It is the month of December, and we are focusing on the Integumentary System. This system of the body is made up of the external covering of the body. The main functions of this system are to protect the organs, help with the sensation of touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold, allow the body to move, for Vitamin D production, for the excretion of wastes, to regulate temperature, to protect against dehydration, to store water and fat, and for immunity strength against infectious organisms. This week we are looking specifically at the hives. Hives are an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps or plaques on the skin that appear suddenly for unknown reasons or in reaction to an allergen. Energetically, hives manifest out of our smaller, more hidden fears and/or our ability to make mountains out of molehills. It is the outcome of irritation, agitation, or something getting under our skin...literally. Our three favorite essences that help work on healing the hives are Cornmint, Hyssop, and Black Cumin Seed Oil.
Cornmint are the leaves of a Japanese Mint that are known to be the "coldest" in this family of plants. She is helpful for acne, sunburn, ringworm, scabies, dermatitis, and hives. Cornmint calms a racing mind, helps let go of inferiority, and offers the gifts of competence, positive perception, self-Love, and healing energy.
Hyssop comes from the leaves and flowers of an evergreen shrub. She is spiritually significant due to her Biblical stories of her use as a sacred tool of protection. Physically, Hyssop is great for cuts, wounds, eczema, scars, and hives. Energetically, Hyssop works on our areas of anxiety, blame, and unhealthy focus in order to support forgiveness, peace, and inner calmness.
Black Cumin Seed Oil is the magical oil that is known for her gifts to humanity. There is not an ailment known to man that this plant goddess doesn't address. Black Cumin Seed Oil can be taken orally, but starting with 10 drops a day for two weeks. You can build up to a teaspoon, and then eventually take a tablespoon by using two-week intervals of each amount. This will help build the immune system from the inside. On the hives themselves, pour drops directly onto each one and gently massage it into these areas in need. Continue as often as you need her to help heal the hives as well as take away the intense itchiness.
 All three of these plant essences can be used together topically for best results. Anointing directly onto the skin area "neat" is the best way to address the hives. When the hives first appear, anoint Black Cumin Seed Oil and wait 5 -10 minutes to see if this will help. Do the same with Cornmint and Hyssop. Once you find the essences your skin best responds to, then stick to that/those plants. Every skin type is different, and every experience with the hives is unique. It is best to use essences for one month for every year you have had the symptoms that are being treated. In general, for the average adult weight and height, five to ten drops "neat" on the skin is enough to start anointing each essence 2-3 times a day. Always do a test patch on the inner arm to make sure that the essences are not too powerful to anoint "neat" on your skin. If they bring up a healing response, then use the bottoms of the feet to anoint, and meditate on what is coming up and out emotionally for healing. All essences are safe to ingest in small amounts (3-5 drops in an ounce of water is a good start). Use your intuition to guide the way, and remember that less is always more in most cases, and the body knows what's best - so always listen to it.Â