Relief From Post-Concussion Syndrome With Essential Oils
Post-concussion syndrome, or PCS, is defined as a collection of symptoms that occur after a brain injury. These symptoms can vary but often include dizziness and nausea. Essential Oils can be used to help relieve these symptoms. If you have been experiencing the effects of post-concussion syndrome or if you know someone who has experienced this type of injury, this blog post will provide some relief from your symptoms with the use of essential oils! Headaches/Migraines that have been present or have worsened since the injury, can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. Different people have different combinations and severities of these symptoms.
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Some people experience shorter and less severe symptoms while others continue to experience long-lasting post-concussion syndrome symptoms years after their injury. Those with PCS often complain of dizziness and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. They may experience difficulty making decisions, concentrating, remembering, and communicating emotionally for a prolonged period after their initial concussion. The exact mechanism of how a concussion causes symptoms to persist for so long is not known, however, it is thought that damage to the nerve pathways in the brain may play a role. The injury can also affect the neurotransmitters in your body, which regulate hormones involved in the balance and regulation of your blood pressure. Due to the varying severity of symptoms, PCS may affect some people more than others.
Essential Oils For Concussion Healing:
1) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is a must-have for everyone. It is considered an 'adaptogen,' which means that it can help your body adapt and respond when you are in a state of stress. Peppermint is also known to be great at relieving headaches and pain – especially migraines. Peppermint essential oil can be topically applied to the temples, neck, and forehead, or inhaled by diffusing it directly into the air or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to your temples and forehead. A study showed that peppermint essential oil may also be effective in reducing vomiting caused by motion sickness – which can be common for those with PCS after a concussion.
2) Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense Oil is known for its ability to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help improve your mood. This can be so helpful for those who struggle with light sensitivity or concentration due to their PCS symptoms.
3) Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver essential oil may reduce some of the feelings of nausea that are associated with motion sickness – which many people complain about when experiencing PCS after a concussion.
4) Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood essential oil is known to help relax and relieve tension. It can also be used to help reduce stress, which can often accompany PCS following a concussion.
5) Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is an effective expectorant that allows the body to naturally evacuate mucus caused by colds and allergies. Many people with post-concussion symptoms experience SOB – shortness of breath – which can be caused by congestion and inflammation in the sinuses due to their PCS symptoms. This can often lead to headaches, frequent coughing, and other issues.
6) Rose Essential Oil
Rose essential oil is known to be effective at reducing headaches, including migraines, as well as helping reduce nausea and relax the body.
7) Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot is known for its ability to help ease depression and anxiety – which may be associated with PCS symptoms. It can also be used to help relieve stomach aches caused by nausea.
8) Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang Ylang essential oil can help improve emotional balance and mood, which are often affected by PCS following a concussion. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which are also common post-concussion symptoms.
Benefits Of Using Essential Oils For Concussion:
1) Essential oils for concussion can help reduce inflammation in the body and brain, which is often present after a traumatic brain injury. By reducing inflammation, essential oils can help relieve headaches, pain, and dizziness – which are some of the most common symptoms of PCS.
2) Essential oils for concussion may help relieve nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or other types of nausea that may accompany PCS.
3) Essential oils for concussion can boost your mood by improving your emotional balance and reducing stress and anxiety.
4) Essential oils for concussion can boost concentration by helping you to feel less stressed, which often accompanies PCS symptoms.
5) Essential oils for concussion can help promote sleep, which is often disturbed after a concussion.
6) Essential oils for concussion can promote relaxation to help relieve tension, which many people experience with PCS symptoms.
7) Essential oils for concussion can reduce headaches and migraines, which are common with post-concussion syndrome.
8) Essential oils for concussion may help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety that is sometimes associated with long-term PCS symptoms.
9) Essential oils for concussion may help in the healing process of your brain after a traumatic injury – especially if used topically or diffused in the air.
10) Essential oils for concussion can help promote a healthy immune system by increasing your body's natural defenses and reducing inflammation.
DIY Recipes Of Essential Oils For Concussion
Recipe 1: Oil Mix For Concussion
Ingredients:
- 6 drops of peppermint essential oil,
- 5 drops of bergamot essential oil,
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil,
- 5 drops of vetiver essential oil, and
- 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil.
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Add a drop or two to the wrist for healing potential.
- Apply the mixture directly to your temples and forehead or diffuse it through your air-conditioner or fan.
- Store in an airtight bottle in the bathroom.
Recipe 2: Oil Mix For Post-Concussion
Ingredients:
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil,
- 5 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil,
- 15 drops of rosemary essential oil, and
- 10 drops of sandalwood essential oil.
Directions:
- In a 6-ounce glass spray bottle, place all ingredients.
- Cover and gently shake for about 30 seconds to blend.
- Spray 3 to 4 times directly into your nose, as well as behind your ears, on your wrists, and on the back of your neck.
- Store in an airtight bottle in the bathroom.
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FAQs:
1) Do I need to use carrier oils post-concussion?
You will most likely not have any reaction if using pure essential oils, and they are stronger than the diluted form (carrier oil). However, some people may still feel a burning sensation when first starting. The best way to avoid this is to start with a small amount – about 1 drop – and build up over time. If you experience redness or burning when starting with pure essential oils, try diluting it in a carrier oil first until your body adjusts completely.
2) Can I use essential oils on sensitive skin post-concussion?
Yes, you can. It is important to always dilute the essential oils in water before applying them to your skin, so your body can absorb the benefits. Always dilute pure essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your skin – like jojoba or almond oil.
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