Parkinson’s Foundation(1) states that more than 10 million worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease and approximately 4% of people are diagnosed before the age of 50. People suffering from this disease experience various symptoms like tremors, sudden muscle spasms, and muscle pain. Old people can also experience dementia along with the disease.
Therefore, along with the medication, there are many holistic remedies like, usage of essential oils to control the symptoms and keep the condition stress free. Some of the benefits of using essentials oils are alleviating pain, improve gastrointestinal health, reduce depression and anxiety, strengthen brain function, etc.
Did You Know!
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Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson’s disease than women. |
Essential Oils for Parkinson’s
1. Lavender Oil
Why does this work?
Lavender has great antioxidant properties which can greatly help a patient going downhill due to progressive Parkinson’s disease. It brings relief from excessive sweating during sleep and also cures headaches.
How to use it?
Lavender oil can be used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety. A few drops of lavender oil can also be added to bathwater. You can also drink lavender tea to detox your mind and body.
How much to use?
If drinking tea then try to drink it twice a day. You can add 6-7 drops of lavender oil daily in bathwater(2). For aromatherapy, your therapist can suggest best how many sessions a week would be suitable.
[Read: Yoga Poses to Heal Parkinson’s Disease]
2. Peppermint Oil
Why does this work?
Peppermint has many potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties. It improves blood circulation in the body and also cures headaches. It is also helpful to take peppermint oil when feeling nauseated.
How to use it?
It can be used in aromatherapy and can also be added in bathwater to relax the muscles and relieve stress and anxiety.
How much to use?
You can use it 3-4 times a week to see the best results.
[Also Read: Essential Oils For Men]
3. Chamomile Oil
Why does this work?
Extracted from the chamomile plant, chamomile oil has many health benefits. It treats indigestion, nausea, and gas. It also relieves muscle pain and joint pains. When used regularly it promotes regular and healthy sleep.
How to use it?
Chamomile oil can be inhaled to reduce anxiety and stress. You can also the oil in the form of spray by diluting 10-12 drops of it in water. You can also add in bathwater, your body lotion and use it to massage your body.
How much to use?
Use chamomile oil in one form or another every day to see good results.
[Read: Natural ways to Prevent Parkinson’s Diseases]
4. Thyme Oil
Why does this work?
Thyme oil has anti-cancer properties and also helps regulate hormones when feeling stressed and anxious. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which keep the body healthy and promotes good sleep and breathing pattern.
How to use it?
Like every other essential oil, it should not be ingested. It can be used in aromatherapy, inhaled or added to bathwater.
How much to use?
Try to use it 3-4 times a week to lessen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
5. Myrrh Oil
Why does this work?
Myrrh oil has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine since long back due to its many health benefits. For patients with Parkinson’s disease, it helps combat swelling and muscle pain due to constant tremors and spasms. It is also a powerful antioxidant that kills bacteria and parasites.
How to use it?
It is simple to use. It can be inhaled, or massage gently on the aggravated area. You can also add it to the bathwater. It can also be used in combination with other essential oils like lavender, lemon, and frankincense.
How much to use?
For inhaling, drop 3-4 drops on a warm piece of cloth which can then be sniffed. Do this twice a day. However, do not use myrrh if you are on blood-thinning medication as it can reduce its effectiveness. It should also be avoided in pregnancy as it can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage.
[Read: CBD Oil for Parkinson’s Disease]
6. Lemongrass Oil
Why does this work?
Lemongrass has many properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It also treats digestive problems and relieves muscle and joint pains. Used in aromatherapy it dismisses stress, anxiety, and depression. It also cures headaches and migraines caused by progressive Parkinson’s disease.
How to use it?
Lemongrass oil can be used as a massage oil or can be added to the bathwater. You can also inhale it by adding a few drops of it on a cotton ball or a piece of cloth.
How much to use?
Try to use it in one form or another 3-4 times a week. You can add 12 drops of it in the bathwater or massage 7-8 drops of it on the temples to relieve headaches. It can also be used in combination with other oils like coconut oil, almond oil, and jojoba oil.
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Small Handwriting and loss of smell are early signs of Parkinson’s. |
It is not easy to live with this disease as it can alter your life in many ways. However, with some things in mind and careful planning living with Parkinson’s can become simple with less anxiety and stress.
- Get plenty of rest. Do not exert yourself and do not engage in physical activities for a prolonged period. Conserve your energy and do not hesitate to ask for help from friends and family.
- If having difficulty with writing, you can use a weighted pen or pencil to maintain a stronger grip. Also, use large print instead of scriptwriting.
- If having muscle pains and spasms, take long warm baths to relax the muscles and ease the cramps.
- During hand tremors, use a rubber ball to stabilize and reduce them.
- If you are having difficulty getting up straight from the bed, tie a string to the other end of the bed. Grasp the string to push your body forward while rising.
- Always take your medication on time. Set an alarm or get an alarm pillbox to maintain your medicine schedule properly.
FAQs
1. How Quickly Does Parkinson’s Progress?
There is no strict timeline but it worsens gradually and symptoms keep worsening. Usually, in 10 years, people develop more symptoms and face one major episode of dementia or some physical disability.
2. Can Exercise Cure Parkinson’s Disease?
Exercise can keep the symptoms in check but it cannot cure it completely.
3. Can You Drive With Parkinson’s?
With early-stage people do drive but it is not advisable to do it in later stages as the symptoms worsen over time.
