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CHEEKY HERBS Monthly Newsletter from Tinderbox YULE - JUNE 2015 ISSUE No CHEEKY HERBS monthly newsletter from tinderbox YULE - JUNE 2015 ISSUE No. 79 Letting the blood flow SPECIAL FEATURE R U BE FACI E N T S Rubefacient: what’s that? IN HERBALISM and aromatherapy, there is a whole group of herbs and oils that are employed specifically for their ability to dilate the capillaries, which allows for increased blood flow to the area of the body where it is applied. These are called rubefacients. A rubefacient is a substance or agent that increases the reddish coloration of the skin. The actual word 'rubefacient' derives from two Latin words: ruber meaning ‘red’, and facere that means ‘to make’ and indeed it does result in a warming sensation that causes the skin to redden. In medical terms, the rubefacient action is a regulatory response that increases blood flow to different tissues in the body through vasodilatation and is called hyperaemia (or hyperemia). Clinically, a rubefacient would be described as a counter-irritant that produces hyperaemia in tissues and manifests as ‘erythema’, because of the engorgement of vessels with oxygen- ated blood. It is advisable, however, to use an oil Irritation is base for dilution, particularly for the warmth as they accelerate metabolism the very strong wintergreen and the desired action bath because water and essential oils in the area. Sometimes a stronger camphor oils, which modern-day Rubefacient herbs and oils actually naturally separate, so using these could liniment style application is preferable, aromatherapists have dispensed with work through this ambiguous action of be hazardous. when general massage is less useful because of its higher toxicity. irritation and by a mild but not The epidermis (outer layer of skin) than an intensive treatment, rubbed in unhealthy disturbance of surface and the layers beneath are designed to one area. Lactic acid build-up tissues, fresh blood and energy is process sensation. Rubefacient essential oils are used to in muscles rushed to the body site. Feeling is transmitted to the body treat conditions such as rheumatoid and Lactic acid is a substance found in This can provide real healing action, and brain through an elaborate network osteoarthritis, back pain, bunion, various foods and is also produced in especially in painful areas that are distal of touch receptors to form natural bursitis (application to area without the human body regularly in small parts of the body where circulation is electrical touch charges. massage or manipulation), muscle amounts to assist with various biologi- poor and stagnation prevails. The skin’s sensitivity as well as its cramps, sciatica, strain and sprain. cal functions. The redness and prickly skin surface ability to relay tactile messages is why Frequently, they are paired with Vigorous exercise is a common sensation that can be simultaneously massage can improve gland, organ and essential oils that increase detoxifica- reason for excessive amounts of lactic warming and cooling is part of the nerve function, while relaxing muscles tion, such as juniper, carrot seed and acid within the muscles. healing process; however it is a fine and producing emotional feeling. lemon, which is especially helpful for Lactic acid build-up causes discom- balance to ensure that rubefacients do Rubefacients magnify this whole joint pain and arthritis. fort, primarily in the form of burning not cause excessive irritation or inbuilt sensory system to increase the They can also be blended with more sensations in your muscles, mostly in reactions that are counter-productive to sensitivity and healing efficacy of the relaxing anti-inflammatory analgesics the legs, which can impact your resolving the pain. massage. such as lavender or german chamomile, physical performance. This means that these particular Sometimes, when particular rubefa- where stress and tension is known to be Intense exercise sometimes means essential oils and plant extracts should cients have been used, subsequent a major cause of muscle pain. that your muscles need more fuel than be well diluted and not applied to showers or baths can reactivate the is readily available, and when your particularly sensitive skin regions or surface warm/cold sensations. Common rubefacients body has run out of oxygen to fuel your mucous membranes. Actually all essential oils are mildly muscles, lactic acid build-up occurs as How they help rubefacient, but aromatherapists choose a by-product of glucose being used as a Skin is tougher Essential oils that deliver the rubefa- the more pronounced, stronger ones to fuel substitute. than we think cient property are excellent additions to use in blends when seeking this type of The acid by-product does eventually Experienced aromatherapists empha- massage blends designed for musculo- healing activity. dissipate, as the intensity of your sise how important it is to dilute the skeletal issues where pain or stiffness is The rubefacient activity is particu- exercise is decreased or stopped and the quite ‘hard-hitting’ rubefacient present. larly true of those essential oils rich in body begins to naturally remove the essential oils by putting them into The increased circulation in the skin phenols (thyme, oregano, clove bud) lactic acid. carrier oil before use on the skin. and muscle tissue creates relief from and to a lesser degree oils rich in oxides This is because the need for the Studies have shown that rubefacients pain through an anti-inflammatory (eucalyptus, cajeput, niaouli, rosemary) glucose fuel substitute has diminished, are well tolerated by most people with effect as well as helping to clear the and terpenes (pine and juniper) . and in turn, the muscle discomfort robust health and normal sensitivities tissue of by-products of prior inflam- Marjoram, black pepper, ginger, associated with the acidosis also and they don't cause permanent skin mation. nutmeg and cypress are other fine damage, even if used excessively. They provide a comforting feeling of examples. Many practitioners still use CONTINUED PAGE 2 CHEEKY HERBS YULE - JUNE 2015 Page 2/2 FROMWorkout PAGE 1 recovery tools dissipates as your exercise pace decreases. For serious athletes and those in training, this natural process often doesn’t have a chance to occur and massage, light stretching and hot baths to promote blood circulation and aid the release of lactic acid from the muscles after an intense workout is often indicated. This is where the rubefacient oils come into their own, as they really catalyse removal of waste material with increased blood flow to stressed areas of the body. Athlete’s aromatic friends Essential oils are powerful anti-inflammatory healers and regenera- tors of skin, muscle and connective tissue as well as relieving stress and accordingly offer amazing healing support for athletes who too often sustain injuries such as sprains, strains and bruises common in many sports. Pre- and post- exercise (or competition) massage with select plant oils and extracts plays an important part in warming up the muscles before exertion and removing lactic acid (thereby speeding recovery) after a high physical output. Post-Sports Rub Massage formulas can include invigo- Liniment RUBEFACIENT R ECIPES sore muscles from rating essential oils to promote circulation for very sore spots Aching Joints Rub Pre-Sports Rub overexertion and open the airways before a workout or Pure essential oils: warming up to improve performance. Pure essential oils: Pure essential oils: 6 drops frankincense performance One could include anti-inflammatory, 6 drops peppermint 4 drops pimento 4 drops manuka pain relieving, and anti-spasmodic oils 5 drops ginger Pure essential oils: 4 drops eucalyptus 5 drops pine and those that calm the nerves and ease 5 drops niaouli 5 drops cypress 5 drops chamomile 4 drops eucalyptus anxiety. 5 drops lavender 5 drops ginger 5 drops rosemary 4 drops ginger For massage, it is best to use light, 4 drops chamomile 4 drops black pepper 10 drops lavender 4 drops chamomile quick invigorating strokes. 5 drops marjoram 4 drops lemon 3 drops peppermint 5 drops juniper For post-exercise, a little deeper 2 drops clove 5 drops rosemary 20mL carrier oil 5mL St John’s Wort massage can be performed with longer 2 drops thyme 20mL carrier oil infused oil strokes toward the heart, which will assist 0.2mL organic menthol Tinderbox recommends use of a 20mL carrier oil cold-pressed vegetable oil as the carrier oil removal of lactic acid and other metabolic 20mL carrier oil waste products. The Super actives: menthol and capsaicin Frozen peppermint menthol are available on the market bursitis, many different forms of and forehead (avoid sensitive skin today; but these tend to use synthetic arthritis, lupus, multiple other auto areas). Quality, natural menthol is actually menthol. immune disorders, neuropathy, tendon- crystalised peppermint essential oil Naturally derived menthol will itis, tennis elbow and many others that The extract of chilli (although some menthols are derived always deliver more efficacious and impact quality of life by causing pain in Another really intense and effective from other mint oils) and is a waxy, potent healing action and especially a your skin, muscle, tendons, and joints. active is capsaicin, the extract from a crystalline substance, clear or white in menthol derived from an organic high type of chilli that brings deep heat that colour that is solid at room temperature. quality peppermint to start with. Pain is subdued penetrates into the area of pain. Cold-extraction peppermint oil is The use of a real pure botanical When applied to the skin through a The tiniest amounts must be immediately frozen, which forms the menthol in body products brings safe topical analgesic, menthol helps the judiciously measured to ensure a skin menthol crystals that look similar to anti-pruritic, analgesic, antispasmodic body relieve pain, not by actually response that is not too extreme in its smaller oblong rock crystals.
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