There was such a positive response to my essential oils post a few weeks ago that I thought I would do a follow up! Several readers shared with me how they have been using essential oils for mood and sleep enhancing, as well as for pain relief. I am hopeful they will share what they have been doing with us all! You know me. I’m all about the classes!
I was thinking about my daughter when she had to be, I’m guessing nine-ish??? She was obsessed with the movie “Coming to America!” She knew every line. She probably still does. It was a classic. My fav was always “You don’t know no Martin Luther the King!” But I was thinking about when Eddie (a/k/a Prince Akeem) sat in his chair, Clarence the barber asked him if he had some kind of weave or something? “Herbs, juices and berries,” is what he claimed to use in his hair. To which I believe the barber replied, “That ain’t nothing but an ultra perm!” Classic! But… Prince Akeem might have been telling the truth! Plants and herbs can do amazing things! On and off Zamunda.
I started researching essential oils that would be beneficial to my daughter and her symptoms having been recently diagnosed with MS. But in my research, I learned that some of the oils recommended for her symptoms would really benefit us all in a number of ways and I wanted to expand on that.
The oils that I will continue to focus on in this post, are known to relieve and improve a number of symptoms that are a result of many health issues which includes stress! While stress is not commonly referred to as a health issue, in my opinion, it most certainly is! Sleep deprivation is another one and both can lead to more serious conditions and even death! Yup. There it is. The “D” word in the third paragraph!
Relieving stress, relaxation and getting quality sleep benefit us in so many ways. They’re good for our immune systems. These things not only help us to heal, but to avoid getting sick in the first place.
I’m all about doing things naturally. I realize that sometimes you will need to take medication, but the idea is to get to place where you can either reduce or eliminate the need altogether. (Just be sure to consult with your doctor!) Natural therapies can be super beneficial and the use of essential oils and aromatherapy are two (really one I guess) of those therapies I would like to explore further.
Aromatherapy refers to the age-old art (and science) of using highly concentrated plant essence for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. This plant essence is captured in highly fragrant volatile liquids called essential oils. They’re not exactly oils, but are referred to as such because of their ability to mix well with oils. (and not water) If any of you have attempted to make your own, you know it takes a substantial amount of an herb to make just a tiny drop of essential oil. This is what makes the liquid a highly potent one for healing. Just a drop of lavender oil can disinfect a wound, instantly relieve pain from a sting, and provide relief from a kitchen burn!
Essential oils are basically herbal extracts, but a thousand times more concentrated and potent. In Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition that originated about 5,000 years ago, essential oils were extensively used for beauty and wellness. Almost all ancient cultures used essential oils in some form or the other. So how can we learn this ancient art and employ the healing power of essential oils in your daily life? I’m starting with my Daughter’s symptoms, but perhaps you or a loved one suffer from these symptoms. If so, keep reading!
Migraines and other Headaches
Migraines are neurological disorders characterized by a lifelong condition of recurring headaches coupled with severely disabling symptoms. According to WHO (World Health Organization) migraines are thrice as common in women than in men, I’m sure owing to hormonal changes in women during menstruation and menopause. The fun just never ends for us! Essential oils contain many therapeutic compounds that research has shown to provide relief from migraines and other types of headaches. They also provide a time-tested and safe alternative to over-the-counter medicines, especially for people who experience chronic headaches.
Chamomile oil
Chamomile works in multiple ways to relieve migraines and other associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Flavonoids present in the oil inhibit the production of endogenous prostaglandins, the hormone-like substances responsible for the sensation of pain. Further, its strong anti-inflammatory activity calms the swelling of blood vessels at the site of migraine pain. Sedative and neuroprotective abilities of chamomile also help in reducing the pain by relieving stress and anxiety. In a 2018 placebo-controlled trial, participants in the chamomile group reported a significant reduction in migraine pain and other symptoms after 30-minutes of topical application. Chamomile is also one of the most sought-after oils for balancing hormones in women. And since hormonal changes are known to trigger migraines, it can be a great tool for long-term management of recurring headaches.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/peppermint/kavonarts/
Peppermint works best for tension-type (stress) headaches. The ones that feel like a tight band around the head, temples, and eyes. (The kind that you get when you watch too much CNN and this orange guy is speaking!) When applied topically on the forehead, peppermint generates a cooling sensation that increases the blood flow to the area and relaxes the pressure around temples to slowly ease the pain.
Lavender oil
Lavender – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/lavender/kavonarts/
Lavender is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic abilities. It is commonly used in home remedies as a powerful pain-killer, be it insect bites, cuts, burns, muscle pain, joint pain, or headaches. Lavender works for both migraines and tension-type headaches. In a 2012 placebo-controlled trial, inhaling lavender aroma reduced the severity of migraine headaches in 92 out of 129 patients.
How to use
Method 1: Add 3-4 drops of essential oil in hot water. Cover with a towel and inhale deeply.
Method 2: Add 8-10 drops of essential oil in 10 ml of coconut or olive oil. Apply on the forehead, back of the neck, and behind ears. Keep the blend in a roller bottle for easy application.
Stress Relief
When molecules of essential oils are inhaled, the receptors in our olfactory organs activate the limbic system to trigger desired emotional responses, such as stimulation, memory, or relaxation. Some essential oils trigger the brain to release nervous relaxants, which causes reduced mental activity, sedates the central nervous system, and induces sleep. While on the other hand, some essential oils are uplifting in nature, as they stimulate the brain to release mood-enhancing neurotransmitters for wakefulness, enhanced cognitive function, and improved focus. In a 2013 study, lemon essential oil exhibited powerful antidepressant activity by increasing the levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain. I love a lemony fragrance. If you’ve ever been near me during the summer you’ll get a whiff of my L’Occitane Verbena Eau De Toilette. Its a mix of verbena, geranium and lemon. The verbena extract is know for its invigorating and refreshing fragrance properties. It is by far my favorite!
https://www.loccitane.com/en-us/citrus-verbena-eau-de-toilette-15ET100VA5.html
Quality Lemon Oil found here:
Lemon – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/lemon/kavonarts/
Some essential oils are categorized as harmonizing; they are neither relaxing nor empowering, but have a centering effect on the mind. All essential oils, whether energizing, balancing, or calming, are useful for relieving stress and anxiety. For example, if you have social anxiety, you may want to try Jatamansi (spikenard) essential oil, as it is known to relax the mind without making you overly sleepy.
Jatamansi is know to perform like brain tonic helping to improve memory and brain functions by preventing cell damage due to its antioxidant property. I haven’t tried this one yet, but it is supposed to calm down the brain, manage anxiety and help insomnia. According to Ayurveda, Jatamansi helps in preventing wrinkles! BONUS! Ordering.
Energizing: Neroli, bergamot, rosemary, orange, lemon, peppermint, spearmint, lemongrass, cinnamon, coffee, black pepper, jasmine
Calming: Lavender, orange, Roman chamomile, ylang-ylang, vetiver, geranium, valerian, vanilla
Balancing: Lavender, frankincense, myrrh, clary sage, patchouli, tea tree
Frankincense – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/frankincense/kavonarts/
Orange – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/orange/kavonarts/
Tea Tree – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/teatree/kavonarts/
Sleep your way to optimal health
Sound sleep is not optional! It IS necessary! It is indispensable for a healthy body and mind. Inadequate sleep, can not only increase cortisol (stress hormones) levels, but also affects your wellbeing in many other ways such as compromising immune function and screwing up hormones! As if! The news gets better! Prolonged sleep deprivation can also worsen menopausal symptoms. (Because apparently they didn’t suck enough!)
Essential oils have been used to enhance sleep since forever! Sweet aromas of floral oils like lavender and chamomile are profoundly relaxing for the central nervous system and are popularly used for inducing sleep. In a 2005 study, inhaling lavender aroma before bed increased the duration of deep sleep in healthy men and women. Deep sleep or restorative sleep is a stage in the sleep-wake cycle that plays a key role in memory consolidation and is extremely important for healthy brain functioning. Try this Sleep Blend:
Sleep Blend
Lavender oil: 4 drops
Frankincense: 2 drops
Sesame or olive oil: 10 ml
Put all the ingredients in a 10 ml roller bottle. Apply on inner wrists, feet, temples, and back of the neck before going to bed.
Roller bottles are a great way to enjoy the immense benefits of essential oils. You can make separate bottles for different types of headaches, stress relief, energy-boost, digestion-aid, sleep, or menstrual cramps, and carry them wherever you go.
Hormonal changes and Menopause
Menopausal symptoms are mostly a result of a decrease in estrogen. Clary Sage essential oil has been show to help in all kinds of hormonal disturbances, including those related to stress, sleep, depression, anxiety, skin problems, menstruation, and menopause. In fact, it is adoringly called “The Women’s Oil,” for its ability to help women at all stages of life.
The wondrous rose oil extracted from Damask roses is another great oil for dealing with hormonal imbalances. Apart from its exhilarating scent and amazing anti-aging benefits, Rose essential oil has been used for centuries in the traditional Iranian medicine for helping with menstrual disorders like irregular periods, heavy periods, painful periods, as well as with menopausal symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
Rose – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/rose/kavonarts/
Roman chamomile, Lavender, Myrrh, Rose Geranium, Ylang-ylang, and Neroli oils are also reported to help with menopausal symptoms. In a 2008 study, a 30-minutes aromatherapy massage once a week for eight weeks greatly reduced symptoms like hot flashes, depression, and pain in menopausal women. Here’s the blend that was used in the study. I’m renaming it the “GIRL FRIEND BLEND!” But I can’t take credit:
Girl Friend Blend
Lavender oil: 4 drops
Rose geranium: 2 drops
Rose: 1 drop
Jasmine: 1 drop
Almond oil: 2 1/4 teaspoon
Evening primrose oil: 1/2 teaspoon
Participants received an abdominal back, and arms massage with this blend, and were advised to rest on a bed after the massage. At the end of eight weeks (8-times massage), all participants reported reduced frequency and severity of symptoms.
Learning the art of aromatherapy takes patience and practice. You need to figure out what works for you and in what amount, which blends are more potent than others, and which method of application is more suitable for your personal needs. But once you start enjoying the process, you will find yourself thoroughly rewarded with an enhanced knowledge of nature and self.
It is also important to note that like anything else, all things are not created equal. There are many blends that are mixed with God knows what. They are not 100% essential oils. Also, like everything else you put on or in your body, buy organic! And buy from a reputable source! Read labels just as you would food labels.
I found a highly recommended source for oils and have ordered a few! The name of the company is called Vibrant Blue Oils. The founder, Jodi Cohen offers an Essential Oils 101 ebook!
I’m using Sleep & Calm. And for my Daughter and myself, “Anti-inflammatory. For my Daughter, Brain Boost, Nerve Repair and Migraine Relief! (stay tuned!)
Recommended Blends from Vibrant Blue Oils:
Hormonal Balance – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/hormone/kavonarts/
Uplift – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/uplift/kavonarts/
Calm – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/calm/kavonarts/
Anti-Inflammatory – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/antiinflammatory/kavonarts/
Brain Boost – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/brainboost/kavonarts/
Nerve Repair – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/nerverepair/kavonarts/
Migraine Relief – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/migrainerelief/kavonarts/
Sleep – https://dv216.isrefer.com/go/sleep/kavonarts/
You guessed it. “I got them oils!” You might not get that if you’re not black! I know. Sometimes it truly is a black thing. But you can still get these high quality oils from Vibrant Blue Oils. And you can tell them I sent ya!
If you are not new to essential oils, let me know what you have been using and how it has benefited you. And, stay tuned for that “My Black is Not Cracking” blend coming eventually!