Crystal Wind AromaworX

Peppermint is a cross between a number of wild mints. The true peppermint plant cannot reproduce, so propagation through the root system below the soil is needed...

Mentha piperata

Note: Top - 9

Parts Used: entire herb

Source: steam distillation of the flowering tops of the herb native to Europe

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.

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.

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.