Ginger oil

[Angelil]

Hi all

Just wondered if anyone has tried using ginger oil when massaging and if so do you see any benefits?

I’ve just seen an advert for it and it’s advertised as good for lymphatic drainage.

Thanks in advance 😄

[Lynora]

It’s not the oil making the difference, it’s the touch. There are hundreds of adverts for a number of different oils - whilst they smell nice, it is not the oil that stimulates the drainage. You would get as much benefit from a basic olive oil.

[KentLymphatics in reply to Lynora]

Or just normal Baby Oil - Talc Powder when skin is clammy

[Angelil in reply to Lynora]

So it’s ok to use oils? I usually massage my bare skin but would enjoy a scented oil!

[Lynora in reply to Angelil]

When I trained as a therapist, we were taught to treat skin with clean dry hands, and no emollients. After treatment, patients were to be encouraged to apply perfume-free emollient to moisturise the skin to preserve skin health. Moisturisers are to be applied at night, and not before donning of garments.

If you have mild, uncomplicated lymphoedema, use of a scented oil once in a while would be OK, but not daily. The lymphatics will absorb perfume molecules and hold on to them, so using unperfumed emollients simply gives the system one less thing to worry about!

[GabbiD in reply to Lynora]

You are a wealth of information! Is there a site that gives good MLD instruction? My therapist gave me a little routine, but it isnt actually much touch at all. I breathe deep 10 times, make scooping motion at the groin in two places 10x each and then behind the knee. Then I work back to the groin and do 10 deep breaths I understand that is supposed to open the lymph vessels, but I just assumed I would do actual massage of my leg?

[Lynora in reply to GabbiD]

There are a few on YouTube. Keep any strokes you use as gentle as you can - deep techniques are not as effective. Could your therapist teach you full self lymph drainage - your current routine is OK, but it would be beneficial to spend a bit more time on it once or twice a week!

[GabbiD in reply to Lynora]

Compliance and follow through are my biggest downfall. In excercise, in diet, and yes in MLD. But I will try to do better.

[HazieC in reply to GabbiD]

Same here lol x

[GabbiD in reply to Lynora]

Oops. Hit send to soon. I will ask my therapist for a more extensive routine. But I am guessing its more compliance.

[Lynora in reply to GabbiD]

Compliance and motivation are key! I just include it in my daily routine. I do SLD and apply moisturiser to my arms and trunk every other night - takes me about 4 minutes, after I’ve brushed my teeth. I do the abdominal breathing when I get in to bed - just 4 very deep ones, with recovery breaths in between and the lymph opening/stimulating exercises in the morning, while I’m waiting for the hot water to makes it’s way from the boiler to the shower!!

[GabbiD in reply to Lynora]

You are right about that! I will definitely work on making it part of my routine!

[vrissianna in reply to Angelil]

I've just found your query, posted the same query today! my lymphoedema is in my right leg, good luck ,I attend a very good clinic .

[StellaM]

Hi Angel,i have used ginger essential oil,also lavender essential oil, when self massaging...i sometimes add a few drops of pure essential oils to the moisturiser my GP prescribed for my legs. Theres a lot of info on essential ouls for use with all kinds of ailments in a book called The Fragrant Pharmacy.

It says ess oils enter and leave the body with efficiency,in a few hours,leaving no toxins behind,tho in an unhealthy person,might take a few hours longer

Like everything i try tho,i havent yet seen any noticeable improvements..but at least if its not getting worse,thats something! And i have high hopes rebounding might just help! And it IS quite good exercise.

Ive just been reading about lymphs and whats best to eat,and at the end the article says..

"Also try lemon, myrrh, oregano, cypress and frankincense oils.

Omega-3 fish oils and turmeric are also beneficial for improving blood flow and lowering inflammation. Supplements that can further help lymphatic drainage and detoxification include burdock root, digestive enzymes, activated charcoal and milk thistle"

I want to try enzymes,but i have a prob with my blood not clotting quickly,so may not be able to take them. Have been waiting ages for hosp consultant to get back to me with go ahead or not..but despite chasing him up a few times.i still havent had an answer 🙁🙁🙁 x

[Angelil in reply to StellaM]

Thanks for that, I may try a citrus type oil as I like the smell- will take a look next time I go into health shop. Seems lemon and other citrus fruits are good for everything!

I also buy detox tea sometimes that contains burdock root and milk thistle but it’s really hard to say what does and doesn’t have an effect as I do lots of things simultaneously!

Thanks for the feedback x