Muscle pain, natural remedies

Natural cosmetics, such as kings and queens Part 38, arnica, the daughter of the sun

Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving, arnica helps in case of trauma and bruises, soothes muscle pain and counteracts joint stiffness, useful in case of bruising, back pain, stiff neck and headache caused by muscle tension.

A long time ago, in a Nordic village surrounded by snow-capped mountains, there lived a farmer, an honest person who was appreciated by all. One day the farmer, while he was in the woods to collect herbs and seeds, saw a woman of extraordinary beauty in a clearing and fell in love with her. This woman had a peculiarity, her hair was so long and shiny because it was made of sun rays! The farmer asked the woman to marry him and she agreed, as long as he never touched her hair. The two married and ...

Winter savory essential oil

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal, useful in case of candida but also acne, blackheads and canker sores, analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, helps to counteract muscle pain and rheumatism, antispasmodic, counteracts cough and stomach pain.

Winter savory, scientific name satureja montana, is a plant of the Lamiaceae family. From the steam distillation of the herb an essential oil with interesting properties is obtained. So let's see the uses and applications of winter savory essential oil. However, this essential oil should not be used in pregnancy and on children. Essential oil of winter savory, properties - Essential oil of winter savory is rich in phenolic compounds such as carvacrol, almost 60%, and thymol, 20% (Vidic et al, ...

Shea butter

Emollient, nourishing, antioxidant, cicatrizing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, helps wounds heal faster, reduces eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, including those of the scalp, combats stretch marks and makes the skin elastic, against irritation and redness. Thanks to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, it is also useful in case of back pain and pain in the joints and muscles.

Shea tree, scientific name Vitellaria paradoxa, is a plant of the Sapotaceae family very common in Africa. From its seeds, improperly called shea nuts, the famous shea butter is obtained, which is solid at room temperature. This butter is used both as a condiment in the African tradition and as a basic ingredient in various cosmetic products after removing all impurities. Today we talk about the uses of shea butter in cosmetics. Shea butter, cosmetic properties - Shea butter is emollient, repa...

Natural cosmetics, like kings and queens Part 29, Ulysses and the oil that Nausicaa gave him

In ancient Greece massage oils were used instead of soap, which was not known, they helped to make the skin soft, radiant and elastic, they fought muscle pain and tiredness, let's see how to prepare the perfumed oils mentioned by Homer in his Odyssey.

As Homer narrates in his Odyssey, Ulysses took ten years to return home after the end of the Trojan War. In his grueling journey Ulysses reached distant and magical lands, inhabited by cyclops, by people who ate the fruit of the lotus that gave oblivion, by nymphs and sorceresses, he overcame its mortal nature descending into Hades to interrogate the prophet Tiresias, he was called to face mermaids and sea monsters, until he was shipwrecked, alone and without companions lost along the journey, i...

Lavender essential oil, the essence that you should always have with you

Calming, useful in case of insomnia, neuroprotective, analgesic in case of pain in the muscles and joints, brings relief in case of painful menstruation, promotes hair growth, fights acne, calms itching and soothes the bites of insect.

The scent of lavender smells good, clean, of lines well folded and carefully stored in the closets, of blue fields that are lost on the horizon. And it is precisely this perfume that envelops us when we open a bottle of its essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of lavender flowers. Lavender essential oil is probably one of the best known and appreciated and owes its fame to the relaxing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that characterize it and make it an essential oil to alway...

Naturally beautiful, the lilac oil

Useful in case of muscle pain, swollen legs and feet, rheumatism, cramps and slow digestion, softens the skin and helps in case of eczema.

Between April and May lilac, scientific name syringa vulgaris, blooms. Lilac is a lovely plant, characterized by violet or pink flowers with an intense and fascinating scent, it decorates gates, balconies or walls. But lilac flowers can also become the main ingredient of a very interesting herbal and cosmetic remedy, lilac infused oil. This remedy is given by a plant based oil, generally olive or sunflower oil, in which plants are macerated to extract their properties. But now let's see in more ...

Mountain pine essential oil

Able to counteract cough and cold, helpful to better breathe, analgesic action and useful in case of muscle pain, tonic for the body.

Mountain pine, scientific name pinus mugo var pumilio belonging to the family of Pinaceae, is a shrub that may grow up to 3 meters. The habitat of mountain pine is the mountain between 1500 and 2700 meters above sea level and from steam distillation of its needles and branches a very interesting essential oil is obtained, the topic of the post of today. Mountain pine essential oil, properties – Mountain pine essential oil is characterized by balsamic, anti inflammatory, expectorant, antitussiv...

Ginger infused oil

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and warming, useful for back pain, headache, cervical pain, muscle pain after intense physical activity, joint pain.

Ginger, scientific name Zingiber officinale, is a very appreciated officinal plant thanks to its rhizome, scented and rich in active substances. The rhizome can be grated fresh on vegetables, salads, fruit and fish or it can be used to prepare healthy herbal teas. Moreover, from its distillation an essential oil is obtained while by maceration in honey you can get a very useful product to boost the immune system. But that's not all, in fact, with ginger you can also prepare a powerful beneficial...

Laurel essential oil

Sedative, calming, anti inflammatory and antiviral action, useful to counteract virus, flu and cold, soothes stomach pain and abdominal cramps, helps in case of joint and muscle pain, counteracts acne and dermatitis.

Laurel, scientific name Laurus nobilis, also known as bay tree or bay laurel, is a medicinal and ornamental plant cultivated mainly in Europe and America. Through steam distillation of leaves and branches an essential oil is obtained with anti bacterial, antiviral, digestive and calming properties. This essential oil should be used only externally, it is not for inner intake, avoid during pregnancy and, in any case, test it on a small portion of your skin to be sure that it is not irritating for...

Arnica, infused oil and cream

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory action proven by scientific studies, useful in case of trauma, bruises, sprains, hematomas, joint pain, muscle pain and muscle strains.

Arnica, scientific name Arnica montana, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Arnica is also one of the most well-known and appreciated traditional natural remedies, so that, even today, you can find in every chemist’s and herbalist’s shop arnica infused oils, tinctures, creams and gels, used for external applications in case of trauma, bruises, sprains with swelling, pain and stiffness. Moreover, arnica-based products are also considered useful to alleviate the symptoms of os...

Cherries, stones and stems

The stems of the cherries are diuretic, antioxidant and antimicrobial and help in case of cystitis, water retention and cellulite, the cherry stones can be used to make a pillow useful in case of muscle and joint pain, painful menstruation, stress, stiff neck but also distortions and sprains.

Cherries are so delicious, juicy, tasty and healthy, rich in vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidant substances. And the great thing of cherries is that nothing is thrown away, neither the stems nor the stones, both interesting natural remedies! But let's see better in detail. Cherry stems - Cherry stems are highly diuretic and therefore useful in case of water retention and cellulite (Hooman et al, Pak J Pharm Sci, Oct 2009). Moreover, scientific studies (Aires et al, ABP, 2017) have observed...

Juniper essential oil

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, useful to treat acne and skin aging, against cellulite and toxins accumulation, draining effect against water retention, calming action, able to soothe pain in case of arthritis, muscle and joint pain, powerful antifungal action against candida, against insomnia.

From the berries of juniper, scientific name Juniperus communis, family of the Cupressaceae, an essential oil is obtained with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its compounds such as alpha pinene, beta pinene and limonene (Pepeljnjak et al, Acta Pharm, Dec 2005). Moreover, this essential oil is also useful to act as a calming remedy and results helpful against sleep disturbance. Let’s see the possible applications. Acne, inflammations and skin aging – Juniper essential ...

Natural cosmetics, like kings and queens Part 8, lemon balm honey for the Nefertari’s bath

The lemon balm honey, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, soothing and calming properties, is beneficial for wounds, burns, in case of cough, insomnia and stress, it is one of the ingredients of the Nefertari’s bath, relaxing and regenerating.

Nefertari was a queen of Ancient Egypt, the wife of Ramses the Great, who dedicated her a temple that still fascinates all the people who have the opportunity to admire it, majestic and timeless, able to defy the centuries and the works of humans, Abu Simbel, set in the southernmost part of Egypt, in Aswan. Nefertari was much loved by Ramses and, as they say, also very beautiful and she took care of her beauty with ointments, creams and baths. Between history and legend, today we take inspiratio...

Wintegreen essential oil

Anti-inflammatory action useful in case of rheumatism, muscle pain and back pain, thanks to its antiseptic properties counteracts acne, itching, dandruff and skin irritations, useful against cough, flu and cold.

Gaultheria procumbens is a plant belonging to the Ericaceae family native to North America. Its fruits are berries characterized by a special red color and the plant is an amazing ornament for balconies or tables during Christmas period. However, gaultheria doesn’t have just an ornamental role, from its leaves indeed an essential oil with painkilling and anti-inflammatory properties is extracted, this essential oil is called wintergreen essential oil. Let’s see its uses and properties. But first...

How to get rid of neck, back and joint pain with essential oils

The essential oils of black pepper, ginger and rosemary are useful to counteract the back, neck and joint pain.

Back and joint pain, sore neck and rheumatism are some of the problems that may be treated also with essential oils. Today we will see the best essential oils with painkilling, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that you can apply on the soreness. Don’t apply directly the pure essential oil on the skin, but dilute it always in a carrier oil in the proportion of 1 tablespoon of oil and 2-3 drops of essence. As a carrier oil you can use the St John’s Wort oil, but in this case it is b...

Blue Chamomile essential oil

Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiseptic and calming action, able to bring serenity, useful to treat skin problems such as acne, wounds and irritations, can help in case of nocturnal enuresis in children, abdominal cramps, muscle and rheumatic pain, headache.

Chamomile, also known as German chamomile, scientific name Matricaria chamomilla, belongs to the Asteraceae family that includes also arnica and marigold. From the small flowers of chamomile, through steam distillation, one of the most powerful essential oils is obtained, the so called blue chamomile essential oil. This essential oil is characterized by anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to the presence of a particular active substance, the chamazulene (Safayhi et al, Plant Med 1994), it has a...

Sea salt, unrefined

Mineral salts such as iodine but also iron, potassium and magnesium, for external use able to kill bacteria and for this reason useful in case of sore throat or irritations of the mouth, relaxes the muscles, counteracts eczema, ingredient of body scrub.

it’s easy to say salt… but actually there are a lot of different types of salt that you can buy, some types are healthier than other varieties. For example, the refined salt commonly used to season the dishes in cooking is the most processed and the richest in sodium chloride that, of course, is an indispensable substance for life but, if in too high quantity, can cause damages to the gastric mucosa, an increase in blood pressure and a worsening of osteoporosis. If you consider that sodium is a...

Amyris essential oil

Decongestant of the lymphatic and venous system, against varices, capillary fragility, varicose veins, swollen and heavy legs, against anxiety, able to relax the muscles, ideal to perfume cosmetic products, protective action on the skin.

Amyris balsamifera is a plant native to the wooded area of Haiti and belonging to the Rutaceae family, that includes also oranges, lemons and grapefruits. The essential oil that is obtained through steam distillation of the wood and chopped sprigs of this evergreen small tree is called also West Indian sandalwood because of its aroma that reminds that of sandalwood but it is less deep, however it is cheaper and for this reason it represents a very interesting alternative. Let’s see the main uses...

Marjoram essential oil

Calming, antispasmodic, balsamic, expectorant and painkilling action, useful in case of cough, cold and sinusitis, able to soothe headache, neuralgias, back pain, arthritis, muscle pain and muscle stiffness, calming action in case of nervous ticks and insomnia.

Marjoram, origanum majorana, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is well appreciated in cooking as a spice to make the dishes tastier. From the leaves of marjoram, through steam distillation, an essential oil with calming, relaxing, antispasmodic, painkilling and expectorant properties is obtained. The essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in small children. Let’s see the main applications. Headache, neuralgias, pain, stomach cramps – Marjoram essential oil can b...

Mace

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and digestive properties, able to counteract the formation of intestinal gases, stimulated the production of gastric juices, painkilling effect, soothes abdominal pain, spasms, arthritis and rheumatism, calming action.

Mace is a spice native to the Moluccas obtained from the internal part of the fruit of a tree, Myristica fragrans. From the same tree is obtained also nutmeg that comes, on the contrary, from the seed and has a more intense and less sweet taste than mace. Mace has vitamins, such as A, C and group B, and mineral salts, such as magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, selenium and phosphorus, it contains also antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, very useful to counteract free radicals. In a...

Coriander essential oil

Antibacterial action demonstrated by scientific studies, useful after a long illnesses, able to regenerate and tone the body, improves blood circulation, helpful in case of problems of stomach, abdominal cramps, poor digestion, fermentations, but acts also in case of rheumatism, muscle pain and joint pain.

Coriander, Coriandrum sativum, also known as Chinese parsley, is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. From the fruits of the plant, through steam distillation, an essential oil with interesting healthy properties is obtained, however, this essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in small children. Useful to bring relief in case of problems of stomach and intestine, it is antibacterial according to scientific studies (Silva et al, Journal of Medical Microbiology,...

Nutmeg essential oil

Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties, soothes joint pain and relaxes the muscles, can be used against back pain, useful to treat poor digestion, flatulence, trapped wind and abdominal cramp, able to regulate the sebum production and for this reason it is useful in case of oily hair and scalp, against apathy, tonic for the nervous system and concentration.

Myristica fragrans is a tree native to the Indonesian Moluccas from which a very scented spice is obtained, the nutmeg, that is the seed of the plant. The essential oil is made from the nutmeg through steam distillation, it is anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, it is helpful for the health of the gastrointestinal tract and acts as a tonic and stimulant for the nervous system and the brain activity, it improves concentration and counteracts asthenia. Nutmeg essential oil is strong and it is contr...

Manuka essential oil

Antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal action, useful against pimples, acne, warts, cold sores, nail fungus, candida infections, high healing power for a fast healing of wounds, helpful against blisters in mouth, stomatitis, sore throat and hoarseness, able to counteract rheumatism and muscle pain, gives a sense of calm in case of intense shock, emergency remedy in case of panic attacks and anxiety.

Manuka, scientific name Leptospermum scoparium, is a plant native to new Zeland and Australia. From the leaves of this plant, through steam distillation, an essential oil with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties is obtained, able to treat different types of problems related to skin and with a soothing action in case of anxiety and fears. Let’s see the main uses. Acne, mycosis, candida infections, wounds, blisters, warts and insect bites – Manuka essential oil is a powerful antis...

Turmeric essential oil

Antiseptic and antiviral action, useful to apply on irritated skin, skin with acne, but also to treat fungus of nails and feet, cold sores and warts, anti-wrinkle action, able to soothe joint pain, sciatica, back pain and muscle pain, against dandruff, tonic and revitalizing action.

Turmeric, scientific name Curcuma longa, is a spice of the Zinziberaceae family well known and appreciated thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, digestive properties and its ability to support the immune system. From steam distillation of the rhizome of the plant the turmeric essential oil is obtained, that has all the benefits of the spice. Let’s see how to use this essential oil, that is to avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in small children. Joint pain, muscle p...

Angelica essential oil

Antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory action, useful in case of rheumatism and muscle pain, menstrual cramps, sea and car sickness, purifying action, useful in case of depression, low self-confidence, when you feel blue.

Angelica, scientific name Angelica archangelica, is a plant belonging to the family of Apiaceae. From its roots an essential oil with antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties is obtained, useful for the health of the nervous system, for digestion and in case of muscle and joint pain. Avoid this essential oil if you suffer from epilepsy or seizures, in addition to this it is photosensitizing, for this reason don’t use it before sun or sunlamps exposure. Don’t use during pregnancy or breastf...

Swiss stone pine essential oil

Balsamic and expectorant action, useful in case of cold, cough and catarrh, acts as a painkiller in case of arthritis, muscle pain, muscle stretch, improves blood circulation, purifying action, against insects and bad smells, improves concentration and self confidence.

Swiss stone pine, also called Swiss pine or stone pine, scientific name Pinus cembra, is a tree typical of the region of the Alps. From this plant an essential oil is obtained, this oil results useful against illnesses of the respiratory tract, is able to stimulate the immune system, to act in case of arthritis, to improve concentration and purify the rooms. Let’s see how to use the Swiss stone pine essential oil. Cold, cough, catarrh - Swiss stone pine oil is able to thin catarrh and acts by ...

Camphor essential oil

Anti-inflammatory, soothing, antiseptic properties, useful in case of muscle tensions, cramps, muscle pain, rheumatism, remedy to support blood circulation and to counteract water retention and cellulite, balsamic action, against cold, cough, catarrh, able to rebalance the sebum production, helpful in case of acne and oily skin, against clothing moth.

Cinnamomum camphora is an evergreen tree native to East Asia and belonging to the Lauraceae family. From its bark, by steam distillation, the camphor essential oil is obtained. This essential oil is characterized by anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, tonic and soothing properties but you should use it in moderation and for external use only, don’t take the camphor essential oil orally and don’t use to season food. In addition to this, camphor essential oil is contraindicated in case of epilepsy or ...

Tuberose essential oil

Soothing properties, able to stimulate blood circulation, useful in case of muscle pain, stress, tensions, nervousness and insomnia, acts against emotional blocks, promotes sociality and gives energy.

Polianthes tuberosa is a plant belonging to the Agavaceae family and characterized by white fragrant flowers. It’s from these flowers that a valuable essential oil is obtained. This essential oil has soothing and moisturizing properties, it’s able to stimulate blood circulation, it gives energy and helps remove emotional blocks. However, be careful and use always this essential oil in moderation because it has a narcotic effect. Muscle pain, tensions, poor blood circulation – Tuberose essentia...

Ginger essential oil

Remedy against sickness, car sick and seasick, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action useful in case of cold, bronchitis or other diseases related to the respiratory tract, digestive properties, able to stimulate blood circulation, against muscle and joint pain, pain of the sciatic nerve, rheumatism, relaxing and tonic effect in case of nervous breakdown.

Ginger, Zingiber officinalis, is a plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, the same as cardamom. From the root of ginger, through steam distillation, an essential oil is obtained. This essential oil has anti-nausea, digestive, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and tonic properties. Don’t use during pregnancy, breastfeeding or in small children. Diseases of the respiratory tract – Ginger essential oil can be useful in case of chronic bronchitis, cold, pharyngitis and tonsillitis, in fact it is...

Spikenard essential oil

Deep relaxing action, able to slow heart, acts against anxiety, stress, insomnia, mood changes, anti-inflammatory properties useful in case of muscle pain, purifying action for the skin, able to treat dry and damaged skin, eczema and fungus.

Spikenard, or nard or muskroot, scientific name Nardostachys jatamansi, is a plant of the Valerianaceae family. From the root, through steam distillation, an essential oil with a deep calming and harmonizing, anti-inflammatory, soothing and antifungal action is obtained. Anxiety, insomnia – Spikenard essential oil brings calm, slows the heart and gives serenity. If stress is too much and it is difficult to breathe, or if you suffer from insomnia or you wake up in the morning still tired as th...