Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Multiple sclerosis strikes the protective sheath or myelin which covers the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. It creates communication problems between your brain and the rest of the body.
Gradually, the disease can cause the nerves themselves to degenerate or get destroyed.
It can even hamper your vision, muscle control, balance, and other basic functions of the body.
The symptoms of MS vary significantly. The signs also depend on the amount of nerve damage and which ones are affected by it.
People with severe MS may even lose the ability to walk on their own or may not even walk at all.
On the other hand, others may experience a long span of remission without new symptoms of MS.
Keep on reading to learn about multiple sclerosis (MS), its symptoms, causes, and how to use essential oils for MS. [1]
Symptoms of MS
Multiple sclerosis symptoms can differ from one person to another and the time frame of the disease depends on where you have affected nerve fibers.
The symptoms may include:
- Weakness or numbness in one or more limbs generally occurs on one side of your body or the legs.
- Loss of vision either wholly or partially, often experience pain during eye movement.
- Sensations Electric-shock which occurs with specific neck movements, particularly bending the neck forward (Lhermitte sign)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Issues with bladder and bowel function
Causes of MS
The definite cause of multiple sclerosis is still unknown.
It’s an autoimmune disease. It causes the body’s immune system strikes its tissues.
The immune system malfunction damages the myelin, the fatty element that covers and safeguards the nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord.
When the preventive myelin is damaged, and nerve fiber is revealed, the messages that roam along that nerve may decelerate or even get blocked.
The nerve may even get damaged by itself.
It is not yet clear why MS occurs in some people and not in others.
Genetics and environmental factors can be the possible causes to be responsible for MS. [2]
Essential Oils for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Though this health condition doesn’t have a proper cure, still you can reduce its symptoms and get some relief from the discomfort it gives you.
Let’s explore some of the best essential oils for MS.
1. Juniper Oil
Suffering from MS can be painful but get some ease by using this wonderful juniper essential oil.
The juniper essential oil can be diluted in a bath or blended with other carrier oil to relieve the nervous tension and calm down the nerves.
It also assists in bladder issues such as the inability to pass urine due to multiple sclerosis.
The juniper oil can be used in cases of eczema, gout, cystitis, and psoriasis.
Let this essential oil be your ultimate reliever when multiple sclerosis causes you discomfort.
2. Basil Oil
Basil essential oil is beneficial for the treatment of nervous disorders such as multiple sclerosis.
Basil essential oil helps to reduce fatigue which is one of the multiple sclerosis symptoms by discharging the mind and providing mental strength which is much needed when you have MS.
Basil essential oil also aids to relieve migraines, headaches, allergies, nausea, arthritis, and muscular pains.
So, don’t miss out on this amazing oil which is super beneficial for your health.
3. Clary Sage Oil
This is yet another oil that is great to reduce the symptoms of MS and bring you relief.
The Clary sage essential oil is well-known to have calming effects on the nervous system.
Clary sage oil has a calming and sedating effect on the nerves. That’s why it is good for treating multiple sclerosis.
Clary Sage essential oil helps in reducing muscle pains and releasing nervous tension; you can dilute it in a bath or blend it in massage oil to get the best results.
It is even great for healing depression, insomnia, anxiety, menstruation problems, and stress.
Therefore, keep this essential oil by your side to reap its benefits.
4. Peppermint Oil
You can miss out on this amazing oil –peppermint as it has so many health benefits that you will be amazed to know!
Peppermint essential oil is highly effective in treating nervous disorders.
It works excellently to relieve your mental fatigue which is one of the symptoms linked with multiple sclerosis.
It is also really good to stimulate your mind and hence improving your concentration.
Peppermint oil can also be used for curing muscle pains, headaches, constipation, and diarrhea.
Thus, let peppermint oil be your healer in times of crisis. [3]
ALSO READ: 12 Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil + (How to Use It)
5. Cypress Oil
Don’t suffer silently with the disease of multiple sclerosis, when you have a natural solution to help you get ease from the ailment.
The cypress essential oil consists of calming and soothing effect on your nerves which helps you to get some relief from the discomfort of MS.
This essential oil is used for multiple sclerosis as it assists in reducing the muscle pains which come with multiple sclerosis.
Cypress essential oil has been used for treating various health conditions such as arthritis, asthma, menopause, heavy menstruation, and diarrhea.
Use this cypress oil to get some relief from the pain of MS.
6. Marjoram Oil
Last but not least, this is yet another effective oil for multiple sclerosis.
The marjoram essential oil is considered to be beneficial in cases of nervous tension because of its warming effect.
You can use it either by diluting in the bath or blending it with massage oil, or you can even use it in vapor therapy.
The marjoram essential oil also aids in relieving multiple sclerosis symptoms such as muscle pains because of its muscle relaxant properties.
It works perfectly on bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis, flu, colds, and painful periods.
Therefore, keep a bottle of marjoram oil at home to avail of its various health benefits.
How to Use Essential Oils for MS
- The essential oils can be used on their own or by mixing with other essential oils.
- You should gently massage your temples and back of the neck for relaxation and to reduce tension.
- You may apply to the affected areas for promoting circulation.
- You can also diffuse it by adding 2-4 drops in your preferable diffuser.
- The essential oils should be used topically; you take 2-3 drops to dilute it with any carrier oil and apply it directly to your body.
Bottom Line
Multiple sclerosis can be a painful disease to suffer from.
If you have MS in the mild stage, then you can use the essential oils to reduce its adverse effects on your health.
However, if you are on a severe scale of MS; then you must consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Do you or anyone you know have multiple sclerosis?
What was the course of treatment you opt for?
Share your experience in the comments section.
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