Smooth muscle Health Dictionary

Muscular tissue is divided, according to its function, into three main groups: voluntary muscle, involuntary muscle, and skeletal muscle – of which the ?rst is under control of the will, whilst the latter two discharge their functions independently. The term ‘striped muscle’ is often given to voluntary muscle, because under the microscope all the voluntary muscles show a striped appearance, whilst involuntary muscle is, in the main, unstriped or plain. Heart muscle is partially striped, while certain muscles of the throat, and two small muscles inside the ear, not controllable by willpower, are also striped.

Structure of muscle Skeletal or voluntary muscle forms the bulk of the body’s musculature and contains more than 600 such muscles. They are classi?ed according to their methods of action. A ?exor muscle closes a joint, an extensor opens it; an abductor moves a body part outwards, an adductor moves it in; a depressor lowers a body part and an elevator raises it; while a constrictor (sphincter) muscle surrounds an ori?ce, closing and opening it. Each muscle is enclosed in a sheath of ?brous tissue, known as fascia or epimysium, and, from this, partitions of ?brous tissue, known as perimysium, run into the substance of the muscle, dividing it up into small bundles. Each of these bundles consists in turn of a collection of ?bres, which form the units of the muscle. Each ?bre is about 50 micrometres in thickness and ranges in length from a few millimetres to 300 millimetres. If the ?bre is cut across and examined under a high-powered microscope, it is seen to be further divided into ?brils. Each ?bre is enclosed in an elastic sheath of its own, which allows it to lengthen and shorten, and is known as the sarcolemma. Within the sarcolemma lie numerous nuclei belonging to the muscle ?bre, which was originally developed from a simple cell. To the sarcolemma, at either end, is attached a minute bundle of connective-tissue ?bres which unites the muscle ?bre to its neighbours, or to one of the connective-tissue partitions in the muscle, and by means of these connections the ?bre affects muscle contraction. Between the muscle ?bres, and enveloped in a sheath of connective tissue, lie here and there special structures known as muscle-spindles. Each of these contains thin muscle ?bres, numerous nuclei, and the endings of sensory nerves. (See TOUCH.) The heart muscle comprises short ?bres which communicate with their neighbours via short branches and have no sarcolemma.

Plain or unstriped muscle is found in the following positions: the inner and middle coats of the STOMACH and INTESTINE; the ureters (see URETER) and URINARY BLADDER; the TRACHEA and bronchial tubes; the ducts of glands; the GALL-BLADDER; the UTERUS and FALLOPIAN TUBES; the middle coat of the blood and lymph vessels; the iris and ciliary muscle of the EYE; the dartos muscle of the SCROTUM; and in association with the various glands and hairs in the SKIN. The ?bres are very much smaller than those of striped muscle, although they vary greatly in size. Each has one or more oval nuclei and a delicate sheath of sarcolemma enveloping it. The ?bres are grouped in bundles, much as are the striped ?bres, but they adhere to one another by cement material, not by the tendon bundles found in voluntary muscle.

Development of muscle All the muscles of the developing individual arise from the central layer (mesoderm) of the EMBRYO, each ?bre taking origin from a single cell. Later on in life, muscles have the power both of increasing in size – as the result of use, for example, in athletes – and also of healing, after parts of them have been destroyed by injury. An example of the great extent to which unstriped muscle can develop to meet the demands made on it is the uterus, whose muscular wall develops so much during pregnancy that the organ increases from the weight of 30–40 g (1–1••• oz.) to a weight of around 1 kg (2 lb.), decreasing again to its former small size in the course of a month after childbirth.

Physiology of contraction A muscle is an elaborate chemico-physical system for producing heat and mechanical work. The total energy liberated by a contracting muscle can be exactly measured. From 25–30 per cent of the total energy expended is used in mechanical work. The heat of contracting muscle makes an important contribution to the maintenance of the heat of the body. (See also MYOGLOBIN.)

The energy of muscular contraction is derived from a complicated series of chemical reactions. Complex substances are broken down and built up again, supplying each other with energy for this purpose. The ?rst reaction is the breakdown of adenyl-pyrophosphate into phosphoric acid and adenylic acid (derived from nucleic acid); this supplies the immediate energy for contraction. Next phosphocreatine breaks down into creatine and phosphoric acid, giving energy for the resynthesis of adenyl-pyrophosphate. Creatine is a normal nitrogenous constituent of muscle. Then glycogen through the intermediary stage of sugar bound to phosphate breaks down into lactic acid to supply energy for the resynthesis of phosphocreatine. Finally part of the lactic acid is oxidised to supply energy for building up the rest of the lactic acid into glycogen again. If there is not enough oxygen, lactic acid accumulates and fatigue results.

All of the chemical changes are mediated by the action of several enzymes (see ENZYME).

Involuntary muscle has several peculiarities of contraction. In the heart, rhythmicality is an important feature – one beat appearing to be, in a sense, the cause of the next beat. Tonus is a character of all muscle, but particularly of unstriped muscle in some localities, as in the walls of arteries.

Fatigue occurs when a muscle is made to act for some time and is due to the accumulation of waste products, especially sarcolactic acid (see LACTIC ACID). These substances affect the end-plates of the nerve controlling the muscle, and so prevent destructive overaction of the muscle. As they are rapidly swept away by the blood, the muscle, after a rest (and particularly if the rest is accompanied by massage or by gentle contractions to quicken the circulation) recovers rapidly from the fatigue. Muscular activity over the whole body causes prolonged fatigue which is remedied by rest to allow for metabolic balance to be re-established.... muscle

The muscle, unique to the heart, which comprises the walls of the atria and ventricles. It consists of long broadening cells (?bres) with special physiological characteristics which enable them to keep contracting and expanding inde?nitely.... cardiac muscle

Muscle that does not operate under a person’s conscious control. Involuntary muscle – also called smooth muscle, because the cells do not contain the striations that occur in VOLUNTARY MUSCLE – is found in blood vessels, the heart, stomach, and intestines. (See PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM.)... involuntary muscle

Muscle under a person’s voluntary control (see MUSCLE; VOLUNTARY MUSCLE).... skeletal muscle

Also known as skeletal muscle, this forms the muscles which are under a person’s conscious control. Muscles that control walking, talking and swallowing are examples of those under such control (see INVOLUNTARY MUSCLE; MUSCLE; NERVOUS SYSTEM).... voluntary muscle

These drugs produce partial or complete paralysis of skeletal muscle (see under MUSCLE – Structure of muscle). Drugs in clinical use are all reversible and are used to help insert a breathing tube into the TRACHEA (endotracheal tube) during general ANAESTHESIA and ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION OF THE LUNGS. They may be broadly divided into depolarising and nondepolarising muscle relaxants. Depolarising muscle relaxants act by binding to acetylcholine receptors at the motor end-plate where nerves are attached to muscle cells, and producing a more prolonged depolarisation than acetylcholine, which results in initial muscle fasciculation (overactivity) and then ?accid paralysis of the muscle. The only commonly used depolarising drug is succinylcholine which has a rapid onset of action and lasts approximately three minutes. Non-depolarising muscle relaxants bind to the acetylcholine receptors, preventing acetylcholine from gaining access to them. They have a slower onset time and longer duration than depolarisers, although this varies widely between di?erent drugs. They are competitive antagonists and they may be reversed by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine at the motor end-plate using an anticholinesterase agent such as neostigmine. These drugs are broken down in the liver and excreted through the kidney, and their action will be prolonged in liver and renal failure. Other uses include the relief of skeletal muscle spasms in TETANUS, PARKINSONISM and spastic disorders. The drugs dantrolene and diazepam are used in these circumstances.... muscle relaxants

General aches, pain and soreness. Non-specific.

Alternatives. Internal. Prickly Ash bark, Plantain, Mullein, Yarrow, White Willow, Black Cohosh, Guaiacum, Feverfew.

Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash bark, Black Cohosh, Guaiacum.

Formula. White Willow 2; Black Cohosh 1; Guaiacum quarter; few grains Cayenne or drops Tincture Capsicum. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Thrice daily.

Topical. Castor oil packs. Massage oils. Gold Fire ointment, Epsom salt baths.

Supplements. Niacin, B-complex, B6, Kelp, Dolomite, Calcium, Zinc.

See: RHEUMATIC and other relative disorders for specific treatments. ... muscles

The name given to a muscle originating as 2 separate parts, which then fuse. It is the commonly used name for the biceps brachii muscle of the upper arm, which bends the arm at the elbow and rotates the

forearm. The biceps femoris at the back of the thigh bends the leg at the knee and extends the thigh.... biceps muscle

The muscles extending from the back of the knee to the heel.

The gastrocnemius muscle starts behind the knee and forms the bulky part of the calf; under it is the soleus muscle which starts at the back of the tibia (shin).

The 2 muscles join to form the Achilles tendon, which connects them to the heel.

Contraction of the calf muscles pulls the heel up and is important in walking, running, and jumping.

Pain in these muscles occurs because of cramp, sciatica, or, more rarely, deep vein thrombosis.

The calf muscles may be affected by claudication (pain caused by walking and relieved by rest).... calf muscles

The dome-shaped sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. It is attached to the spine, ribs, and sternum (breastbone)

and plays an important role in breathing. There are openings in the diaphragm for the oesophagus and major nerves and blood vessels. To inhale, the diaphragm’s muscle fibres contract, pulling the whole diaphragm downwards and drawing air into the lungs. (See also breathing.)... diaphragm muscle

A group of muscles at the back of the thigh. The upper ends of the hamstring muscles are attached by tendons to the pelvis; the lower ends are attached by tendons called hamstrings to the tibia and fibula. The hamstring muscles bend the knee and swing the leg backwards from the thigh. Tearing of the hamstring muscles is common in sports. Repeated strenuous exercise may sprain the muscles (see overuse injury).... hamstring muscles

Sudden and involuntary contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasm is a normal reaction to pain and inflammation around a joint. Common causes are muscle strain, disc prolapse, and stress. Usually, the cause of the spasm is treated. Muscle-relaxant drugs may also be needed. (See also spasticity.)... muscle spasm

A muscle that bends the hip upwards towards the chest.

There are 2 parts: psoas major and psoas minor.

Psoas major acts to flex the hip and rotate the thigh inwards.

Psoas minor bends the spine down to the pelvis.... psoas muscle

A muscle with 4 distinct parts that is located at the front of the thigh and straightens the knee.

The most common disorder of the quadriceps is a haematoma caused by a direct blow.... quadriceps muscle

The natural tension in the muscle fibres. At rest, all muscle fibres are kept in a state of partial contraction by nerve impulses from the spinal cord. Abnormally high muscle tone causes an increased resistance to movement, spasticity, and rigidity. Abnormally low muscle tone causes floppiness (see hypotonia; hypotonia in infants).... tone, muscle

A large, diamondshaped muscle extending from the back of the skull to the lower part of the spine in the chest and across the width of the shoulders.

It is attached to the top and back of the shoulderblade and to the outermost part of the collarbone.

The trapezius helps support the neck and spine and is involved in moving the arm.... trapezius muscle

The contraction and relaxation of the limb muscles that helps pump the low pressure venous blood from the extremities back to the central collecting system.... muscle pump

Compression syndrome The tense, painful state of muscles induced by excessive accumulation of INTERSTITIAL ?uid in them, following unusual exercise. This condition is more liable to occur in the muscles at the front of the shin, because they lie within a tight fascial membrane: here the syndrome is known as the anterior tibial syndrome (‘shin splints’). Prevention consists of always keeping ?t and in training for the amount of exercise to be undertaken. Equally important is what is known in sporting circles as ‘warming down’: i.e., at the end of training or a game, exercise should be gradually tailed o?. Treatment consists of elevation of the affected limb, compression of it by compression bandages, with ample exercise of the limb within the bandage, and massage. In more severe cases DIURETICS may be given. Occasionally surgical decompression may be necessary.

Cramp Painful spasm of a muscle usually caused by excessive and prolonged contraction of the muscle ?bres. Cramps are common, especially among sportsmen and women, normally lasting a short time. The condition usually occurs during or immediately following exercise as a result of a build-up of LACTIC ACID and other chemical by-products in the muscles

– caused by the muscular e?orts. Cramps may occur more frequently, especially at night, in people with poor circulation, when the blood is unable to remove the lactic acid from the muscles quickly enough.

Repetitive movements such as writing (writer’s cramp) or operating a keyboard can cause cramp. Resting muscles may suffer cramp if a person sits or lies in an awkward position which limits local blood supply to them. Profuse sweating as a result of fever or hot weather can also cause cramp in resting muscle, because the victim has lost sodium salts in the sweat; this disturbs the biochemical balance in muscle tissue.

Treatment is to massage and stretch the affected muscle – for example, cramp in the calf muscle may be relieved by pulling the toes on the affected leg towards the knee. Persistent night cramps sometimes respond to treatment with a drug containing CALCIUM or QUININE. If cramp persists for an hour or more, the person should seek medical advice, as there may be a serious cause such as a blood clot impeding the blood supply to the area affected.

Dystrophy See myopathy below.

In?ammation (myositis) of various types may occur. As the result of injury, an ABSCESS may develop, although wounds affecting muscle generally heal well. A growth due to SYPHILIS, known as a gumma, sometimes forms a hard, almost painless swelling in a muscle. Rheumatism is a vague term traditionally used to de?ne intermittent and often migratory discomfort, sti?ness or pain in muscles and joints with no obvious cause. The most common form of myositis is the result of immunological damage as a result of autoimmune disease. Because it affects many muscles it is called POLYMYOSITIS.

Myasthenia (see MYASTHENIA GRAVIS) is muscle weakness due to a defect of neuromuscular conduction.

Myopathy is a term applied to an acquired or developmental defect in certain muscles. It is not a neurological disease, and should be distinguished from neuropathic conditions (see NEUROPATHY) such as MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE (MND), which tend to affect the distal limb muscles. The main subdivisions are genetically determined, congenital, metabolic, drug-induced, and myopathy (often in?ammatory) secondary to a distant carcinoma. Progressive muscular dystrophy is characterised by symmetrical wasting and weakness, the muscle ?bres being largely replaced by fatty and ?brous tissue, with no sensory loss. Inheritance may take several forms, thus affecting the sex and age of victims.

The commonest type is DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY, which is inherited as a sex-linked disorder. It nearly always occurs in boys.

Symptoms There are three chief types of myopathy. The commonest, known as pseudohypertrophic muscular dystrophy, affects particularly the upper part of the lower limbs of children. The muscles of the buttocks, thighs and calves seem excessively well developed, but nevertheless the child is clumsy, weak on his legs, and has di?culty in picking himself up when he falls. In another form of the disease, which begins a little later, as a rule at about the age of 14, the muscles of the upper arm are ?rst affected, and those of the spine and lower limbs become weak later on. In a third type, which begins at about this age, the muscles of the face, along with certain of the shoulder and upper arm muscles, show the ?rst signs of wasting. All the forms have this in common: that the affected muscles grow weaker until their power to contract is quite lost. In the ?rst form, the patients seldom reach the age of 20, falling victims to some disease which, to ordinary people, would not be serious. In the other forms the wasting, after progressing to a certain extent, often remains stationary for the rest of life. Myopathy may also be acquired when it is the result of disease such as thyrotoxicosis (see under THYROID GLAND, DISEASES OF), osteomalacia (see under BONE, DISORDERS OF) and CUSHING’S DISEASE, and the myopathy resolves when the primary disease is treated.

Treatment Some myopathies may be the result of in?ammation or arise from an endocrine or metabolic abnormality. Treatment of these is the treatment of the cause, with supportive physiotherapy and any necessary physical aids while the patient is recovering. Treatment for the hereditary myopathies is supportive since, at present, there is no cure – although developments in gene research raise the possibility of future treatment. Physiotherapy, physical aids, counselling and support groups may all be helpful in caring for these patients.

The education and management of these children raise many diffculties. Much help in dealing with these problems can be obtained from Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Myositis ossi?cans, or deposition of bone in muscles, may be congenital or acquired. The congenital form, which is rare, ?rst manifests itself as painful swellings in the muscles. These gradually harden and extend until the child is encased in a rigid sheet. There is no e?ective treatment and the outcome is fatal.

The acquired form is a result of a direct blow on muscle, most commonly on the front of the thigh. The condition should be suspected whenever there is severe pain and swelling following a direct blow over muscle. The diagnosis is con?rmed by hardening of the swelling. Treatment consists of short-wave DIATHERMY with gentle active movements. Recovery is usually complete.

Pain, quite apart from any in?ammation or injury, may be experienced on exertion. This type of pain, known as MYALGIA, tends to occur in un?t individuals and is relieved by rest and physiotherapy.

Parasites sometimes lodge in the muscles, the most common being Trichinella spiralis, producing the disease known as TRICHINOSIS (trichiniasis).

Rupture of a muscle may occur, without any external wound, as the result of a spasmodic e?ort. It may tear the muscle right across – as sometimes happens to the feeble plantaris muscle in running and leaping – or part of the muscle may be driven through its ?brous envelope, forming a HERNIA of the muscle. The severe pain experienced in many cases of LUMBAGO is due to tearing of one of the muscles in the back. These conditions are usually relieved by rest and massage. Partial muscle tears, such as occur in sport, require more energetic treatment: in the early stages this consists of the application of an ice or cold-water pack, ?rm compression, elevation of the affected limb, rest for a day or so and then gradual mobilisation (see SPORTS MEDICINE).

Tumours occur occasionally, the most common being ?broid, fatty, and sarcomatous growths.

Wasting of muscles sometimes occurs as a symptom of disease in other organs: for example, damage to the nervous system, as in poliomyelitis or in the disease known as progressive muscular atrophy. (See PARALYSIS.)... muscles, disorders of

A group of drugs used to relieve muscle spasm and spasticity. Muscle-relaxant drugs are used mainly in the treatment of nervoussystem disorders such as multiple sclerosis and painful muscular conditions such as torticollis. They are occasionally used to relieve muscle rigidity caused by injury. Some types are used to cause temporary paralysis during surgery under general anaesthesia.Except for dantrolene, muscle-relaxant drugs partly block nerve signals that stimulate muscle contraction. Dantrolene interferes with the chemical activity in muscle cells needed for contraction.

The drugs may cause muscle weakness and drowsiness. In rare cases, dantrolene causes liver damage.... muscle-relaxant drugs

The muscle at the back of the upper arm. At the upper end of the triceps are 3 “heads”; 1 is attached to the outer edge of the scapula (shoulderblade), and the other 2 to either side of the humerus (upper-arm bone). The lower part of the triceps is attached to the olecranon process of the ulna (the bony prominence on the elbow). Contraction of the muscle straightens the arm. (See also biceps muscle.)... triceps muscle

Drugs that are used to delay the premature delivery of a fetus. Beta2-adrenoceptor stimulants, such as salbutamol, relax the muscle of the uterus and may postpone labour for days or weeks in at-risk pregnancies of 24–33 weeks’ gestation. Delay of premature labour for up to 48 hours allows time for corticosteroid drugs to be given to the mother to help the fetal lungs to mature.... uterine muscle relaxants

muscles of the shoulder girdle and chest wall that (in addition to the intercostal muscles and the diaphragm) are utilized during *respiratory distress to help the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Use of these muscles can be a sign of the degree of difficulty that the patient is in, for example in cases of asthma or *airway obstruction.... accessory muscles

a muscle, such as any of those controlling movements of the eyeball, that has its origin some distance from the part it acts on. See also eye.... extrinsic muscle

muscles that occupy the spaces between the ribs and are responsible for controlling some of the movements of the ribs. The superficial external intercostals lift the ribs during inspiration; the deep internal intercostals draw the ribs together during expiration.... intercostal muscles

a muscle that is contained entirely within the organ or part it acts on. For example, there are intrinsic muscles of the tongue, whose contractions change the shape of the tongue.... intrinsic muscle

an agent that reduces tension in voluntary muscles. Drugs such as *baclofen, *dantrolene, and *diazepam are used to relieve skeletal muscular spasms in various spastic conditions, parkinsonism, and tetanus. The drugs used to relax voluntary muscles during the administration of anaesthetics in surgical operations act by blocking the transmission of impulses at neuromuscular junctions. Nondepolarizing muscle relaxants, e.g. *atracurium besilate, cisatracurium, pancuronium, and rocuronium, bind to receptor sites normally occupied by acetylcholine; depolarizing muscle relaxants, e.g. *suxamethonium, mimic the action of acetylcholine but *depolarization is prolonged.... muscle relaxant

a specialized receptor, sensitive to stretch, that is embedded between and parallel to the fibres of striated muscles. These receptors are important for coordinated muscular movement. See also stretch receptor.... muscle spindle

either of two muscles that cover the outer surface of the anterior wall of the pelvis (the obturator externus and obturator internus) and are responsible for lateral rotation of the thigh and movements of the hip.... obturator muscle

the chest muscles (see illustration). The pectoralis major is a large fan-shaped muscle that works over the shoulder joint, drawing the arm forward across the chest and rotating it medially. Beneath it, the pectoralis minor depresses the shoulder and draws the scapula down towards the chest.... pectoral muscles

see Kegel exercises.... pelvic-floor muscle training

(antigravity muscles) muscles (principally extensors) that serve to maintain the upright posture of the body against the force of gravity.... postural muscles

see sternomastoid muscle.... sternocleidomastoid muscle

(sternocleidomastoid muscle) a long muscle in the neck, extending from the mastoid process to the sternum and clavicle. It serves to rotate the neck and flex the head.... sternomastoid muscle

a tissue comprising the bulk of the body’s musculature. It is also known as skeletal muscle, because it is attached to the skeleton and is responsible for the movement of bones, and voluntary muscle, because it is under voluntary control. Striated muscle is composed of parallel bundles of multinucleate fibres (each containing many myofibrils), which reveal cross-banding when viewed under the microscope. This effect is caused by the alternation of actin and myosin protein filaments within each myofibril (see illustration). According to the ‘sliding filament’ theory, when muscle contraction takes place, the two sets of filaments slide past each other, so reducing the length of each unit (sarcomere) of the myofibril. The sliding is caused by a series of cyclic reactions, requiring ATP, resulting in a change in orientation of projections on the myosin filaments; each projection is first attached to an actin filament but contracts and releases it to become reattached at a different site.... striated muscle

Accumulation of toxins (M,S,B):

Angelica, white birch, carrot seed, celery seed, coriander, cumin, sweet fennel, grapefruit, juniper, lovage, parsley.

Aches and pains (M,C,B):

Ambrette, star anise, aniseed, French basil, West Indian bay, cajeput, calamintha, camphor (white), chamomile (German & Roman), coriander, eucalyptus (blue gum & peppermint), silver fir, galbanum, ginger, immortelle, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), lemongrass, sweet marjoram, mastic, mint (peppermint & spearmint), niaouli, nutmeg, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, sage (clary & Spanish), hemlock spruce, thyme, turmeric, turpentine, vetiver.

Arthritis (M,S,C,B):

Allspice, angelica, benzoin, white birch, cajeput, camphor (white), carrot seed, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), celery seed, chamomile (German & Roman), clove bud, coriander, eucalyptus (blue gum & peppermint), silver fir, ginger, guaiacwood, juniper, lemon, sweet marjoram, mastic, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, Spanish sage, thyme, tumeric, turpentine, vetiver, yarrow.

Cellulitis (M,S,B):

White birch, cypress, sweet fennel, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lemon, parsley, rosemary, thyme.

Debility/poor muscle tone (M,S,B):

Allspice, ambrette, borneol, ginger, grapefruit, sweet marjoram, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, Spanish sage.

Gout (M,S,B):

Angelica, French basil, benzoin, carrot seed, celery seed, coriander, guaiacwood, juniper, lovage, mastic, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, thyme, turpentine.

High blood pressure & hypertension (M,B,V):

cananga, garlic, true lavender, lemon, sweet marjoram, melissa, clary sage, yarrow, ylang ylang.

Muscular cramp & stiffness (M,C,B):

Allspice, ambrette, coriander, cypress, grapefruit, jasmine, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), sweet marjoram, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, thyme, vetiver.

Obesity (M,B):

White birch, sweet fennel, juniper, lemon, mandarin, orange (bitter & sweet).

Oedema & water retention (M,B):

Angelica, white birch, carrot seed, cypress, sweet fennel, geranium, grapefruit, juniper, lavage, mandarin, orange (bitter & sweet), rosemary, Spanish sage.

Palpitations (M):

Neroli, orange (bitter & sweet), rose (cabbage & damask), ylang ylang.

Poor circulation & low blood pressure (M,B):

Ambrette, Peru balsam, West Indian bay, benzoin, white birch, borneol, cinnamon leaf, coriander, cumin, cypress, eucalyptus blue gum, galbanum, geranium, ginger, lemon, lemongrass, lovage, neroli, niaouli, nutmeg, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rose (cabbage & damask), rosemary, Spanish sage, hemlock spruce, thyme, violet.

Rheumatism (M,C,B):

Allspice, angelica, star anise, aniseed, Peru balsam, French basil, West Indian bay, benzoin, white birch, borneol, cajeput, calamintha, camphor (white), carrot seed, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), celery seed, chamomile (German & Roman), cinnamon leaf, clove bud, coriander, cypress, eucalyptus (blue gum & peppermint), sweet fennel, silver fir, galbanum, ginger, immortelle, juniper, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), lemon, lovage, sweet marjoram, mastic, niaouli, nutmeg, parsley, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, Spanish sage, hemlock spruce, thyme, turmeric, turpentine, vetiver, violet, yarrow.

Sprains & strains (C):

West Indian bay, borneol, camphor (white), chamomile (German & Roman), clove bud, eucalyptus (blue gum & peppermint), ginger, immortelle, jasmine, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), sweet marjoram, black pepper, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rosemary, thyme, turmeric, vetiver.... circulation, muscles and joints: