Helichrysum is one of our favorite essential oils, as it has such immediate, profound pain relieving and healing effects for most folks who use it. The particular species of Helichrysum italicum, also known as Everlasting or Immortelle, is the most broadly therapeutic of the 500 Helichrysum species — and the sub species (spp) of serotinum is considered particularly special. The reason has to do with the chemistry of the oil, and here we’ll have a look at the special natural chemistry of the Helichrysum italicum species.

Healing The Body’s Structure

Reducing pain and healing of the tissues of the body require several concurrent actions for the best results. No other oil manages to do so much all at once: Reduce inflammation, loosen stiff muscles and connective tissue, relieve pain and stimulate healing. Helichrysum italicum does it all; and while proponents of conventional medicine still claim the oil to be unproven, this doesn’t prevent one from experimenting, and reaching their own conclusions about its efficacy. The oil is considered one of the safest in aromatherapy — it is listed as ‘non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing’. The only known contraindication for the oil is refraining from use if one is using wafarin or similar blood thinners, as Helichrysum has anti-coagulant properties. Now here’s a review of what the aroma-scientists know about this exceptional essential oil.

Cooling Inflammation

Helichrysum has the properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and regenerative all in the same oil. The anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to the curcumenes present in the oil. Curcumenes have recently been very prominent in the field of natural nutrition, as the extract of the spice Tumeric, called ‘curcumin’ has become popular as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The supplement is considered helpful not only for joint inflammation and pain, but as an all-around anti-aging supplement as well. Many Helichrysum italicum species contain a significant quantity of ‘gamma’ curcumene, providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.

Muscle Relaxant

Where Helichrysum distilled from plants grown in coastal regions of the Mediterranean really stand out is in its ability to release muscle tension. In particular, Helichrysum italicum spp. (sub species) ’serotinum’ has the highest levels of neryl acetate. This is of a group of compounds known as ‘esters’ which are particularly good at acting as ‘anti-spasmodics’. Just like the word says, these compounds relieve muscle spasms — a condition that is often found in our necks and backs where the musculature has ‘locked up’ in a stiff and painful condition. This spasming can be the result of old injuries (where the body is trying to protect itself by holding together weak joints), from stress, or simple poor posture or ergonomics (like hunching over a computer all day!)

The ’serotinum’ sub-species is nearly all grown on the island of Corsica (the island is well-known for its bounty of many high quality, therapeutic essential oils). The Corsican variety has the highest neryl acetate levels of all, in the range of 25-50%. Some aromatherapists believe this makes this Helichrysum type the most valuable for its more esoteric applications, that of relieving deep emotional wounds. And this may have a solid foundation, in that many therapies, such as yoga and massage, acknowledge that emotional trauma is often ‘held’ in the physical body. Releasing muscle and connective tissue tension (which can happen even on the smallest, cellular levels) is crucial to the healing process, as it allows the movement of damaged material OUT, and new healthy material IN.

Regeneration

The third unique aspect of the essential oil is due to the regenerative nature of the ‘di-ketones’ found almost exclusively in Helichrysum. The di-ketones are thought to signal tissues of the body to regenerate, and Helichrysum italicum is included in many formulas for wound healing and scar reduction. The di-ketone level is especially high again in the serotinum sub species grown on the island of Corsica. Levels of these di-ketones can exceed 11% of the total makeup of the essential oil.

Anti-Coagulant, Anti-Hematoma and Bruise Prevention

A wonderful effect for all us accident prone folks is the bruise prevention offered by Helichrysum. Keeping a little of the oil on hand at all times is a smart way to keep ourselves injury-free. An application or two of the oil on any part of the body experiencing physical trauma can profoundly speed healing by preventing the formation of a hematoma, a bruised area where blood flow almost comes to a halt. For athletes twisting an ankle, for example, the oil can significantly reduce the swelling that occurs in the minutes after the injury, speeding healing by quickening the nutrient/waste exchange in the area. ANY blunt injury (walking into furniture in the middle of the night, or hitting your head on an open kitchen cabinet are but two common examples) will greatly benefit both in terms of healing time AND immediate pain reduction. (An important safety note: it is due to this anti-coagulant action that folks taking blood-thinning medication should check with their physician before use. It is likely that small topical applications of the oil should not pose a problem).

Personal Healing Experiences

Personal and anecdotal experience with Helichrysum essential oil confirms its purported healing actions. A user with chronic neck pain from a sever auto accident found relief within minutes of massaging the essential oil at 100% into the stiff and painful vertebrae. Other users find their sports-related injuries to heal more quickly, and are less likely to become chronic overuse conditions. Application after simple burns in the kitchen leads to quick pain relief and fast healing. Another user reported While the scientific evaluation of Helichrysum’s effects are yet to be performed, this is no reason to avoid trying this essential oil for yourself — the conventional thinkers firmly believed the Earth was flat for a very long time!

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Helichrysum is one of our favorite essential oils, as it has such immediate, profound pain relieving and healing effects for most folks who use it. The particular species of Helichrysum italicum, also known as Everlasting or Immortelle, is the most broadly therapeutic of the 500 Helichrysum species — and the sub species (spp) of serotinum is considered particularly special. The reason has to do with the chemistry of the oil, and here we’ll have a look at the special natural chemistry of the Helichrysum italicum species.

Healing Muscles, Joints and Connective Tissue

Reducing pain and healing of the tissues of the body require several concurrent actions for the best results. No other oil manages to do so much all at once: Reduce inflammation, loosen stiff muscles and connective tissue, relieve pain and stimulate healing. Helichrysum italicum does it all; and while proponents of conventional medicine still claim the oil to be unproven, this doesn’t prevent one from experimenting, and reaching their own conclusions about its efficacy. The oil is considered one of the safest in aromatherapy — it is listed as ‘non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing’. The only known contraindication for the oil is refraining from use if one is using wafarin or similar blood thinners, as Helichrysum has anti-coagulant properties. Now here’s a review of what the aroma-scientists know about this exceptional essential oil.

Cooling Inflammation

Helichrysum has the properties of being anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and regenerative all in the same oil. The anti-inflammatory effects can be attributed to the curcumenes present in the oil. Curcumenes have recently been very prominent in the field of natural nutrition, as the extract of the spice Tumeric, called ‘curcumin’ has become popular as an anti-inflammatory supplement. The supplement is considered helpful not only for joint inflammation and pain, but as an all-around anti-aging supplement as well. Many Helichrysum italicum species contain a significant quantity of ‘gamma’ curcumene, providing an excellent anti-inflammatory effect.

Muscle Relaxant

The first place where the ’serotinum’ sub species shines is in the area of relieving tight muscles. Much back and neck pain, for example, is the result of the muscles being chronically cramped. Helicrysum contains a natural chemical called ‘neryl acetate’ which acts to relax these cramped muscles. Helichryum italicum essential oils contain in the range of 5% to 50% neryl acetate. This natural chemical is from a group of compounds called Esters, found in a great many relaxing essential oils — most notably that of Lavender, the most widely-studied and highly revered ‘relaxing’ essential oil.

The serotinum sub species, with the highest neryl acetate levels of all, is found almost exclusively to be grown on the French island of Corsica. There’s something about the soft coastal air that produces some of the finest Helichrysum plants in the world. There have been producers of this sub species in the United States, though the total quantities of essential oil produced have been relatively small. Helichrysum italicum is also grown in Italy, Serbia-Montenegro, Bosnia and elsewhere in South-Eastern Europe. These locations produce excellent oils, though they may have lower amounts of neryl acetate, many have significant quantities of other important constituents.

Stimulating Regeneration

Helichrysum contains molecules regarded for their ability to signal our cells to heal and regenerate. These compound are called ‘di-ketones’, of which Helichrysum specifically contains several Italidiones. You’ll find the essential oil an ingredient in nearly every wound healing and scar reducing formula in aromatherapy. (It should not be used on open wounds due to its anticoagulant effects, but is suitable once an injury is no longer likely to bleed). These same regenerative di-ketones make the oil an excellent choice for all sorts of skin-care recipes; the regenerative action can be complemented by a carrier oil like Rosehip seed, whose carotene content also supports skin healing — these two oils together form the foundation of many anti-aging skin care blends.

Anti-Coagulant, Anti-Hematoma and Bruise Prevention

Helichrysum essential oil is called for at 100% strength in one particular use: preventing the formation of bruises and hematomas. When an impact injury occurs, one of the first physiological responses is the filling of the damaged tissues with fluid, and the blocking of further blood flow through the area. Blood already in the area will stagnate and turn dark, resulting in a bruise. This is a natural response to prevent us from causing further damage. However, it also slows the healing process. One ore more applications of the essential oil will prevent the initial swelling from occurring, and limit the formation of a bruise. This typically gets one ‘back into the game’ much more quickly, as many avid users who are also fitness addicts will attest to. Twist an ankle, apply some oil. Bump your head, do the same. Works every time!

Personal Experiences and Anecdotal Reports

Personal and anecdotal experience with Helichrysum essential oil confirms its purported healing actions. A user with chronic neck pain from a sever auto accident found relief within minutes of massaging the essential oil at 100% into the stiff and painful vertebrae. Other users find their sports-related injuries to heal more quickly, and are less likely to become chronic overuse conditions. Application after simple burns in the kitchen leads to quick pain relief and fast healing. Another user reported While the scientific evaluation of Helichrysum’s effects are yet to be performed, this is no reason to avoid trying this essential oil for yourself — the conventional thinkers firmly believed the Earth was flat for a very long time!

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Whenever you are dealing with periodontal disease, you really need to know exactly what it is. Most of the time, periodontal disease is referred to as peridontitus and it is a disease of the connective tissues that hold your teeth in. This particular disease has a slew of things that can develop including loss of teeth and if gone untreated, this disease can really cause a lot of damage. Basically, bacteria growth is going to be the underlying cause of peridontitus. Some people have used essential oils, such as oramd, and found them to be useful.

Whenever you leave a disease untreated, it is only going to get worse. With this particular disease, if you do not treat it, you can lose all of your teeth. Firstly, they will become lose and then, as the disease progresses, you will not have any teeth left to speak of. This happens around the world but in the US alone, people who are over the age of thirty usually have a mild form of peridontitus. Many have found oral irrigators to be useful in helping to improve their dental health.

If you have had gingivitis at some point in your life, you are more at risk to get this particular disease. We all know that gingivitis is actually a gum disease that can cause our gums to become very inflamed. Smoking is another thing that can cause peridontitus and also it can be inherited. Peridontitus is also something that can develop if diabetes is not treated.

One of the most common symptoms is going to be some hard deposits that are going to form; these are also referred to as bacterial plaques. These are a direct result of microorganisms that will build up and grow. Basically, bacteria growth is going to be the underlying cause of peridontitus. Some folks have attempted to utilize home ozonators to make mouthwash that is oxygenated. Oxygen might help to kill the bad bacteria.If you are in a hurry, this might be worth considering.

While the plaques are the most common symptoms, you will notice many others. For example, swelling, halitosis, redness, bleeding gums and you will notice places around your teeth where the bone has started to shrink. If you left this disease untreated, your teeth will become very loose and will eventually fall out.

Whenever you are dealing with any mouth diseases, especially this one, prevention is going to be the best way to stop or get rid of this disease. Flossing, brushing twice a day and finally using mouthwash are all things that need to be done. Also make sure that you see your dentist regularly!

Author: Scott W.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It does not intend to diagnose, advise or treat any health condition or disease. If you have or think you might have a health condition or disease, contact your doctor for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

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Everybody experiences back pains at one point or another. Back pain can be extremely painful, incapacitating and very upsetting. If you suffer from this problem, you are not alone. Many people agonize as you do and finding solutions for your issue is not as difficult as it seems. Individuals that suffer from the same issue can sympathize with your problem, and can give you some tips to handle it.

Lets take a look at the spin. Spinal health is incredibly important. Your back is vital to your well-being. The muscles in your back intertwine with your spinal cord to make the support system for your body. You use your back muscles more than you know, taking good care of it is essential

Suffering from a back problem can be very uncomfortable at times. Fortunately, exercises can drastically improve your comfort level in the along the entire back. These simple stretches and exercises can lead you to a state of better back health. We all want that now don’t we?

Posture is something many people do not consider however, it is very important. Poor posture can lead to problems. Stretching the back and help lessen repetitive tension in the back caused by poor posture. Tense muscles ache and can pull the spine out of alignment. This will hurt your support system and will make things that were once simple such as lifting, or even moving a very painful experience.

There are definitely many methods to increase the capability of your support structure. When you make the effort to strengthen the back, it can help you support more weight. The stronger muscles can uphold the vertebrae in the back. This will lessen your pain. It can as well make your general health better, and help you avoid problems if you have not had them yet. Preventing health issues before they happen is absolutely a good thing.

It is important to remember to stretch. Some people only focus on strengthening their muscles, and neglect stretching. It is vital that you stretch to alleviate tension in the body, because after all the strengthening without stretching will result in your muscles balling up into knots, which can be painful.

If you experience a sudden pain, there are some things you can do to help it. Concentrate on the painful area. It may hurt a lot at first as you loosen the muscle. However after focusing on it for a while, and if you adhere to the messages your body is giving you, it will begin to relax in no time. Just be patient and take slow and deep breathes.

There are several techniques to rid of and manage back pain. Lessening back pain can be as simple as just strengthening, stretching, and relaxing the back muscles. You can also aim at improving your posture. Maintaining good posture will actually rebuild your back, one vertebra at a time. Be careful when lifting things, and contribute to good health by eating right and exercising.

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Middle back pain can be an extreme issue for some individuals. Nowadays, people are always on the go and often do not take the time to care for themselves as they should. If someone you know is suffering from back problems, you should try to help them out. Understand that it is a painful ordeal having middle back pain, and sympathizing with their problem can be a great comfort.

Help your friend understand that unless they have suffered a severe trauma such as a break, that their middle back can be alleviated. With an exercise program that focuses on reducing the pain, your friend will be on the road to better back health. This will however require them to put in the time and effort needed to getting better.

You and your friend should learn more about the spine and its functions. The middle spine, which is also referred to as the thoracic spine, has 12 vertebrae. It is curved to make space for the lungs, and heart and support weight as well. This curve is much of the time exaggerated because we are frequently slumped over a computer. Take breaks and do some stretches that will help this issue.

This hunching effect throws off the natural curve of the neck, since the head will have to crane in order to read the screen. This can lead to severe neck damage later in life. You know those old people you see walking down the street with severely slanted necks? Being hunched over was the cause of this problem, although in their case it was probably over a typewriter, or documents on a desk.

Unfortunately, if the curves in the spine are out of proportion, they force your muscles to work harder. Since the spine cannot support you like it needs to it forces the muscles attached to it to support more.

Enjoying a healthy back is great. However, many individuals do not have the muscular strength required to hold their spine in proper alignment. This eventually causes a lot of issues and health concerns. At times, it can be crippling for a lifetime. Therefore, do not forget it is important to exercise and stretch your back muscles properly.

Then there are people on the other side of the spectrum. Others are so tense that the muscles tire too easily. This is often the effect of being stressed and constantly ready to go after something. Think of a tightly wound up spring, its good for a temporary use but not much after that.

The best method to teach the muscles that run the middle back is to train them to work as a group. Some will relax, whilst others contract. Furthermore, they should support your spine’s alignment so that the spine can safely, and easily maintain your body weight in a complaisant way.

An appropriate posture routine will train your body to achieve good posture. Once you do that, you will be able to hold a proper posture for a long time. If teach your body to hold your posture in the correct way, there will be no pain.

You can easily have good posture, and a pain-free back. Just make sure you are practicing good habits that will keep it that way.

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