Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) Testimonials

Regular readers of our newsletter know that I believe our Helichrysum italicuum is the most healing essential oil I have ever seen. A friend recently asked me to collect “anecdotal evidence” of Helichrysum’s effects, and this document was the result. She urged me to share it online, so here it is. (We have recently found these testimonials posted verbatim on other websites, selling other helichrysum species. We can’t be responsible for the effects of using ANY helichrysum other than our certified organic Helichrysum italicuum from the island of Corsica.)

Read about, and order, our  Helichrysum Essential Oil here. Or our  Helichrysum Hydrosol  on our hydrosol pages.

Rosacea

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

A few months ago I asked you for some advice re a Rosacea client. I used your Rosacea synergy and formulated a lotion and soap for him, as well as providing him with Helichrysum Hydrosol to use as a toner. He has been using them for about six weeks, and called me yesterday to tell me that these products have really helped him and that he wanted to order more! He had previously sought treatment with a dermatologist and found that nothing had helped, but had actually caused more irritation to his skin. Just wanted to share with you another success story and to thank you for your help!

From a client who wished to remain anonymous:

I just received my first order – very promptly, I might add- thank you, and am already seeing results from using the combination of clarifying soap, helichrysum hydrosol, and rosacea synergy. It’s been just five days! My skin thanks you!!

From Julia Mulcahey:

Thank you! I have had a small patch of rosacea on my face for nearly 6 months. Your clarifying soap and helichrysum hydrosol seem to be working their magic – it’s nearly disappeared! Thank you!

Bruising

From Kati Toney (w/ Marge’s comments in 2nd paragraph):

Anyway, my point to all this is, I got the BIGGEST, UGLIEST bruises on my legs from climbing that tree & when I got home I put the Helichrysum sample I got from you on it (b/c I remembered you saying that it was good for bruises!) and the next day they were faded & within a day or two were completely gone! I was AMAZED!!! I usually keep bruises for quite awhile & ones that deep & big mighta hung around for a couple of weeks! I was SO excited & it didn’t take much at all! Matter of fact, I still have half of that sample left!

Wonderful!!! That is exactly what it was SUPPOSED to do…but I’m so delighted that it worked for you…that it DID do what it was supposed to. Now you see why I say it’s one of those ‘desert island’ oils…the ones I wouldn’t be without. 

More on Bruising

Mary Hayne, from Denton, Texas recently wrote:

I have to tell you though, I had another mishap — I was getting into the back seat of a friend’s minivan when a friend getting into the front seat closed her door — on my hand (I didn’t realize my hand was holding on so close to her door frame). She got the door back open pretty quickly. That was the panic part. The exciting part is that I iced, took homeopathic Traumeel, and slathered on your 10% Helichrysum. My hand never bruised!

There are two small red spots on my knuckles where my hand was particularly pinched, and a very slight bit of swelling — but that is it and the red spots are fading fast. I also didn’t have any pain — tenderness, yes — pain, no. This is all particularly nice as I had an eight hour exam the next day (right hand crushed, right-handed writer). But the best part was my friend’s face the next morning when she looked at my hand. She was completely dumbfounded. She was so sure it was so bad that she was going to have to take me to the doctor. There my hand was, looking like nothing ever happened. I have read that Helichrysum has “powerful antibruise properties” but this experience has really blown my mind too.

And I have run out of the stuff, so I am ordering more. Thanks so much Marge. Your work really makes a big difference in my life.

Louise, from The Netherlands writes:

Dear Marge,

A few days ago I asked your advice how to avoid bruises in my face due to injections which I unfortunately had to have in my face.

The doctor had told me that I would get very nasty bruises in my face and but that was just one of the facts I had to endure and that they would fade in a week or so.

Then I asked you and I want to tell you that there are no nasty bruises at all! There is a little swelling but very little only myself can notice that because nobody noticed!

Anyway, I want to tell you that I used 25 ml of St.John’s wort infused oil, 20 drops of Helichrysum italicum and 5 drops of Lavender augustifolia. Yesterday (after the injections) I applied it immediately after I came home and then I continued to apply it during the day. This morning I looked in the mirror and was very pleased to see a normal color of skin, so I will apply it again several times today!

So Thank you Marge for your advice and please feel free to give this recipe to others.

I have to see the doctor in a few days and I am already enjoying the look on his face when he sees me. I will certainly tell him what I did to avoid those nasty bruises!

Kindest regards, Louise

Alexis Stegall recently wrote:

I had some heli and did use it full strength the first couple of times on a HUGE (6 in diameter at least) bruise on my thigh and then used the 10% in Rose Hip Seed Oil (because that was all that I had) couldn’t believe how fast the bruise went away. 

Normally I will have bruises for a couple of weeks, this one was virtually gone in about 5 or 6 days. It worked great.

You may quote me if you like.

Even More on Bruising

Susan Farr, acupuncturist, recently wrote:

It’s good to be back in touch and to see you too — checking out your website made me hungry for oils again!! I know you have tons of feedback on your helichrysums, but I want you to know that my bottle (10% in FCO) stayed in the acupuncture clinic the whole time I was an intern, and gradually replaced the arnica and chinese ointments as everyone’s treatment of choice when they realized that a puncture was going to leave a bruise (which happens fairly commonly). And the patients (at least mine) loved the smell, too. I never even tried the recommended chinese remedies, as I knew from personal experience how well the heli works. That’ll be my next order!

Take care, Susan

Scarring

Ellen W. Ray from Alchemical Essence Aromatherapy wrote:

I used the Helichrysum Italicum and Rose Hip Seed Oil blend for an injury to my face that occurred from a dog bite and it helped tremendously. There’s barely the trace of a scar on my lip and none on my face. The doctor who removed the stitches was amazed and asked for the name of the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil. He kept looking back at his notes from the emergency room, remembered the incident, and said the healing was incredible. He also asked where it could be purchased. 

From Leslie Robinson:

I can vouch for Marge’s suggested rose hip seed oil/heli blend for scars. In July, I fell and impaled my face on a piece of rebar. An ugly accident. I used this combination an average of 3 times daily — I have no visible scar. Have used this on a year-old mastectomy scar for a few months and notice that it is beginning to flatten and fade a bit.

Wondrous things these oils are!!!”

From Vicki Camp, Reporting back on the Helichrysum Experiment:

I asked you on the Cosmetics List some time ago if you thought Helichrysum Italicuum would be good on old scars. You replied something to the effect of ‘no guarantees; I’m not certain,’ although I note you’re really fond of its properties. However, I went ahead and tried it anyway. Had a breast needle biopsy last July (benign, benign) – 2 separate entrances on the same breast. While the scars were not huge and there was no raised marking (is that called a keloid, I think?) they were noticeably red and each about 1/4 – 1/2 inch in size. I am of Scandinavian-American descent and have this fair, fair skin. No allergies of note, although living in Michigan automatically qualifies me for itchy skin spots and sinus in the allergy season.:D Natural soap prevents most of the skin issues.

So hey, having given you the background – HERE’s the amazing results. I put a drop of Heli, neat, on each spot. Rubbed them a bit. Didn’t give much thought to it. Never tried it again. This morning in the shower I happened to notice that the scars are all but invisible. I guess I’m so used to them NOT being there that I don’t give it a thought very often. But what do you suppose made THAT happen, after a year of visible scars?

I ‘m off to try it on some ‘whitish’ scars on my arm that I got when coming in contact with a hot iron years ago. Will let you know. This is fun! Hugs and smiles!”

MY NOTE: I do NOT recommend using Helichrysum (or any other essential oil) neat the way Vicki did. Proper and appropriate dilution might take a bit longer to see results, but it is safer for you, and less wasteful of a precious limited resource.

Barbara McBee wrote:

I had a benign cellular tumor removed from my neck nearly three years ago. The scar was 4 inches, very tight and inflamed. Nothing over the counter worked—I am very sensitive to chemicals and additives. My doctor thought this was the best I would heal, though I never keloid. I searched around and found your sight approx. one and one half years after my surgery-I have ordered helio with rosehips, (my orders have included peppermint and argan oil.but for this purpose I stuck with helio and rosehips).

I applied religiously for several months at night-I could not wear anything against my neck, and had trouble sleeping because my poor skin seemed to be pulled so tight.I am small, and great care was taken to pull everything back together.I am back to wearing turtlenecks, and the scar(including the turkey-wobble that brought the sutures to a complete close) are so minimal that one has to search for it.

More Scarring (Keloids)

A story I had forgotten about, until a friend recently quoted it on a list we share:

A friend who had a brain tumor removed… I saw her about 4 weeks after the surgery, and it was the worst single scar I have ever seen… from about an inch in front of her temple, running around the back of her head to the other side of her forehead… maybe two inches of whole skin between the two ends of the scar… swollen keloidal tissue, bigger than my thumb, and bright burgundy wine color… 

I gave her some heli in rose hip with the ‘standard instructions’…didn’t see her for about a month, and she had stopped using it “because the scar was all healed”… it hadn’t totally disappeared…but it was faded to white, and looked as though you had taken a very sharp pencil and drawn a white line on her skin… no wider than a thread. Now, the thing is, she had stopped using the heli blend several days earlier because she considered it healed… but it’s my belief that if she had continued using it, there would be NO scar… —Marge Clark

And Sharon Finch shares her two daughters’ results:

About six months before my oldest was married, she ended up in the hospital for over 14 days and ended up having surgery for her Crohns disease. Due to the nature of her surgery, her scar is runs up and down. Her condition was so severe they thought she would have to wear an ostomy bag. Fortunately, she did not, however, she did have a very mean red ugly scar. Marge, being the person she is, sent me a bottle of her Helichrysum in Rose Hip seed oil for Jessica to use. Jessica actually wore a bikini to Jamaica after her wedding. Today, the only reason you know there is a scar is there is a very faint line.

My middle daughter was in a halo for seven months; until April, 2000. She had pretty large indentions on her forehead that were red and just plain ugly and two actual openings on the back of her head where the halo was screwed in. Jessica had surgery in 2002. Aubrey used some of the blend Marge had sent to Jessica. You can hardly notice the markings on her forehead.”

Dawn St. Clair wrote:

Marge recommended Rosehip Seed Oil mixed with Helichrysum as a remedy for scars. She said it was best to use on new scars, but could also be useful on old ones. Well, my daughter, Ashley, had a large Keloid scar (we are of Mediterranian origin) on her thigh where a pre-cancerous mole was removed. She had this scar for over a year, so it was not a new scar. I used Marge’s formula, with a little added emu oil, twice a day, every day. This is not a quick fix. It took a couple of months, however, the skin has lightened from dark gray to her own skin tone, and even smoothed out a great deal. It is not visible now unless you are looking for it.

Janice Sheplar, quoted below re the dark circles, first started using the Helichrysum in Rosehip Seed oil for a surgical scar on her neck. She emailed me that she has the sort of skin that automatically forms keloids and sent me a picture of the “before” picture, a truly nasty vertical scar from her collarbone to her jaw, deeply coloured and raised up. I managed to lose the “after” photo, but the scar was impossible to see in a close up photograph. She was thrilled with the results!

Eczema

“I must say, I am *hugely* impressed with what the Helichrysum and Roman Chamomile hydrosols have done for my skin! I was having a bad bout of what I’d always termed “seasonal eczema” {it always happens with the change of seasons and is sometimes tough to shake}. My skin {face} had been downright scaly and was oozing a little in spots as well. I ordered the hydrosols, received them and used them that night. The very next day there was strong, visible improvement! By the 3rd day my skin was basically back to normal! Wonderful stuff.”—Name withheld by request

Back Pain

“Hi, got the order Friday (I think). Have been enjoying the rosewood and helichrysum (sp? I’m away from the bottle) especially. They help relieve my painful back and make me smell wonderful!”—Name withheld by request

More Pain Relief

Stacey Miller writes:

Last night I made a 5% dilution of equal parts Helichrysum italicum and Lavender stoechas in jojoba for my stepmom to use for pain relief. Evidently it worked pretty well. She used it on her broken foot and said the analgesic effect was almost instant. (I was skeptical about getting any pain relief at all for something this intense.) She liked the scent and didn’t need a pain pill before bed.

Kathy Mijares writes:

Also, I just wanted to add that I am absolutely in LOVE with the Helichrysum! It smells SO wonderful. This is my first experience with this lovely oil! I mixed up a pain treatment in a carrier oil with a little of the Heli, black pepper and my lavender right away because I have disabling chronic back pain…..and the change in the weather (cold and rainy here) was causing me to be very uncomfortable. It worked so fast I was amazed! No more pain pills for me….now that I have my Helichrysum! I’ll definitely be back for more!

Carole Bland recently wrote:

Comments: Broke my ankle back in March. Had surgery to repair both the tib and fib (w/hardware). The helichrysum has helped tremendously with both the pain from the injury and fading the scar. Thank you for offering such a great product.

Rheumatoid Arthritis — Bone Spurs?

Our client Prakash recently shared this anecdote:

Dear Marge,

I want to share an interesting story with you–something unexpected from using Helichrysum & St. John’s Wort.

Earlier this week, I felt a flareup of rheumatoid arthritis starting. I’d recently gotten some of your infused St. John’s Wort, and I’ve been playing with your amazing (on many levels) Helichrysum in Fractionated Coconut Oil for about a month. So, as the sharp pain started in my joints, I slathered on the St. John’s…let it soak in for a few minutes, then followed with a healthy dose of Helichrysum gently massaged on top. (joints involved: many, including elbows) After a while, I began to feel a “softening” of the pain.

*BUT* that’s not why I’m writing. The next morning, I noticed a big brown bruise near my elbow. A few weeks ago, I’d felt a bump there–like a bone-spur. I’d chalked it up to the RA and planned to check in with my doctor about it. Anyway, this big bruise (looking like it was an old bruise; though there’d been nothing there the day before) was right over that spur/bump. Hmmm. Felt it; it felt sort of like little crystals were in there, maybe a bit of break up of the spur? Anyway, I decided to rub my elbow each evening with the same combo of St. John’s & Helichrysum.

I started all this on Tuesday night. This morning–Sunday–that spur/bump is barely there, maybe 1/8 of what it was earlier in the week.

I don’t know if this was from the Helichrysum or the St. John’s Wort or the combo of the two. I just know I’m delighted.

Side note: Just smelling that marvelous Helichrysum soothes my bones, my heart, and my soul.

Thanks, Marge.:-)

Prakash

Chemical Burn Scarring

From a client whose name is withheld by request:

This is some background about how my face was scarred. In January 1996 my former dermatologist gave me glycolic acid, which was too strong for me to perform at home, and it literally ate into my skin. It would have been fine if he performed the glycolic peel in his office so he could monitor it but the peel was not meant for an inexperienced patient to do at home. The result of the peel was equivalent to a second-degree burn and it left significant scarring on one side of my face. I spent so much money for products and procedures like expensive herbal peels in trying to heal the scar but it never improved. I searched hours on the Internet and ordering products that were formulated for scars but nothing worked. I looked in numerous books to try to find a solution but I couldn’t find anything that would specifically work for scars, only ways to prevent them from forming. I kept coming across rosehip oil and helichrysum as being healing and regenerative to scar tissue and I did more research into them. When I decided to try the oils I made a commitment to stay with it until the scar improved. It was several months before I could see a major difference but I am amazed at how much the scar has diminished. The scar is blending into the surrounding skin and it’s not thick anymore.

The texture is so much smoother and with a light layer of foundation my scar is hardly noticeable. I feel confident that the scar will be completely resolved because of how much improvement I have seen. I also massage the scar on a daily basis and I feel that has also made a tremendous difference. Some other things that I am using as well are aloe vera and a few other essential oils but I believe that it is the rosehip and helichrysum that is regenerating the skin to normal. When I feel the skin where the scar is the texture feels so smooth and normal. I feel that the reason I got such good results is that I am very consistent, I’ve haven’t missed a single day of using rosehip oil and helichrysum since I started my regime. That makes a huge difference. It does take time, my scars were well formed, and I’m going to continue with the oils until they are resolved. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Bumps and Bruises

Monique Macintosh writes:

Your Helichrysum with German Chamomile CO2 is doing wonders for my scrapes from playing volleyball and rescuing one of my pine trees from a huge wild rose bush. A good test is my slow pitch softball team mate who loves to slide in shorts. He has a patch of healing skin on his right leg. I “loaned” him my bottle of H w/ GC CO2 and he says he already feels the difference in a day.

Dark Circles

My friend Janice recently had surgery, so we sent her some Helichrysum in RoseHipSeed oil. She has been raving about its effect on the scar from her surgery on another mail list. But she also shared that she’s been using it to fade under eye circles…and that it’s working amazingly well. That one felt like a “DUH…why didn’t I think of that?”…as effective as Helichrysum is at healing bruises, it stands to reason that it might well be useful for the dark circles some of us (especially me!) get under our eyes. I don’t think the Rosehip Seed Oil is an essential part of that combination…it would be the Helichrysum Italicuum that would do the work, so you could dilute it in the carrier of your choice. Please dilute it well, and, as always, be VERY careful using any essential oil around the eyes!

Bursitis

My friend Mary Jane writes from Michigan:

I woke up this morning and could hardly walk. I have bursitis in my right hip. I used a mixture of helichrysum, vetiver, black pepper, and jojoba oil. The pain decreased in about 10 minutes. I could walk without a limp for six hours. It was great! I have also been in a horrible mood for the last few days. I must say, the synergy did wonders for my attitude. I walked around relaxed and on cloud nine all day.

Maybe you could pass along the recipe to fellow sufferers. 

So I did ;).

Chigger Bites

Another client just wrote: “Also want you to know the Helichrysum oil (in carrier) did WONDERS with a chigger bite I had on my leg! Good God! Swelling (welt) and itching immediately reduced to almost NOTHING. Last time this happened, I itched for about one solid week and the nasty bites left almost scars and darkened spots that remained for a long time.” (Now, if she had used our  SkeeterBeater  in advance, she’d not have had to worry about the chiggers, but that’s another story.”)

Skin Irritation

Manisha recently wrote:

I hope this email finds you happy and healthy. I wrote to you several years ago when I carelessly and hastily used hair removal wax meant for arms on my face (to remove facial hair above my upper lip). You rushed me Helichrysum oil and rose hip seed oil for the carrier. This combination worked wonderfully! I healed quickly without any scarring. Thank you so very much for your advice and quick shipment.

Safety First

Be aware that there is NO WAY to predict what oils can or will trigger an attack in an individual. Quite obviously, if you know you are allergic to, let’s say pine and spruce trees, then avoid the use of the various conifer (needle) oils. If most flowers bring on an attack, avoid the floral oils, and so on.

Any oil you intend to try should first be “tested.” Put a drop of the essential oil on a tissue or cotton ball and hold it at arms length from the sufferer. If it seems well tolerated, gradually bring it closer until the tissue or cotton ball is right under the nose. If it can be inhaled with no negative effects it is safe to try.

Do not try testing more than two essential oils per day, separated by several hours.

Warning: Please don’t use any of the essential oils in a steam inhalation during an asthma attack. The use of steam almost always worsens the attack.

Prevention

There are two oils that are said to have “antihistamine-like” properties and are said to prevent asthma attacks.

There are authorities who state that  Blue Tansy  oil (Tanecetum anuum) can halt an asthma attack in its tracks (Jeanne Rose is one of them) and I have clients who say that diffusing a bit of this oil in an aromalamp each morning has allowed them to cut way down on allergy medications. Blue Tansy may prove useful both as an antihistamine to help prevent attacks, and as a treatment during an attack.

Ammi Visnaga  (Khella) oil is supposed to have a similar effect, however it’s only fair to say that most people enjoy the scent of Blue Tansy (sweet and apple scented) and find the scent of Ammi reminiscent of last years coffee grounds. The drug Intal (cromolyn sodium) has its origins from Ammi Visnaga. Khella oil must be used (by inhalation) on a daily basis, not just when an attack threatens.

Treating the Symptoms

One of my French mentors wrote, years ago: “Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things.” It is because of the oils’ powerful effects on the respiratory tract that well tolerated essential oils can bring swift relief to asthma sufferers.

Essential Oils That Have Proven Helpful for Some Asthma Victims

The following oils are listed in order by both their ability to be tolerated without causing a reaction, and their effectiveness.

Blue Tansy (Tanecetuum anuum)
Jeanne Rose states that Blue Tansy is a natural source of theophylline, a bronchiodilator, which would explain its being recommended for asthma crisises. And many sources write ofthe links between childhood asthma and adult eczema and other dermatitis conditions. Although we do not recommend internal usage, she says she personally uses one drop of this oil on a sugar cube for bring her asthma attack to a halt.

Kurt Schaubelt extolls this magnificent deep indigo oil for its antihistaminic/anti-allergin properties. He suggests using it (applied to the solar plexus) in blends for asthma, or diffusing it in blends for emphasema… blending Pine, Cypress and just a touch of this lovely Tansy. (Obviously it is first necessary to test all the oils before blending!)

Hyssop montana/canescens (ex decumbens)
My French mentor writes that in his experience this particular Hyssop (and no others!) is the safest essential oil to use with asthma sufferers. It appears that the pino-camphone content in this hyssop chemotype is very low. So I believe there is no toxicity, compared with the other hyssop types. I have years of experience with it, mainly with diffusers and really love the oil! Best results with asthma patients, little children and allergic people. He says it is the first oil he will reach for in cases of asthma. This hyssop ssp montana/canescens (ex decumbens) is only found in the Haute Provence, France.

Blue Tansy and this Hyssop are the first two essential oils I would test.

Myrtle (Myrtys communis)
Soft, gentle respiratory oil, very good for use with children, normally well tolerated. A very gentle expectorant that can ease coughing while loosening tight mucous.

Litsea cubeba
Litsea, sometimes called May Chang, has clear lemony scent that also has bronchio-dilator and antispasmodic effects. It is normally well tolerated, but should be tested. It also blends aromatically well with amni visnaga (see above) and makes inhalation of the Khella Oil a lot more palatable.

Cypress Oil (Cupressus sempervirens)
All of the conifers may help with respiratory problems. Cypress, in addition, is an antispasmodic which can help relieve bronchial spasms. However, any of the “Evergreen” oils can cause an allergic reaction to many people, so please be very sure to test this with your asthma patient. (See test method above.)

My mentor suggests, if the above oils are all well-tolerated, a blend of one drop each of Hyssop, Litsea, and Cypress inhaled from a cotton ball when breathing first begins to feel constricted. If this blend, or any single oil proves effective you might want to look at making a personal inhaler for the patient to carry with him.

My instinct says to start with the citrus oils…they are normally well tolerated…and wonderful mood lighteners…since there is normally an emotional component to asthma, they might be helpful…

IF they can tolerate the eucalyptus oils, they might help with breathing…other oils that can help with bronchial problems are frankincense, cedarwood…but test first.

If the patient can tolerate Lavender, it would help promote sleep at night, a general “relaxant”…and litsea cubeba is said to help with the bronchial spasms…but TEST first!!!! I’d want to very carefully check for possible reactions to any/all of them individually before blending. For asthma, with the same caveats, I look to hyssop, our Sweet Spanish Eucalyptus (another globulous, but gentler and softer, since most Eucalyptus globulous on the market is rectified to increase its cineole content. Frankincense (which either will be wonderful, or will really cause a problem) or Elemi. Atlas Cedarwood is a good addition to general chest congestion blends, as is Scotch Pine i>(Pinus sylvestris).

Oils that are Useful for General Support of the Respiratory System

Frankincense slows and deepens the breathing…our favorite is the Boswellia carterii.

Black Spruce and Atlas Cedarwood are both good for respiratory support, Atlas Cedarwood is very grounding, which might be helpful if the asthma has an emotional/anxiety component. Black Spruce is wonderful for immune system support, specifically for the adrenals!

Of the Eucalyptus oils, my choice for “chest stuff” is our unrectified Spanish Sweet Eucalyptus, although in all honesty most of the authorities recommend Eucalyptus radiata (but most of the authorities haven’t sampled our spanish euc;)!

We might also look at relaxing oils if the asthma seems to be more emotionally caused rather than allergic; however most of the “relaxers” are I suspect also more apt to trigger allergies.

Antiseptic or Antibacterial

Dr. Valnet—one of the founders of the modern aromatherapy, describes the antiseptic effects of essential oils which by evaporation kill bacteria and other micro-organisms. Most of the essential oils are more or less antiseptic, but the following oils are of special value by the treatment of flu, common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis and other respiratory infections: Thyme, Eucalyptus, Salvia, Pine, Cajeput, Niaouli, Tea Tree, Lemon, and Angelica.

Antispasmodic

These essential oils have an effect in calming and soothing spasms in the smooth muscles tissues and are applied by the treatment of asthma, dry cough, and pertussis (whooping cough): Cedar, cajaput, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, sandalwood, and thyme.

Expectorant

An expectorant helps to promote the removal of mucous from the respiratory system by means of coughing and spitting. According to Boyd an expectorant can be pharmacologically defined as a substance that increases the production of moisture in the bronchial tubes. Expectorant oils are therefore applied to help this removal process and to soothing coughing: green anise, cajaput, fennel, helichrysum, eucalyptus, olibanum, spike lavender, myrrh, myrtle, pine, sandalwood, and thyme.

Immunity Stimulating

Essential oils can assist and improve an immunity reaction in two different manners: By means of counter-acting threatening micro orgasm or by stimulating the immunity system. Oils like cajaput, lavender, lemon, rosemary and Tea tree combat a large range of bacteria, whereby at the same time they increase the immunity reaction. In holistic aromatherapy the improvement of the immunity reaction is considered one of the major aims.

During a crisis the inhalation or breathing of antispasmodic oils or the application on specific parts of the body, quickly results in relief. If one prefers inhalation a few drops on a tissue or even smelling at the bottle, will be effective. The use of steam to which oils are added is not advisable. The heath of the steam will only increase the inflammation of the mucous membranes. Moisture however is beneficial, so a few drops essential oil added to an air moisturizer is an excellent treatment.

Between application of the oils to certain areas and veins of the chest and back, is also advisable. The choice of oil is determined by:

1. The presence of an infection
2. The presence of emotional factors
3. Possible allergic reactions.

By treating asthma by means of aromatherapy we have to distinguish two groups of patients.

First, the patient with a long history of asthmatic problems and in connection therewith the long dependency on conventional medicine. Second, the patient who has asthmatic complaints for a relative short period, with little or no dependency on conventional medicine. These two groups are the basis for different aromatherapeutic treatments.

By the first group of people who have been suffering with these complaints for many years asthma has developed into a physical problem. Treatment will be carried out in different phases. By the second group, those with a short complaint history, the first two phases of aromatherapeutic treatment should suffice. This is because their complaints have not turned into a physical problem yet, the asthma so to speak hasn’t given a physical imprint in their organs. In this case symptoms occur through emotional and physical stimulus and in general supporting and strengthening aromatherapy is usually sufficient, but equally often with amazing results.

PHASE 1

This phase we could call the “introduction phase.” Asthma patients can slowly and carefully be introduced to the use of essential oils. Especially is they are unfamiliar with these oils. A short explanation of what oils do, how they were used during many centuries, and with examples (think of the story of the three Kings visiting the manger after Jesus was born, carrying Myrrh, Olibanum and Gold) will give the patient confidence. Most people only know synthetic fragrances and that essential oils are natural with a high degree of purity, is something they never heard of. Let the patient smell the different oils and then apply a light relaxing massage, meanwhile observing the patients reactions carefully. The best oils to apply during this first introduction are pleasantly smelling oils or compositions. Take as an example one or more oils from the following spasmodic range:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Roman Chamomille (Chamaemelum nobile)
• Jatamansi (Nardus jatamansi)
• Petit Grain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris lanaloferum)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Benzoe (Stryrax benzoin)
• Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac)

In fact, all oils which the patient finds pleasant can be used. Asthma patients usually react well to either single oils or compositions and feel well after such a first introduction. This first phase can of course consist out of multiple sessions. Massage the chest and the back, apply oils to certain areas of the feet, on the arms and in the neck. Important is that the patient getting used to—and finding the oils pleasant.

PHASE 2

This phase is aimed at the introduction of expectorant oils, which help to remove excessive mucous from the respiratory system. A good choice of oils here are Eucalyptus smithii, Eucalyptus radiata and/or Ravensara aromatica. Practically all oils with a 1,8-cineol are a good choice in this phase. Examples are:

• All eucalyptus oils with the exception of Eucalyptus citriodora.
• Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) especially the varieties with a high cineol content.
• Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora = M quinquenervia viridiflora)
• Spike Lavender (Lavandula spica)
• Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
• Myrtle (Myrtus communis)(Melaleuca leucadenra = M. cajeputi)

It is noticeable that especially members of the Myrtaceae botanical family are useful as expectorants. All kind of applications are useful. In a bath or shower oil, in a diffuser, in a massage oil and by applying the oil (diluted) to certain parts of the body and veins). The Ravensara or the Eucalyptus smithii show a remarkable effect by asthma patients, due to the presence of terpene alcohols.

It the patient shows positive results to this phase, a few weeks later a more intense treatment can be entered into.

PHASE 3

Although there is a lot of similarity between the different symptoms, it is useful to distinguish between the nervous/allergic reactions and the patient who’s asthma has been transformed into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma accompanied by strong physical weakness.

For the nervous and allergic asthma patient anti-spasmodic and anxiolitics (anxiety decreasing) oils are to be applied. A mixture of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Verbenon chemotype, is excellent for inhalation. Inhalation should occur on a daily basis. These oils or mixture can also be applied to the soles of the feet, certain parts of the body and neck and added to a shower or bath oil or foam. To this mixture can further be added, to make an effective massage oil, Cypres-leaf (Cupressus sempervirens), Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata) or Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). For all these applications e dilution of 2–5% is advisable.

Patients whose complaints have turned into a combination of chronic bronchitis and asthma, should benefit from stimulating oils lik Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype) and/or Savory (Satureja hortensis or Montana). The advantage of these oils is that they are a great stimulant to the immunity system.

PHASE 4

Within aromatherapy there are a few oils known to have strong mucolytic (dissolving or breaking down mucous) and at the same time spasmolytic (prevents and eases spasms or convulsions) effects. Khella (Amni visnaga) and Sweet Inula (Inula graveolens). In France these oils are applied to the body by means of a suppository. But to those not familiar with this method it is advisable to apply these oils in diluted form or by inhalation or through massage. They can also be applied in diluted form to certain parts of the body and veins.

These oils are used where an asthmatic crisis situation occurs and when these oils are applied, the patient will have had already a considerable experience with aromatherapy and is undergoing treatment from an aromatherapist knowing his or her profession. Oils like Khella with the active ingredients khelline and visnadine and Sweet Inula with the ingredient alantolactone, can loosen a large quantity of phlegm. When applied in diluted form to the skin, especially in the case of sweet Inula, always do a small allergy test before.

Asthma is a tricky thing, different circumstances can trigger attacks in different people, so caution is important here. A large number of EOs have (or are reputed to have) effects on the respiratory system, which isn’t very surprising considering that they are breathed in and that scents are often very pleasant things. A large number (many of the same ones as above) will also carry warnings that they may trigger an asthmatic attack. Also, not a surprise when you consider things. The following is what I would do. I advise you to think about everyone’s advice. My choices of EOs are based on some very good books but tempered by what I think you can actually do. Fancy recipes aren’t worth much if you don’t have the equipment or can’t find the ingredients.

Essential Oils: Try them in this order: Hyssop, Myrtle, Cypress, Lavender, Litsea cubeba (if you can’t find this one, skip it), Petitgrain (or Mandarine).

Mixtures: Hyssop EO and Cypress EO and Litsea cubeba EO (if you found it): One drop of each on a cotton ball to smell at will whenever breathing feels constricted. Try the combination and if the effect is positive, mix as follows. Get a couple of small amber (not clear or blue) bottles where you got your oils or from a pharmacist. Try to get the dropper goodie that goes in the top (called an orifice reducer) also. Mix equal amounts of the oils together. You might use a stainless steel 1/4 tsp to measure. Also, it will help if you can find a small funnel to keep from spilling stuff. Once you have made the mixture, be sure and label it! (Put tape over the label to keep the ink from running.) Then he can have the mixture to use whenever he wishes.

Myrtle EO and Lavender EO and Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO): This is a more complicated mixture. You will also need some Sweet Almond Oil or other carrier oil. The Swteet Almond is widely available and cheaper than some of the others. Either buy a 4 oz bottle or a larger bottle of oil and a 4 oz empty bottle. (You will find yourself saving nice bottles that you have emptied of other things. Glass bottles and plastic tops wash best.) For your trial of this mixture, take one tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil, add 7 drops Myrtle EO, 3 drops Lavender EO, and 3 drops Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). Use this as a massage oil on the young man’s BACK, not chest. If the reaction is a good one, mix up some more as follows: 7 tablespoons Sweet Almond Oil (this should be what is left in your 4 oz bottle if that is what you bought). Add 1/2 tsp Myrtle EO, 1/4 tsp Lavender EO and 1/4 tsp Petitgrain EO (or Mandarine EO). If you have some, puncture and squeeze a couple of capsules of Vit E into the mixture as a preservative. This is a massage oil for his back. It can also be used on his wrists or ankles. It should be used every 15 minutes or oftener during an attack. It will not hurt him to use it once or twice a day as a regular thing if he thinks it makes his condition better. If he does decide to use it regularly, you may consider using castor oil instead of Sweet Almond sometime and seeing if that improves things. Castor Oil “packs” (kind of like compresses) are popular for removing congestion in the abdominal area and may also help with the respiratory system. It is something to try.

I don’t know if these oils will help or not but as long as he has no negative reaction to them, they shouldn’t hurt. Have you tried Cajuput, this opens the bronchi, so that you can breathe. You can inhale it by putting a drop on your hanky. This oil is very useful if you are suffering from an allergic reaction and you cannot breathe, I use it.
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Mike and Suzie Broderick: I’ve had success with a number of clients this winter with various degrees of chest congestion (none with pneumonia though), with a blend used in adiffuser and diluted in a massage oil, or in a hot castor oil pack, similar to what you describe. I used the following oils: helichrysum, 20 drops; tea tree, 30 drops; pine, 30 drops; frankincense, 23 drops; yarrow, 10 drops; red thyme, 10 drops. Instructions to clients were to add 4–6 drops to a humidifier, or in a steam inhalation. Or I used maximum 10 drops of this blend to 1 oz of massage oil, or castor oil in a hot pack.

Wanda Sellar’s Directory of Essential Oils, lists Immortelle (helichrysum) as “a general aid to the respiratory system soothing feverish colds, influenza, bronchitis, coughs and asthma. Helps to remove mucous from the lungs and induces relaxation and sleep.” —Danila  at Nature’s Gift