Stressing Your Brain Can Lead to Heart Risks, New Study! Relax Then, By Loving Essential Oils!!
“STRESS!!!”
The buzz word of the 21st century.
Everyone’ got it.
No one likes it!
Yet, it seems like we can’t hide or escape from it!
In fact, it’s been stated that the World Health Organization has deemed stress the “health epidemic of the 21st century.” (1, 2, 3, 4)
Why do we “hate on” stress so much?
Here’s why…
Stress Effects
Chronic, negative stress can cause a massive amount of biochemical havoc on our brains and bodies. It can cause detrimental effects to our hormonal balance, immune function, and every other system of the body. Perhaps, one of the most well-known connections between stress and the body is its link to cardiovascular health and heart disease risk.
In fact, just recently, I came across one study that stopped me in my tracks.
It was the first article to link the connection between emotional stress and heart attack via brain activity! Pretty cool study, not so cool implications!
Specifically, the researchers found a direct relationship between activation of the amygdala, the “emotional part of the brain,” and heart attack risk.
Hey essential oilers, doesn’t that brain region sound familiar?!
I’ve written about the odor-essential-oil-stress-amygdala connection… oh so many times. 😉
Here is a list for those who want to know more:
- Article 1
- Article series 2
- Article series 3
- Heck, there’s even a series listed under “essential oils and brain” on my database here.
The bottom line is “essential oils on the brain” can help us gain perceptive and transform stress to our advantage. Yes, we can “make friends with stress.”
Here’s a list of my favorite essential oils to calm the brain: lavender, cedarwood, and the others listed here.
How to use them?
Well…pick up the bottle, turn the lid, inhale, and there you go!!
Other favorite ways to take advantage of a “scent-sational relaxing experience” are diffusing the oils, applying topically, and even safely using them internally (check out that link on lavender and what they are doing in Germany.)
However you use them, make sure you are “smart consumer” and are using them safely. (See my database here.)
A little note: some oils can be stimulating. This is good for tests and fatigue, but not for the stressed-out.
What about a nervous student who wants focus? Here’s the good news, I’ve found that you can still use these stimulatory oils, but mix them with some calming ones as well!
Beyond Oils for Stress Support
There are other supportive techniques that can also mitigate these “stress effects.”
In fact, with Valentine’s Day coming up, you might want to skim through this blog which discusses in more detail the science behind the mind-body connection to stress. Topics include: how it can “be contagious,” the mitigating effect of social support, and the power of meditation to change the brain’s response and protect us from “stress effects.” (5, 6, 7, 8)
One of my favorite stress-busting suggestions is taking a relaxing vacation. It’s true!! There’s scientific evidence that a meditative vacation can change our genetic expression of inflammatory compounds!
Now, add a little oils to that vacation and you’ll not only feel like a brand new man or women, but you actually will be!
Happy Heart Day everyone.
(Art by Anna)
Disclaimer: This information is applicable ONLY for therapeutic quality essential oils. This information DOES NOT apply to essential oils that have not been tested for purity and standardized constituents. There is no quality control in the United States, and oils labeled as “100% pure” need only to contain 5% of the actual oil. The rest of the bottle can be filled with fillers and sometimes toxic ingredients that can irritate the skin.
This material is for information purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any illness. You should check with your doctor regarding implementing any new strategies into your wellness regime. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
[…] than the medications. Furthermore, the relationship between physical decline and the 21st century “epidemic” of stress has also advanced understanding of this interdependence. The National Institute of Health […]