HEADACHES

Leave a comment

MAGNESIUM & TURMERIC VS IBUPROFEN & ACETAMINOPHEN

What are The Benefits vs The Risks? 

I’m guessing almost everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their life, for one reason or another.

There are many causes of headaches: Dehydration, Hormonal Imbalance, Illness, Physical Trauma, Tension, Eye Strain, Sinus Pressure, Migraine – are some that come to mind.

And there are many treatments too.

IBUPROFEN

As a pharmacist, my go to headache remedy was always ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). This worked for me most of the time and logically made sense. Most causes of headaches create some type of inflammation in the body and ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, temporarily reduce the amount of prostaglandins made by your body.

PROSTAGLANDINS

What are these things called prostaglandins?

Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury. These hormone-like substances contribute to inflammation, which includes swelling, fever, and increased sensitivity to pain.

Great! Ibuprofen! – A simple solution for a simple problem. Right?

BENEFITS VS RISKS OF IBUPROFEN

I’ve been taught to weigh the benefits versus the risks for any medication or treatment. This is good advice for anyone contemplating a health decision.

So the next logical question: 

Does the use of ibuprofen to treat a headache outweigh the risk?

Getting rid of a headache is definitely a benefit but ibuprofen has many potential side effects.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

The more common side effects of ibuprofen are related to the  GI (gastrointestinal) system: :

  • Stomach Pain / Irritation of the Stomach Lining
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Constipation or Diarrhea
SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

There are other side effects, they are more uncommon but more severe, and definitely more concerning risks:

  • Heart attack and stroke
    • This is a rare side effect, but your risk increases if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. 
    • Your risk is even higher if you:
      • Have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
      • Have a clotting disorder
      • Take other medications that affect how your blood clots
  • Decreased Kidney Function and Increased Blood Pressure
    • This is related to ibuprofen’s effect on prostaglandins.
    • Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain blood pressure.
    • Since ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins, this can cause an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease kidney function and increase blood pressure.
      • Your risk is even higher if you:
        • Are an older adult
        • Have kidney disease
        • Take blood pressure medications
  • Ulcers and Bleeding in the Stomach and Intestines
    • Prostaglandins again! – they help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects it from the stomach acid.
    • Since ibuprofen decreases prostaglandin production, it increases your risk for stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
    • This is not a common side effect, but the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. 
    • Other factors that increase your risk include:
      • Again, older age
      • History of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
      • Use of oral steroids or blood thinners 
      • Smoking
      • Alcohol use
IS THE BENEFIT WORTH THE RISK?

That is a lot of potential risk for the benefit of getting rid of a headache!

What are your other options?

ACETAMINOPHEN

There is acetaminophen (Tylenol). This has not worked well for me personally for getting rid of a headache, but it is a top recommendation of many doctors and pharmacists, especially if there are reasons that a person should not take ibuprofen or NSAIDs.

It’s not fully known how acetaminophen works. It doesn’t reduce swelling or inflammation. Instead, it’s thought to block the release of certain chemicals in your brain that signal the sensation of pain.

CONCERNING SIDE EFFECTS OF ACETAMINOPHEN

Acetaminophen doesn’t have many of the more common side effects like ibuprofen but the potential harm it can do to your body’s liver is very concerning and worth considering before taking a dose for a headache.

Your liver is your main detox pathway in your body. It processes environmental toxins, pesticides or other toxins from your food and water, medications, alcohol and everything else that you put into or onto your body.

  • Severe liver damage
    • Acetaminophen poisoning can happen from taking too much acetaminophen. 
    • Your liver processes acetaminophen and converts it into a different substance. If you take large amounts of acetaminophen, your liver produces more of that substance. And when there is too much of it, that substance can damage your liver. 
    • Permanent liver damage is not likely if you take it at the recommended dose for a short period of time.
    • Unfortunately acetaminophen overuse is more common than you think. This can occur in:
      • Adults who take more than 3 g (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period – That is just 6 tablets of 500mg each.
      • Children who take more than five doses in a 24-hour period
      • People who already have liver disease or who take other medications that can damage the liver
      • People who drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day, even when they take acetaminophen at the recommended dosage

The risks of ibuprofen or acetaminophen are a lot to consider but those aren’t your only options.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is a vital nutrient that plays a part in more than 300 of the body’s processes. Magnesium deficiency can cause many issues, including headaches. 

MUSCLE MOVEMENTS

Because of the role magnesium plays in muscle contraction and relaxation, it can be effective for reducing tension headaches and migraines.  Magnesium has the potential to both prevent headaches as well as eliminate an existent headache.

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION

Magnesium plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system. This is part of the body’s stress response system. A reduced magnesium level in the body can decrease your ability to deal with stress, which can lead to headaches, among other things.

DEHYDRATION / SWEATING

Most people aren’t consuming enough magnesium per day and some people may be more susceptible to magnesium loss. When you sweat – due to exercise, menopausal hot flashes or illness – you lose water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc). This can lead to dehydration if both water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc) are not replenished. 

MAGNESIUM IN YOUR DIET

Adding magnesium rich foods into your diet is essential. These include:  dark leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds (almonds and pumpkin seeds), and even organic dark chocolate.

Many people are deficient in magnesium. This can be a result of eating refined and processed food, the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and because of mineral depletion in our soil, and subsequently in our food. 

MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

Magnesium supplementation is a great option. Choose a supplement that is readily absorbed like Natural Vitality’s Calm (Mg carbonate) or Advanced Magnesium (Mg Malate, Mg Glycinate).

Magnesium is a safe and well-tolerated option for preventing headaches and can be used as an acute treatment option as well. 

Magnesium supplementation does have the potential to cause diarrhea for some people. This occurs with certain forms of magnesium that are not well absorbed, like magnesium oxide or when taking high doses of any form. 

Too much dietary magnesium is typically not a problem for healthy people, as any excess will be processed by the kidneys and be excreted in urine. 

TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

Turmeric is an herb closely related to the ginger family. It is native to India and is one of the main ingredients in curry dishes. The bright yellow color of turmeric is due to the curcumin it contains. Whether you love curry dishes, dislike them or have never tried them, the benefits of turmeric / curcumin are amazing.

Most of the research on turmeric centers on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can be helpful with preventing and managing headaches since Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of headaches and migraines. The research is not conclusive but it is promising. 

Most studies test the effects of curcumin — the active component in turmeric — because it’s much stronger than the powdered spice.

It’s important to know that curcumin supplements contain a much higher concentration of the beneficial polyphenols than the amount you’d get from eating curry — even if you love curry and eat it every day.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

There are many more benefits than side effects with turmeric / curcumin when eaten or taken in typical amounts (turmeric: consumed in teas, soups or curry dishes or curcumin: 400 – 600 mg per day) . When taken at higher doses, curcumin can cause some unpleasant side effects like nausea, diarrhea — and yes —  even headache.

Pure turmeric powders are considered safe for most people. When you are consuming turmeric, make sure you are buying it from a trusted source. Your best bet is to choose turmeric that has been certified by a reputable agency. Many powders, unfortunately, are adulterated. This means that cheaper and potentially toxic ingredients have been added and are not listed on the label.

Some commercial turmeric powders may contain fillers like barley, wheat or rye flour, which can cause adverse symptoms in people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Some turmeric powders may also contain questionable food colorants, which are added to improve color when the powder is diluted with flour. Some turmeric powders may also be high in lead, a heavy metal that is especially toxic to the nervous system.

CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTS

Weighing benefits vs risks is always the best way to decide if this supplement is something that may work for you. 

Curcumin has many benefits beyond preventing or treating headaches. It has anti-inflammatory properties; inflammation is the root cause of almost all diseases. It is rich in antioxidants, promotes liver health, improves brain function, improves heart health, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood glucose and helps to prevent blood clots.

The typical daily dosage is 400 to 600 milligram of curcumin per day, this is equivalent to approximately 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.

You can try this to prevent or manage a headache.

Because of the effect that curcumin supplements have on the different functions of the body they may conflict with other medications you are taking. If you are taking medications for various disease states, consult your physician before taking curcumin supplements.

My go to curcumin supplement is  Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract. It contains 400 mg of curcumin per capsule.

DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU

Next time you have a headache or if you suffer from recurring headaches, weigh your options and the benefits and risks they have to offer.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

Leave a comment

SO MUCH INFORMATION TO ABSORB

There is so much information out there (books, internet, social media, people you know) on what you should eat. Then, to add more confusion, there is even more to choose from when it comes to something specific: weight loss, autoimmune diseases, cancer, IBS/IBD, depression/anxiety, etc.

When I was healing from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), I did so much research on my own, plus I started seeing a naturopath, I had my beloved integrative medicine physician and then I eventually added a rheumatologist to the mix. 

I read many, many books on inflammation, on gut health, on autoimmune issues, on hormones and on RA specifically. I had my Pharmacy Degree and I had recently obtained a Holistic Health Coach Certification from IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition out of New York) which offered a very broad education on nutrition. The education focused on bio-individuality and offered a little bit of education on everything – vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, low fat, low carb and even breatharian models and many more. This certification opened my world up to many many teachings, many authors and gave me a lot to think about – but it didn’t give me the specific answers I needed.

I am grateful for everything that I learn and for everything that happens for me, even my RA diagnosis. My knowledge that I did have was swirling in my head, the advice I received from my health team swirled around in there too. I was dedicated to healing –  it was scary at times and the journey on that path wasn’t easy. 

I did some juicing, things I learned from the Paddison Program. I tried the AIP diet, recommended by my naturopath, I tried the Specific Carbohydrate diet, recommended by my Integrative MD. I was tested and treated for SIBO. I opted for using the herbal treatment for SIBO instead of the pharmaceutical Xifaxan. I consider myself a Paradoxical Pharmacist – I know about all of these medications but would prefer to heal naturally for so many reasons, one being the side effects that prescription medications can cause.

I was trying to follow information from books I read by Neal Barnard, Susan Blum, Steven Gundry, Don Colbert, Josh Axe, Dave Aspry, Izabella Wentz, Joel Fuhrman, Sara Gottfried, Julia Ross, Mark Hyman, Michal Platt, etc. – and I am sure there were many more in the library I collected and even more that I read or listened to online.

TRYING TO TIE IT ALL TOGETHER BUT FALLING SHORT

Ultimately I landed on a vegetarian keto version of a diet from trying to incorporate everything I had been given by the health care team. This seemed to keep some of my symptoms at bay but I continued to be extremely fatigued, was carrying some extra weight, my entire body was swollen and my hair was thinning. I felt defeated and lost. 

My blood work didn’t show the classic signs of RA, but I agreed to see a rheumatologist. With his observations of my swollen joints, all of my other symptoms and some added blood work, I received my diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis and a secondary diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

I handled that ok, as well as could be expected, but then came the choices of medications. Again, this paradoxical pharmacist did not want to take steroids or the methotrexate or the hydroxychloroquine or the injectable biologics. But ultimately, I was scared and this fear was enough to push me to agree to try the medications. I responded remarkably quickly to all of the treatments, maybe because of the diet and lifestyle I had adopted. I continued with eating my vegetarian keto dietary plan and was able to achieve medication supported remission in under a year. My Rheumatologist pushed for me to continue on the medication to ensure the remission. I agreed to stay on medication for a bit longer, but my goal was to discontinue the medications and to stay in remission. 

DIVINE INTERVENTION: A PUSH TO EXPLORE A DIFFERENT PATH

In November 2019, something stirred in me to reach out to someone I had met just once several years ago. When I met this amazing person, I had just finished my IIN Health Coach Certification and she had just finished her Health Coach Certification from HMI (Health Mastery Institute out of Kauai). I had been so intrigued by her account of her training and how excitedly she spoke of her teacher, Liana Shanti. At the time I had met with her, I just couldn’t imagine doing another Health Certification but I did enroll in one of Liana’s classes, 66 Day Health Mastery Program, and went on with my life. This program is amazing but I didn’t realize it at the time – I read through the first 4 modules to gain the knowledge but I didn’t apply the program to my life fully.

When I reached out to this amazing person, Cahira Nolani, in November of 2019, she graciously agreed to meet with me. I had a ton of questions that she patiently answered and that night I decided to enroll in HMI. To say the least, HMI has been LIFE CHANGING. 

A LIGHT OF AN OPPORTUNITY

When the world “shut down” in March of 2020, I decided to go off of all of my prescriptions. This was also prompted by fear of the unknown. I did not want to be immunocompromised in the face of an unknown virus.  I threw myself into learning everything I could from HMI. 

Not only do I attribute HMI to helping me stay in remission after abruptly stopping my medications, it also helped me understand that the high fat that I was eating was most likely the culprit for disrupting my hormones. I was already eating fairly healthy but changing up my diet by lowering the fat and increasing what I thought was “forbidden” fruit made a drastic improvement in my health and wellbeing. 

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

Everything happens for a reason! I truly believe that if I had done the program, 66 Day Health Mastery Program, back in 2015, I may not have been confronted with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I don’t look back at what could have been, I look back and see all of the lessons I have learned along the way. Our failures are our best teachers!

HELP IS HERE – YOU JUST HAVE TO ASK

The information I learned in HMI also provided me with more knowledge and more confidence to help others on their healing path.

Reach out if my story resonates with you and you would like guidance on your health journey.

You too can heal!!

Gina Lynn

G.E.T. Happy G.E.T. Healthy G.E.T. Whole

A LOOK AT AN ANTI INFLAMMATORY LIFESTYLE – Part 1

Leave a comment

I am excited to share a video with you this week from a kindred spirit; my friend and colleague Deanna Norelli of Tulasara Wellness.

Deanna is a wellness advocate and educator . She combines her western health training in nutrition with her eastern yoga training to help her clients achieve optimal health.

Deanna offers weekly virtual yoga classes, monthly virtual wellness workshops and annual wellness coaching programs encouraging each individual to be a better steward of their God-given temple. You can find more information on her offerings at TulasaraWellness.com.

Deanna has a passion for yoga, Ayurveda, digestive health, and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle. This passion provides the unique perspective in her first in a series of videos discussing the Anti Inflammatory Life Style where she offers simple and practical tips to apply to your every day life.

Enjoy!

GET Happy, GET Healthy, GET Whole

Gina Lynn

WHY QUERCETIN?

Leave a comment

WHAT IS IT?

Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid in the human diet, providing you eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. A flavonoid is a plant pigment with antioxidant properties. Quercetin is found in many fruits, vegetables and herbs and is safe to consume.

WHERE CAN IT BE FOUND?

Quercetin is found naturally in many plant foods, particularly in the outer layer or peel. Onions are the food found to have the highest amount of quercetin.

  • Food Sources:
  • Red Apples
  • Red Grapes
  • Cherries
  • Berries
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Honey
  • Tomatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Leafy Greens: Red Leaf Lettuce, Kale, etc.
  • Sweet Peppers
  • Onions
  • Shallots
  • Capers
  • Tea: Green, Black & Buckwheat

The amount of quercetin in foods may depend on the conditions in which the food was grown. Organic sources have been shown to have higher concentrations than their conventionally grown counterparts.

It’s estimated that the average person consumes 10–100 mg of quercetin daily from fruits, vegetables, and herbal sources.

WHAT ARE ITS HEALTH BENEFITS?

The health benefits of flavonoids, like quercetin, come from their antioxidant functions inside the body. Antioxidants bind and neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing cellular damage. This damage leads to inflammation. Normally, the inflammation goes away after the immune system eliminates the offender or repairs the damaged tissue. When the body is unable to do this, the inflammation becomes chronic and may lead to numerous chronic conditions, including:

  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetes
  • Autoimmune conditions
    • In an 8-week study of 50 women with rheumatoid arthritis, it was observed that the women who took 500 mg of quercetin daily experienced significantly reduced early morning stiffness, morning pain, and after-activity pain. They also had reduced markers of inflammation, such as TNFα, compared to those who received a placebo. (Pub Med)
    • This research is promising but more research in humans is needed.

ARE THERE BENEFITS OR DANGERS TO TAKING IT AS A SUPPLEMENT?

When consumed in food, quercetin is generally safe for everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. Because studies on safety of quercetin supplements are lacking, supplements should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Quercetin may interact with various medications, including blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics. Speak with your health care provider before taking any supplement, including quercetin.

As a supplement, quercetin appears to be generally safe with little to no side effects and many potential benefits.

Typical dosages range from 500–1,000 mg per day

Taking more than 1,000 mg of quercetin per day may cause mild symptoms:

  • Headaches
  • Stomachaches
  • Tingling sensations in the arms and legs

Very high doses of quercetin may damage the kidneys.

  • People with kidney disease should avoid quercetin

Quercetin has been safely used in amounts up to 500 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.

  • It is unknown if long-term use or higher doses are safe
  • Taking periodic breaks from taking quercetin may be a good idea

On its own, as a supplement, quercetin has a low bioavailability, which means your body absorbs it poorly.

Taking quercetin supplements with other compounds, such as Zinc, Vitamin C, or Digestive Enzymes like Bromelain, may increase effectiveness.

Quercetin is available as a dietary supplement in powder and capsule form.

SUMMARY

People take this supplement for several reasons, including to:

  • Boost immunity
  • Fight inflammation
  • Combat allergies
  • Increase exercise performance
  • Maintain general health

The benefits of Quercetin are promising but more human research is needed.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

WHY ZINC? What is its relationship with Copper?

Leave a comment

Zinc is considered an essential nutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce or store it. For this reason, you must get a constant supply through your diet.

Zinc is important for many essential functions in your body. It supports immunity, energy production, hormone function, mood and the cardiovascular system.

The body uses Copper in energy production and to support bone, skin, and neurological and cardiovascular health.

Zinc and copper are two essential minerals that balance each other out. If you take too much zinc, this can decrease copper levels in your body, but together they create a powerful antioxidant enzyme (copper-zinc superoxide dismutase), which is a critical defense against oxidative stress.

Dietary Zinc and Copper intake has fallen over the past hundred years due to modern farming practices. Modern fruits, vegetables and conventional meats are lower in mineral and vitamin content.

Zinc needs to be replenished daily because it is only stored for short periods of time.

Unlike Zinc, Copper can readily accumulate in the body into toxic concentrations.

WHICH FOODS ARE HIGH IN ZINC?

  • Animal sources contain a form of zinc that your body easily absorbs
    • Meat: Beef, Pork, Lamb, Bison
    • Shellfish: Oysters, Crab, Mussels, Lobster, Clams
    • Fish: Flounder, Sardines, Salmon, Sole
  • Plant-Based sources are absorbed less efficiently because of other plant compounds that inhibit absorption
    • Legumes: Chickpeas, Lentils, Black Beans, Kidney Beans
    • Nuts
    • Seeds: Hemp, Pumpkin, Sesame
    • Eggs
    • Whole Grains: Quinoa, Oats, Rice
    • Certain Vegetables: Mushrooms, Kale, Peas, Asparagus, Beet Greens, Potatoes, Green Beans
    • Dark Chocolate

WHICH FOODS ARE HIGH IN COPPER?

  • Liver
  • Oysters
  • Lobster
  • Spirulina
  • Shiitake Mushrooms
  • Leafy Greens
  • Nuts & Seeds (Almonds, Cashews, Sesame Seeds)
  • Dark Chocolate

WHAT DOES ZINC DO?

  • Helps your immune system defend against viruses and bacteria
  • Supports your body’s protein production
  • Helps your body make DNA (genetic material in all cells)
  • Supports your senses of Smell and Taste. Because one of the enzymes crucial for proper taste and smell is dependent Zinc, a zinc deficiency can reduce your ability to taste or smell.
  • Helps wounds heal
  • Fundamental to Skin Health
  • Helps reduce your risk of age-related diseases

WHO IS AT RISK FOR ZINC DEFICIENCY?

  • Vegans/Vegetarians
  • People who consume large amounts of alcohol
  • Pregnant and Lactating women
  • Older infants who are exclusively breastfed
  • People who consume too much copper
  • People who are malnourished, including those with anorexia or bulimia
  • People who are not absorbing nutrients effectively
    • Those Taking Acid Blockers
    • Those Who Have Gut Dysbiosis/Leaky Gut
  • People with Certain Diseases
    • Chronic Renal Disease
    • Chronic Liver Disease
    • Diabetes
    • Sickle Cell Disease
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Ulcerative Colitis

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF MILD ZINC DEFICIENCY?

  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased Immunity
  • Thinning Hair
  • Decreased Appetite
  • Mood Disturbances
  • Dry Skin
  • Fertility Issues
  • Impaired Wound Healing

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF GETTING TOO MUCH ZINC?

  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low Copper Levels
  • Lower Immunity
  • Low Levels of ‘Good’ Cholesterol – HDL

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF A ZINC/COPPER IMBALANCE? (Most likely from elevated copper & low zinc)

  • Night Blindness
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Emotional Disturbances
  • Stress Intolerance
  • Frequent Panic Attacks & Headaches
  • Slow Wound Healing
  • Chronic Infections/Illnesses
  • Mental Lethargy
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • GI Issues, Diarrhea
  • Reduced Appetite/Weight Loss
  • Skin Issues: Acne/Eczema
  • Difficulty Digesting/Absorbing Protein

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE (RDI) OF ZINC?

  • Men – 11 mg/day
  • Women – 8 mg/day
  • Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women – 12 mg/day
  • Unless a medical condition is hindering absorption, you should easily reach the RDI for zinc though diet alone
  • High-Dose zinc supplements can lead to dangerous side effects
  • Follow recommendations from your health professional and only take supplements when necessary. Typically a ratio of 15 mg of Zinc to 1 mg of Copper is recommended.
  • Ingesting too much zinc can cause deficiencies in other nutrients, like copper and iron
  • If you take supplements, choose chelated forms (the zinc is attached to an amino acid which makes it easier to pass into your intestines for absorption) like Zinc Picolinate (Thorne Brand or NOW Brand) or Zinc Orotate (Solgar Brand). Stay away from Zinc Oxide which is poorly absorbed

ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR LEVELS OF ZINC AND COPPER?

  • Try Thorne’s at-home Heavy Metals Test
  • This test provides insight into levels of heavy metals – cadmium, lead, and mercury – as well as the essential minerals zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium, along with a personalized plan for optimizing your health.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

ESSENTIAL OILS

Leave a comment

WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

I think it is safe to say that everyone loves a pleasant aroma. Pleasant may differ from person to person.  Close your eyes and imagine an aroma that brings you joy. I love the smell of freshly mowed grass, freshly cut basil, and freshly squeezed limes. These aromas evoke pleasant memories and simply make me happy.

Another smell I love is the aroma of any citrus essential oil: grapefruit, lemon, orange, lime, just smelling the bottle makes me happy and energetic.

JUST ANOTHER PLEASANT SMELL OR IS THERE MORE TO IT?

When disease and illness are present, they can manifest as chemical imbalances. Underlying this chemical imbalance is an electromagnetic imbalance that has altered the specific vibrational frequencies of molecules, cells, tissues and organs within the body.

When you use an essential oil, which has a higher frequency than your body, it raises your vibratory quality. This is referred to as the Entrainment Principal – When the Higher Frequency meets the Lower Frequency, the Higher Frequency will pass thru and raise the Lower Frequency. This vibratory quality is the foundation of health or disease in our body.

In addition to disease and illness, a negative emotional state can decrease your body’s frequency by as much as 10-12 MHz

Clinical Research Shows that essential oils have the highest frequency of any natural substance known to man, creating an environment in which disease, bacteria, virus, fungus, etc., cannot live.

When you use essential oils, eat plants or spend time in nature, their higher frequency is transferred to you. You feel alive and connected.

DOES QUALITY MATTER?

One of the most important things I have learned is that not all essential oils are created equal.  With anything you put into or onto your body, it is very important to find a trusted, reputable source, and 3rd Party Testing is a necessity.

If you use a toxic source, the toxin level is concentrated just like the oil is concentrated.

The essential oils don’t necessarily have to be organic. There are different laws in different countries. It may be impractical for a company from another country to obtain an organic rating with the United States. With all the testing that reputable companies do, you may be getting better quality than USDA certified organic.

HOW CAN ESSENTIAL OILS HELP?

There is plenty of research on essential oils out there with a long history of use.  You will not find the placebo controlled, double blinded studies but you will find helpful information on the safety, botanical class, chemical properties and various uses with the potential benefits of each oil. The FDA has even given some of the oils the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation. This is given to additives the FDA recognizes as safe for consumption.

Aromatherapy

  • Smell is the only sense that is wired directly into the brain. The effect is immediate.
  • Helps with mood, pain, anxiety and stress as well as causing physiological changes in the body.
  • Any of the EOs can be used for aromatherapy.
  • Inhale the aroma of the oil right out of the bottle.
  • Inhale from your hands.
    • Receive benefits of Aromatherapy and Topical use
    • Place a drop of EO in your palm, rub hands together, cup hands over your mouth and breath deeply
  • Diffuser
    • Put purified water into your diffuser
    • Use 10 drops of EOs
    • Set timer for desired amount of time
  • Inhaler (Abundant Health, see link below.)
    • Put 8-10 drops of the preferred oil(s) onto the wick, and reassemble
    • Open the inhaler, place near your nose and breathe deeply.
    • You can use any of these methods as often as you feel the need.

Topical/Transdermal

  • Essential oils are lipid soluble. When oils are applied to the skin they are absorbed into the dermis and stay in the local tissue (fat)
  • This can also allow them to be carried into the bloodstream to be used in other areas of the body.
  • Dilution of EOs with a carrier oil decreases the concentration but it increases the absorption in many ways
  • Test the oil on the back of hand or bottom of foot before use. If irritation develops, apply carrier oil. This will dilute the oil and help minimize the irritation.
  • Carrier Oils: MCT Oil, Avocado Oil or any healthy oil you have at home
  • Dilute or layer the oils as described below.
  • Dilute in the Palm of Your Hand
    • Mix chosen EO(s) with carrier oil in the palm of your hand and apply
  • Layering Oils
    • Apply the oils one at a time to chosen area and then apply carrier oil
  • Roller Bottle (Abundant Health, see link below)
    • Add preferred EOs one at a time and then fill with carrier oil
    • Use 10-15 Drops for every 10ml of carrier oil
  • Apply to abdomen for digestive issues
  • Apply to bottoms of feet or palms of hands, ears or spine.
    • More information about this can be found with link below, Natural Aromatherapy Benefits
  • Wear as perfume – apply behind the ears or on the wrists 
  • Use as often as you like

Ingestion

  • Should be used cautiously
  • Only those oils that have been deemed GRAS – Generally Recognized at Safe should be diluted and ingested only in recommend doses
  • Ingestion can promote healing & safely relieve many ailments
  • May be added directly to a beverage: Water, Tea, Coffee or a Smoothie
    • Best if blended in with a fat source
  • Put oil into a vegetable capsule (can be purchased on Amazon)
    • By the time the capsule dissolves, the oils will be in the right place.

WHAT ARE THEY GOOD FOR?

Stress/Cortisol

  • Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Valerian, Peace & Calming,

Musculoskeletal

  • Cypress, White Fir, Balsam Fir, Spruce, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Clove, Ginger, Frankincense

Circulatory/Vascular

  • Cypress, Lemon, Lime

Digestion

  • Peppermint, Spearmint, Roman Chamomile, Ginger, Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg, Patchouli

Hormone Balancing

  • Bergamot, clary sage, lavender, orange, roman chamomile, ylang ylang

Multiple Sclerosis

  • Blend: Juniper, Sandalwood, Peppermint, Geranium (6+4+2+12)

Muscle/Ligament Pain

  • Lemongrass, Wintergreen, Deep Relief, Pan Away

Thyroid

  • Myrtle, Spearmint, Peppermint, Lemongrass

Edema

  • Blend: Tangerine, Cypress, Fennel Blend (1 + 2 + 5 drops)

WHERE DO I GET THEM & LEARN MORE?

AbuntantHealth4U.com

MountainRoseHerbs.com

Natural-Aromatherapy-Benefits.com

OriginalSwissAromatics.com

YoungLiving.com