What Causes Pain

Hemorrhoids can be painful and itchy. If you happen to have one it can be either an external hemorrhoid or internal hemorrhoid. The following will discuss the characteristics of each and offer some advice on their treatment. With either one, something has to be done about it.

Today, fast and simple meals are commonplace to those who experience daily life that is often hectic. The result is that these unwholesome choices results in neglecting proper nutrition thus affecting the digestive process. Diets rich in fiber help to strengthen rectal valves and veins both in and around the area of the anus. As well, fiber also helps to make the stool softer, making it easier to pass the stool.

Excellent sources of natural fiber can be found in grains, cereals, whole wheat pastas and various fruits and vegetables. You may also consider the use of fiber supplements. For women consuming at least 22 grams of fiber and for men at least 35 grams of fiber is the recommended daily intake. Most labels on foods products have the fiber content listed under ‘Nutrition Facts’ section. Being aware of what your diet consists of is the key ingredient in making the correct food choice. Dry, hard stool that leads to constipation is the result of eating processed food low in fiber and high in carbohydrates.

There are a few non evasive procedures which the doctor can perform in his office. These treatments of external hemorrhoids will alleviate the problem and give much relief from the suffering. There is the laser therapy and rubber-band ligation treatment which would cut off the supply of blood to the hemorrhoid making it dry up and be eliminated.

Regular exercise as well as a healthy diet is an important factor in preventing hemorrhoids. Sitting around all day either at work or watching TV is unnatural and therefore unhealthy resulting in creating the perfect environment for hemorrhoids. Exercise suitable for your health and your age, promotes natural movement in the digestive system, and also encourages a healthy weight, and alleviates anxiety.

Of course the best recourse would be to avoid straining during a bowel movement, having a bowel movement when the urge is there, eat a high fiber diet to keep stool soft and reduce gas, drink lots of water and practice personal hygiene which will help in recurring hemorrhoids. Regular exercise and keeping excess off will also count as a deterrent.

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Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster is a viral infection that afflicts over a million people every year in the United States. The common symptoms of Shingles include a red rash that eventually turns to painful blisters that leak a clear fluid.

Shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus. It generally lies dormant in someone who has had the chickenpox as a child and becomes reactivated when an outside source has weakened the immune system later in life.

How is the immune system compromised?

Shingles or VZV can be distinguished from Varicella or Chickenpox by the fact that it begins as a tingling or burning of the skin which follows the nerve route and only appears on one side of the body. Common causes for this viral infection include prolonged exposure to stress, chemotherapy patients, anti-rejection medications for transplant recipients and HIV/AIDS. All these sources weaken the immune system, thus allowing the dormant virus to come alive wreaking havoc on the body.

Time is a factor with the Herpes Zoster virus. In order for medications to work, they must be implemented within 72 hours of the initial outbreak. Unfortunately, this debilitating pain and discomfort can last up to six months and in some cases can become chronic, lasting for several years.

How to deal with the pain:

Excessive pain and discomfort accompany the Herpes Zoster virus. Therefore, pain medications and antivirals must be administered. However, in order for these medications to work, they must be implemented within 72 hours of the initial outbreak of symptoms.

Medications:

Corticosteroids: These would include the drug Prednisone which would then be combined with acyclovir. These will decrease pain while at the same time reduce inflammation of the nerves. In addition, these two medications when put together have also shown to decrease residual nerve damage.

Analgesics: For many with mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter medications for pain can relieve this symptom. However, if the pain is severe, a doctor may need to prescribe a narcotic in order to manage the pain.

Lotions such as calamine are effective when applied to the seeping blisters to combat pain, and capsaicin cream when the blisters have crusted over. Topical pain patches of lidocaine (Xylocaine) and nerve blocks have also been beneficial in easing the pain related to zoster outbreaks.

Herpes Zoster Keratitis (eye shingles) is a complication of herpes zoster, and is treated with antiviral medications. This serious complication can cause temporary or permanent vision loss, and needs medical treatment right away.

An additional serious complication of the zoster infection is Postherpetic Neuralgia. This condition is comprised of severe, debilitating pain that occurs long after the blisters have healed. Unfortunately, it can last for six months or longer and requires medications such as topical skin applications, analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants in order to manage it.

The Herpes Zoster Virus is most common in people age sixty or older, however children and young adults contract this virus as well. Anyone who has not had the chickenpox should be vaccinated, if not, and you come in to contact with someone who has an active shingles infection, you could find yourself with the first case of chickenpox. In addition, it is important to remember that those having previously had the chickenpox are most vulnerable to the shingles infection.

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One of the most sought after therapeutic effects from medicines, natural or synthetic, is pain relief. And it may be the single most important one, in that an effective pain reliever can truly change someone’s life. Make it possible to do things that may otherwise not be possible. In America, it’s rare that the word ‘Aromatherapy’ comes to mind when considering effective approaches to pain, but a little known essential oil is quickly growing in popularity for one big reason: safe, effective pain relief.

A Remarkable Pain Reliever

The pure essential oil steam distilled from the flowers of the Helicrhysum italicum plant is really an absolutely remarkable healing agent. Not just compared to natural medicines, but compared to ALL pain relieving medicines available today. It is safe, effective, has no addiction potential and very easy-to-use. Pain relief reported by most users happens nearly instantly — certainly within minutes of application. The oil is listed in ‘Essential Oil Safety’ as non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It is regularly prescribed for undiluted application to the skin (where very few other essential oils are). Most conservatively, the oil is sometimes said to be avoided during pregnancy, and by young children — but this warning is not found in today’s most advanced aromatherapy texts. The only other concern is of the oils helpful anticoagulant properties, and is sometimes contraindicated if one is taking blood thinning medication. The amounts absorbed for pain relief are exceptionally small. However, if your situation is questionable, check with a health professional before use, but know that the essential oil is considered to be exceptionally safe for the vast majority of the population.

Pain Relief is in the Chemistry

Essential oils are evaluated using a process called Gas Chromatography. This test tells the us what the oil is made of — and essential oils are really interesting: they’re made of all KINDS of different natural chemicals. Within Helichrysum essential oil, one finds chemicals naturally made by the plant’s flowers that 1) reduce inflammation and act as chelators (they can remove unwatned toxins), 2) prevent bruising and blood clots, 3) relax tight muscles and connective tissue, and 4) stimulate cellular regeneration. All in one oil! And it’s these components that work together to offer pain relief — in a big way. Aspirin, for example, is a blood thinner and anti-inflammate. Together, these actions produce its pain relief. Helichrysum is a far more complex natural substance, that not just masks pain, but actually addresses the cellular physiology that is causing it.

Who Can Benefit from Helichrysum?

What sorts of pain can be addressed using this essential oil? Helichrysum is topically applied , and as such works for virtually all pain in the muscular-skeletal system: Muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. All kinds of back pain and neck pain can be helped, as are traumatic injuries such as bruises, sprains and strains. Helichrysum is excellent to have around the house of sports enthusiasts — one 42 year old hockey player in Boulder, Colorado refers to it as ‘the magic oil’ for all the beating-up he takes in the rink. Arthritis can be helped too (warming oils like Ginger and Black Pepper can be blended with it, if warming helps the condition). It’s safety and efficacy is really remarkable: nearly every form of pain seems to respond positively to Helichrysum essential oil application, whereas the oil has only one commonly-noted warning. As it acts as a blood thinner, those taking blood thinning medication should consult their physician before using, and the oil should never be applied to open wounds as to not interfere with coagulation.

When and How to Use the Oil — Chronic and Acute Cases

Because Helichrysum used topically, its application is extremely simple. It can be used at any concentration, depending on the condition (most essential oils are diluted prior to use). There are two basic situations which determine whether to dilute the oil or not: whether the injury or pain is chronic or acute. For acute pain and injuries — those that have JUST occurred — application at full strength is best. This application should be done as soon as possible if an injury has occurred, as the oil can significantly reduce the potential for bruising and formation of a hematoma. Also, many folks find a drop or two of the oil to be very effective at eliminating pain from burns; it comes in handy in a busy kitchen for sure! Be sure to avoid open wounds, as the oil does have anti-coagulant, blood-thinning properties. Once the wounds are sealed or scab is formed, it is again safe to apply Helichrysum.

In most cases of chronic pain, diluting in another ‘carrier’ oil — like Sweet Almond, Jojoba, or even Olive oil — will ‘extend’ the Helichrysum, and can help improve its effects over a larger area. If using for the entire mid-back area for example, one can dilute one part Helichrysum into 5 or even 10 parts Jojoba oil and massage-in as frequently as necessary. Making our own formulation is very easy to do. It is recommended to start of with lower dilutions and work your way up only if necessary; this helps you conserve the precious oil by only using as much as required for the desired results. Forty drops of Helicrysum in each ounce of carrier oil will create an approximate 5 percent dilution; eighty drops for a 10 percent dilution; etc.

Adding Other Essential Oils for a Personal Formula

There are many other essential oils that will add to the therapeutic action of your mixture, should you choose to make one. Ginger and Pepper are excellent choices if you’d like a warming action, helpful in many cases of arthritis — these oils can bring more blood to the area, improving circulation and flexibility. Peppermint is also used for the same reason, but actually adds a bit of a cooling sensation. German Chamomile or Blue Tansy at one or two percent concentrations can enhance the anti-inflammatory action. Some folks choose Wintergreen or Birch essential oils, as they are made up of methyl salicylate, or ‘liquid aspirin’. Care should be used with these oils, however, as they are in a class of oils that are considered toxic if over-used; they should absolutely be kept out of reach of children, and employed only as much as necessary to give the desired effect.

Getting The Right Kind of Oil

All the pain relieving effects discussed here refer specifically to the essential oil from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant. The best of these oils is considered to come from France and the island of Corsica — these oils have the highest concentration of the muscle relaxing component, and often times the highest concentration of the regenerative components as well. Helichrysum from the Balkans, Croatia and Serbia Montenegro can have higher levels of anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory constituents. ALL these are ‘italicum’ species however, and will impart their wonderful pain-relieving and healing effects. The oil is not inexpensive! Beware of oils that seem priced too low, as they may not contain pure essential oil, and will not produce the same results. Also, if you are in the care of a medical doctor, be sure to consult them before using Helichrysum essential oil just to be sure there will be no contraindications with your condition or medication. At the same time, a great many people have experienced excellent results with this important essential oil, and if it sounds like it’s for you, it’s almost certainly worth a try!

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