Dog-tired always? Try aromatherapy for chronic fatigue syndrome

Do you sleep over at work? Do you feel sapped and drained of all your energy? Do you look dull and dog-tired always? If your answer to the above questions is an yes, then maybe you need to check yourself for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS. Many people often underestimate the syndrome, thinking it is something akin to the regular fatigue we have every day. No. CFS is different from regular, day-to-day tiredness. It is severe and chronic and can paralyze your life terribly if you are not wary of its presence.

What exactly is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Chronic fatigue can happen to anyone, irrespective of their age or race or sex. It is an illness marked by chronic lack of energy with complaints of persistent, unexplained bouts of fatigue. Sometimes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome occurs with various combinations of joint and muscle pain, depression, low-grade fever, lack of concentration, throat or headache. Most of the time, CFS patients experience irritability, burn-outs and swollen lymph nodes. The problem with chronic fatigue is that you cannot diagnose it that easily. Doctors diagnose CFS only by eliminating other diseases from the suspected illnesses list. It is said that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is caused by a virus or immune system’s malfunctioning due to chronic physical or emotional stress.


Cure for CFS Syndrome: There is relatively no definite cure for CFS. Doctors treat patients by suggesting medications for muscle and joint pain, physical illnesses, headaches and psychiatric help for depression. Stress reduction, combined with exercises, massage therapy and rest has proven effective in treating Chronic Fatigue in patients. Another easy cure is aromatherapy. The science of smell can bring about any change in a CFS patient. Following a holistic approach, aromatherapy aids recovery by using an array of soothing and relaxing essential oils.

Essential Oils for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: There are a number of essential oils which can treat patients and support in the healing process of CFS. Though not many know aromatherapy’s value, it has been proved to be successful than herbs in alleviating the pain of the syndrome. Specifically, essential oils like Chamomile, Peppermint, Rosewood, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Geranium etc. can be helpful in relaxing the body and easing out pain from the joints and muscles. Not only are these oils easy to reduce pains, they also help in lifting a patient’s moods and improve his sleep quality.

Practical Essential Oil Therapy: When you use essential oils, you should be careful that they are of the food grade type. Get the ingredients ready – Lavender oil, Petitgrain oil, Frankincense and others. Use 3 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of petitgrain oil and 1 drop of frankincense. It would ideal if you mix the oils in your bath water as bathing would give instant relief from pressure. Allow the bath water to be lukewarm and then add the mixture of essential oils to your bath water. Never spill the bath water in your eyes as the oils will sting or cause irritation. After mixing your bath water with oils, slowly place your feet into them and step into your bath tub. Rest in the water for about 10-20 minutes. After the bath, drain your water and refill it. You can use this mixture once a day, for about 3 to 4 days for over a three week period.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is also called Myalgic Encephalomyelits or ME.