By Dr. Lynn Thompson
Lifestyles today leave us under increased stress. Stress can be identified as physical (you may notice an increase in muscle tightness), chemical (increased intake of processed foods for example), or mental (occasional feelings of fatigue, frustration, or overwhelm).
When our body is under increased stress, regardless of source, we have an increase in cortisol (stress hormone) that can lead to increased LDL cholesterol (what is incorrectly identified as “bad” cholesterol). Natural remedies include lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Often we find nights when we are unable to calm the mind and get a full eight hours of rejuvenating sleep. When was the last time you were worried at bedtime and were able to get to sleep immediately? Or, did you toss and turn?
In these wonderful days of summer, we have a tendency to spend more time outdoors. While outdoors we are more susceptible to skin over-exposure, bee stings, and scrapes.
There is an essential oil available to assist our bodies in regaining balance.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) often considered a must-have oil to keep on hand at all times due to its versatile uses, including calming and relaxing properties that promote peaceful sleep and ease feelings of tension.*
Primary benefits of lavender include soothing occasional skin irritations. Taken internally, lavender reduces anxious feeling and promotes peaceful sleep* and helps ease feelings of tension.* Keep a bottle of lavender on hand to soothe occasional skin irritations. Take internally to reduce anxious feelings.* (Note: These statements are referring to CPTG® essential oils only.) You can use lavender in cooking (add after heating phase is complete and heating utensil is removed from heat to avoid breaking down the molecules in the oil reducing the therapeutic benefits of the oil) to soften citrus flavors and add a flavorful twist to marinades, baked goods, and desserts (lavender in vanilla ice cream is a lovely French treat). Statements with asterisks refer to internal use. I would not use any essential oil that is not CPTG® for internal use. All others refer to aromatic or topical use. Main constituents: linalool, linalyl acetate. Note: these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent, any disease.
Lavender has been used and cherished for centuries for its unmistakable aroma and myriad benefits. In ancient times, the Egyptians and Romans used lavender for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume; it is widely used for its calming and relaxing qualities that continue to be lavender’s most notable qualities. Lavender is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of lavender to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to promote a restful night’s sleep.
Whether the stress is physical, chemical, or mental, there are natural remedies available.
Dr. Lynn Thompson is a local chiropractor and also holds doctorates in Naturopathy, Homeopathy, and is currently a full candidate for doctorates in Integrative Medicine and Quantum Medicine. She is a Diamond with doTERRA International (the largest distribution company of essential oils in the world) and travels extensively throughout the United States and internationally teaching aromatherapy and using natural remedies to health and wellness.
Free classes on essential oils are held at Unity Christ Center 1808 Folsom Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703 on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m