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Hemp Essential Oil is distilled from the flowers and upper leaves of the Hemp plant - Cannibis sativa. Its primary chemical constituents are beta-caryophyllene, beta-myrcene, and alpha-humulene. It does NOT contain THC or CBD because those chemicals don't come through the distillation process. The beta-caryophyllene is a CB2 agonist which means it works with our immune system (just like CBD oil) to modulate that system (promote healthy functioning).
This essential oil has analgesic, antinociceptive (pain relieving), local anesthetic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce pain and inflammation, and relax muscles where it's massaged into the body. It's antibacterial and antiviral. Studies on rats indicate a possible protection against cardiovascular and atherosclerosis risk. It also demonstrates neuroprotective action. It's chemical constituents, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene, have strong antioxidant and antitumoral properties. These two chemicals work in synergy to each strengthen the efficacy of each other. Beta-myrcene, in addition to being analgesic, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory is sedative in nature which allows Hemp EO to help you relax naturally. Keep the oil from oxidizing (store in a cool, dark place) and use topically or through inhalation only. As with any essential oil, consult a physician before using if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Another one of my favorites - in both essential oil and herbal form and a 'cousin' of Plai. I love to combine Ginger and Plai essential oils for that hot/cold effect on muscles and joints!
Ginger is perhaps best known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach -- the essential oil is no different - it's anti-emetic and carminative. Like Plai, it's analgesic and anti-inflammatory, in addition to being antispasmodic. Unlike Plai, Ginger is warming. Importantly, Ginger has antimicrobial and expectorant properties and it supports the immune system which makes it a good oil for diffusing during cold and flu season. Energetically, Ginger is grounding and stabilizing. Emotionally, it can help strengthen motivation and will-power. While Ginger is safe to use, it may irritate sensitive skin, so its dilution rate for topical use should be low.. It is warming and rubefacient, so when applied (even as part of a blend) the warming sensation is obvious. This week's focus is on Lavender - possibly one of the most ubiquitous essential oils worldwide. Lavender has it all and does it all. This powerhouse oil is also one of the safest for both topical and inhalation use. Let's take a look at its therapeutic properties.
Lavender is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antispasmodic, cooling, sedative, and a skin cell regenerative. It can help calm anxiety and nerves, stimulate the immune system, reduce allergic tendencies, and is a vasodilator. It's gentle enough that even leading experts say it can be used neat on a bite, sting, or burn. (They do not recommend using any essential oil neat - even lavender - on a regular basis.) My experience has been that Lavender has plenty of strength diluted and/or as part of a blend so that I've never needed to use it neat. It is not toxic and not a skin irritant. Lavender is one of the few oils considered safe to use around young children (at 0.5% under age 5). An example of its efficacy: In 2018, I had three back surgeries - two were major. Instead of taking pain medication, I made myself a post op blend with Lavender, Frankincense, and Balsam Copaiba. DH rolled the blend on my back around the bandages (not on the incisions). This blend did not eliminate all of the pain, but it reduced the pain to a bearable level -- and I didn't have to deal with any of the side effects pain meds would have caused. As an added bonus, bruising and swelling were minimal. Once the incisions healed, DH used the blend on the scars as well - those are also minimal now. If you have an illness going through your house, Lavender as part of a room spray and in a cleaning regimen can help reduce the germ level in the air and on commonly used surfaces! Of all the oils I've worked with to date, Plai is my favorite -- which is why it's my first 'Oil of the Week'.
Plai is a species of Ginger - Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. - and its essential oil comes primarily from Thailand where both the herb and the oil are used for many things, but most especially for injuries and pain relief. Like Ginger, Plai can help settle the stomach but where Ginger is warming, Plai is cooling. It has significant pain-relieving properties that work on muscles and joints, sprains and strains. Even more importantly, Plai can help reduce inflammation and is being studied for its potential to reduce the risk of cognitive degeneration caused by chronic inflammation. It's antimicrobial, and clinical studies exploring chondroprotective properties are showing positive results. Emotionally, it can help cool a hot temper, and energetically, it can encourage a feeling of peace and calm. Plai is considered safe to use when properly diluted. Plai is the "hero" in my Total Knot Out blend, and an important part of my Joint Candy blend! |
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