based daily liver cleanse for a week.  Chop or dice 1 organic apple, add to it juice from ½ organic lemon, 1 tablespoon organic olive oil and cayenne pepper to taste.  Mix all together and eat 20 minutes before breakfast.  This concoction can also be placed in a blender for a smooth pudding like texture.  It’s not bad tasting – do not add a sweetener. This food liver cleanse can be used for 1 week monthly if desired. 

Or: Lastly, although I have not heard of this happening with Alpine Calming Strength, some scents just do not mesh with some individuals’ body chemistry, which would be unfortunate in the case of your son since he is so fond of this blend. 

 I really appreciate your question and if I can help you further or if you want me to send the additional 2 ounces of unscented lotion, please let me know through the MedEssential Oils website at www.medessentialopils.com/contact/.

 Carol Quigless, founder and owner of MedEssential Oils

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“Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains"

Diane Ackerman

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Run Run Run!--It's "Marathon" Time!

     It’s “Marathon” time!  The onset of spring brings the onset of marathons throughout the U.S.-–654 of them in 2013 and even more in 2014. Runners are in for the ecstasy of hitting the finish line as well as the agony of post-race recovery for aching joints, tendonitis, bursitis, strains and bruises...and swelling!  Why wait for race day to deal with this pain when you may be experiencing some of these aches and pains after your practice runs right now? (cue the trumpets) Well, there’s no need to suffer from joint over exertion, which presents itself with inflammation, which in turn produces pain, reduction of mobility, stiffness and sometimes swelling.   MedEssential Oils Joint Balm Cream Lite offers natural effective, FAST relief and is so effective that doctors rely on it in the rehabilitation departments of North Carolina hospitals for the treatment of injuries and acute arthritis.

MedEssential Oils Joint Balm Cream Lite is a blend of essential oils that are:

 -- anti-inflammatory,

-- analgesic,

-- rubefacient or counter irritant,

-- antispasmodic, and

-- that promote lymph flow and blood circulation.

     The need for an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and counter irritant action seems obvious.  However, you may ask, why the antispasmodic?  It is because often muscles involved in or surrounding an inflamed joint react  by going into spasms, which in turn increases pain.  You may also consider, why promote lymph flow and blood circulation?  Lymph circulation brings immune factors to the site and is cleansing; good blood flow brings nutrients and oxygenates the affected area as it heals.  A good flow of lymph and blood decrease inflammation and reduce swelling. 

    Pain and decreased mobility often provoke feelings of frustration and even despair, irritability or anger, nervous tension and lack of confidence.  The essential oils in this blend carry the emotional impact to rectify these feelings and rejuvenate the spirit to win--or for most of us, to get to the finish line!

   The essential oils included in MedEssential Oils Joint Balm Cream Lite are:  Black spruce, pine, cypress, sweet marjoram, turmeric, black pepper, lavender ginger and chili/capsicum.   Menthol purposefully has not been used as many people do not like the smell of mentholated joint pain preparations.  People usually feel relief within 5 to 10 minutes--some have reported sooner. 

    A good way to use Joint Balm Cream Lite is to massage it into the affected area before a run as well as after and as often as needed.  Many topical analgesics burn the skin due to capsicum content.  Although MedEssential Oils Joint Balm Cream Lite contains capsicum, other essential oils have been chosen to work synergistically to prevent skin burning and irritation.   All ingredients, including the base cream, are pesticide and pollutant free.

    In case swelling is severe, MedEssential Oils also has a blend called Lymphatic Drainage that decreases swelling within 10 minutes, and it works well with Joint Balm Cream Lite. This blend is also used by North Carolina doctors in the rehabilitation sector. How do they use it? That will be the topic of our next installment!

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Aaah, the many faces of peppermint!

A viewer wrote that peppermint essential oil is amazing.  It is!  It is one of the most popular essential oils, surpassed only by lavender.   A whiff of peppermint wakes up the brain relieving mental fatigue and uplifts the spirit.  It helps relieve flu, cold and allergy symptoms, particularly stuffy sinuses, clearing phlegm.  Many people use peppermint oil or even tea to aid digestion.  It has been traditionally used to aid indigestion, gas, nausea.  Because it is anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, it has been useful for mucous colitis and hepatitis.  Peppermint essential oil is cooling in heat conditions and relieves itching.  Peppermint essential oil helps not only with nerve pain but also muscular pain.  Please be advised that peppermint essential oil should be properly diluted (see Dilutions and Measurements at www.medessentiaoils.com).  The drawbacks of peppermint oil are:  1) Do not use if you are hypertensive.  Peppermint essential oil is great for the person who has low blood pressure but can raise blood pressure dangerously  for the person with high blood pressure;  2)Do not use on children under 2 years old as it can cause a life threatening choking reaction.  The great thing about aromatherapy is that there are many oils that can be used effectively instead of peppermint, depending on your desired result, and the art of blending enhances those results.    MedEssential Oils uses peppermint essential oil in Sinus Aid but offers alternatives in Breathe Free and Calm Breath.  Peppermint essential oil is used in Calm Stomach, Liver Support, Be Alert, Muscle Balm, Pain Chill, and of course, Dental Clear.  There is some use of peppermint essential oils for everyone!