Essential Oils and Dental Pre- and Post-Op Care

So, today I went to the dentist and had two molars extracted.  I was a panicky mess when I arrived (I'm working on that, and yes, Frankincense, Lavender, Marjoram, and Geranium Essential Oils have all had a role in keeping me calm and/or balanced-- but the dental clinic is "scent/fragrance-free" so I went in unarmed).

Fortunately the dentist was a lovely guy who gave me permission to put up my finger for a break at any time, and the Assistant, Chynna (pronounced "China"-- isn't that beautiful?)   was sweet, chatty and proficient in her job. The teeth came out with relative ease, and NO PAIN.  I was given a sheet of instructions about post-op care (eg., don't eat anything on that side for a week; take ibuprofen every 6-8 hours for pain; ice the swelling).

After the icing, I made a compress of Roman Chamomile (a few drops in a square of gauze) and held it there for a while.  When my husband came home he was amazed at how the swelling had gone down.  I found this suggestion at https://www.aromaceuticals.com/blog/easing-dental-pain

I had a big green smoothie for lunch (apple, mango, mixed baby greens, chia seed for protein and water).  I did take one of the ibuprophen.  Amazingly, everything in my mouth is calm.

(I must also mention that my dear husband prayed for me before and during my appointment. I do  believe these essential oils are a gift from God-- and the great dentist and his team are a gift as well!)

Essential Oils for Stress Reduction

Essential oils are particularly helpful in dealing with stress. They enter the bloodstream quickly through the skin or when inhaling or diffusing, or in some cases, ingesting. There is nothing more relaxing than an aromatherapy massage! It is very very important to realize that you will also allow many toxins this way in if you are using essential oils that are not pure. Here is a list of different sorts of stressors and essential oils to deal with them:

General Stress Kit: Bergamot, Bois de Rose, Cedar, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang



Antidepressant: Basil, Bergamot, Bois de rose, Chamomile, Clary sage, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Sandalwood, Rose, Rosemary, Thyme, Ylangylang

Anxiety: Bergamot, Bois de rose, Cedar, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Neroli, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylangylang.

Chemical stress (food, coffee, smoke, pollution, etc.): Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Geranium, Lemon, Lavender, Rosemary.

Emotional stress: Bergamot, Bois de rose, Geranium, Petitgrain, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver.

Environmental stress (lights, noise, cramped space): Basil, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cypress, Geranium

Mental stress: Basil, Bergamot, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Sandalwood.

Physical stress: Bergamot, Chamomile, Fennel, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme.

Sleep (Less is more! Too much can overstimulate): Chamomile, Clary sage, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange, Valerian, Vetiver, Ylang ylang.

Calming Children: Use a spray (inhalation) of gentle essential oils such as Sweet Orange, Neroli, Mandarin, Chamomile, Lavender

Essential Oils and Comfort Pillows

kimharms.net

Wow, I haven't posted for a while... but today while I was out weeding in my front herb garden I got an extreme hit of mint fragrance and I thought immediately, "ah, the essential oils of mint!"  

I have a ton of herbs growing and sometimes I forget about their fragrant pleasures... I am trying to be a little more cognizant.   I love just to squeeze some of the leaves or needles (as in the case of my very mature rosemary). 

 I also have some herbs that I don't use for anything culinary (such as lemon balm) and am reminded about the OTHER things you can do with herbs, such as make 'comfort pillows'... clip and dry herbs of your liking, such as lavender and rosemary, and mix with the "stuffing" of the pillow (could be polyfilla, wool, flaxseeds, rye groats, etc.).  

There are quite a few different ideas you will find when you google "comfort pillow".  You can also, of course, add some actual essential oils to the pillow according to the purpose (i.e., sleeping, then add lavender).

And as a bonus, here is a great article about 10 Uses for small pillows for those with breast cancer:
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/tp/comfort_pillows.htm