Chapter 2: A to Z of common ailments & natural remedies to treat them
Here I have written about over 100 common ailments for which treatment with plants or essential oils is understood to be effective. Learn how to treat these ailments step-by-step using oils and plants in herbal teas, massage, baths, inhalations, facial saunas, lotions, poultices and cooking.
ABDOMINAL PAIN
There are many causes of abdominal pain. Most of them are trivial, but some can point to more serious illness. If the pain is severe or is accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting, fever or headache, it is best to seek medical advice. In general, pains can be symptoms of less serious disorders such as cystitis, of menstruation, and of digestive problems such as constipation or colic. Even eating hot, spicy or strong foods or eating too fast - the latter often associated with anxiety and stress - can cause discomfort. Some abdominal pains can be caused by pulled muscles.
AROMATHERAPEUTIC TREATMENTS
- Many abdominal pains can be relieved by drinking herb teas. Chamomile and mint are particularly good. Drink them slowly, and not too hot. After the tea, take ten minutes' rest, lying flat on your back, with feet slightly raised, and breathing slowly. Think about this breathing: hold your breath for a count of four, then relax. A hot water bottle held to the stomach can help.
- A clear vegetable soup with thyme and sea salt can help too.
- Put a drop of chamomile oil in a bowl of hot water and inhale, breathing as above.
- Gently massage the tummy with oil made from 5 ml (1 tsp) soya oil and 1 drop chamomile or calendula.
(See also anaemia, colic, constipation, cystitis, diarrhoea, digestive system problems, indigestion and stress)
ABSCESSES AND BOILS
An abscess is a pocket of pus that can occur in any part of the body, and is due to invasion of bacteria such as staphylococci or streptococci. A boil occurs around a hair follicle that has become similarly infected. Both are painful to the touch. White blood cells gather at the inflamed area to get rid of the infection, by absorbing the invaders and liquefying them, thus creating the thick yellow pus. As the white blood cells accumulate, so the liquid matter increases in volume: the boil or abscess then comes to a head, ruptures and the infected pus escapes.
Abscesses and boils tend to appear when someone is run-down, excessively tired, or on a poor diet; they are common, too, at times of hormonal upheaval - puberty, menstruation and menopause - or in those who suffer from acne, diabetes and some blood disorders. If abscesses or boils are large or many, or on the face or neck, a doctor should be consulted as septicaemia could develop. Antibiotics may be prescribed, or the abscess or boil may be lanced to drain it of pus.
If an abscess forms in a joint or gland in the chest or abdominal cavity, medical advice should be sought immediately. Never wait until an abscess or boil bursts, as this could lead to a serious general infection.
Many essential oils can be of help, primarily because of their antiseptic and antibiotic properties. There are as many different types and causes of abscesses and boils as there are kinds of skin, so you may have to experiment with different oils. Those which are particularly effective are basil, chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lavender, oregano, palmarosa, rosemary, clary sage, thyme and wintergreen. Tea tree oil is now being hailed as a wonder remedy, as it works on the pus without affecting the surrounding tissue. Chamomile and clary sage are the best for sensitive skins.
AROMATHERAPEUTIC TREATMENTS
- When pus starts to gather, at an early stage of abscess or boil - even when the area is simply inflamed - apply heat, then dab the area and spot gently with tea tree oil. Apply castor oil afterwards. This allows the pus to collect, and avoids the infection spreading.
- Local heat can also be applied to draw out pus and bring boils or abscesses to a head. Make up a poultice of crushed linseed or oatmeal, add a few drops of essential oil - oregano or tea tree, for instance - apply, and leave in place for the advised time.
- Whatever the cause, a change of diet, even if temporary, is indicated to help clean out the system. Fast for a day, drinking only mineral water, then eat lots of raw fruit and vegetables. Avoid stimulants like alcohol, tea and coffee, and eliminate fat and animal products for a short time. When you start cooking again, include lots of herbs, garlic and onions.
- Immaculate cleanliness is vital as infection can spread. The sufferers must always use separate towels, and these should ideally be washed and boiled frequently to avoid re-infection. Add a few drops of tea tree oil or oregano oil to the final rinsing water to disinfect the towels.
- To draw pus, boil face towels in water with a drop of the chosen oil, then apply as hot as possible to the affected area. This is particularly good for facial acne.
- In France, fresh chervil or parsley are crushed and applied to boils. This is also good for inflammation, bruising and broken capillaries.
- Apply an essential oil neat on a cotton wool bud to the boil or abscess.
- A few drops of an oil can be added to bath water.
- Boils on the back can be treated by a green clay mask once or twice a week. Using a cotton wool bud dab on an essential oil - juniper, oregano or basil, say - three times a day.
- If an abscess is caused by a thorn, a whitlow or similar, boil 600 ml (1 pint) water with 15 ml (1 tbsp) sea salt, and leave covered in a bowl to cool to a bearable heat. Meanwhile clean the finger or area as thoroughly as possible with some chamomile, oregano or tea tree oil. Dip the finger in the water for as long as you can stand it, then clean again with the essential oil, and cover with a thick plaster of clay, containing 1 drop of the same oil. Leave as long as possible again and this will draw the pus and matter out. Clean off with cooled boiled water and finish with essential oil once more.
- Cut a fresh fig in half and heat through briefly in the oven. When hot but still juicy, apply the cut side as hot as possible to an abscess. The heat and a property of the fig - perhaps simply its stickiness - will draw the abscess.
(See also acne, anthrax, dental abscesses, folliculitis and skin problems)
ABSCESSES, DENTAL
(See dental abscesses)
ACNE
Acne is a very common skin condition, caused by over-production of oil in the glands of the skin particularly on the face, chest and back. It generally occurs at puberty or menopause and is due to hormonal imbalances. The excess oil blocks the pores, often forming blackheads, and if these become infected with bacteria, spots or boils can develop. Acne can be mild - such as the small pimples that many women develop before their periods - or it can be severe, causing cysts or boils, scarring and enlarged pores.
Stress and anxiety can play a part in acne, and many adolescents and young adults suffer particularly. Diet, exercise, fresh air and cleanliness are vital in acne treatments.
Essential oils can be very helpful in acne treatments. The oils suggested below have been working for me in my practice for four decades, but if lavender, say, doesn't work after a month, then you should try another essential to see if that suits your skin better. You might also have to consider the source of your oil, checking that it is top quality, and it may be necessary to try a new shop or supplier. Once you have started with one oil, it is always best to use that oil for everything whether it be for cleansing, saunas, baths or poultices, for example.
Treating acne with essential oils is a slow process, so do not expect instant results. It may take up to a year, but healthy skin will be the result.
AROMATHERAPEUTIC TREATMENTS
- Make herbal tea with fresh chamomile, chervil or rose petals, which are all good for the skin. To combat the stress which so often accompanies as well as causes acne, drink teas made from orange blossom (bigaradier) and leaves, both of which are naturally antiseptic and tranquillizing.
- Meticulous cleansing is vital. An acne skin is very sensitive, and at the beginning should be looked after like a baby's skin! Wash gently with an unscented pH balanced soap in warm water, and rinse thoroughly in cold. Make an astringent by boiling a sprig of fresh thyme in 600 ml (1 pint) water, then leaving to infuse for 5 minutes. Add a little lemon juice when cool, then rinse the skin with this two to three times a day. You could use a pinch each of mint and savory for a stimulant astringent; or a pinch each of fresh chervil, rosemary and savory, for the natural and general antibiotic action of the chervil.
- Use morning and night after cleansing. Don't be afraid to put oils on your already oily skin: these natural essences contain substances which act on the skin oils, and will quickly be absorbed. Keep the oils in a small dark glass bottle. Some good essential oils for acne are aspic, calendula, chamomile, juniper, lavender, mint, myrtle, neroli, palmarosa, patchouli, petitgrain, tea tree, and thyme:
- For a normal skin, mix together 50 ml (2 fl oz) soya oil, 6 drops wheatgerm oil and 5 drops of your chosen...
