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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> Peppermint oil working well
        
(Message started by: Bingerboo on Jul 22^nd, 2006, 4:42pm)

Title: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 22^nd, 2006, 4:42pm

Lately I have been trying peppermint essential oil with good results. I have read of cluster/migraine herbal therapy where you press fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves against the forehead as a poultice and decided to try it with essential oil. The first thing to remember is that you have to get it from a reputable source, as some of the cheaper versions are weaker, adulterated, and in some cases toxic. I get mine from a company run by a person I took classes with---The second thing to remember is that peppermint oil can produce a burning sensation, how strong just depends on your individual skin sensitivity. I would suggest that until you know how your skin reacts you should thin it out with a carrier oil. There are lots that work well, including corn, carrot, coconut, canola, castor, jojoba, or flax seed oil. The first time you try it you should put a small amount on your wrist and wait a couple minutes. I myself use peppermint oil straight, massaging just a couple drops onto my temple on whatever side the headache is. This works well for shadows. For the all out clusters I get, rubbing the oil (just 1, MAYBE 2 drops) underneath or/and over my eye works, but it is intense. My eye will start tearing and involuntarily blinking with a cool, mentholated burn. This doesn't start until about a minute after applying and will last about 10 min. Again this can be INTENSE. I highly recomend thinning it out quite a bit and working your way up to the most you can handle. This therapy has worked on my clusters, migraines, and tension headaches. Good Luck!!!

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by LeLimey on Jul 22^nd, 2006, 5:14pm

same sort of principle as tiger balm I think

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by vig on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 11:09am

hmmm, first and only post with a link to a friend's website.

[smiley=referee.gif]

15 yard penalty for shilling

"The first thing to remember is that you have to get it from a reputable source, as some of the cheaper versions are weaker, adulterated, and in some cases toxic. I get mine from Floracopeia.com, a company run by a person I took classes with---they are very reputable. "

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by chewy on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 11:21am

Bullshit post !

SPAM......SPAM......SPAM........SPAM....

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Sean_C on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 11:49am

on 07/23/06 at 11:21:38, chewy wrote:

Bullshit post !

SPAM......SPAM......SPAM........SPAM....

Not to change the subject but, my cell phone has been bombarded with net messaging spam. Any ideas how to make this stop? Is there a do not spam list ?

Just curious.

Sean.........................................

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by chewy on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 12:03pm

Same here. Only with Nextel though.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by LeLimey on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 2:26pm

Hang on a minute here folks.

Binger, I'm sure you can see why people jump. We do get alot of people who come on the boards and make a first post selling stuff.. usually sinusbuster ::)

Whilst your post DOES have all of those trademarks I don't think that you have come here with the intention of trying to sell us any bridges.
Lets face it, this stuff is cheap and a little lasts a long time.. even if you were on commission you wouldn't be making enough to buy what you were selling!

Give him a chance guys, if I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit it.

Binger tell us a bit about you, how long you've had CH, what meds you've tried, if any have worked.. lets see if we can all help each other!
Take care
Helen

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by LeLimey on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 3:07pm

Oh shut up about Red Bull! LOL :P
We have another ch'er here called Charlie who also has epilepsy. Funnily enough some anti seizure drugs such as topiramate can be effective for CH so it could be a case of killing two birds with one stone if you're lucky.
Coeliac Disease or Celiac as I believe you call it, gluten intolerance is a pig, wheat and gluten are used in so many foods its scary. You need to be really alert to watch your intake there. Avoiding all processed foods is the easiest way around it.
Corn doesn't contain gluten though and is generally considered safe cereal for coeliacs (bear with my Brit spelling okay?!) Do you avoid that in connection with the CD or is that a separate intolerance?
Have you ever tried any specific CH meds? What epilepsy drugs are you on? I'm sure we can help you!
Helen

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by LeLimey on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 4:00pm

Oh I hear you on doctors treating without listening.. aren't any of us here ho can't relate to that from some time or another ::)
I find alternative therapies very interesting. I've learned alot in the past year here and I know going back to nature is a good place for alot of us.
Have a look at threads on kudzu, that has proved effective for alot of people.
ClusterBusters (http://www.clusterbusters.com) treatments are worth looking into as well. There are some incredibly clever people there who know more about meds, interactions and alternative options than I could ever hope to even list. They have bent over backwards to help me with my complicated history and I know they will do the same for you. I completely understand how it is when you have other problems that you don't treat one at the expense of the others. These guys have helped me with it all and I can never thank them enough.

Ask all the questions you want, we'll help in any way we can or at least try and point you in the right direction and what's more is the light is always on if you need somewhere to vent or a bit of support.

Looking forward to hearing more from you
Helen
PS I'll swap you - two cans of red bull for some peppermint?! ;)

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by chewy on Jul 23^rd, 2006, 5:39pm

You obviously dont grasp the concept of "private massaging" so I'll just throw it out here.

Your full of shit.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by nani on Jul 24^th, 2006, 12:35am

on 07/23/06 at 17:39:49, chewy wrote:

Your full of shit.

Funny... when I first started posting, I was chatting with someone here (an old-timer, compared to me) and they mentioned having some luck aborting with an essential oil mixture. This person could not say so publicly, given that they would likely get this kind of response. I tried it...and it worked some. Not completely, but some. It (like everything else I've tried, except clusterbusters) eventually stopped working, but I refuse to discount the good that it did do. It also stopped working for that person, eventually.
So, bingerboo...I'm glad you've found something that helps you. Read what you can in case you face the same problems later. pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by MJ on Jul 24^th, 2006, 9:12am

Glad it works for you bingerboo.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 24^th, 2006, 2:59pm

All sorts of mint seem to help. A lot of times if the cluster is coming on, but not quite there, (More than a shadow, but not quite full blown) I will take a combo of teas---- peppermint, chocolate mint, spearmint, and lemon balm. This along with an ice pack on my head, a warm pack on my neck, and peppermint oil around my eye has gotten rid of clusters that I would never think would go away with natural remedies. If they're to an unbelievable point I usually throw in 1 aspirin, 1 tylenol, and a cup of strong coffee. I only found this remedy out after running out of imitrex, having no ride to the emergency room, and wallowing in pain---finally saying, "I have to do SOMETHING" Thanks for pulling this back to the real issue.

Title: you recommend 2 Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Sean_C on Jul 24^th, 2006, 5:34pm

on 07/24/06 at 14:59:15, Bingerboo wrote:

I have a hard time with asprin on the stomach Bing. Would you recommend I take 2 Tylenol in lieu of the asprin? From time to time I get clusters really bad myself, almost to the point thier breath taking the pain is so intense, and I don't always have enough trex with me if I'm at work and I get slammed 2 or 3 times during my shift.

Thanks for the tip, I'm off to order that oil too, that eye could use a little extra heat around that area during and attack, I'm going for the full strength version.

Thanks so much, I already feel more comfort in knowing this, I'll check back after my first try and let you know how I made out. BTW, I have three buds from Belchertown, and a few from Athol. I also installed the boat ramp and fish pier at Lake Rhotundra in Orange. You fish??? Great spot near the damn.

Take care,

Sean......................................

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by chewy on Jul 24^th, 2006, 9:06pm

Quote:

You fish??? Great spot near the damn

Great way to build camaraderie! I'll bring my boat over.

What say you Bingo? Wanna go boating with us?

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 24^th, 2006, 10:39pm

I'm up for fishin---My friend keeps trying to get me to go down into the 2 gates of quabbin you can fish in, 8 & 31. I don't know how the catch is, but the scenery is supposed to be amazing. As far as the aspirin goes, if your stomache can't handle it, go for an extra tylenol. One option that might work is the enteric coated aspirin, which is a lot easier on peoples stomache. One thing I've also played around with a bit is the caffeine. Sometimes I substitute Yerba Mate' for the coffee, or just have a cup of that too. It's a caffeinated tea with a whole lot of vitamins. Remember to watch out when getting the oil near your eye! It can burn, and a lot of times it will take a minute before you actually feel it.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Sean_C on Jul 24^th, 2006, 11:03pm

The Quabin Res is definately an awesome place, been there once many years ago. I'm not sure if you can still fish there since 9/11, I'll have to look into that.

I saw my first Bald Eagle while working in Orange, incredible bird of prey to say the least. Very cool ;;D

Thanks for the advice,

Sean....................................

http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2006/01/13/1137184849_8004.jpg

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 25^th, 2006, 6:00pm

Peppermint oil worked again! Granted today's was more migraineish, but my migraines almost always turn into clusters. Oh, yeah---the quabbin is open again. That's a really great picture, I know exactly where it was taken---I could walk there from my house!

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by floridian on Jul 25^th, 2006, 6:47pm

An occasional cup won't do you any harm, but large doses of mint can put a crimp in your testosterone production ......

Quote:

Urology. 2004 Aug;64(2):394-8.
Effects of peppermint teas on plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels and testicular tissue in rats.

* Akdogan M, Ozguner M, Kocak A, Oncu M, Cicek E.

Department of Biochemistry, Suleyman Demirel University Medical School, Isparta, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To justify the effects of Mentha piperita labiatae and Mentha spicata labiatae herbal teas on plasma total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels and testicular histologic features. We performed this study because of major complaints in our area from men about the adverse effects of these herbs on male reproductive function. METHODS: The experimental study included 48 male Wistar albino rats (body weight 200 to 250 g). The rats were randomized into four groups of 12 rats each. The control group was given commercial drinking water, and the experimental groups were given 20 g/L M. piperita tea, 20 g/L M. spicata tea, or 40 g/L M. spicata tea. RESULTS: The follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels had increased and total testosterone levels had decreased in the experimental groups compared with the control group; the differences were statistically significant. Also, the Johnsen testicular biopsy scores were significantly different statistically between the experimental groups and the control group. Although the mean seminiferous tubular diameter of the experimental groups was relatively greater than in the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. The only effects of M. piperita on testicular tissue was segmental maturation arrest in the seminiferous tubules; however, the effects of M. spicata extended from maturation arrest to diffuse germ cell aplasia in relation to the dose. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the beneficial effects of M. piperita and M. spicata in digestion, we should also be aware of the toxic effects when the herbs are not used in the recommended fashion or at the recommended dose.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by LeLimey on Jul 25^th, 2006, 6:54pm

on 07/25/06 at 18:47:05, floridian wrote:

An occasional cup won't do you any harm, but large doses of mint can put a crimp in your testosterone production ......

So no little binger zingers then????!

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by floridian on Jul 25^th, 2006, 7:42pm

on 07/25/06 at 18:54:17, LeLimey wrote:

So no little binger zingers then????!

Que?

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 25^th, 2006, 7:48pm

I KNEW there was a reason I liked the stuff so much!!! I knew there must be a reason I don't have kids too!
It's funny, I've looked into mint quite a bit and never came across this. What's interesting is that mint has been associated with anti-epileptic activity for centuries. This link (if I do this right) talks of how lowered amounts of testosterone lessen the severity and/or frequency of seizures. hmmm... it all comes together.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12106683
Entrez PubMed

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Sean_C on Jul 25^th, 2006, 10:30pm

on 07/24/06 at 22:39:02, Bingerboo wrote:

As far as the aspirin goes, if your stomache can't handle it, go for an extra tylenol. One option that might work is the enteric coated aspirin, which is a lot easier on peoples stomache.

I don't know Bing, I'm a little nervous. My stomach really gets upset with the asprin.

Do you think if I take the asprin rectally it'll disolve into my system fast enough to abort the headache?? That way it will be taken after my stomach instead of orally where it passes though it.

Any help would be greately appreciated.

Thanks again,

Sean.......................................

BTW I'm a Greatful Dead fan from way back too :D

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by chewy on Jul 25^th, 2006, 10:40pm

Quote:

Do you think if I take the asprin rectally it'll disolve into my system fast enough to abort the headache??

Only if you back up against a midget with a blow gun.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Sean_C on Jul 25^th, 2006, 10:42pm

on 07/25/06 at 22:40:24, chewy wrote:

Only if you back up against a midget with a blow gun.

Got any straws on ya Bing??

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 25^th, 2006, 11:02pm

Oh, c'mon guys be serious. A straw doesn't qualify as a blow gun, besides I think you are greatly underappreciating the lung power of a midget.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 25^th, 2006, 11:03pm

oh yeah, by the way....the enteric coating means it won't break down until it's past your stomache.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Sean_C on Jul 25^th, 2006, 11:10pm

on 07/25/06 at 23:03:56, Bingerboo wrote:

oh yeah, by the way....the enteric coating means it won't break down until it's past your stomache.

Is there anything you don't know, you are a plethra of information ;;D

Cancel that midget Chew LOL. ;;D

Thanks for the tip AGAIN ;;D

Sean....................................

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by chewy on Jul 26^th, 2006, 8:07am

Quote:

One option that might work is the enteric coated aspirin

Silly me. All this time with imitrex, verapamil, prednisone, and IV DHE and all i needed was an aspirin.

Glad thats resolved.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Bingerboo on Jul 26^th, 2006, 4:04pm

See, I knew I would be a help!

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by vietvet2tours on Jul 26^th, 2006, 7:47pm

What a crock of shit.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by mynm156 on Jul 26^th, 2006, 8:13pm

We use peppermint oil as a natural laxztive in the Hospital just the aroma will help trigger BM. CRAZY I KNOW! It works though. I bet Lizzie can atest to it for that purpose.

Oh and Yeah if it SMELLS like SPAM it probably is!!!

Hey Bingerboo, just FYI if you are legit first time posters who come in like you have usually get jumped on as we get bombarded by Snakeoil salesmen ALL THE TIME!!!

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by BlueMeanie on Jul 26^th, 2006, 10:00pm

on 07/26/06 at 08:07:27, chewy wrote:

Silly me. All this time with imitrex, verapamil, prednisone, and IV DHE and all i needed was an aspirin.

Glad thats resolved.

You forgot the peppermint oil. You can't abort a CH with just an aspirin Chewy. ;;D

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by chewy on Jul 27^th, 2006, 7:02am

Your right. Maybe a wet towel across my eyes and a nap to.

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by CHTom on Jul 27^th, 2006, 9:43am

on 07/27/06 at 07:02:21, chewy wrote:

Your right. Maybe a wet towel across my eyes and a nap to.

Better do that sitting on a toilet, just in case. Hey, maybe we can sell peppermint oil scented laxatives-think of it as an aroma therapy (and the money that you'll save on air freshners!).

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Katherinecm on Jul 27^th, 2006, 8:21pm

When I first started getting these they were triggered by pnemonia. I switched to homemade cleaning solutions made from essential oils like lavender and peppermint oil. I did this on the theory that perhaps toxins were weakening my immune system and causing the infections triggering the cycles. I had no luck with it for headaches, but I still use homemade cleaning products because they work just as well or better, they smell MUCH better, and are much cheaper. The scents of the products make me feel happier to clean when I finally get around to cleaning. So I have some peppermint oil and I'll try it on myself later. I can't imagine this will work any better than the lavender oil someone suggested a while back, but at least we'll have someone more reliable reporting on it. Besides, there have been reports that massaging essential oils on your scalp once a week makes your hair grow faster, so at the very least I'll have healthier hair. 8)

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Katherinecm on Aug 3^rd, 2006, 12:52am

Okay here's my verdict: I tried rubbing 100% pure food-grade peppermint essential oil around my eye in a c-shape, concentrating on my temple on 3 occasions. Suprisingly, I'd say it's at least as effective as standing with my head in a cold shower, and more effective than ice packs. When I caught it early in an attack it knocked it down 3 or more points on the kip scale (I say or more because it hit a kip 5 but was radiating into my jaw and neck as if it was going to hit an 8 or higher but didn't), when I got it later it still knocked it down one point. Herbalists would probably say rubbing essential oil directly on the skin is a really bad idea for a myriad of reasons. My eye did water a bit but my eye waters during an attack, so that made no difference. If you want to duplicate my results I order mine from herbalremedies.com (and no, I don't get any sort of kickbacks, they had the best deal the day I did the google search a few years ago and I've been a loyal customer ever since).

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by SophiaK on Aug 3^rd, 2006, 4:17pm

I have peppermint growing in my flower bed, I'm going to pick it fresh and inhale the nice aroma. I break the leaf in between my finger tips and let loose the fragrance. I also have spearmint, maybe I'll give that a shot. :)

Title: Re: Peppermint oil working well
Post by Katherinecm on Aug 3^rd, 2006, 4:39pm

on 08/03/06 at 16:17:47, SophiaK wrote:

I'm not sure if you are joking or not. [smiley=huh.gif] Just in case, and for those who read but not post, essential oil and smelling a plant are not the same thing. It's kinda like comparing sap from a maple tree to maple syrup: the ingredients are essentially the same but the concentration is MUCH different. Depending on the oil it could be between 100-1000 times more concentrated than the plant.

Now, I don't want anyone thinking that I am some sort of kook who only uses alternative methods. :( I'm the kind of kook who will try every method that will help at all. ;;D Medicines, herbs, diets, fasts, alternative stuff, whatever. I'd tried aromatherapy stuff before, even with peppermint oil and it never helped. But I never tried rubbing it directly on my skin before, probably because I've read in numerous places that it's too strong, can cause skin irritation, and you shouldn't. Hey, it works better than spraying peppers up your nose.