Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a tree that can be as tall as a shrub to a large tree. The eucalyptus actually has 700 species and all have evergreen leaves. Eucalyptus leaves have a waxy or glossy appearance because these leaves are covered with oil glands. This is one of the reasons why eucalyptus leaves are used in various medicinal purposes.

Eucalyptus oil is taken from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and this oil is useful in so many ailments. It can treat gastrointestinal conditions such as upset stomach, for the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, tuberculosis and other respiratory infections, for skin conditions such as acne, wounds, ulcers, burns and ringworms, for the treatment of liver and gall bladder problems and most of all it is very useful in the treatment of muscle pain and joint pain in arthritis, gout and muscle sprains.

The reason for eucalyptus’ ability to treat a variety of illnesses and its effectiveness as an analgesic is its natural compound called cineole. This compound makes the essential oil powerful in the treatment of all kinds of medical conditions without being harmful to health. When eucalyptus oil is applied on the skin to reduce muscle and joint pain it can reduce pain, reduce swelling, improve mobility and reduces stiffness of the affected joint. Eucalyptus oil is commonly combined with other essential oils to make ointments, liniments, creams and topical oils for the treatment of pain. While it is effective in this manner for pain and inflammation, there are also eucalyptus teas, tinctures and dried eucalyptus that are added to food or beverages.

Eucalyptus has been a very common and effective natural remedy in countless herbal remedies which is why it is still used as a treatment for muscle and joint pains as well as other ailments to this day.

References:

Eucalyptus: MedicinePlus Supplements. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/700.html

Eucalyptus oil – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_oil

Cajeput

Cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendra and Melaleuca minor)

Cajeput or cajeput oil is oil processed from the leaves of the cajeput tree which is from the Myrtaceae family. Cajeput tree is native to Maritime Southeast Asia and Australia. There are about 200 species of the tree and one of the closest relatives is the tea tree which is processed to make tee tree oil. Cajeput oil is characterized by a strong camphor odor which may be comparable to eucalyptus oil. This oil is medicinal and therapeutic and has been used in traditional medicinal practice as well as modern day therapies.

Cajeput oil is used for the treatment of headaches, upper respiratory illnesses, chest congestion, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. The oil is combined with other essential oils and is used to treat skin conditions like insect bites, acne, and herpes, it may also be used to improve digestion and reduce gas formation. And possibly the most popular use of cajeput is for muscle and joint pains. Diluted cajeput oil may be directly applied on the skin or it may be combined with other essential oils to create a topical pain relief medication.

The reason behind cajeput’s effectiveness is the presence of natural compound sesquiterpenes like alpha-terpineol, farnesol, linalool and cineole. Farnesol in cajeput oil is a natural antiviral and anti-parasitic while cineole has similar effects to eucalyptol and this is the reason why cajeput oil is effective as a counterirritant and topical analgesic.

Cajeput oil is always diluted or mixed with carrier oil. In the treatment of muscle and joint pain, it may be used as often as needed for the topical treatment of muscle pain, joint pain, joint stiffness and swelling as a result of inflammation. You can find cajeput oil in diluted preparations while most are combined with other oils to create a topical pain relief product.

References:

Cajuput oil- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retieved May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cajuput_oil

What is Cajeput? (with picture). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cajeput.htm

Black Pepper

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Black pepper is basically used as food. It adds zest and spice to a variety of foods that you eat. But black pepper is more than food or a spice it is also used in traditional medicine as a natural treatment of a variety of illnesses including pains and inflammation.

Black pepper comes from a climbing vine and in fact all types of pepper (black, white and green peppercorns) come from a single plant. To make black pepper, the peppercorns are harvested before these begin to open, are fermented and are placed for two to three days out in the sun to dry.

The reason why black pepper is effective as an anti- inflammatory is that it contains about 3% essential oil while the rest is made of valuable compounds like sabinene, beta-pinene, monoterpenes, limonene and other compounds that are seen as helpful for the reduction of inflammation. Black pepper is combined with other essential oils ingredients to create a topical pain reliever. These products may either be ointments, creams, gels or liniments which are applied directly on the skin of the affected area. When the product is applied there is immediate relief of pain as well as reduction of swelling, stiffness and other conditions related to inflammation. There is pain relief and improved mobility on the area.

Black pepper supplements are from the dried whole berries of the plant. After drying for a long time, these are ground and processed in capsule form. But even with these methods, still the most practical way to take advantage of black pepper benefits to pain relief is to use a topical ointment or cream.

Black pepper has been long used as a spice by adding it to food. Local traditional medicine uses it for various ailments as well as pain relief.

References:

Black pepper oil (Piper nigrum) – information on the origin, source, extraction method, chemical composition, therapeutic properties and uses. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/black-pepper.htm

Black pepper – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_pepper

Arnica for Relief of Muscle Discomfort

 

What is arnica?

Arnica (Arnica montana) is a plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It is also called arnica da serra, arnica flower, arnica, arniflora and European arnica to name a few. It is native to Europe and the United States and it is known as a natural treatment for skin bruises, body aches and pains. The natural ability of arnica to reduce aches and pains make it a common ingredient in ointments and creams that are used for joint pain, muscle discomfort and even arthritis symptoms.

Why arnica for muscle discomfort?

There are countless studies in the amazing ability of the arnica to reduce muscle discomfort. A latest study from The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center show that clinical trials using topical arnica for osteoporosis have significantly reduced bruising as compared to the use of other treatments and with the use of placebo. The reason for the plant’s ability to reduce muscle discomfort and all kinds of aches and pains may have been due to its homeopathic abilities; highly diluted preparations are considered safe for regular use. However there are studies that show that full doses of the plant may be toxic especially when taken by mouth. It can lead to high blood pressure and applying highly concentrated solutions on the skin may cause burning and irritation.

How to use arnica?

Arnica as well as other natural ingredients that are known to relieve pain is usually a part of ointments, creams and gels that are topically applied on the painful area. The ointment is massaged on the affected area using deep strokes or in a massaging motion accordingly. Ointments that contain arnica may be used as often as needed.

Are there risks in using arnica?

Arnica is an effective natural treatment for muscle discomfort however taking pure or undiluted arnica could be dangerous. If taken orally, the plant could cause palpitations, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, kidney and live failure and even death. If undiluted arnica is applied on the skin, the person could suffer from burns, itching, irritation and can even aggravate skin allergies.

If you have allergies to ragweed, marigold, daisies and chrysanthemums then you should avoid using topical and oral arnica plant for muscle pain.

Special precautions

Although arnica has been known to be used as a treatment for muscle pain and discomfort, there are some risks to using it. Therefore you should first consult your doctor if you wish to use arnica for any medical condition. If you have allergies to the mentioned plants then you should never use arnica at all. Read muscle pain ointment labels and literatures to find out if it contains arnica before using.

Arnica may affect the effectiveness of medications and treatments. The plant could interact with medications for pain, corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory ointments. Oral arnica could reduce the effect of anti-hypertensives and can reduce the therapeutic effects of blood thinners. If you take these medications then you should consult your doctor before using arnica preparations.

REFERENCES

What is Arnica? Dosing, Side Effects & More. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com

Arnica in Homeopathy. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com