Autumn is Here

Another month gone! Since getting back to work, time is flying by. We are surrounded now by the beautiful Autumn colours everywhere we go... particularly stunning in the early morning skies and at dusk. I thought perhaps for this months blog I would do another Essential Oil Information piece, focusing on some Essential Oils that support our Muscular and Skeletal Systems.

Many of us are still working from home, and may be sitting more than usual, or as the weather gets colder, may not be doing quite as much exercise as usual. Many clients have told me they are not sleeping too well either, so this in turn affects our rest time at night, which can make our limbs tired too, and bring muscular aches and pains. As the weather gets colder, our joints can also suffer.

You can make these oils up into massage blends yourself, using (for healthy adults) a maximum of 12 drops of Essential Oil (4 drops each of three of Essential Oils selected from below, or 3 drops each of all of them) per 30ml of Base/Carrier Oil (I use Sweet Almond Oil). You can then use this blend for a full body massage, or in a lovely hot bath as preferred, or just apply to specific muscle groups or joints of the body as needed. Obviously I can also supply this blend to you if you would like me to! Please note: at the end of each of the Essential Oil descriptions, I have listed any Safety Data to be aware of.

If you are blending for a child or anyone with hypersensitivies/hyperallergies, or certain medical conditions, you should reduce the dose, and always contact myself or another qualified Aromatherapist for more advice, prior to application. These oils in particular are very strong, so please do read the cautions.

Some wonderful Essential Oils for our Muscular and Skeletal systems are:

Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum)
This oil works hard on our Musculo-Skeletal Systems, as it is fantastic for osteoarthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, and general muscular aches, pains and fatigue. It is analgesic, strengthening, and rubefacient (brings warmth), which is wonderful for releasing sore and tired muscles. It is very stimulating, so not recommended for bedtime, and should be used in low-medium doses (it can be a skin irritant in high doses for those with hypersensitivity), but it is wonderful added to a warm bath, or in a massage or sports blend with other oils added. Too strong for babies or young children.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis)
This oil is a warming, energising oil. It is just wonderful for our Musculo-Skeletal Systems, helping with all muscular aches, pains and fatigue, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, joint stiffness and muscle tension. It is analgesic and anti-inflammatory, and it is very stimulating. Fabulous used in a warm bath after a busy day, but perhaps not just before bed. It also should not be used on babies or children as it is much too stimulating, neither should it be used on individuals with hypersensitivity.

Juniper Berry (Juniperus Communis)
This oil is wonderful for the muscles too, being great for general muscle stiffness, cramps, post-sports treatments, gout, lower backache and rheumatism and arthritis. It is detoxifying too, and is rubefacient and antirheumatic. It should not be used for people with kidney problems, and again may be too strong for those with hypersensitivity, and too strong for babies and children. It should not be confused with the herb ‘Juniperus Savin’ which should not be used in this way, and definitely not in pregnancy.

Marjoram, Sweet or French (Origanum Marjorana)
Sweet Marjoram is a great choice for our Musculo-Skeletal Systems. It is a warming, sedative choice, working hard on cramps, muscular aches and pains, arthritis, joint pains and stiffness, sciatica and neuralgia. It is also very comforting and calming for one of the stronger oils. I use this oil a lot, where muscles need supporting, but where Ginger or Black Pepper might be too stimulating for the client. It is an analgesic, sedative, rubefacient and is safe for just about everyone. Slight caution with hypersensitive individuals, and it should not be used during pregnancy or menstruation.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) as featured in last months blog, is also a fabulous choice for Musculo-Skeletal application. If blending for a child, or someone with hypersensitivities etc., then I would use this, along with perhaps Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) as good alternatives.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further questions, on: 07710 173354 or at: lisa@soulspace.biz.