Common Physical Problems With Aging And Solutions Through Aromatherapy

In our sunset years, we have the time to look after our health. Now is the time to use essential oils as a safeguard against problems starting in the first place.

1. Circulatory Disorders:
The regular use of hand and/or body lotion containing the appropriate essential oils will maintain a healthy circulation. Used early enough this could delay and in some cases, prevent, many circulatory problems from occurring. After a stroke, the daily application of a lotion blend to legs and arms, in an upward direction only( to aid blood flow towards the heart), can help to regain movement in affected limbs. Check table for Essential Oils list.

2. Varicose Ulcers:
These ulcers can originate from varicose veins, but they can also arise as secondary symptoms of diabetes, sickle-cell anaemia and rheumatoid arthritis. Essential oils dispersed in water and sprayed onto the area is the best method if the ulcers are too raw to touch. A compress is the next step, followed by application with oils in a calendula base as soon as the area can be touched.

3. Arthritis, Rheumatism Osteoarthritis:
The main symptoms of arthritis are pain and stiffness, and of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and swelling around the joints, especially the knuckles, wrists, knees and ankles. Osteoarthritis is degeneration of the joint cartilage. A common site is the hip and, often, the only cure is to have an artificial hip replacement. Aromatherapy helps to alleviate pain and improve mobility in arthritis joints. The recommended treatment is the twice-daily use of a lotion containing relevant essential oils gently massaged into the affected knees or hips. Use overnight compresses for affected hands and feet. Check table for Essential Oils list.

4. Bronchial Asthma And Bronchitis:
Many of the expectorant essential oils, which ease breathing, come from the conifer and melaleuca families, such as pine and niaouli. Try application of the oils in a carrier lotion, rubbed into the chest at bedtime. If a visit to the hospital is necessary for any reason, take the lotion with you as it will help to prevent infections, such as pneumonia, which are often picked up in hospital. Check table for Essential Oils list.

5. Influenza:
Many essential oils are anti-infectious and can be of great help against influenza if they are used early enough: the sooner they are used after the onset of symptoms, the more likely they are to give a positive result. With the onset of a sore throat or fever, add the oils to water and use them as a gargle. Try inhalations, a room vaporizer, or aromatherapy baths, or direct application of the oils onto the body via a carrier lotion. Check table for Essential Oils list.

6. Digestive Problems:
There are two ways to treat upsetting digestive problems with aromatherapy. The most effective way to treat digestive disorders with essential oils is by ingestion. Ideally, you should consult a qualified aromatologist. If you decide to treat yourself, it is imperative to use only genuine essential oils from a reputable supplier and to carefully follow the directions. Application of recommended essential oils can also give good results. The oils can be mixed in a carrier lotion and rubbed gently onto the abdomen in a clockwise direction, or applied on a compress and left on the abdomen overnight.
Indigestion: This can occur for a number of reasons: eating too much or too quickly, eating foods that are too rich, or through emotional causes such as worry, impatience and frustration. Essential oils are excellent for indigestion. Relevant essential oils can be used in an abdominal massage every 30 minutes before a meal. Check table for Essential Oils list
Constipation: This may arise as a side-effect of medication or through emotional cause, such as fear or anxiety. Changes in environment and routine can also bring on constipation.
Diarhhoea: This may be due to anxiety, fear, infections, other medication or an overdose of laxatives taken to relieve constipation.
Diverticulitis: Small, harmless, thin-walled sacs can form on the colon in elderly people, through insufficient fibre in the diet. Diverticulitis is when these sacs become inflamed and painful, leading to occasional bleeding and chronic constipation. Switch to a fibre-rich diet, and use essential oils for constipation and other anti-inflammatory conditions. Check table for Essential Oils list

7. Incontinence:
Incontinence is the lack of voluntary control of excretory functions; the term is a contraction of a complete expression, such as “incontinence of urine” or “incontinence of feces”. Incontinence is usually referred to in urine when leakage occurs that cannot be helped or stopped. There are two different types of urinary incontinence: stress and urge. Incontinence of stress is when leakage occurs during laughter, sneezing, coughing, etc. Incontinence of urge, however, is when you feel the sudden need to urinate and cannot help but have an accident. This is caused by losing the first message sensation telling you that you need to urinate. This upsetting condition can be helped by gentle exercise to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Lying on your back, tense and relax your pelvic muscles, by raising your hips 10-20 times a day, at regular intervals. Astringent essential oils can also be useful, taken internally in a tea. Check table for Essential Oils list.

8. Pressure Sores:
If a woman becomes bed-bound she is at risk of developing pressure sores, which are notoriously difficult to heal. To prevent these, the patient should be moved every few hours so that she is not left too long in the same position. Rub a mix of essential oils in calendula into the buttock area every day. If weeping sores develop, prepare a mineral water mix with essential oils, shake well and use to spray onto the affected area. Check table for Essential Oils list.