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Page 18
| in the whole body. Only water, glucose, some amino acids and respiratory gases pass easily through the walls of these capillaries. |
| In practice, then, herbs rich in this group of constituents are most useful in inflammations of muscles, bones and connective tissue caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis or sports injuries. Thus they are of great help in headaches that stem from such causes and are far less helpful in stress or tension headaches. |
| The analgesic and fever-lowering actions of salicylates are believed to be due to their ability to interfere with the transmission of signals to parts of the hypothalamus, leading to an increase in peripheral blood flow and sweating. Salicylates are also believed to suppress the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins, influence arachidonic acid metabolism, increase corticoid levels and inhibit hyaluronidase, thereby reducing inflammation. |
| Unlike aspirin, willow preparations do not inhibit cyclooxygenase in thrombocytes or the aggregation of platelets, suggesting a different mechanism of action than those associated with salicylates. Because of this, willows and other salicin-containing herbs should not be used as substitutes for aspirin as a preventive protocol against strokes and heart attacks. |
| Essential Oils and Aromatherapy |
| Aromatherapy, a healing system based on the external application of the essential oils found in aromatic herbs, has much to offer in the relief of headaches. Particularly effective oils are lavender, rosemary, marjoram, chamomile and peppermint, either separately or in combination. |
| Lavender can be rubbed on the temples or made into a |
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