In last month’s Yoga, Nutrition & Oils Masterclass, we looked at self-care for aches, pains and inflammation.

As we continue to slowly, but surely transition towards the Winter Solstice, the day with the shortest amount of daylight and the longest night of the year – we are inclined to withdraw from the outside world and seek solstice inside, both emotionally and physically. Now (as always) is a good time to practise self-care, the cold air can often get into our joints, leaving us feeling stiff and achy. Sadly, many people live in constant pain, or a state of inflammation; for some this can be acute inflammation (short-term), for other it may be chronic (long-term).

Healthy inflammation is a necessary part of the immune system.  Symptoms can include swelling, redness, pain, heat, reduced function. Acute inflammation is a one-time trigger or event i.e.  intense physical training, cold, flu, headache, wound, sore throat. Chronic inflammation is long-term, where the body is unable to resolve the original cause of inflammation and/or where body identifies normal body tissue as a pathogen and creates antibodies in defence (auto immune conditions) i.e. asthma, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis.

The hormone, cortisol produced by the adrenals, is a powerful anti-inflammatory, integral to the inflammatory response.  When we become physically and emotionally stressed, the adrenals produce insufficient cortisol; inflammation and pain is the result.

Natural remedies can be highly effective in the treatment of inflammation and pain, by supporting the body in doing its job, and often get to the root of the problem, rather than just treating the symptom.

Single Essential Oils:

Frankincense – Relieves, sciatica, back pain, headaches. Supports immune system, cellular health and skin regeneration

Copaiba – Relieves pain and inflammation

Helichrysum – Reduces pain, promotes healing, chelates toxins

Wintergreen – Soothes aches and pains, warming effect, cortisone effect, supports bone healing

Peppermint – Reduces inflammation and pain, cooling effect

Ginger – Promotes circulation, healing to bones and muscles, stimulates nerves

Black pepper – Relieves pain and inflammation, promotes circulation

Rosemary/ Basil – Promotes circulation and healing, calms nerves

Doterra Essential Oil Blends:

Soothing/ Deep Blue blend – Stimulates nerves and reduces inflammation

Tension/ Past Tense Blend – Soothes joints and tissues

Massage/ Aroma Touch Blend – Stimulates circulation and blood flow

Some useful remedies for you to try …

Headache Relief

Ingredients:

• 7 drops peppermint

• 5 drops lavender

• 5 drops frankincense

Method: Combine essential oils in a 5ml roller bottle. Fill with carrier oil. Shake. Apply as needed and repeat every 30 minutes until relief is achieved.

Joint & Arthritis Relief

Ingredients:

• 4 drops juniper berry

• 3 drops marjoram

• 3 drops roman chamomile

• 3 drops ginger

• 3 drops helichrysum

Method: 

Combine essential oils in a 5ml roller bottle. Fill with carrier oil. Shake. Apply as needed OR add essential oils to half a cup of Epsom salt and stir into warm bath.

Please reach out to me if:

 You would like to book my Yoga, Nutrition & Oils Masterclass Series, a module programme.

You would like to find out more about essential oils and how they can benefit your health.

You have any essential oil recipes that you have tried and enjoyed, feel free to let me know …. Wishing you a happy and healthy Winter Solstice…. x