Migraine Headaches And Chronic Pain: Essential Oil Of Lavender, A Natural Remedy
If you suffer migraines or chronic headaches, you are not alone. In fact, you're in good company. A migraine is only one type of headache. In the United States alone, 24 million people suffer with migraines with 75% of them being women.
Another, powerful statistic: 1 out of 13 people over the age of 15 wake up with a morning headache. Women are twice as likely to experience depression and/or anxiety disorders as men. If you experience depression or anxiety, you are twice as likely to wake up with a headache.
Depression and chronic pain go hand in hand. All of these statements point to the fact that millions of men and even more women in the United States endure headaches, chronic pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. It is simply distressing to read these facts. We are suffering both physically and emotionally with pain and moods that take away the joy of daily living.
As a woman with fibromyalgia, I have made it a personal project to learn about herbal therapies to help myself manage my own headaches and chronic pain. As a nurse, I feel compelled to share alternative therapies that can ease the pain of migraine and help us manage the stress of daily living that triggers migraine headaches, muscle aches and depression.
What choices do we have other than prescriptions and over the counter medication to treat migraine headaches and chronic pain?
Essential oils and aromatherapy offer a great deal of comfort for migraine sufferers.
The most familiar herbal fragrances of all, lavender, naturally soothes the mind and body.
If you wake up with headaches or suffer with migraines, the sweet aroma of lavender is a safe, natural way to relax muscle tension and ease migraine pain. Because depression is often associated with chronic pain and headaches, lavender's natural ability to lift mild depression makes this essential oil valuable to your mental as well as physical health.
Lavender as an alternative herbal remedy
Lavender can be used for headaches, migraines and sore muscle relief. Lavender eases joint stiffness and helps us cope with chronic pain. Interestingly enough, lavender has antiseptic qualities and even repels insects naturally.
Lavender is one of the only 2 essential oils that can be used directly on skin with no dilution!
Simply apply a few drops of essential lavender oil to your temples when you start to feel tension around your head, neck or shoulders. Migraine suffers may experience an aura that signals a migraine. Essential oil of lavender may not prevent the actual onset of the migraine but it can help you relax your muscles and emotional tension that could trigger the migraine pain.
Lavender and easing migraine pain
A lavender eye pillow is recommended for the relaxing, soothing aromatherapy qualities of the lavender. Lavender promotes relaxation and more restorative sleep. Studies in hospitals and nursing homes found that patients exposed to the scent of lavender fell asleep faster, deeper and longer.
Flax seed mixed with the lavender help the eye pillow to rest across the brow, eyes, cheekbones and temples with gentle weight that blocks out light while applying pressure to ease the headache pain. Flax seed reducing inflammation and helps reduce puffiness around the eyes.
A lavender eye pillow with flax seed can be warmed for tension headaches or chilled for migraine headache. Rather than fall asleep in the throes of a migraine, start to relax by laying in cool quiet darkness with a few drops of essential oil of lavender on your pillow case and an eye pillow in place. The cool pressure of the eye pillow mixed with relaxing properties of lavender could help bring on both migraine relief and restorative sleep.
Lavender and workplace stress
The use of lavender in the workplace may help you handle workplace stress, relax under pressure and focus better.
Lavender is one of the essential oils tested in studies which showed that the participants relaxed with lavender aromatherapy and were more focused to solve problems and although slower with math computations, fewer errors were noted.
A sprig of lavender, bowl of potpourri or essential oil drops of lavender applied near warmth will help you relax, focus and be more productive in the workplace. If you work in a hectic environment that doesn't give you an office then a lavender body mist or small vial of lavender's essential oil that you can keep in your pocket may just do the trick!
Lavender and depression
Lavender is not a cure or treatment for depression BUT we have discovered that pain, poor sleep, anxiety and chronic pain are associated with depression.
Lavender brings a natural relaxed state that helps us cope better with life's aggravations. Studies have shown that in healthy non-depressed individuals, the aroma of lavender does have the ability to gently elevate our moods.
Whether you are currently suffering with depression or simply feeling down, remember that your physician is the best person to discuss treatment medical for depression.
Taking herbal tea baths and burning lavender candles are a part of taking care of ourselves that does not require a prescription or cost a great deal of money. Lavender infused bath and body products provide a natural stress reducer that can lift mild depression and clear our minds so we can work through problems more effectively.
Lavender and insomnia
Restorative sleep is a must for everyone. Struggling with insomnia or frequent waking during the night does nothing but aggravate us the next day!
The scent of lavender promotes relaxation and helps you sleep better overall. Studies in hospitals and nursing homes found that patients exposed to the scent of lavender fell asleep faster, deeper and longer.
Poor sleep is one known cause of morning headaches and can trigger migraine headaches. Grinding your teeth, muscle tension especially around the face and neck are common causes of morning headaches. Keeping a small bowl of lavender in your bedroom and light misting of bed linens will help you relax before you fall asleep.
Lavender and anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder is an increasing problem for millions of Americans. Anxiety and depression plagues us as we struggle to cope with life's challenges. It's commonly known that anxiety expresses itself with racing thoughts and a pounding heartbeat but one of the first signs of anxiety is the inability to think clearly. Mental stress that leads to anxiety will make our minds cloudy and solving life's problems becomes a mountain of anxiety.
Possible causes, triggers of headaches and chronic pain
poor sleep
muscle tension
depression
inadequate hydration and nutrition
hormone imbalance
immune dysfunction
poor coping skills
At first glance of possible triggers for headaches, it's no wonder millions suffer with migraines, headaches, depression and chronic pain.
eat healthy
drink 8-10 glasses of water each day
explore natural ways to alleviate hormone imbalances
monitor your blood pressure to make sure your headaches aren't a symptom of high blood pressure
talk to your doctor about feelings of depression and anxiety each day, find time to do something special for yourself
go for a fifteen minute walk
light a candle
write in a journal
spend time with friends
surround yourself with such relaxing scents as lavender to ward off headaches and chronic pain
The scent of lavender has tendency to slow down our minds and bodies. We relax. Our brain responds positively to lavender. We are soothed.
Simply surrounding our senses with lavender can help us cope with life's nagging problems.
Lavender helps us sleep better at night and relax under pressure in the work place. Relaxing before you fall asleep can prevent you from waking up with a morning headache. Essential oil of lavender and lying in a dark cool room with a chilled eye pillow can ease migraine pain.
Your boss getting you frazzled? Overwhelmed by the daily grind? Fighting chronic depression? Sense a migraine coming on? Got an ache in your shoulders and a stiff neck from sitting at a computer all day?
Stop thinking that suffering with migraines and headaches is simply a part of life.
Start taking care of yourself every day in ways that make you feel calm and prepared to ENJOY life! Fill your life with lavender and other essential oils that can create a sense of well-being not found in traditional medicine. Learn how to manage your migraines and chronic headaches before they start to control you.
Infuse lavender in your life to ease migraine headaches, depression, insomnia, anxiety and chronic pain naturally!
Tammy Ames, RN BSN is the owner of Work at Home Connections http://www.wahmconnections.com - online marketing and ezine publishing resource site for work at home families. Working full-time from home, Tammy is also a consultant for Lavender Love http://www.wahmconnections.com/lavenderlove.h tm - offering hand mixed organic lavender products including natural skin care products, eye pillows, body scrubs and essential oils for aromatherapy and organic comforts to ease the aches and pains of daily living.
 Google News Updated : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:05:39 GMT In Long-Awaited Maps of Cancer, The Breakthrough Is the Problem - Wall Street Journal Wall Street Journal - By GAUTAM NAIK After struggling for years to improve the treatment of cancer, scientists now hope to fight the disease with the help of the same techniques that deciphered the human genome eight years ago: mapping it. What You Need to Know About Mapping the Cancer Genome Data on defective genes make tailored remedies possible Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:01:28 GMT Reviews of McCain's speech - MSNBC
MSNBC - The AP’s Ron Fournier says McCain “preached bipartisanship and unity from a stage retooled to carry him out to the Republican faithful. McCain: I work for you ‘Change is coming,’ McCain tells GOP in speech Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:35:16 GMT Nokia Forecasts Drop in Third-Quarter Market Share (Update1) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Juho Erkheikki Sept. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Nokia Oyj, the world's biggest maker of mobile phones, forecast a drop in third-quarter market share after competitors slashed prices and a new handset was delayed. Nokia Sees Market Share Slipping in Third Quarter Nokia Lowers its Third Quarter 2008 Mobile Device Market Share Outlook Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:50:07 GMT Lebanese ruling majority accuses Syria of interfering in Lebanon - Xinhua
Xinhua - BEIRUT, Sept.5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese ruling majority accused Syrian President Bashar Assad of interfering in Lebanese internal affairs and not recognizing Lebanon's sovereignty, local press Naharnet reported Friday. Video: Sarkozy in Syria : the press is divided Editor's Notes: A losing battle, so far Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:59:29 GMT Lavrov rejects Cheney's attack on Russia - CNN International
CNN International - By CNN's Matthew Chance MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Russia on Friday rejected sharp criticism by US Vice President Dick Cheney that its intervention in Georgia raises doubts about Moscow's reliability as an international partner. Video: Cheney Slams Russia for War Against Georgia Russia says Cheney fanning Georgian aggression Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:45:40 GMT PIECING TOGETHER A PLEA How the deal got done - Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press - BY JOE SWICKARD • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • September 5, 2008 Prosecutors rolled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's plea deal into court Thursday praying the wheels wouldn't fall off. Detroit Mayor Acknowledges 'Poor Judgment' Detroit mayor pleads guilty, to leave office Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:57:24 GMT Dell looks to sell factories worldwide - CNNMoney.com
CNNMoney.com - By Scott Moritz Dell (DELL) is getting more serious about trimming costs and is exploring plans to sell its PC manufacturing plants, according to a news report Friday. Dell said to consider sale of factories Ahead of the Bell: Dell may sell plants, WSJ says Publ.Date : Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:15:09 GMT Increase Website Traffic |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... When the immune system in our body finds or realizes... Read More There are many varieties of mint plants. If you want... Read More I'm sure you know what it's like to be sick.... Read More It started with the Tansy cakes. I had to ask... Read More Knee pain after running? Wake up with a backache? Twist... Read More What is biofeedback?In biofeedback you expand self-awareness and practice powerful... Read More Tired of costly medications, prescriptions and time lost for doctor's... Read More Glasses, contacts, or surgery. These are the usual choices offered... Read More Step 1: Collect InformationAs the mix of hormones in your... Read More Eating the right kind of food and following good eating... Read More Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize... Read More The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and... Read More Massage Therapy is a massage session that takes place in... Read More EcologyChypre belongs to the evergreen plant family with needle-like leaves.... Read More The rose is perhaps one of the most powerful symbols... Read More It is hard to believe, almost unthinkable. Everyday we are... Read More In June 2002, I was a bridesmaid at my cousin's... Read More What is MYOFACSCIAL RELEASE? Myofascial release is a tender mixture... Read More If you want to remedy snoring, you have to find... Read More I recommend drinking a morning smoothie if you have constipation... Read More It should not be hard for anyone to imagine that... Read More The training of our eye doctors in this country is... Read More For thousands of years knowledge of the herbs and wild... Read More For over 4000 years, the Sandalwood tree has played a... Read More Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine used for over... Read More
Adsense
websites
How to Cure Allergy Naturally?
The Many Uses of Mint
Colloidal Silver - Time For a Comeback?
Wild Medicine and Tansy Cakes
Which to Use When: Ice or Heat?
Biofeedback: Applying the Mind to Health
Treat Cold Sores, Sore Throats, and Warts Naturally
Everything Old Is New Again: Rebuilding Your Vision
Digestive Distress
Fruits, Juices, and Food for Relieving Hemorrhoids Part II
Reflexology & Meridian Therapy
Bois De Santal: The Source of Tranquility
Massage Therapy
Chypre
A Rose is Not Just a Rose
Our New Years Resolution ? Get Rid of The Toxins in our Lives
The Healing Effect of Scented Candles
Myofascial Release
A Lifestyle Approach to Remedy Snoring
Six Smoothie Recipes for Constipation and Acne Relief
Preventive Medicine - Ayurveda
Maintaining Healthy Vision Naturally
Feeling Frisky? Herbs for Fertility
Aromatherapy for the Mind, Body, and Spirit - Sandalwood Essential Oil
Homeopathy
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Home Remedies, Treatment To All Ailments By Herbal Homemade Remedies
Given below the list of Best Home Remedies for all... Read More
Voice Care for Recovery from Colds and Vocal Strain
Every singer, no matter how careful they are of their... Read More
The Safety of Natural Therapies
Just because something is labeled or deemed "natural' does not... Read More
Dangers of Dehydration - And The Importance of Kidney Cleansing
The human body is composed of 75 percent water and... Read More
New Age Torture
I'll admit it ... I'm a spiritual tramp. I've spent... Read More
Water Therapy: Therapeutic and Esoteric Properties for Your Home Spa Smart Bathing
Something New Interesting About Water Therapy."The more I find out,... Read More
Anal Warts Treatment (Finally, a Medicine for Anal Warts Which Removes Them Completely!)
Anal warts treatmentAnal warts, otherwise known as genital warts or... Read More
Cause Of Stuttering
When a person has a stutter or a parent realises... Read More
Pediatric CI Therapy - An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. DeLuca
As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find... Read More
Aromatherapy at Home: Beating the Cold Bug
It seems that nearly everyone I know has been either... Read More
Alternative Medicine, Complementary, Integrative, Wellness, Holistic ? What Do They All Mean?
Alternative medicine has grown in so many ways in North... Read More
Pain Anatomy 101: How Pain Works, And How Your Subconscious May Be Able to Short-Circuit It
In building a strategy for pain relief it may be... Read More
Holistic Lifestyle
Sometimes living that wonderful and beneficial holistic life can sometimes... Read More
Vitamins And Minerals
It is obvious that each of our bodies is unique... Read More
Bois De Santal: The Source of Tranquility
The near extinct bois de santal has a sensual and... Read More
Reflexology Therapy
Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is... Read More
Is Green Tea Good for Me?
Scientific studies continue to show that green tea is good... Read More
Iridology: A Natural Health 101 Article
What It IsIridology is the art of discovering weaknesses in... Read More
Strong Drugstore Laxatives ? Use With Caution
Osmotic chemicals ? Saline CartherticsThese chemicals are salts and other... Read More
Alternative Medicine vs Conventional Medicine - Pt 2
In Part 1 we discussed the fact that alternative medicine... Read More
Drug Addiction Treatment Centers: A Fresh Start
Half a decade ago, I started working on a hotline... Read More
The Origins of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, which involves the use of essential oils to treat... Read More
Sports Massage
What is Sports Massage? Rapidly gaining in popularity, Sports Massage... Read More
Do-Sa-Do For Mindfulness
When I was 12, one of my best friends was... Read More
Constipation: the Fast, Easy Answer to Something No One Talks About
Everyone jokes about constipation, but it's no joke if you're... Read More
Alternative Medicine |