Practitioners of aromatherapy have identified a variety of plants and essential oils that are believed to relieve some of the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus. The techniques are designed to treat body, mind and soul.
SLE
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) "is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys."
There are four types of lupus, with SLE being the most common. In severe forms, it may cause hardening of the arteries; inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain, which may lead to seizures and behavioral changes; inflammation of the nervous system, which may cause memory difficulty, confusion, headaches, and strokes; an increase of blood pressure in the lungs; and inflammation of the kidneys. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissue, causing inflammation.
Aromatherapy
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy describes aromatherapy as a combination of art and science, "utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit." The discipline is used as both a preventive measure and as a holistic treatment for illness. Practitioners inhale the scent of (or apply to the skin) a variety of natural extracts, such as lavender or lemon, with the belief that these aromas provide physiological, psychological and spiritual benefit or relief.
Treatment
Aromatherapy is not presented as a cure for lupus or any other disease. Its potential benefit rests in relieving stress, reducing pain, and bringing vital systems of the body to a more balanced state so that other therapies, treatments and medicines will have a better opportunity to provide healing.
Procedures
The massage of oil extract into the skin is a common way to influence absorption by the body. Baths are frequently used so that the heat of the water will release the fragrance of the oil and promote skin absorption. Steam inhalation is another common technique to treat throat and respiratory problems, in addition to headaches. Vaporizers and hot and cold compresses are also effective ways to provide aromatherapy SLE treatment.
Aromas for Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms may be relieved with cedarwood, chamomile, coriander, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, juniper berry, lavender, marjoram, rosemary and thyme. Baths and compresses are effective application techniques.
Depression may be treated with basil, citrus extracts, lavender, neroli, sandalwood, vetiver and ylang ylang. Vaporizer, baths or massage treatments are helpful.
Fatigue can be fought off with angelica, basil, clary sage, eucalyptus, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, pine and rosemary. Use in conjunction with vaporizers, baths or massage, or in dry form.
Headaches may be minimized with chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, marjoram, peppermint and rosemary. Massage or aroma inhalation from a dry form are the best methods.
High blood pressure may be treated with clary sage, lavender, lemon, marjoram, melissa and ylang ylang. Massage, bath or a vaporizer can be utilized.
Migraines may be relieved with angelica, chamomile, coriander, clary sage, lavender, marjoram, melissa and peppermint. Compresses and massage are effective treatments.
Muscle aches may be lessened with black pepper, chamomile, coriander, cypress, eucalyptus, ginger, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, marjoram, pine, rosemary, thyme and vetiver. Baths and compresses are often utilized for relief.
Tags: clary sage, chamomile coriander, lavender lemon, Baths compresses, baths massage