Essential Oils

I get a lot of questions in the clinic about what to use on muscle soreness and aches, and also on strains or sprains.

I am an advocate for holistic healing.  I believe in the body’s innate ability to heal and to self-regulate.

That extends into using more natural products.  Ones with less toxicity or chemicals.  I ask you, have you looked at the ingredient list for a lot of things you use?  I began using more natural products more than five years ago, and when on vacation more recently forgot to bring deodorant.  I ended up getting some at the store – a well known brand, and it even said “sulfate free”.  I ended up with what looked like flesh eating disease on my armpits.  Okay, I believe now – my body did not like the chemicals anymore.

Anyone who knows me, knows I love science and I believe it is our way of understanding our reality.  I emulated the experiment with another deodorant and some shampoo.  It was a disaster!!!

That is how I got into the use of essential oils.  What are they?

Essential oils have been used throughout human history, for thousands of years.  People often talk about the essential oils mentioned in the Bible, but they are documented to have been used in Egyptian times.

They have been used for thousands of years for cosmetic purposes, as well as for healing.  Also for spiritual and emotional purposes.

Essential oils are extracted through careful steam distillation and/or through cold pressing of the botanicals they are derived from.  The purest essential oils are more powerful than the botanicals.

So, why use them? 

Canada health has now recognized the use of some essential oils for their health benefits.  This information I got from Young Living Essential Oils, that now have NHP labels.  I am not sure about other essential oil companies, and if they are produced as pure, that is a question for each company individually.

What I do know and have read is that the following essential oils have health benefits:

Angelica	Eucalyptus Globulus	Lime	Sacred Frankincense	Basil
Fennel	Marjoram	Sage	Bergamot	Geranium
Myrrh	Spearmint	Black Pepper	Ginger	Neroli
Tea Tree	Cardamom	Grapefruit	Nutmeg	Thyme
Cedarwood	Helichrysum	Orange	Vetiver	Celery Seed
Jade Lemon	Patchouli	Ylang Ylang	Citronella	Laurus Nobulis
Peppermint	Clary Sage	Lavender	Pine	Clove
Lemon	Rose	Cypress	Lemongrass	Rosemary

When people ask me about aches and pains or when I get someone who has sprained an ankle, I do suggest using an essential oil.

I have seen great results in reducing swelling with peppermint and with reducing muscle aches/pains with lavender.

Peppermint has been shown to help relieve joint or muscle pain associated with sprains, strains and rheumatoid arthritis when used topically.  Inhaled it can act as a calmative, help to enhance relaxation and also help reduce symptoms of cold and cough.  When experiencing digestive discomfort it can act as an anti-spasmodic or carminative.

Lavender has been shown to also help with everything listed for peppermint, but can also help relieve headaches.

For additional information, there is a catalogue in the clinic, or feel free to email or call us at info@drmcleodchiropratic.ca or 780-756-9506.

There is also an essential oils class once a month to answer any questions.

Take some time to look into this for yourself.  I know you may be surprised at how much essential oils could help in your life.