Crystal Wind AromaworX

Musculo-skeletal System

Arthritis is a general body condition coming from a variety of sources generally associated with an inflammation of a joint. There are two main types of arthritis; rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is the more destructive form of arthritis. The inflammation can cause crippling and deformation of the joints. It is characterized by early morning joint stiffness, pain and inflammation in symmetrically located joints. Fingers and toes are usually the first to be affected, but it is not uncommon for pain to wander from joint to joint throughout the day. The cause is unknown, but it belongs to a family of autoimmune diseases in which the body attacks its own tissue.

There does seem to be a genetic disposition in this disease.

Osteoarthritis: The cause of this type of arthritis lies in a long process of joint deterioration due to mineral deficiencies or imbalances. Mechanical wearing down of the cartilage lining the joints leaves abrasive tissue in place of the once-smooth cartilage.

Immune System

An allergic response is a defence against infection where there is no danger; an over-reaction by the body's defence mechanisms to certain food, clothing, pollen and other materials.

An allergy can manifest itself as asthma, eczema, hyperactivity, fatigue, itching, runny nose, sneezing, headaches, lumps and bumps.

Hay fever is a relatively mild, although very uncomfortable, form of allergic reaction. Treatment of hay fever should begin at least half a year before the onset of allergy season.

Mild to moderate allergic reactions may manifest in a variety of ways, from mild headaches or digestive disturbances, to itchy, blotchy skin rashes. Severe allergic reactions, called anaphylactic shock cause swelling of the airways. In very severe cases, the airway can become completely blocked, causing respiratory arrest.

Digestive System

Cirrhosis is a chronic disease that is the result of slow deterioration of the liver. Damage to the liver from one of many causes changes its structure gradually, and the liver becomes progressively less able to carry out its functions, which includes regulating the content of blood. The most common cause in North America is alcoholism.

Malnutrition, hepatitis, parasites, toxic chemicals and congestive heart failure are some other possible causes. In the early stages, symptoms are mild. As the disease progresses, loss of appetite and weight, nausea, vomiting, general malaise and weakness, indigestion and abdominal distension become increasingly pronounced. There is a tendency to bleed and bruise easily.

A healthy liver has great regenerative potential, so the goal of therapy should be to eliminate the stresses on the liver, reduce inflammation, prevent scarring and encourage healing. The complication that arises from a damaged liver is that tissues damaged by cirrhosis can only replicate their damaged selves. The goal then would be to stop further damage to the liver.

Digestive System

The appendix is a thin worm-shaped pouch that projects out from the first part of the colon. It is believed that the appendix helps in the immune system of the intestinal tract, and is therefore more likely to become infected, just as tonsils are in the throat.

N.W. Walker, DSC, writes in Become Younger,

The function of the appendix is to provide a secretion which prevents the feces from remaining stationary in the colon; at the same time its secretion neutralizes excessive putrefactive bacteria, in much the same way that the tonsils protect the throat.”

In appendicitis, bacteria get into the appendix and it becomes swollen, inflamed and filled with pus. It has a tendency to flare up quickly, and can develop into a life-threatening emergency within hours. Usually, the trigger for appendicitis is unknown. The pain of appendicitis usually starts around the navel area. As it progresses, there is usually terrible cramping pains accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. When the pain finally extends to the lower right corner of the abdomen, the inflammation is full-blown and requires immediate medical attention. The danger of acute appendicitis is that the pus-filled appendix can burst, spilling bacteria into the abdominal cavity.

Respiratory System

People with asthma have overly sensitive, hyperactive lungs. Normally air flows easily through the bronchial tubes (airways). The airways naturally tighten to keep out very cold air or other harmful substances. In asthma, the lungs also react to harmless substances such as pollen or cat dander.

Asthma is an allergic condition which begins with a dry cough and tightness in the chest which rapidly worsens until labored breathing and wheezing result.

During an attack, the sphincter muscles in the smallest bronchial tubes tighten and go into a spasm. The airways swell and become inflamed. The problem is intensified when mucous-producing cells that line the airways respond by secreting more mucous and clogging airways – this is what creates the wheezing sound. Stale air becomes trapped in the lungs and causes a build-up of carbon dioxide. This results in coughing and gasping for air.

Adrenaline is administered by a doctor for asthma episodes.

The Egyptian sages dedicated the plant to the sun for its ability to reduce fevers...

Anthemis nobilis

Note: Middle - 15

Parts Used: flowers of the herb

Source: steam distillation of the white, daisy-like flower head. Native to southern and western Europe

Integumentary System

An abscess is a localized inflamed swelling containing pus. They occur when the skin becomes infected with the Staphylococcus pyogenes bacteria, often because the body is under stress. Abscesses can develop externally on the skin, and they can also occur internally in the mouth or on other mucous membranes - these should be referred for qualified medical treatment. Treatments locally on the skin will generally involve hot compresses or poultices to draw out the toxic waste matter; recurrent abscesses often indicate a weakened immune system.

A boil is an acute inflamed and infected area on the skin, often in a blocked hair follicle. If a number of boils occur together, they may produce a large inflamed lump with several pus-filled "heads"; this is known as a carbuncle. A stye is a boil occurring in the base of an eyelash.