Summary
Difficulties in swallowing, generally known as dysphagia, may come from a number of
sources in the complex passageway from the mouth to the
stomach. This includes the mouth, tongue, soft palate,
pharynx, upper sphincter, esophagus, and finally the lower
sphincter that connects to the stomach. Difficulties
in the mouth and upper portion are known as oropharyngeal
problems. The more common problems are related to the
esophagus. Besides tumors and congenital
irregularities some other problems are:
• GERD –
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is not a swallowing
difficulty per se. It is a condition in which the
lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and
allows food or liquid to leak back into the esophagus from
the stomach. This is a source of heartburn and
discomfort but beyond this the irritation may cause
ulcerations in the esophagus that then heal and scar.
This scarring then constricts the esophagus resulting in
swallowing difficulties.
• Medications –
Some medications are known to stick to the sides of the
esophagus and also cause irritation that can result in
scarring and narrowing of the esophagus.
• Eosinophilic
Esophagitis – An overabundance of white blood cells
know as eosinophils will line the walls of the esophagus
causing constriction. Many believe this overabundance
comes from a type on allergic reaction since it seems to be
prominent among those suffering from hay fever, etc.
• Virus and
Candida – Although less common, virus infections
and Candida can cause esophagitis.
• Achalasia –
This is a rare neural disorder wherein the muscles
of the esophagus and sphincter do not receive the correct
signals and do not operate correctly making if difficult to
swallow.
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
basil, frankincense, helichrysum, myrrh
Essential oils based
products:
Also consider:
AromaTouch,
Balance,
basil, cypress, Deep Blue, geranium, lemongrass,
marjoram, peppermint, rosemary
Suggested protocols:
For the general condition of dysphagia the healing
properties of frankincense have reported benefit. For
more complete help the following blend was reported as very
successful:
• 2 drops basil (anti-inflammatory)
• 2 drops myrrh (anti-inflammatory)
• 2 drops frankincense (healing)
• 1-2 drops cinnamon (taste)
Add to a small amount of water then using a straw let
it 'trinkle' down the throat. The idea is to
maximize the amount of the blend that coats and sooths
the esophagus. Repeat at least daily till results
are realized.
As added help also consider putting the same oil or
blend topically on the throat and chest area.
Achalasia -
since this is a neural disorder include helichrysum
topically in the protocol.
GERD - for the root cause of some
dysphagia see the pages on GERD and acid reflux.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Submissions
directly to
EverythingEssential.me.
Our thanks to:
Eilene Gruys
comfortcousins@comcast.net
I am a 62 year old
woman. Since early childhood I have
had trouble swallowing. Pills are
particularly difficult. 3 years
ago I received the diagnosis of Eosinophilic
Esophagitis and was given the
option of dilating the esophagus or
swallowing steroids. Neither option
was acceptable to me, so I continued to
crush any medications I had to take and chew
food carefully before swallowing.
Two months ago I started using essential
oils that are Certified 100% pure
therapeutic grade doTERRA Essential oils.
In a glass of water I put two drops of basil
and two drops of myrrh for their
anti-inflammatory effect, plus two drops of
frankincense for healing and immune support
and 1-2 drops of cinnamon bark to improve
the effect of the other oils and to mask the
bitter taste of the basil. I stir the
oils into the water and drink with a straw
to keep floating oils from touching my lips
as the cinnamon can burn. I drink this
so the oils coat the lining of my esophagus.
15 minutes later, I can swallow medications
and supplements.
After a week doing this I could swallow even
the omega-3 oil capsules, although they are
still a tight fit. Prior to using the oils,
I couldn't swallow a baby aspirin. I
drink this blend twice a day. NO
steroid side effects and only good effects
for my immune system.
Valerie - Achalasia
is a rare occurrence. It is when the muscles in the throat
stop working and it feels like there is a large blockage in
the throat. Also the muscles that carry the food down to
the esophagus may stop working.
The doctors want to put a little
balloon down the throat and stretch the muscles of the
throat, but I'm afraid that this can actually cause more
damage to the throat than trying to deal with the actual
problem.
Can any oils help to repair the
actual muscle deficiency?
Rob – I would consider using multiple
oils with light massage on the neck. Using oils like basil,
marjoram, AromaTouch, wintergreen, Deep Blue, cypress,
lemongrass, geranium, peppermint, Balance, helichrysum, and
rosemary. Also consider applying oils directly to Vita-flex
points on the feet. Be consistent once or twice daily
for at least 2 weeks then rest for a week.
If you know how to muscle test for oils I would consider
this. Trust that oils are a natural remedy given even for
these rare situations.
Wendy - I know
someone that has been diagnosed by a doctor with ulcers in
her esophagus. As you can imagine she is miserable and
along with it some serious heartburn and digestive issues.
She is in desperate mode and will try anything.
My first thought is obviously Digest Zen. Does anyone
have any other suggestions? Thanks!
John - I have an ulcer that flairs up
once in a while. Digest Zen helps some, although I
experience an increase in burn before relief comes. I
discovered, by accident that a 5 or so drops of lemon added
to about a 20oz bottle of water and sipped over time, brings
me the most comfort.
Au - Make a tea with lavender and lemon.
Stir a lot and sip slow.
Problems swallowing:
Michelle - My mother has had acid
reflux for years. She found that rubbing
frankincense on her throat/chest when she has an attack
stops it almost instantly!
Katlee - My step dad used three
drops of frankincense in his mouth and it made such a
difference that he could swallow his own spit by the
afternoon and eat some pudding that night. He had not
been able to do either for almost 3 days! He said
it tasted like flowers to him and he just swished it in
his mouth for five minutes and then he said some made it
down his throat then he had to suction the rest out.
But it seems like that is what made the difference.
Ready, Set, Grow
