AROMATHERAPY FOR CYCLISTS
By Vicki Rae Thorne
A tire goes flat in the woods and mosquitoes descend. Reddened skin follows a day trip in the wind. Muscles are tired and sore from pushing too hard. The pain of violated skin and ground in dirt follows a fall. After checking to be sure there are no serious traumas, such as broken bones or profuse bleeding, there are things you can do to get cleaned up and back on the trail.
Essential oils are great to take on cycling trips. Because they are highly concentrated, a small vial is all that is needed. Their antiseptic qualities are important for cleaning wounds, and although it is recommended that essential oils be diluted before use, there are situations where application of the undiluted oils would be appropriate.
If there is room for only one essential oil in a cyclist�s pack, it should be Helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium). This essential oil has a very strong smell, unpleasant to many, but the oil is nonirritating to tissue. It is outstanding for cleaning dirt from wounds and has a regenerative effect, stimulating new cell production and minimizing scar tissue. Helichrysum is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and when applied to fresh bruises may prevent swelling and discoloration. It is also useful for sunburn or windburn.
Tea Tree and Lavender are also nonirritating to tissue, and are used for the same injuries as Helichrysum. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) can be applied as a local anesthetic after injury. It cleans dirt and bacteria from wounds and has the ability to liquefy pus, leaving a healthy surface on the skin. It is beneficial for sunburn, windburn, insect bites, athlete�s foot, cuts and infections.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is healing for all skin conditions, relaxing in massage oil, and calming when inhaled. It is especially helpful for sunburn, windburn, insect bites, scrapes, cuts, cramps, and anxiety.
Rose Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) can be a wonderful addition to any of the other essential oils. It should be used whenever bleeding is present because of its styptic action. It also dispels anxiety, is a cellular regenerative, and can help repel insects.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) can also repel insects and is a classic for sore muscles, sprains and strains. 20 to 50 drops mixed in an ounce of lotion, oil or other carrier can be used to massage away aches and pains as well as to increase circulation. With ice it can prevent swelling and discoloration from bruising. Because Rosemary is stimulating to both mind and body, it is a fabulous antidote for fatigue.
If room allows, there are carriers to consider. Carriers are used to dilute the essential oils for continued use with chronic problems. Aloe gel is healing for burns of any kind; when combined with Lavender, Tea Tree or Rose Geranium, it is even more effective. Rosehip Seed (Rosa eglantaria) oil can be used with or without essential oils to reduce scarring or to heal burns. St. John�s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) oil is antiinflammatory for both sore muscles and wounds. Calendula (Calendula officinalis) oil or lotion is possibly the best substance for healing and relaxing the skin, and Calophyllum (Calophyllum inophyllum) is a fantastic healer of burns and wounds. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is antiinflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, and cooling. 20 to 50 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier improves the efficacy of the carrier�s healing action.