Essential Oils for Tinnitus

If you have ringing in your ears, here's a suggestion for essential oils for tinnitus.

Ringing Ear (Tinnitus) Relief

By KG Stiles

A synergistic blend of essential oils can be more effective for getting the results you desire than any single essential oil. The pure essential oils I recommend for a blend for ringing ear (tinnitus) relief include cypress, lavender, and juniper. Learn why and the methods of application for best results!

The essential oils in this formula are restorative (help strengthen and revive the body), powerful decongestants (relieve or reduce congestion), vasoconstrictors (stimulate blood circulation), detoxifiers (clear and cleanse the body), and sedatives (calm and soothe nerves).

Juniperberry (Juniperis communis) is a wonderfully dry and resinous aroma with deep balsamic and woody undertones similar to pine, but more peppery and hot. Juniper is a powerful detoxifier and an excellent blood cleanser!

Reported to be effective for promoting excretion of uric acid crystals, juniper promotes the release of excess toxins from the body. Use juniper to promote healthy nerve and kidney function. A regulating oil and a natural diuretic and digestive aid, juniper is helpful for normalizing conditions of stagnation and excess.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) oil is distilled from the leaves (needles) and cones of the column shaped, evergreen Cypress tree located in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Cypress has a distinctly clean, fresh, woody aroma that's light and clear with a hint of spice, reminiscent of pine and juniper.

Cypress oil stimulates blood circulation and is restorative and calming to the nervous system; it's helpful for relieving nervous tension held deep within the body. Cypress oil's powerful astringent properties make it an effective tonic for the circulatory and nervous systems.

It's also effective for relieving conditions associated with congestion of lymph or blood circulation, such as rheumatism, arthritis, and sinusitis. A potent vasoconstrictor and antispasmodic, cypress oil stimulates blood circulation and speeds healing and is an excellent oil to use for sports injuries, strains, sprains, aches, and pains.

Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) essential oil has a distinctly sweet floral-spice aroma that's a little wild and woody. Distilling the oil at high altitude allows lower temperatures and lower pressure for distillation, making it possible for the volatile phytochemicals to come through intact in the final product.

Lavender oil is a decongestant (agent for relief or reduction or congestion) and stimulates cellular repair and regeneration. Its restorative action helps to strengthen and revive the entire bodymind system.

Lavender's action as a sedative and relaxant makes it effective for soothing, tranquilizing and calming nervous tension, stress, insomnia, anxiety and palpitations.

Application

Make an equal blend of the suggested oils. Add 15 drops of your essential oil blend to a one-ounce bottle of your favorite carrier oil. Shake well and let synergize for 24 hours, or longer as time permits.

Dispense 1-3 drops of your essential oil blend for tinnitus into the palm of your hand, inhale and apply to the back and front of your ear lobe and the back of your neck on the affected side(s). The oils will enter the neurovascular gateways located in these areas to effectively trigger your relaxation and healing response to promote relief for tinnitus. DO NOT put the oil in your ears!

Notes

There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results, purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind, and spirit and a natural, safe, and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.

About the Author

KG Stiles has developed massage training and holistic health programs for the spa industry, health clubs and clinics, schools, resorts, and individual clients. She is a MindBody Therapist and Health Educator with advanced certification and training in Bowen Therapy, BodyTalk, and Aromatherapy. She is the owner of Springhill Wellness Center and the Founder & Director of PurePlant Essentials aromatherapy products.

Acacia and Aromatherapy

According to Sacred Luxuries: Fragrance, Aromatherapy, and Cosmetics in Ancient Egypt by Lise Manniche, a professor of Egyptology, the acacia tree grew abundantly in ancient Egypt, and the Egyptians used all parts of the tree for medicine. Sources from around 1500 BC indicate that the Egyptians prepared acacia oil by pounding the acacia leaves in a mortar and mixing them with oil. They used the resulting oil to treat wounds.

Acacia oil is not commonly mentioned in the aromatherapy literature and not widely available. According to Essential Depot, Inc., acacia oil has properties that fight inflammation and spasm and is also an emollient (moisturizer).

I did find these sources, but I cannot vouch for any of them:

Nahziryah Monastic Community, which claims acacia relieves stress and nervous exhaustion.

Victorie Inc, which notes that acacia oil is a perfume base note with good fixative qualities.

Essential Oil Chemotypes

All essential oils with the same common name are not necessarily the same. Some essential oils have chemotypes. A chemotype is a biological variation of a plant caused by the effects of light, soil, temperature, and weather conditions. Botanically the plants are identical, but their chemical compositions are different.

Different chemotypes of the same essential oil sometimes have different effects when used in aromatherapy. That's one reason why, if someone recommends an essential oil, you want to know if it has a chemotype. High-quality essential oils will indicate the chemotype on the bottle.

Let's look at some of the more common chemotypes. In the scientific name of a plant, the abbreviation ct. or CT means chemotype.

Thyme Chemotypes

Thyme essential oil has more than eight chemotypes, including

• Thyme vulgaris ct. thymol is common and has strong properties that fight germs.
  
• Thyme vulgaris ct. linalool (sometimes spelled linalol) is gentler than the thymol chemotype but still fights germs.
  
• Thymus vulgaris ct. carvacrol
  
• Thymus vulgaris ct. geraniol
  
• Thymus vulgaris ct. thujanol-4
  
• Thymus vulgaris ct. terpineol

Rosemary Chemotypes

Rosemary has three chemotypes:

• Rosemarinus officinalis ct. verbenone (sometimes spelled verbenon) is the most gentle rosemary chemotype and often used for skin and hair care. It may also help relieve respiratory conditions.
  
• Rosemarinus officinalis ct. cineol may be beneficial for lung congestion and helpful for eliminating toxins from the liver and kidneys. It has a more stimulating fragrance than the verbenone chemotype.
  
• Rosemarinus officinalis ct. camphor is high in camphor, which can be a bit harsh, and is generally recommended as a stimulant.

Lavadin Chemotypes

Lavandin is from the Lavendula hybrida plant, a cross between true Lavender (Lavendula officianalis) and Spike Lavender (Lavendula latifolia). Lavandin comes in a variety of chemotypes, which tend to be low in linalool and linalyl acetate and high in cineole and camphor. Lavandin is used in soaps, detergents, and cosmetics, and it is not generally recommended as a therapeutic essential oil.

Other essential oils that have chemotypes include basil, sage, tarragon, valerian, and Melissa (lemon balm).

Resources

Aromatherapy for Health Professionals by Shirley Price and Len Price

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art by Kathi Keville and Mindy Green

Chemotypes by Aura Cacia

Essential Oils Desk Reference

Rosemary Essential Oil by Ananda Apothecary

Essential Oil Face Masks

Here are two essential oil face masks from Aromatherapy for Common Ailments by Shirley Price. Choose the one that corresponds to your skin type. Blend the ingredients and apply mixture evenly over your face. Leave on until mixture no longer feels cool, then rinse off and apply a moisturizer. Use once a week.

Normal to Oily Skin

2 drops lemon essential oil
1 drop geranium essential oil
1 drop ylang ylang essential oil
2 teaspoons live, natural, plain yogurt

Dry Skin

2 drops sandalwood essential oil
1 drop lavender essential oil
1 drop Roman chamomile essential oil
2 teaspoons honey

Breast Massage - Essential Oils to Use

by KG Stiles

To make a healthy breast massage oil, blend equal parts of the following essential oils:

Rose Geranium (Pelargonium roseum) is useful in regulating physical, mental, and emotional imbalances. Rose Geranium oil has a calming and uplifting effect on the emotions, and is helpful for relieving depression, nervousness, and fear. When you are feeling out of sync with yourself, try Geranium oil to gently reconnect with yourself and your body's own natural rhythms.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) is composed almost entirely of sesquiterpenes, which give it a powerful antispasmodic and sedative action. Ylang Ylang is the first essential oil to consider when needing help for regulating and balancing the nervous system. Research studies show that Ylang Ylang oil stimulates the central nervous system and is helpful for alleviating depression.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is a hemostat and decongestant with the most powerful astringent action in aromatherapy. It is a a powerful vasoconstrictor with astringent properties that make Cypress effective for treating conditions associated with congestion of lymph or blood circulation. Cypress oil's antispasmodic action makes it an excellent oil for relieving aches and pains.

Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia) is beneficial for relieving inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism, sore muscles, and back pain. Lavender oil promotes healing and regeneration for all skin types.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) has a spicy, warm, and soothing aroma that is relaxing, comforting, and calming to your nervous system. Sweet Marjoram has a comforting and soothing effect and promotes deep relaxation and release of long held patterns of tension and stress. Use Marjoram for pain relief and to speed healing.

DIRECTIONS: Dilute 8-12 drops of the essential oil blend in a one ounce bottle of carrier oil, and allow to synergize for 24 hours or longer. Gently apply a small amount of the massage oil over breast and chest areas, or use in a hot compress to relieve congestion and promote circulation and healing

Click to order KG's pre-blended Healthy Breast massage oil.

About the Author

KG Stiles is a Certified Aromatherapist practicing in Ashland, Oregon, USA. She has used essential oils in her professional practice for more than 30 years, and is a specialist in formulating aromatherapy blends for healthy living. KG is a member of the Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) Team at Ashland Community Hospital, which is affiliated with Planetree, an organization that helps hospitals provide patient-centered programs and care focused on healing and nurturing body, mind, and spirit.