Expert: Judy Frayne - 1/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: My daughter has above syndrome.  We are looking for the correct aromatherapy that helps blood flow to the brain, but I can't figure out which one does that?  Can you help?  This syndrome keeps the blood pooled at her lower extremedies & she loses important oxygen to the brain because of lack of blood flow.  Thanks in advance!

ANSWER: Hello Sara - thank you for your enquiry. I have not met this syndrome before and have been reading up about it.

There are a few oils that encourage circulation and particularly one (Rosemary) that encourages blood flow to the brain... however, I am not sure that these would be advisable, given the nature of some of the symptoms that I have read about. I would not advise oils that encourage circulation where the heart is beating faster than normal or where the blood pressure is raised. This I understand is something that sometimes happens when there is any exertion . The oils that stimulate the circulation will also raise blood pressure to a certain extent. They are also quite harsh oils and as  I'm not sure how old your daughter is ,but I would be careful about using Rosemary. Other such oils are Black Pepper,Clary Sage and the warmer spice oils.

I do think that gentle massage would be most beneficial - and oils that spring to mind for this are those that strengthen by calming, soothing and balancing the body systems.Here are some suggestions:-

Sweet Marjoram (not Spanish), likely to cause drowsiness, so best used before bedtime.Warming and good for digestion and circulation.
Geranium,restores balance within the body systems, good for poor circulation.
Rose - excellent for the blood and circulation
Lavender - soothing, cooling,lowers blood pressure.
Chamomile could be used if there is a problem with discomfort in the digestive system. Soothing.
Frankincense - helps slow and calm the breathing, good for palpitaions.

The oils should be applied little and often, with massage. For one application I would use one to two drops each of up to three oils at a time, diluted in 5 - 10 ml of carrier oil such as grapeseed or coconut. Make sure your daughter drinks plenty of fluids following application of the oils as they do make you thirsty.

Finally - if you do want to try one of the first oils I mentioned - such as Rosemary... I would make a blend with two oils from the second list.That will counteract some of the harshness of the first oil. However, please check with your GP that they think this ok.

I wish you all the best. If you would like more detailed formulae please don't hesitate to ask. It would help to tell me your daughter's age, an exactly how the symptoms manifest themselves in her.

Judy


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: My daughter is 19 and had to drop out of college.  She was a Meteorology major with a minor in Math at the Univ.of OK.  We live in IL.  She was correctly diagnosed 1 month ago.  Her symptoms (among others) are extremely low blood pressure with a heart rate racing when sitting up (when she can) or standing.  The blood pressure always stays low except when in severe pain.  Extreme light headed always feeling like she will pass out and dizzyness along with panic attacks.  She is the sunshine of my life!  Thanks for you help.

Answer
Hi Sara - thanks for your reply and more details about your daughter's condition. What a shame your daughter has had so much trouble. Now you have told me her age, I would feel more confident about trying some of the stronger oils that I mentioned. I will do some thinking about this over the next few days and work out some formulae that she could try. Has she tried having massage already ? Does she have any allergies ? And what type of skin does she have - dry, sensitive etc ? Could you describe a typical day's activities for me so that I can maybe suggest some different ways of using the oils ? You are most welcome to reply to my email - missjif44@hotmail.com  



Best wishes
Judy