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Disc, Degenerative or Herniated

Degenerative Disc disease (DDD) of the spine can be extremely painful and greatly affect the quality of one's life. Symptoms include chronic low back pain that may radiate to the hips, buttocks or thighs while walking, and sporadic tingling or weakness through the knees may also be evident. Similar pain may also be felt while sitting, bending, lifting and twisting. Chronic neck pain may indicate by degenerative disc in the upper spine, where pain radiates to the shoulders, arms and hands.

There are some who believe that degenerative disks can be caused by two things:
1. Inadequate water intake (body will rob the synovial fluid cushioning sac from the disks)
2. Stretched out ligaments (they no longer hold the disks in place properly, resulting in the muscles tightening up on the nerves which may cause numbness/burning pain).

Ligaments can lose elasticity because of antibiotic usage, cortisone and/or pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or other so called non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Poor nutrition/hydration is damaging to the ligaments as well. Accidents/injuries are also related to ligament loss of elasticity.

Lemongrass is well-known for its supportive effect on ligaments. We have also found that walking backwards 20 minutes daily will help support the body in easing herniated disks. Essential oils noted for disc issues are: Helichrysum, Silver Fir and Pain-X. An MSM supplement should be considered as well.

Herniated Disc
With a herniation, there is a tear in the outer, fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc, which allow the soft, central portion to bulge out. This tear may result in the release of inflammatory chemicals which may directly cause pain. The pain can range from little to unrelenting pain that radiates into the area served by the affected nerve roots that are irritated or impinged. Numbness, tingling, musclular weakness and paralysis may also accompany a herniated disc. Herniations can occur from constant lifting. Lifting while bent at the waist, rather than lifting with the legs while the back is straight, may cause a tear and herniation.

Essential Oils for Back Pain by Valerie Worwood:
Basil (Ocimum basilcum)
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita)
Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Eucalyptus radiata
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)
Juniperberry (Juniperus communis)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Marjoram, sweet (Origanum majorana)
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Plai (Zingiber cassumunar)
Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)
Thyme ct linalool (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool)
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

Ice pack application is typically effective for inflammation (lumbago, sciatica and fibrositis)

Heat application is typically effective for muscle tension.

Bromelain: I totally wiped out my back by lifting something that was too heavy. I could hardly sit, walk, lie down or get up. Essential oils helped, but what turned things around for me was Twin Lab Mega Bromelain 300mg. A friend who had previously had a herniated disc suggested that I take 4 capsules every hour until I had relief. She said it was great at reducing inflammation and allowing my body to heal. About 5 hours (20 capsules later), I was much improved. I had more mobility and less pain with the mobility. I backed off to 2 caps every hour and continued that dose the next day. I also continued to apply PainX, Regeneration and Pain Repair every few hours. By the third day, I could hardly tell that I'd ever been in such pain. I highly recommend using this with the essential oils. Another supplement to consider using for chronic inflammation issues is Turmeric (Curcumin). - Linda

Testimonies
1. As a massage therapist, I have found that giving a massage similar to a Raindrop Technique and including oils such as Helichrysum, Pain-X and Frankincense, which have helped the most. After 5-8 applications, most report that the original discomfort is totally gone.

2. My stiff hips, limping and chronic lower back pain is gone after consistent use of Thyme, Oregano and Marjoram (diluted of course). I applied the oils morning and evening with the roll-on applicator, and my pain was literally gone in less than 2 months.

3. I used Immunition for the inflammation of the bulging area around the slipped disc and Lavender to take the swelling down. I believe the Immunition activates the macrophages. When I could, I applied the oils, and then I held an ice pack on the area for 15 minutes at least once a day for several days. Once the inflammation decreased, the muscles could relax and the disc slipped into place. It seems I'm healed. [HEO's Comment: The term "slipped disc" is an informal name for "spinal disc herniation."]

4. My husband lifted something he shouldn't have at work and herniated a disc. He was in excruciating pain and could hardly get around. I applied Strength to his tail bone and sciatic nerve area. Then I used Pain-X in the same way and also down his affected leg. After resting, he could get around a little better. I applied again before bedtime, and by the next day he was 50% better. He was able to return to work for light duty on the third day and within a week of nightly applications, he was good as new.

5. I have chronic sciatica pain and inflammation. I use several of HEO’s blends topically, but the game changer was to put a drop of Frankincense in my mouth and hold it there as long as possible before swallowing. I do this up to 3x daily. This has been amazing! I was not convinced this was helping, so I quit doing this for a few weeks and my pain returned. I had an outing planned the next day that would really tax my back, so today I tried the Frankincense orally again, and the pain disappeared. It does not taste good, but the pain-relieving dividends are worth it! - Kacee

6. I had a very painful, stiff neck that had worsened over the years. When the chiropractor showed me the x-ray, he said he’d never seen a neck that bad (degenerated) on someone my age (46). He said he’d expect a neck like that on a ninety-year-old woman. His treatments did not help, and it was just too risky/painful for manipulation. A good friend suggested that I try Peppermint essential oil. She purchased some for me from a respectable company so I'd be assured that it was a very high-quality oil. I used it liberally and frequently, and it did bring relief, but I figured that it was just masking the pain. The chiropractor had not offered hope that I’d ever see much improvement, so I didn’t expect what happened. As the weeks of using Peppermint went by, I used it less and less. After six weeks, I realized that I hardly even thought to apply it. The pain had stopped triggering me to put it on. I had almost full range of movement back and virtually no pain after two months of use. My feeling is that the Peppermint helped reduce inflammation, brought circulation and facilitated my body's ability to heal. – Linda 

Reference
Worwood, Valerie Ann, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, New World Library, 2016, page 78-80.
 



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Fir Silver
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(Abies alba) (also known as White Fir)
Traditionally used to support healthy breathing, immune response, minor muscle and joint aches and pain and to soothe nervous tension.

Frankincense frereana/carterii
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(Boswellia frereana, Boswellia carterii)
Traditionally used to support healthy immune response, is calming and promotes restful sleep. Tisserand and Cantele consider Boswellia sacra a synomym for carterii, as it is either the same or very similar to carterii.

Helichrysum Substitute Blend
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Supportive for healthy breathing and circulation. May soothe bruises. (Similar properties that true Helichrysum has.) Has a child-resistant cap.

Pain-X
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Traditionally used to support healthy circulation, bone and muscle function and to ease minor aches and pains. Has a child-resistant cap.

Strength
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This uplifting and calming blend may also soothe pain and discomfort associated with bruises, fractures, sprains, joints and back injury. 50% dilution with Emu oil. Available without carrier (see Size/Price).

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11