Essential Oils to Help Seizures and Epilepsy

Anyone who has ever personally experienced or witnessed someone having a seizure or epilepsy knows what a scary and traumatic event it can be. There are several different tools to use when combatting the before, during and after effects of these occurrences, including medication and more homeopathic approaches, such as Aromatherapy.

Seizures take place when there is sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Although seizures often cause the entire body to convulse involuntarily, this is not always the result, since there are many different types. They fall into two main categories. The first kind is a “focal seizure” and is often called a partial seizure since it occurs in only one part of the brain. A “generalized seizure,” on the other hand, takes place when there is abnormal activity on both sides of the brain. Generalized tonic-clonic, or grand mal, seizures are the ones that most people are familiar with, as they result in falling, shaking or jerking.

A typical seizure last 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Once a seizure is complete, a person typically starts breathing on his or her own. A person is diagnosed with Epilepsy when they experience continual seizures on a regular basis.

It is important to know what you should or should not do when you see someone experiencing a seizure. First, help them gently to the floor, and clear the area around them. You should place your hand under their head so they do not hit it on the floor. Then, turn them on their side to help keep the airways as open as possible and ease breathing. If it is the person’s first seizure or it lasts longer than 5 minutes, call an ambulance.

Here are some things to avoid: holding the person down, performing CPR, and offering food or water before the person is fully recovered, as the person can choke.

Below are 2 essential oils that can be beneficial in the event of a seizure or for people with Epilepsy.

Chamomile
One of the biggest benefits to the use of Aromatherapy and essential oils for seizures is their calming properties. For some people, abnormal brain activity can be caused by extreme stress; this is where soothing oils like Chamomile come in handy. This oil is both mentally and physically restoring, helping with the mental and physical strain that can result from a seizure. Physical pain can occur during a seizure if a person comes into contact with a hard or sharp surface. For mental relaxation, Chamomile is great to add to diffuser blends or to a warm running bath (I recommend using Sleep Bath Salts). For physical relief, add a few drops to a carrier oil and gently massage into the desired area, particularly the temples and back of the neck.

Frankincense
This oil is particularly beneficial for those who experience seizures regularly, as it helps with both brain activity and breathing. Frankincense has been shown to affect the limbic system, which helps stimulate the brain and nervous system, and has the potential to positively affect memory, alertness and emotional release. It is fantastic for easing mental strain and anxiety. This oil can help slow down and deepen breath by helping to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. These are the same reasons why Frankincense can also be beneficial for pain relief. For application, blend with a carrier oil and gently massage into the temples and neck—use nightly or as needed.

*For informational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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