Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen Oil (methyl salicylate)

Wintergreen oil comes from plants that belong to the Gaultheria species. These plants are called wintergreen simply because they retain their characteristic green color since they continue to make food or continue photosynthesis even during the cold winter months.

The oil itself has a characteristic pinkish to pale yellow color and it is strongly aromatic. This is due to wintergreen oil’s 98% methyl salicylate component; the rest is composed of a- pinene, myrecene, limonene and other trace compounds. The oil is derived from wintergreen plants using steam distillation process; the leaves of the plants are macerated in warm water and the solution is steamed to gather the precious oil.

Wintergreen oil is useful in many applications and one of them is for muscle and joint pains. It is a major component of most ointments, pain reliever creams and balms used for muscle and joint pains. The reason for the effectiveness of wintergreen oil as a pain reliever is its methyl salicylate content. Methyl salicylate is a compound that is similar to aspirin; it can counter pain and inflammation and thus can reduce pain, swelling and stiffness of joints and muscles.

Wintergreen oil is a major ingredient in pain reliever creams and ointments plus it may also be used in other illnesses. It can help reduce the pain and swelling of joints in arthritis, it can reduce the appearance of ugly cellulite, it can help reduce edema of the lower extremities, it can improve circulation since it increases temperature of the area, it can reduce hypertension, it can help with hair and skin problems like eczema and psoriasis and in can also help reduce cramps and tendinitis.

Wintergreen oil is mainly found in topical preparations but it may also be used as an herbal tea, as an additive to toothpaste and mouthwashes to provide that fresh and cool wintergreen scent and flavor and the leaves of wintergreen plants are used in folk medicine to prevent tooth decay by chewing on them. There is pure wintergreen oil that may also be used directly on the skin or you may choose products with wintergreen oil as main ingredients to reduce joint and muscle pain.

References:

Methyl salicylate – Wikipedia, the free encycloperia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_salicylate

Wintergreen Oil | Baseline of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://jonbarron.org/herbal-library/herbs/uses-oil-wintergreen

WINTERGREEN: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings– WebMD. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-783-WINTERGREEN.aspx?activeIngredientId=783&activeIngredientName=WINTERGREEN

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint comes from a plant that can grow from 2 to 3 feet tall with fragrant dark green leaves. The peppermint plant is native in Asia and in Europe as well as in parts of Northern America where there is moist and the climate is temperate. Peppermint is used as a natural food flavoring in teas, toothpastes and gum but aside from these, peppermint is also used as an herbal remedy for a variety of medical conditions.

Peppermint has been used as a natural treatment for a variety of gastrointestinal conditions like upset stomach, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, irritable bowel and flatulence. It has an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral effect and is therefore effective in the treatment of symptoms of the common cold, skin conditions and fungi. Peppermint has a numbing effect and could therefore help in reducing a variety of aches and pains. Peppermint is so aromatic it may help improve memory and enhance mental alertness. Peppermint oil which is made from the leaves of the peppermint plant is effective in reducing joint and muscle pains.

What makes peppermint an effective treatment of muscle and joint pains as well as other medical conditions is its high menthol content. Peppermint oil contains about 7 to 48% of menthol and the rest is menthone and menthyl esters. Menthol activates special receptors in the skin as well as the mucosal tissues that results in a cooling and analgesic effect.

Peppermint oil is combined with other essential oils in the treatment of pain and inflammation of the muscles and joints. These oils are often used to create ointments, balms, salves and liniments. Peppermint oil may be directly applied on skin and it may also be taken as tea. Peppermint is one of the most popular herbal medications used in natural or traditional treatments for a variety of illnesses and medical conditions.

References:

Retrieved from https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/peppermint

Peppermint Oil Uses, Benefits, Effects, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/peppermint-oil-uses-benefits-effects

Peppermint- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppermint

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is otherwise known as ginger root; it is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale. Although ginger is used mainly as food, it is also used for herbal remedies. Traditional healing and herbal treatments have used ginger and regards it as one of the most important herbal remedies. Much of the ability of the ginger root to treat different kinds of medical conditions especially joint and muscle pains is due to its natural composition.

Ginger is composed of a mixture of zingerone, shogaols and gingerols. These are all volatile oils that are known to treat different illnesses. Gingerols have the natural analgesic, antibacterial, sedative and antipyretic effects. Ginger also contains essential oils which may also contribute to the therapeutic effects of the herb.

Ginger’s natural analgesic effect is the reason why it is one of the most common ingredients in products for muscle pain and joint pain. Ginger oil along with other essential oils and ingredients reduce inflammation, control pain and reduces stiffness of the aching joint. When products made from ginger oil is applied over the affected area, there is immediate pain relief and is safe which is why it may be used over and over again. Ginger is so versatile it may also be used in the relief of the inflammation of the colon, to reduce nausea as a result of chemotherapy, the reduction of asthma, to manage high blood pressure, to reduce dysmenorrhea and in the reduction of migraines.

Aside from using products that contain ginger oil (creams, ointments and oils) it may also be used orally as supplements, as tea or as the actual ginger oil. But for the relief of joint and muscle pain, a topical treatment is deemed as the most suitable mode of use. Ginger oil is one of the most popular herbal treatments that have been used in many cultures all around the world.

References:

What are the benefits of ginger? – Medical News Today. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265990.php

Ginger-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger

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