Angelica and the Cancer Miasm
The following essential oils are well suited to treat the Cancer MiasmÑthey include: Angelica (Angelica archangelica), Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Lemon (Citrus limonum), Neroli (Citrus aurantium), Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), Pine (Pinus sylvestris), and Violet leaf (Viola odorata). Most of these oils contain the chemical constituent Limonene and related terpenoids, which have been shown to prevent carcinogen-induced mammary cancer. In the discussion that follows, we will look at how angelica can be used to treat the Cancer Miasm.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is in the Umbelliferae family whose members have a strong affinity for the process of aeration, reaching out from the watery element from which they thrive and up into the airy element. Angelica is a water loving plant that is found growing near streams and rivers or wetlands. The root of the Angelica plant, in particular, has the strong affinity for water. The umbelliferaes tend to have hollow stems and stalks, inflated leaf sheaths and air-chambered rootstocks. UmbelliferaeÕs, angelica included, strive to bond with the realm of air - the medium of one of the three constituent elements of vital force: the astral body.
As plants are essentially etheric organisms whose formative forces are water-dependent, by reaching out to the airy element and becoming aerated, angelica draws from the astral plane (air) and incorporates it into its fluid nature. This feature of joining air and water / astral and etheric, is the foundation of angelicaÕs clinical benefits. AngelicaÕs essential oils are extracted from either the seeds or the roots of the angelica plant (for this discussion we will refer to the essence extracted from the root).
In anthroposophic science, the root of the plant, due to the diversity of its sensory functions, is associated with the human nerve-sense system and the metabolic limb system. As a root oil, angelica is believed to have very strong associations with both of these systems. It is through the root that the plant confronts the soil "universe". The root must discern the enormous menu of substances in the soil and choose or grasp the ones that it requires for its growth. This selectivity equates to the human consciousness facilitated by the nerve-sense organs of the head, because the head organ shows similar selectivity when sifting through the bombardment of incoming sensory data from the outer world (keep in mind, as earlier discussed, the astral body perceives and internalizes impressions from the external world, which are then given expression in the form of behavioral responses and choice of movement).
Furthermore, the rootsÕ ability to select or choose is based upon its sense of Self, as each plant will select different substances in accordance with its individuality as a plant organism. Similarly, the spirit and astral bodies of human beings are charged with establishing a consciousness of Self. The root of the plant absorbs mineral salts out of the earth and utilizes them for growth and nutrition. These salts permeate the plant and make it an earth organism. The human head can be compared to a hardened root, as it must process that which it chooses to consume or absorb. This absorption continues to initiate the process of solidification, and tissue contraction to elimination.
Root oils have obvious metabolic associations as well. They are actively involved in the processes of nutritional absorption, and the processes involved with the intake of fluid and hydration. The intestinal system is a type of Òinner rootÓ that draws nutrients and water into the blood. With AngelicaÕs dual air/water affinities, and its link to both upper and lower poles of the body (head and bowel), it lends great potential to integrate the nerve-sense forces (which depend upon air) into the metabolic processes which require a watery medium. Therefore, it may prove an exceptional treatment of mental exhaustion due to nutritional depletion as well as for a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms linked to the failure of the astral body to incarnate from the head into the metabolism. Indicators include indigestion, flatulence and nausea.
Looking at one of the major symptoms in the Cancer Miasm, loss of control, we see a dysfunctional relationship between the astral and etheric bodies. For some recipients, for example, angelica rehydrates or revives volatile emotions like exhaustion and anxiety, and aerates sodden ones such as moodiness, ÒheartacheÓ and alcohol addiction. There is an element of violence in the animal nature of the astral body that makes its direct action on the physical body harsh and unfeasible and such actions can result in spasm, pain, tissue destruction and depletion. Therefore, the astral bodyÕs passions and drives must be buffered by, and communicated through, the watery medium of the etheric body.
Angelica is noted as a medicine for gastric ulcers and colicÑthe former, due to astral passions expending themselves upon stomach tissue, and the latter, due to astral-induced intestinal spasms. As a balancer of air and water, angelica is not only beneficial for excesses of the astral body, but of the etheric body as well.
Again, when the astral body inadequately incarnates into the metabolism, the etheric forces are unchecked, thus, cellular overgrowth and loss of control of the fluid organism may occur. This becomes particularly evident in the glands which are primarily etheric organs. Angelica has proven to be very helpful for swelling, inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes, especially of the head and neck region.
Angelica oil may also offer a way of responding to the bioenergetic aspect of cancers of the fluid organism such as leukemia and HodgkinÕs Disease, both of which involve lymphoid tissues and are characterized by etheric hyperproliferation and misguided astral behavior.
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Treating Asthma with Aromatic Essential Oils
by Lori Torquati
Having suffered with Asthma since childhood, I decided to research the benefits of treatment with essential oils. Before treatment can begin, an understanding of the respiratory system and the disease itself are in order.
In my research I will attempt the following:
1. Explain the respiratory system
2. Define Asthma
3. Devise a treatment plan using essential oils.
4. Discuss why specific oils were chosen for treatment.
THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Respiration is an exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between an organism and the environment. The respiratory system can be thought of as a pathway for air between the atmosphere and the blood. External respiration, or breathing, is when oxygen is taken from the air by alveoli in the lungs and carbon dioxide is released from the blood. Internal respiration is the process whereby oxygen in the blood is absorbed by cells throughout the body. The waste product carbon dioxide is absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs.
Organs of the Respiratory System
Nasal Cavity- Conducts air to pharynx,mucous lining filters,warms & moistens air
Sinuses - Reduces weight of skull,resonant chambers,spaces for conditioning of air
Pharynx - Reduces weight of skull,resonant chambers,spaces for conditioning of air
Larynx - Passageway for air between the Pharynx and the Trachea, houses vocal chords
Trachea - Passage way for air, mucous lining filters air
Bronchial Tree - Conducts air from the trachea to the alveoli, mucous lining filters air
Lungs - Contain the air passages, alveoli, blood vessels and other tissues of lower respiratory tract
Phases of ventilation
Inhalation is considered active and is the process of drawing air into the lungs. The diaphragm presses the abdominal organ downward and forward. The muscles of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles contract in the chest.
Exhalation is passive and is the process of expelling air from the lungs. The diaphragm rises and recoils to resting position.
As air enters the respiratory system through the nose, it is warmed, moistened and filtered. The air then travels to the Pharynx, (throat) and again it is warmed and moistened by the mucus lining. Next, the air travels through the Larynx or voice box where it is warmed, moistened and filtered once again. The air then enters the Trachea, or windpipe which is a continuation of the Larynx. Around the fifth thoracic vertebrae, the trachea divides into two bronchi. The bronchi then continue to branch out and down into bronchioles, terminal bronchioles, respiratory bronchioles and alveolar ducts. There are several alveolar sacs on the end of the alveolar duct which are made up of the alveoli.
Most of the gas exchange occurs in the alveoli.
Diffusion
The movement of molecules from an area in which they are in higher concentration to an area in which they are in lower concentration.
Diffusion takes place in the tissues as oxygen leaves the blood and carbon dioxide enters. Blood flowing into the lungs is low in oxygen. Air in the alveoli is rich in oxygen, hense diffusion causes movement of the alveolar air to the capillary blood. The blood is carried back to the heart and enters general circulation. Carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood and into the air of the aveolus.
Gas Transport
Most of the oxygen that diffuses into the capillary blood in the lungs is bound to the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. In order to enter cells, oxygen must separate from hemoglobin. Oxygen is released as blood travels into the areas where the oxygen is low. The ability of blood to carry oxygen is seriously reduced with just a small amount of carbon dioxide.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide diffuses into the blood to be transported to the lungs in 3 ways:
- 10% dissolved in plasma
- 20% combines with the protein portion of the hemoglobin & plasma proteins
- 70% is an ion known as bicarbonate
Carbon dioxide is important in the regulation of the acid-base balance (pH) of the blood. The blood will become more acidic as the amount of carbon dioxide in the blood rises.
The regulation of respiration depends on moment to moment changes in cellular oxygen requirements and carbon dioxide production. The Medulla which is a part of the brain stem sets the basic pattern of respiration.
Chemoreceptors
Chemoreceptors play a vital role in the control of respiration. They contain numerous small blood vessels and sensory neurons that respond to increases in carbon dioxide and acidity and to decreases in oxygen supply. Carbon dioxide has the most immediate effect in regulating respiration.
How do essential oils enter the bloodstream?
Essential oils and oxygen pass through the capillary walls and into the bloodstream. Most of the essential oils are absorbed into the cells lining the respiratory passages and this may be an indicator why they work well on respiratory ailments. Some of them pass with oxygen into blood capillaries where they enter into blood circulation. Essential oils are easily absorbed and can diffuse throughout the body. The oils work with the mucous secreted by the mucosa to expectorate foreign bodies from the respiratory passages.
What is Asthma?
Asthma as defined by BarronÕs dictionary is ÒA respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of difficulty in breathing, wheezing (especially on respiration), cough and thick mucus production, caused by spasm or inflammation of the bronchi. Most attacks are precipitated by infection, strenuous exercise, stress or exposure to an allergen (e.g. pollen, dust, food). Treatment involves the use of bronchodialators, corti-costeroids, and elimination of causative agents. Between attacks, respiratory function is normal.
Asthma is a chronic disease in which the lining of the airways in the lungs (bronchi and bronchioles) becomes inflames, swollen and produces extra mucous. The airways narrow and breathing becomes difficult. The symptoms of Asthma can be mild or severe. Asthma causes the following conditions in the bronchi and bronchioles:
1. Swelling of respiratory mucosa lining the airway
2. Thicker & increased mucus secretion into the airway
3. Contraction of the smooth muscle lining the bronchiolar walls
These three changes are obstructive and occurring together, it leaves very little room for air to pass through.
Early or mild episodes of Asthma include coughing or mild chest tightness that can enter more severe stages of wheezing, anxiousness, extreme fatigue and respiratory failure. During an attack, expiration is often more affected than inspiration.
Asthma is also characterized by airway inflammation which leads to a heightened sensitivity to pollen, air pollution, tobacco smoke, mold, animal dander, the common cold and cold and dry air.
Asthma can be triggered by fear, nervous tension and anxiety, cigarette smoke, animal dander, dairy products, dust, molds, pollen, cold air, chemicals and exercise. It can be very difficult to identify the particular culprit.
According to the Center of Disease Control, Asthma kills 6,000 Americans annually and as a nation we spend about $14 billion treating the disease. The prevalence of Asthma is rapidly increasing in many of the industrialized countries throughout the world.
There have been a few studies done linking the increased exposure to the ultraviolet light resulting from the thinning ozone layer to a weakened immune system. Breathing highly polluted air and a gradual weakening of the immune system may be the primary cause for asthma.
The general principles involved in managing chronic asthma are:
á Treat the underlying pathology. The main focus should be to prevent or reverse the airway inflammation which is the principle factor in the airway hyperresponsiveness that characterizes asthma. Leukotrienes have been implicated as the primary cause of inflammation of asthma. Leukotrienes are a group of chemical compounds released by white blood cells. This group of chemical compounds can also cause the mucous membrane to swell, the airway muscles to constrict and increased mucus secretion. Anti-inflammatory medications are a key component of asthma treatment.
áTreat the individual patient! The treatment plan should address the severity of the disease, tolerance to medications, emotional state, sensitivity to environmental allergens/pollutants.
áTreat the triggers and special problems. Exposure to known allergens must be kept to a minimum if not eliminated altogether. If exercise is a trigger, then treat before exercising.
áSeek consultation from a specialist for pulmonary function studies.
áUse the optimum medication needed to maintain control with minimal risk for adverse effects.
áMonitor the condition continually. Pulmonary function tests and regular visits to the doctor are necessary to ensure proper medications and dosages. A peak flow meter is an important part of asthma management. A peak flow meter measures expiration. This device can warn of an upcoming asthma attack even before the symptoms appear.
Asthma Medications
In 1997, asthma drugs were re-classified as Òquick-reliefÓ medications and Òlong term controlÓ medications. All of the medications in both groups are anti-inflammatory agents or bronchodialators. The anti-inflammatory meds interrupt the development of bronchial inflammation and have a preventative action.
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