EARTH OILS

DONDERDAG MOTIVERING | Jou toekoms het jou nodig, nie jou verlede nie..

Anxiety disorders are occurring at far greater frequency in industrialized nations. A recent preclinical model of anxiety found that citral (a primary component of lemongrass, melissa, and lemon myrtle essential oils) reduces anxiety by interacting with both GABA and serotonin receptors in the brain.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00210-022-02317-0

To reduce nervousness, diffuse 5 drops of orange, 2 drops of lemongrass, and 1 drop of lavender essential oil in a diffuser.

Many people have committed to eat better this year and maybe reduce the number of sweets they consume. However, this can be very difficult due to the addictive nature of sugar, especially when combined with fats.

A preclinical study found that administration of beta-caryophyllene, the primary constituent of copaiba essential oil, reduced sweet seeking behaviors. This suggests that beta-caryophyllene has potential to manage food addictions and overeating.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36577722/

LEMON /// BRAIN:
The number of people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is expected to triple from now until 2050. Current drug treatment options do not slow or stop its progression and only treat symptoms.

A preclinical model of AD reported that inhaling lemon essential oil for one hour daily over the course of 30 days reduced cognitive dysfunction and improved memory. The oil increased synaptic density, synaptic plasticity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and acetylcholine levels in the brain, all important for memory and cognition.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32392535/

Gout is a painful inflammatory condition characterized by recurrent attacks of red, hot, swollen, and tender joints due to the buildup of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals in the joint. It is estimated that from 1% to 4% of the population suffers from gout, with older men being the most affected.

Oral administration of beta-caryophyllene, the primary component of copaiba essential oil and also found in black pepper, cananga, melissa, and other essential oils, reduced gout symptoms in experimental models. The constituent reduced inflammation and improved joint function by modifying the expression of several proteins involved in gout and inflammation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33967792/

Citrus essential oils are great for both mood and stress. A clinical study found that inhalation of sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis) reduces stress while performing calculation tasks. Three groups performed a 30-minute task intended to trigger psychological stress. One group intermittently inhaled 1% orange EO, another 20% orange EO, and a third group no aroma. To determine the effects of orange oil on stress, heart rate, heart rate variability, and nose tip temperature were evaluated. Both oil groups experienced balanced sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system function, suggesting a reduction in stress, with the 20% orange oil having the greatest impact.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/tee.22428