Adrenal Health and Essential Oils
I'm continuing to share what I learned from the book, Inner Tranformations Using Essential Oils by Dr. LeAnn Deardeuff, DC and Dr. David Deardeuff, DC. As I previously mentioned, Dr.LeAnne says she has also used herbs, but she noticed that even though herbs worked, she got a much quicker response when she started using essential oils instead. Last week I wrote about Thyroid Health and Essential Oils, in that post you'll find some more information about Dr.LeAnn as well.
I posted more detailed information about the adrenal hormones, and how they especially influence the weight in a previous post.
Adrenal glands
The adrenal glands produce a whole bunch of hormones that play a large role in the regulation of body systems. The most known of them is the adrenalin, or epinephrine as the real name is, and it is what gives the body the energy to the "get up and go." It is the "fight or flight" hormone because the adrenals pump out a lot of it in emergency situations to increase the heart rate, and inhibit the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
Reproductive system
The hormone building blocks for the reproductive system to create the male and female reproductive hormones are produced in the adrenal cortex. It is important to make sure that the adrenals are working sufficiently if someone has hormonal difficulties, since the adrenals also make some reproductive hormones themselves.
Some other hormones
Adrenocorticoid hormones are also produced in the adrenal cortex. These are mineralocorticoids, mostly aldosterone, and glucocorticoids, which the most well known is cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone. Cortisol severely depresses the immune system. Aldosterone promotes retention of sodium in the body, which causes retention of water. Without it we would die of dehydration.
Constant cortisol production
Cortisol is constantly being created by the adrenal glands when a person lives a stress-filled life in order to deal with the stress. Unfortunately it is tearing down muscles and bones, and depressing the immune system too. It will wear a person out by depressing the immune system, inhibit the digestive tract, robbing minerals and proteins from other body systems, and preventing the body from renewing itself.
Plenty of nutrients are needed
The adrenals need plenty of minerals and B-vitamins all the time, but during stress it is very important to make sure the adrenals get sufficient amount of nutrients. If the adrenals don't receive these nutrients they may give a spike of hormones creating a feeling of energy that is followed by a crash, or extreme fatigue because they cannot keep up with their job. Vitamin C and high quality protein should also be considered.
Adrenal insufficiency
Person with adrenal insufficiency may feel fine upon wakening in the morning just to suddenly feel extremely tired during their job. Just the thought of work wears them out sometimes. Any stress, physical, mental, emotional, or financial causes the adrenals to either overreact and make the body extremely tense or nervous, or fail to respond and leaving them extremely tired.
Essential oils
The good news is that according to Dr.LeAnn, nutmeg and clove have corticosteroid activity, and they can support the adrenals and help them to heal. Dr.LeAnn also says the clove is best used on the adrenal points on the feet.
She recommends that nutmeg can be "jump-started" and used as needed.
Dr.LeAnn's uses her Jump Start to make big changes quickly (for low adrenal function, stomach flu, or sinus problem):
Take one drop of therapeutic grade essential oil in the cheek every 10 minutes for an hour, then one drop every waking hour of the day. If you rub the inner cheek lining of the mouth, it doesn't leave such a bitter or tangy taste as it would on the tongue, and it also absorbs more readily.
Adrenal insufficiency usually turns itself around
Dr.LeAnn says that if you take nutmeg essential oil, B-vitamins and minerals religiously, the adrenal insufficiency usually turns itself around. She has treated patients who had been on adrenal glandular for years that never healed, even though their adrenal function improved. Once they started taking nutmeg essential oil by mouth everyday they were able to get off the glandular. They also felt better than they had in years.
This all based on Dr.LeAnn's experience from her practice. Dr.LeAnn puts extremely fatigued patients on glandular while feeding the adrenals the proper nutrition so they can have strength and energy needed to do things.
Diabetes
Dr.LeAnn says that sometimes adrenal insufficiency causes diabetes insipidus. It is a salt-handling problem that has similar symptoms as diabetes mellitus. Constant desire to drink liquid that never quenches their thirst is a major symptom of diabetes insipidus. Many times it is enough to increase the trace minerals or potassium. In other cases the problem is that the cells don't absorb water properly so it is stored somewhere in the body, or being eliminated. Dr.LeAnn says geranium essential oil can help with this problem by helping the cells take up water, and she recommends to add a drop of geranium to every glass of water you drink in a day.
Other things to consider
Dr. LeAnn says that sometimes adrenal insufficiency can be related to, or being an underlying factor in hypoglycemia. She has also treated women who have both hypothyroidism and hypoadrenia (adrenal insufficiency), and she often discovers that their estrogen levels are low as well.
Gary Young says in his book, "Essential Oils and Intergrative Medical Guide", that in addition to nutmeg, black pepper is also an essential oil to consider for adrenal insufficiency. He suggests a blend of nutmeg, clove and rosemary mixed with massage oil to be used as a warm compress over the adrenal gland area (on back, over the kidneys).
Dr.LeAnn emphasizes the it all starts with cleansing in order to heal, so keep that in mind.
This information is all based on using therapeutic grade essential oils. Oils not listed as dietary supplements should not be ingested.
As always, this information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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Essential Oils Especially For Women
According to Battaglia, jasmine and rose may be used to relieve specific complaints, such as menstrual problems, since they have a general strengthening effect on the female reproductive system.
Some essential oil constituents have hormonal like behavior since their structure is similar to hormones. This means they interact with the receptors that identify hormones. According to Battaglia, estrogenic activity has been found in oils such as sweet fennel and ansiseed.
According to Salvatore Battaglia, oils with these properties are considered useful in treating conditions associated with the reproductive system:
Antispasmodics
Essential oils such as clary sage, Roman and German chamomile, sweet marjoram, and lavender may be used for conditions like menstrual cramps and labor pains.
Emmenagogues
According to Salvatore Battaglia, essential oils with emmenagogue actions have the ability to promote menstrual discharge, and they have may be used to treat amenorrhea and scanty periods.
Oils with emmenagogue actions are basil, German and Roman chamomile, clary sage, sweet fennel, lavender, juniper berry, sweet marjoram, rose, rosemary, myrrh, and peppermint.
Galactagogues
Galactagogues are used to increase milk flow. Galactagogue essential oils include aniseed, jasmine, sweet fennel, dill, and lemongrass.
Uterine tonics
Uterine tonics have a toning and strengthening effect on the whole system, on the tissue of the organs. Oils that are uterine tonics include jasmine, clary sage, myrrh, frankincense, and rose.
Parturients
Oils with parturient properties help induce labor by stimulating contraction. Essential oils that are parturient are jasmine, nutmeg and rose.
Antimicrobial
Essential oils with antiseptic and antibacterial properties may be used to treat vaginal pruritus and thrush, as well as leucorrhea. Antimicrobial oils include eucalyptus, bergamot, myrrh, German chamomile, rose, sandalwood and tea tree.
My favorites
Geranium essential oil has a wonderfully uplifting, calming, flowery scent. Geranium has a balancing effect on the nervous system. It is considered an ideal oil to maintain homeostasis of the body. According to Battaglia, it stimulates the adrenal cortex, which regulates the hormonal system, and therefor geranium is traditionally recommended for where fluctuating hormones are a problem. Battaglia, says it useful in treating PMS and menopause problems.
According to Battaglia, geranium also dilates bile ducts for liver detoxification.
(Salvia sclarea) essential oil contains natural phytoestrogens. It has a mellow, warm, herbal scent that is uplifting and relaxing, making it a perfect choice for supporting a normal, healthy attitude during PMS. It is also supportive for menopausal women.
Roman chamomile
(Chamaemelum nobile) has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming for both mind and body. Its gentleness makes it especially valuable for restless children. Soothing to all types of skin, it is used extensively in Europe in skin preparations. Roman chamomile is also beneficial when added to massage oil for relief of muscle discomfort after exercise. Roman chamomile was one of the Saxons' nine sacred herbs.
(Chamaemelum nobile) has a warm, sweet, herbaceous scent that is relaxing and calming for both mind and body. Its gentleness makes it especially valuable for restless children. Soothing to all types of skin, it is used extensively in Europe in skin preparations. Roman chamomile is also beneficial when added to massage oil for relief of muscle discomfort after exercise. Roman chamomile was one of the Saxons' nine sacred herbs.
Jasmine
is a great oil for emotional problems. Jasmine is a great oil for emotional problems, and according to Battaglia it is an anti-depressant. He also says it has historically been helpful in childbirth. Battaglia says if it is massaged in the back and the lower abdomen, it may relieve pain in the lower abdomen and strengthen the contractions.
is a great oil for emotional problems. Jasmine is a great oil for emotional problems, and according to Battaglia it is an anti-depressant. He also says it has historically been helpful in childbirth. Battaglia says if it is massaged in the back and the lower abdomen, it may relieve pain in the lower abdomen and strengthen the contractions.
According to Battaglia, jasmine has historically been used to assist in the expulsion of the placenta. Its hormonal activity is useful in menstrual problems. According to Battaglia, jasmine has traditionally been a good oil for for the skin and may help in conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and dry aggravated skin.
As always, this information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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Source:
Salvatore
Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect
Potion Pty Ltd
This post is linked up to:
Monday Mania, WFMW., Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Mama Moments Monday, Homemaking Link Up
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