Bunions

Q - My foot was operated on in May to remove a bunion and I was wondering whether you could suggest any combination of essential oils, or one of your ready prepared products, which might help to fade the scar. The scar is neat and on the side of my foot, but it is 4.5 inches long. I have been moisturising the scar every day but had heard from someone that Frankincense and Lavender help to reduce scarring. I would be grateful for any advice.

A - Thankyou for your question - hope the following helps.

To some extent all essential oils encourage healthy cell renewal which in turn helps prevent scar tissue formation. Lavender is one of the best known oils and is therefore widely used. However, it is generally accepted that Frankincense is better.

Firstly make sure that you see your doctor to ensure that your wound is healing quickly without infection. From then on into one tablespoon of almond oil blend 1 drop of Lavender and 2 drops of Frankincense. Massage into the skin at least once daily until the scar is only a faint silver line. It is important that you use the blend for no more than 2 days before you make up a fresh batch.

If you prefer something made up then I suggest my night repair cream. Although I market it for the face, in the clinic I use it for all skin healing for the following reasons: I have chosen starflower as a base because it has an even higher level of GLA’s than Evening primrose and therefore it is ideal for repairing damaged tissue. GLA’s are part of the Omega 6 group of Essential fatty acids and they are responsible for building and maintaining healthy cell walls. Hence they can offer critical help in reducing scarring & encouraging healing. From the monastic medicine gardens of the 17th Century through to the Victorian Apocotheries Rose has been valued for its restorative & balancing effect on the skin.

Frankincense also has had a long medicinal history. It was mentioned in the Old Testament - Moses led the Jews out of Egypt in 1240BC and was told by God how to use Frankincense to make Holy Ointment. Pictorial evidence from the tombs of the Pharaohs shows it being blended with oil & used to treat wounds. It was mentioned by the Romans & later by the famous herbalist Culpepper for its beneficial effects on the skin.

You do not mention pain but just incase: How can Aromatherapy help pain? Lavender is a the most well-known pain killer and is used in most hospices and some hospitals. Choose any of the following methods to get it into your blood stream;

1. Add 4 -10 drops to the bath after it has finished running. For children or individuals with sensitive skin add the Oil to a tablespoonful of milk and then add that to the bath, this improves dispersion

2. Add 2 drops to a tablespoon full of Sweet Almond Oil or good quality Olive Oil and massage into the affected area or back

3. Put 2 drops onto the pillow or the front of night clothes or onto a handkerchief

4. Put 4 drops into a small dish of water on top of an Aromatherapy burner

5. Lavender and Tea Tree are the only two oils that can be applied undiluted directly to the skin.