foods and foods that are aged, ferment- ed, or marinated with vinegar.


Natural Supplements: Leading natural health specialists James Balch, a physi- cian, and Mark Stengler, a doctor of naturopathy, agree in recommending two supplements to counter headaches.


n Magnesium to lessen migraines and prevent tension headaches, at the rate of 200 milligrams (mg) three times a day. One study of 81 people mentioned in Stengler and Balch’s book, Prescription for Natural Cures, showed that magnesium alone can reduce the frequency of migraines by as much as 41 percent.


n Riboflavin to prevent migraines, consuming 400 mg every day for at least three months. A second study in their book reported that at this amount, the number of migraine attacks among the 49 participants decreased by 67 percent, with sever- ity reduced by 68 percent.


Applied Homeopathy: Homeopathy can be helpful in treating headaches, especially if individual symptoms are clear (for example, if headaches always occur on the right side at 3 p.m.). Two studies have independently demon- strated homeopathy’s beneficial effects in headache relief, published in the British Homeopathic Journal and Jour- nal of Liga Medicorum Homoeopathica Internationalis; these provide the basis for Homeopathic Educational Services’ guidance at Homeopathic.com. Indi- viduals may pick the relevant remedy that best matches their symptoms and take a 30C potency (available in most health food stores) dosage four times a day for up to a week. Stop taking the remedy upon improvement, but begin again if symptoms return and consult with a physician.


Lauri Grossman, a doctor of chiroprac- tic and certified classical homeopath, practices homeopathy in Manhattan. She also serves as chair of the Ameri- can Medical College of Homeopathy’s department of humanism, in Phoenix, AZ. Learn more at amcofh.org and HomeopathyCafe.com.


AROMATHERAPY FOR HEADACHE RELIEF by Debra Novak


P


lant oils have a long history of contributing to our psychological and physical well-being. For millen- nia, ancient Egyptians extracted the oils from plants and used them to make ointments that were used in spiritual practices, cosmetics and medicines. Used today by aromatherapists and massage therapists, therapeutic-grade essential oils are recognized as holistic healing agents that act on the physical cellular level, as well as on emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic planes. For more than a decade, Lorraine Frongillo-Downer, owner of Divine Chalice Botanicals, Inc., on Pine Island, has been a licensed massage thera- pist and professional holistic aroma- therapist, preparing custom blends of therapeutic-grade essential oils, as well as a line of natural aromatherapy facial and body products. A professional member of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA), she is a certified and nationally registered aromathera- pist with the Aromatherapy Registration Council.


Frongillo-Downer offers Natural


Awakenings readers her two favorite essential oil blends for headache relief. “Because 100 percent pure essential oils are highly concentrated, they can irritate the skin, and therefore should never be applied directly to the skin ‘neat’ (undiluted). Therapeutic-grade oils should first be blended with an ounce of carrier oil, such as jojoba or other natural oils, such as grapeseed or canola,” she says.


Headache Remedy No. 1 1 oz jojoba oil 4 drops helichrysum 8 drops angelica 10 drops lemongrass


Helichrysum has been studied in Europe for the regeneration of nerves, improving skin conditions and reducing inflammation, while speeding heal- ing. Angelica is a circulatory stimulant, useful for poor circulation. It has a long history of use in supporting respiratory conditions such as colds, coughs and


sinus problems. Lemongrass has been used to support digestion, purification and regeneration of tissues. It has pow- erful antifungal effects when topically applied.


Do not use this blend if you are taking any type of anticoagulant medications, if you have diabetes or are pregnant, as these oils would be contra- indicated for your use.


Headache Remedy No. 2 1 oz jojoba oil 18 drops lavender 6 drops coriander


Lavender is the number-one stress reducer in aromatherapy. In addition to its calming effects, it is a highly regarded wound healer, with antimicro- bial and antiviral properties. Coriander is useful for stomach conditions and lack of appetite. However, due to the estrogen-like properties of coriander, do not include it in this blend if you have breast cancer; instead, simply omit the coriander and use only lavender.


As headache remedies, essential oils can be applied to the temples, chest, neck and shoulders for direct inhala- tion, or a diffuser can be used. The oils can remain in the body for up to 24 hours before being eliminated through the lungs and kidneys. As natural sub- stances, they leave no toxic buildup.


Contact Lorraine Frongillo-Downer, Divine Chalice Botanicals, Inc., at 239-282-4325 or email Lorraine@ DivineChaliceBotanicals.com. Visit DivineChaliceBotanicals.com


natural awakenings August 2011 43


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