Two Rivers Ayurveda

High blood pressure (HBP; hypertension) is one of the major modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The prevalence and severity of HBP tends to increase with age, showing that about 70% of adults 65 or older have HBP.
A recent clinical trial evaluated the effects of inhaling lavender essential oil from a diffuser in men and women 60+ years old with HBP. What the researchers found was that inhaling lavender essential oil significantly reduced HBP. All of the participants with severe HBP moved to moderate or mild HBP and nearly 20% of participants had BP that was normal at the conclusion of the study.
https://pubs.aip.org/aip/acp/article-abstract/2595/1/090003/2890706/Decreasing-blood-pressure-with-lavender?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Get to know geranium essential oil!

Geranium essential oil is a traditional favourite in aromatherapy, with a potentially polarizing scent.

Often described as balancing and harmonizing, geranium is commonly used in skincare preparations and is appreciated for both mature and blemish-prone skin. It has also been traditionally used in blends designed to support the skin after minor wounds and bruising.

Geranium may also be a wonderful addition to women’s wellness routines, traditionally used to support concerns such as menstrual discomfort, PMS, and the changes associated with menopause.

Beyond skincare, this beautiful floral oil is often chosen for emotional support. Its aroma may help create a sense of calm and balance during times of stress, anxiety, or fatigue.

One of the most fascinating things about geranium? You may instantly love its scent… or you may need time to appreciate it! Many people find their relationship with geranium changes over time, growing to love its unique aroma.

What is your relationship with geranium essential oil? Do you love it, learning to love it, or not your favourite?

New summer reading! I love a good book. ❤️Looking forward to diving into this one next, and trying out some new-to-me spices, and making some of the spice blend recipes. When I was growing up, I wasn’t exposed to a lot of spices, so it has been fun incorporating new ones into my diet. There are so many spices with health benefits, and all you need to do is start adding them to your food.

Essential oils are being studied where the stakes are highest.

A new systematic review of 18 ICU studies involving 1,236 critically ill people found that aromatherapy consistently improved anxiety, sleep quality, and pain, with some studies also reporting reductions in heart rate and blood pressure. Not surprisingly, essential oil blends often outperformed single oils. Lavender was highlighted for its benefits for sleep, pain, and anxiety, German chamomile for blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety reduction, rose for pain and reduced need for drugs, while eucalyptus showed the strongest effects on respiratory function in ventilated patients.

It's another reminder that essential oils aren't just about pleasant aromas—they're biologically active compounds capable of influencing human physiology, even in some of the most medically complex individuals.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13272137/

Still think your daily routine and gut health aren’t related? Check out this poster I saw on my recent visit to Vancouver. It’s good to see that western medicine is starting to catch up to what Ayurveda has always told us. Daily routines and aligning with circadian rhythms is so important. Misalignment with day/night cycles can lead to all sorts of mental and physical health issues.

This book is really resonating with me. I’m reading it slowly so I can absorb each chapter 💕

"The most straightforward advice on waking up is this: practice not causing harm to anyone- yourself or others-and every day, do what you can to be helpful"
From Pema's book The Places That Scare You
https://pemachodronfoundation.org/product/the-places-that-scare-you-paperback/

Summer is when the fire element can accumulate in our bodies, which can lead to inflammation, skin rashes, nausea, irritability, and a general feeling of being overheated. To balance the excess heat, switch to more cooling & hydrating foods like healthy grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts/seeds.

Cool down with a coconut water, or experiment with yummy, flavoured waters like mint and cucumber, or watermelon and basil (my fave). Enjoy :)