Questions: Valerian and ME-related depression

[tyqkqfrr]

Hi there everyone,

I'm brand new to this thread, and pretty new to using aromatherapy too. But I'm keen and learning fast!

I'm trying to put together a blend or two for my Mum, who has ME / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fibromyalgia.

She is undergoing a treatment of Guaifenesin, which is helping enormously but has the 'side-effect' of re-inflaming old symptoms as it clears her body. As a result the two things she has asked me to look at, which may need addressing separately, are;
1. depression and feeling emotionally flat and lethargic
2. mild panic attacks, nerve sensitivity, agitation

Because Guaifenesin is sensitive to salicylates, she thinks it best to stick with vaporising oils rather than massage.
When I came across Valerian in my books (Valerie Worwood and another beginners intro to aromatherapy) it looked ideal for addressing Mum's anxiety and panic etc, but one website I almost bought some from said it is NOT suitable for vaporising.

Also, Valerie Worwood's advice for treating stress is not to use more than three oils in a blend. Do I need to stick to that too?

Any ideas anyone please ??

I'm sorry if this looks like I'm trying to get an Aromatherapy consultation for free, but I promise I'm just trying to learn what I can.

Thanks x x x

 

[dan saltman sr]

Hiya

I agree with the not using more than 3 oils per blend, especially if you're not qualified.

I'm not sure about using Valerian, however, as this is an extremely powerful sedative!

For vaporising, given your mother's conditions, I'd suggest:

Grapefruit
Rose
Melissa

These oils are quite powerful antidepressants. You can use them on their own or in a blend.

Also Rosewood and Palmarosa. Rosewood is an endangered species so you may wish to avoid this.

Hope this helps.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I agree with Chris on the tree oils usage, also on the use of Grapefruit & melissa, as I am 98% better from ME - I speak from experience as well as being an aromatherapist. I found that using them in a vapouriser was fine, and as they are fairly aromatic but mild I also used them in a footbath.
I would however ask your mother to smell them first as I was very sensitive to smells and certainly could not tolerate Lavender, Marjoram, rosewood, and valerian.
You could also use camomile to ease the panic attacks - but use in a rollerball.

 

[casinosbor]

That helps enormously, thanks.

VW mentions that Grapefruit and Rose are particularly good for ME, along with Geranium and Tangerine.

I think I'm trying to run before I can walk a bit here and it's so easy to become overfaced by all the options available, especially knowing that oils can work in synergy with each other - it makes me panic a bit that I don't know enough.

After spending several weeks absorbed in books it's great to find a forum where there are real people who can talk back!

 

[faybybaby]

Go with the grapefruit, it is light, sunny, uplifting and being citrus is 'clean'. Rose is not every ones smell, and it is very expensive. Geranium, - hormonal balancer, - I did not mention this as you did not mention her age or if she is ME affected by hormones, if she is 'menopausal'.... Tangerine again is bright, clear citrus.... Look upon the oils as to where the oil is from. Fruit - Head. Leaves - body. Roots/bark - grounding. Light, Medium, heavy......
Uplifting is the way to start first.... Keep reading - Try Patricia Davies A~Z.
kEEP INCONTACT IF YOU NEED MORE HELP!

 

[gramof6]

I've used Valerian in massage and it knocked out the guy I was treating all weekend (he had a high pressured job was always on the go and didn't know how to relax apart from pouring a large scotch on the rocks). I would not want to vapourise Valerian as it has a rather unpleasant smell.

I rather like the idea of the following blend

Bergamot
Geranium
Lavender

You can use the above oils in a burner, bath or as a massage blend.
I also think that drinking Chamomile tea may also be helpful.

Binah
x

 

[Dorf1701]

Just to add, please don't go by the blend strengths that Valerie Worwood gives. You need to halve the number of drops per 10mls of carrier. Another really good oil for helping with anxiety is neroli, although again, this is one of the more expensive ones. But as with melissa, you don't need much as they both can overpower a blend.

 

[Tyclitoimmisy]

Yes, I made up a blend of Geranium, Lavender and Bergamot for a tired and stressed friend, and the next time I saw her she virtually bounced into the room! She said 'That stuff's great, I've used the lot!' (I gave her a small mix to see if she liked it)
I had to warn her not to overdose her children on it !

I'm glad to hear others say VW's concentrations are too high, I tried to give my husband a massage to help him sleep and nearly ended up keeping him up all night with the pong!
Her book on children's health seems pretty cautious as far as dosage is concerned.

Thanks so much for all the encouragement x

 

[Lowly]

Just to add to all the great info above, when I had post viral fatigue I found that Petitgrain worked wonders for me, but aromas are very personal and I hope you find something just right from everyone's input. Good luck.

Vivien