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Anxiety / Depression / Stress
When dealing with anxiety, stress, 'depression' and similar troubling feelings, above all, keep in mind that we can and should cast all our cares and anxiety on our Lord and Savior because He cares deeply about each of us. (1 Peter 5:7)
Anxiety is losing control of things we need to surrender to the Lord.
"Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad." (Proverbs 12:25) It is our hope that the following will be a "good word."
Diffusing or directly inhaling pure essential oils has proven to have an immediate and positive effect on one's disposition (state of mind) because the essential oil molecules can reach the limbic region of the brain (the center of emotions). Studies at the University of Vienna have shown that some essential oils and their primary constituents (cineol) can stimulate blood flow and activity in the emotional regions of the brain. Also, clinical studies at the Department of Psychiatry at the Mie University of Medicine showed that Lemon not only reduced depression, but it also reduced stress when inhaled.
"Depression" may be related to thyroid, adrenal, hormonal dysfunction and/or nutrient deficiencies. You may want to be tested for Pyroluria (chemical imbalance).
Dr. Josh Redd (Autoimmune Revolution) wrote: "Depression is a warning flag that the body and brain are out of balance, just in the way pain or illness are. Turning off depression with a drug is like removing the engine light from your car instead of figuring out what's wrong."
"The first line of treatment for depression is an antidepressant, but it has been shown they’re only about 13% better than a placebo.
Did you know brain inflammation is one of the most common causes of depression?
Research shows depression is strongly correlated to inflammation, and a person’s diet significantly impacts inflammation in the body and the brain. Diets rich in processed foods and sugars cause chronic inflammation and have been shown to be linked to higher rates of depression.
On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods are linked to lower rates of depression.
In a recent study, participants answered questions regarding their physical and spiritual exercise level and previous psychiatric diagnoses. The results showed:
- Pro-inflammatory diets and depression were connected, even after accounting for gender, previous psychiatric diagnosis, physical exercise, and spiritual exercise
- Consuming fewer leafy greens, more bread, more pasta, more sugar-sweetened beverages, and more processed meats were correlated with higher rates of depression.
The authors suggest that the link between mood and food may be found in the gut. An imbalance of gut bacteria and intestinal permeability ('leaky gut') allow bacteria into the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory process that ultimately inflames the brain, causing depression.
Diet isn’t the the only thing that causes brain inflammation, but research is clearly showing it can play a role. There are a variety of other factors that may need to be addressed, but depression is real and is so much more complicated than simply a single neurotransmitter deficiency.
Check out my [Dr. Josh Redd's] free Inflammatory Reset Guide to learn how to get started on an anti-inflammatory diet."
How to Quit Antidepressants: Very Slowly, Doctors Say by Benedict Carey
Gastrointestinal Inflammation May Play a Critical Role in the Pathogenesis of Depression by Janos Feher et al
Article Exploring a Gut Connection by Cara with Health, Home and Happiness
The Brain-Gut Connection by John Hopkins University
Gut Feelings–the "Second Brain" in Our Gastrointestinal Systems by Justin Sonnenburg, Erica Sonnenburg
Point of Return - Help for prescription drug withdrawal
Can Iodine Affect Mental Health? A therapist describes how iodine pulled her out of a desperate depression.
Niacin for Anxiety and Depression by Andrew Saul
Magnesium: A Welcome Option for Treating Depression by Science Daily
Panic Attacks and Anxiety Linked to Low Vitamin B6 and Iron Levels by Herbs Info
"The immune system's ability to regulate inflammation predicts who will develop a cold, but more importantly it provides an explanation of how stress can promote disease," Cohen said. "When under stress, cells of the immune system are unable to respond to hormonal control, and consequently, produce levels of inflammation that promote disease."
Panic Attacks and Anxiety by Dr. Ronald Hoffman
"Dr. Derrick Lonsdale, a colleague of mine, has advanced the theory that certain people with neurological symptoms may have unrecognized borderline vitamin B1 deficiencies. Lonsdale worked especially with children who had autonomic nervous system dysfunction–not specifically panic syndrome, but a syndrome of drastic swings between lethargy and hyperexcitability–and found that thiamine often helped stabilize them. Interestingly, it’s been shown that vitamin B1 is necessary for the metabolism of sugar. People who consume a lot of sugar and refined carbohydrates not only may deplete their vitamin B1 by using large amounts to metabolize sugar but at the same time may not be getting enough vitamin B1 because refined foods are notoriously low in this nutrient. In fact, the origin in Asia of the classic vitamin B1 deficiency disease, beriberi, was the polishing of rice–stripping the husk off brown rice to make it into white rice. It’s the husk that contains the vitamin. So if your diet contains a lot of white flour, sugar, and processed foods you may not get enough vitamin B1."
Ancient Minerals: A Source for Magnesium
Virgin Coconut Oil: More Effective Than Drugs in Combating Stress and Depression by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy
Menopausal Women: Inhalation of Clary Sage has Antidepressant-like Effect PubMed
L-Theanine is an Amino Acid found in tea that can lower stress. It is sold in a capsule form.
Single Oils:
Frankincense, Lemon, Sandalwood, Geranium, Lavender, Angelica, Orange, Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang
Blends:
Awaken, Balance, Strength, Citrus Quench, Expect, Mountain Top, Potential, Purpose, Sunshine
Application Suggestions (Click here if unfamiliar with Essential Oil Usage):
Topical: Apply as perfume, on wrists, over the heart
Inhalation: Diffuse
Testimonies:
1. I don't like to admit it, but I have always leaned a bit towards depression, especially if I don't get adequate sunshine and exercise every day. When I put Purpose in my diffuser and/or on my hands, I absolutely don't have that low, sluggish feeling, but quite the opposite! I remember that day I was in your store and you had those boxes of freshly blended oils in the box to put on the shelves, and it was as if the Mighty Hand of God pushed me to pick up that one particular bottle. I am so grateful that I listened to Him! - C. I.
2. Awaken is a beautiful, subtle blend that I've found very helpful particularly when diffused. I can feel the difference deep inside.
3. I have used anti-depressants for years, and after moving across the country and meeting Linda [with Hopewell Essential Oils], I decided to try to wean myself from the medication (partly encouraged by the fact that I'd left my doctor behind and had yet found another to my liking) and try to use essential oils instead. I found Sunshine very effective for me, but I could not stop the meds abruptly as I'd hoped. It definitely was a weaning process for me, but Sunshine lived up to its name, and I feel more whole than I've felt in many years.
4. Dr. Hull's Mental Stimulation really helps pull me up mentally and keeps me from falling into the anxiety and depression pits.
5. I have suffered from seasonal depression and chronic fatigue for years. Your Revitalize blend and Sunshine blend have help immensely! - Mary
6. This week has been very crazy and stressful. Mom's service dog, Shelley, was very worried about Mom to the point that she vomited Tuesday afternoon. Wednesday, after Mom left via ambulance, the poor dog was very freaked out. I sent an e-mail to my church asking for prayer and an update about my mom’s health condition, and I asked for prayer for Shelley (the dog), too. In answer to prayer, the Lord immediately brought to mind to put a drop of your Lavender on the top of her head. She immediately started to calm down, and her breathing returned to normal. After a short time, she was still a little antsy, so I put another drop on her head, petted her, and spoke words of comfort and blessing to her, and she calmed down the rest of the way. To God be the glory. - Crystal
7. I am in love with HEO! I started having a mini anxiety attack while sitting in the doctor's waiting room, so I rubbed a drop of Peaceful on my wrists. Almost immediately I started calming down :) - Katie
8. Serenity has been helping my anxiety a ton! I haven't noticed the same effect with Peaceful. - Laura
9. Someone I know suffers from panic attacks. She mixed a sprayer of Peaceful and Sunshine and then used Palo Santo separately, I believe. She hasn't had to take any RX drugs and hasn't been in the ER for panic attacks since then. She did see a cardiologist who was a Christian, and he told her to start memorizing scripture. That way, when an attack does happen, she can lean on The Lord's words...I know, awesome, right? Never had I seen any doctor quote scripture like that before and make that a form of a prescription! - Bobbie
10. I have had lifelong, debilitating depression issues and was diagnosed with a severe depressive mood disorder as well as resistant depression. I've been on medication for about 8 years and have struggled with depression, anxiety, and PTSD for at least 20 years. Within 2 weeks of applying one drop daily of Strength on the bottom of my feet, I started to wean myself off of the antidepressants. I also occasionally applied on the bridge of my nose to help me calm down and sleep. I've been medication-free for almost 2 years and will never use antidepressants again.
11. I had horrible symptoms coming off my depression meds twice...and that was cutting slowly. I did find The Road Back and it helped me immensely. Its been awhile, and it looks like they have changed the companies for some of the products. I took one vitamin E in the morning, an Omega (3 in the morning, noon & between 3 and 4 pm) CLA (my notes sorry, hopefully the site will help (1 morning, noon & between 3 and 4) and Body Calm (the one I have is TRB Health Body Calm. This is an excellent product, I even ordered more of it. - Brenda
12. I was able to wean myself off my anti-depressant medication by using Sunshine. It's made all the difference in my life. It's like I'm finally breathing some fresh air. The name is perfect! - Sherri
13. I wanted to let you know that I began using Sunshine about a month ago for anxiety. It has been helping so much that I'm in the process of weaning off of Zoloft. I am currently at half my normal dose of Zoloft and am feeling great. One of my most frustrating anxiety symptoms is difficulty sleeping. I began diffusing Lavender in my room at night, and it's made a big difference. Thank you so much for putting so much care into your oil business. -Stephanie
14. I have been journeying through a long season of grief from multiple losses in my life. I use Balance, Sunshine, Lemon and Lavender nearly every day to help with mood stability, grief, sleep and support. I love diffusing Frankincense and Citrus Blessing at different times. There are those times when I feel like the pain and grief get stuck inside and need to be released, but for whatever reason, it won't easily come up and out. That is when I turn to the trusty trio of Liberate, Serenity and Heaven's Scent. I will usually put a drop of each of these on a cotton pad and inhale for a bit of time. Then, I sit quietly with the Lord, waiting and worshipping. The tears and pain usually end up pouring out soon after and allow me to move forward. Thank you! Thank you! Many blessings for all the wonderful oils you provide to us! - Jenn
15. Of all the oil blends we have tried, Simply Calming remains the absolute best for relieving depressive thoughts, sadness, and anxiety almost immediately for my 16-year-old daughter, who is battling medical issues and chronic pain. It works so well for emotional struggles. When I see a hint of sadness on her face, I will get Simply Calming on her right away at the base of her neck. Now, whenever she's headed out to attend any function, I make sure we put it on before she leaves and that she also has some in her purse! For the toughest times of crying at night, it may not relieve it totally, but it definitely helps, and within at least 20 minutes, she's much better than she would have been without Simply Calming. Thank you so much for this wonderful blend! - Katy
16. I took Zoloft for about 12-14 years, but I really don't like taking drugs. So, I worked on some tinctures and used those to get off Zoloft. Zoloft is very hard to get off of because there are several weeks of feeling what I can only describe as little electric shocks. I worked my way down to the smallest possible dosage and then went a couple of weeks, going every other day and then quitting. I made some tinctures based on the ingredients Mountain Rose Herbs has in their anxiety care and mood care (Anxiety: Borage, St. Johns Wort, Hawthorn, Oat Top, and skullcap. Mood Care: Kava Kava, Gotu Kola, Passionflower, Ginger root, and Wild lettuce.) I didn't have exact measurements and was pretty new to all this then, so I filled a quart jar about halfway with the herbs, filled the rest with 80-proof rum, and shook them every day for 6 weeks, strained and stored. I used a couple of dropper fulls as needed to help me feel better. I don't like the taste of the tinctures, but they help me feel as if I'd had half a glass of wine. I don't drink in general, so that may be why the taste was so unappealing, but I was so desperate to get off drugs that it was worth it. It was a rough month, but it worked. I now use Sunshine and a blend of some other oils listed here. - Anonymous
[HEO's Comment: When dealing with anxiety, stress, 'depression' and similar, troubling feelings, above all keep in mind that we can and should cast all our cares and anxiety on our Lord and Savior, because He cares deeply about each of us. (1 Peter 5:7)]
17. Everyone in our family has different favorite blends that just smell so good that you can't help but be uplifted when you put them on. Manger Gift definitely does that for me! My top three favorites are Manger Gift, Mountain Top, and Magi, with Manger Gift in 1st place! - Katy
18. I have had some emotional trauma in my life now for several months. I've felt on the verge of emotional breakdown. I used Adagio for the first time last night, and it really calmed me down. I don't think it was all in my head, either. I slept better than I have in months.
19. I'm loving Peaceful these days. I feel so much anxiety and can't pinpoint the cause, but Peaceful helps a lot! The scent is wonderful! - Tammy
20. I'm currently in the process of weaning 2 of my children off Celexa and onto herbal remedies. We use 5htp, St. John's Wort, Passion Flower etc. - N.
21. I have used Omega-3 fish oil for many years and found it essential. Without it, depression comes back in a couple of weeks. I also sometimes use Wild/Sweet Orange for its uplifting properties. For heart palpitations, I've used Ylang Ylang. The aroma seems really strong to me, so I dilute it and apply it to my feet. - T. W..
22. I have used Basil for out-of-control stress (e.g., racing, angry thoughts). Basil helps get rid of the excess cortisol, and that's what I needed at the time. It was a life-saver, helping me to get my mind under control. - Teresa
23. I ordered Adagio to help with sleep issues for myself and stress and anxiety issues for others I know. EVERYONE LOVES THIS BLEND! We mostly use it diluted in a roller bottle, but for those really difficult times when sleep is evasive, we use it neat. We apply under the nose, at the temples, between brows on the forehead, at the jaw joint, and at the back of the head (all the "tension points" of the head). It works wonders to get back to sleep in the middle of the night, too. Great for stress relief on the job, too. Really love having natural remedies that are so effective! Thank you, HEO family, and thank you, LORD! - Kelley
24. I was on Lexapro for depression for years until I started having an 'electrical shock' feeling throughout my body. I have been off Lexapro now for six years and am doing fine by using Rhodiola Root extract and HEO's Peaceful nightly. - Brienne
25. I made up two roller bottles with 1/2 tsp almond oil, and 1/2 tsp vodka (helps the almond oil to emulsify - not so oily). To this, I added 4 drops of Solace. I meant for 3, but oops, you know how that can happen. I felt so good. I was wound down in the best possible way. I was very alert but very calm. When my Mom tried her bottle on her wrists and inner elbows, she felt the same response. She deals with migraine and tension headaches, and I struggle with fibromyalgia.
26. I had postpartum depression so I tried a few different antidepressants, but because of an unusual history I've had with medications, they numbed me too much and made it hard for me to care for my baby. I thought I'd try essential oils instead. When Sunshine arrived in the mail, I wasn't doing great, and I was sitting on the couch. I put it on right away and forgot about it. Half an hour later, I was up on my feet laughing while talking to my husband and playing with my baby. I was surprised that I was feeling well, and then I remembered that I'd tried the oils. It was working! But because I was using it in place of a medication for a real illness, I had to stay on top of applications. I prepared 20%-10% diluted in a rollerball and applied every few hours for several months. I would know it had worn off, and I needed to reapply when I began to feel depressed again. Eventually, I didn't need it as often. It's been almost a year, and now I only need to apply it in the morning, and when I'm going through stressful things, I will continue to reapply throughout the day a few more times. It has a very natural effect. I don't feel medicated when I'm using it, but I do realize that there is a lack of my usual problems in my brain. Because I also have suffered from PTSD and anxiety, I used this along with Frankincense CO2, which, as the postpartum depression has worn off, has become more of a staple for me. - Laurie
27. Frankincense is amazing! It makes me feel peaceful and grounded. I used it along with Sunshine for postpartum depression, anxiety and intense bouts of PTSD. It began as my 'nighttime oil,' and I've used it whenever I feel especially anxious and angry when my PTSD hits me. It works wonders for PMS and cramps, too. If I have Frankincense, I rarely need Pamprin. I've also used this to combat painful flat warts on my fingers. In my experience, though, it is a very powerful oil that should be used cautiously when undiluted. I used it undiluted on my warts when I first got it, applying it multiple times daily. I began to feel like I was going into a coma. I was feeling 'stoned.' A few applications for a few days zap my warts whenever they come back, but instead of putting a whole drop on them neat, I put a few drops in a tiny vial and touch the vial to my warts. That way, I don't get an entire drop, but I get enough of the undiluted oil to touch my warts. For all other purposes, It works well for me diluted to 10%. My 11-month-old daughter got hand, foot, and mouth disease from her older cousin. It hit him really hard. He got a fever and blisters all over. Right when a rash started popping up on my baby (knees, bottom, feet and elbows), I mixed Frankincense diluted safely for a baby and put it all over her. It seemed to keep it from worsening because her rash was looking better the next day. I continued applications through the week to keep her strong. She never got a temperature. - Laurie
28. I use Adagio when I need to ease stress and anxiety. - Becky
29. I love Adagio for stress, but some of my children like Peaceful. - Anita
30. I use the Like Eagles blend for anxiety and stress, but it is stinky! - Roberta
31. I had severe anxiety, chest pain, nervous feelings and so on. I found out that I had dramatic ups and downs with my adrenals. They are staying low now, but I used Vitality when I was the worst. It helped some, but I think pairing it with complete sugar elimination was the best thing I could have done. All my severe anxiety is gone, and the little that I get here or it is totally manageable with a drop of Relax or Peaceful, B12, breathing, and prayer. - Marti
32. I had severe anxiety and panic issues. I really like Peaceful. I support my adrenals with adequate vitamin C, B complex, omega 3, and magnesium. I am lactose intolerant, and I take supplemental calcium (with vitamin K), or I get more jittery and twitchy. Sometimes, food sensitivities can put a person who tends toward anxiety right over the edge. I cannot tolerate caffeine, sugar, processed foods, corn, gluten or dairy most of the time. Also, you might want to avoid high-glutamate foods and see what happens. Some people are very sensitive to glutamate, which can rev up anxiety. Anemia, too, makes anxiety worse. - Margaret
33. Peaceful is calming to me. I've also found that adding magnesium supplements has helped my anxiety a lot! - Susan
34. For me, anxiety was my first symptom of adrenal fatigue, which I recognize now, looking back. At the time, I thought it was a spiritual problem. When I lost my appetite and lost weight out of control, I went to the MD, who was no help. A naturopath diagnosed it, and with her help, I improved very quickly. I use Sunshine for grief and anxiety and take an herbal adrenal support every morning (currently Thorne's phytosone). Embrace prayer and worship the Lord. My God carries me and is my refuge. - Helen
35. I found an excellent book for adrenal issues: The Edge Effect by Eric Braverman. The author discusses the four main neurotransmitters and the symptoms when you are out of whack. He has quiz questions you answer to determine what's off balance; I loved that part. He then tries to help you find a natural supplement approach to address it. For anxiety, one is low in GABA, but you usually need something to go along with w/the GABA, and he provides help with that as well. It's possible that the herb Bacopa could help. We use Bacopa when we are stressed and for our autistic son. When you take it, you don't feel different like you do with a drug, but you check yourself an hour later, and you realize you aren't as anxious or stressed as you were. We buy that at iHerb and use the Paradise Herbs brand. - Nikki
36. I have PTSD, and I use a regimen of White Shield dropped directly over the center of my chest and on my shoulders. Sunshine with a roller top over my heart, behind my ears and my wrists. I do it as often as needed. Also, I strongly suggest a colon cleanse and liver detox. - Amanda
37. I use Adagio plus a couple of drops of sweet Orange in fractionated coconut oil (10% total dilution) in a roller ball. It helps several of our family members with focus and mild anxiety, including me. I don't know that there's a treatment purpose for adding the orange, but it’s a brightened and preferred “scent” to our family members over the Adagio alone. We quickly swipe at the temples and move on with the day. HTH! - Becky
38. My son, who has Down syndrome, is 12 and is displaying aggressive behavior that seems to have become more exaggerated and brought on more by the onset of puberty. I've been using Adagio at night and mornings, along with Valerian at night, too. Valerian has a powerful, not-so-pleasant smell, so we sock his feet right away, or he just tucks them under his covers quickly. I deal with anxiety myself and originally bought Valerian to try on me. I found I don't mind the smell much anymore because of its calming sensation. It doesn't knock me out but relaxes me so I can sleep, and my number one love of it is that it shuts my brain up. I can relax without my brain still going 100 mph. With my son, who is non-verbal, I don't know what feelings he gets out of it, but he sleeps at night. He's also been calmer. I also use Palo Santo. Its very calming effect on me is craved. It doesn't have the same type of calming effect that I find Valerian does, but a different, pleasant one. I don't use it to help with sleep but rather to calm myself or my son in the moment when anxiety may be running high (like shopping). My daughter tells me it stinks. I've come to love the smell because of the calm I associate with it. With just a few drops in our hands, breathing it in, my son and I are relaxing better. :) - Lysh
48. This postpartum mommy loves Serenity’s calming effects—day and night, it really works! - Christy
50. My anxiety levels were definitely helped as the bacterial infections were eliminated. However, that being said, applying Frankincense topically every morning and evening was helpful, not only for relief of anxiety but also to help build my immune system. Other essential oils I used to combat feelings of anxiety were Lavender plus Cedarwood Atlas rubbed over my heart area, Peaceful (just a drop or two applied on the back of my neck just below my hairline), and last, but certainly not least, the blend called Sunshine. I apply Sunshine anywhere/everywhere on the body. It's such a wonderful blend, very uplifting and anti-anxiety. Personally, I wouldn't do without any of the oils listed, as they all seem to work differently at different times for me. If I don't get an immediate response from one oil, I'll try another. - Teri
51. Sunlight and Solace help me with depression issues. Solace promotes good sleep, which is very important. - Kendra
52. Keeping D levels checked and supplemented as needed is very important. I’ve found oils helpful: Lavender, any citrus oil, and Rosemary. - Nan
53. I have panic issues, and Rescue Remedy works very well for me. When I feel stressed, I use it, and it usually lasts an hour or more. - Pat
54. Peaceful is helpful for depression. - Francis
55. I'm glad you carry the Rescue Remedy spray, as it's much more convenient to use than the drops (which my children are prone to spill). The taste is mild and works well to settle my stress and anxiety. While it's not like a drug, a gentle shift to “calm” just helps clear the fog and stress. - Honey
56. We use Rescue Remedy when we travel with our 8lb. dog. I spray once into his mouth, and he settles down for at least a few hours. I might only need to use the spray in the morning for long trips, and he's good for the day. Sometimes, if it starts raining or the road gets rough, I use it again so he settles back down. - Angie
57. Vetiver is amazing for my depression issues. - Kathy
58. I've found magnesium helpful for depression. I use Calm by Natural Vitality. - Jennifer
59. Rescue Remedy is amazing and very effective! When I have to speak or give a presentation, I almost always get sick to my stomach (I cannot hold food down), but since using Rescue Remedy, I use it the night before so that I sleep well and the morning of, and it's like a night and day experience for me! - Jen
60. I bought Trudy Scott's book and used it to resolve my daughter's bout with depression. It is based on nutrition: The Anti-Anxiety Food Solution. She has a blog where you'll find very helpful information as well. - Laura
61. I had extremely high cortisol levels a few years ago, and taking gluten out of my diet has helped a ton. If I start eating it constantly again, I begin having trouble sleeping and waking. I didn't know about oils at the time. - Stacy
62. We take vitamin B every morning with breakfast for depression. - Katie
63. I also take vitamin B and eat a whole food, plant-based diet to resolve depression. - Holly
64. Rescue Remedy squashes a panic attack better than any prescription drug I've ever used. - Kim
65. Do an internet search for Basil + cortisol, and you’ll see several articles. Basil has helped me a lot. I've used Basil with coconut oil rubbed over my kidneys and on the bottoms of my feet, morning and night (just before bed). I use it during the day if there is extra stress. I inhale from my hands when I apply it, too. Dr. Josh Axe says Rosemary also lowers cortisol. I don't have straight rosemary, but use the Hair Renew blend. I'm also taking B vitamins and Emergen-C and trying to get enough sleep (super important for adrenal fatigue) and reduce stress in general. - Teresa
66. Peaceful is the most calming to me when I am anxious or have adrenals running crazy. I also find I need to be super careful with my diet in terms of eating protein every two hours and never eating a carb without a protein. Reducing sugars and carbs helps me greatly with managing anxiety symptoms. If the symptoms are at all related to hypoglycemia, I find Geranium helps regulate blood sugar and hormones. Mine never registered as what an MD would call hypoglycemia, but I found that when mine got below a certain level (80? 90? I can't remember), I had anxiety attack symptoms. So, I figured it was what I needed to do to balance my sugar on my own. - Aimee
67. I changed my diet (see Dr. Josh Redd's information above), lost 60 pounds and started exercising. I’m now off all my anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds, off prescription sleep meds, and off metformin. I just want to shout it to the world so everyone will know! Food has the potential to change your life! It changed mine! - Candace
68. I have Tourettes Syndrome, and I use Peaceful to help with my tics and other comorbidities (anxiety, depression, OCD). I did not care for the smell of vetiver (found in the Adagio blend), but I know others who have found it very helpful with TS and ADHD symptoms. Peaceful is very grounding, really helps me focus when at work and minimizes my tics without the need for any meds. I also use Lavender as a sleep aid. - Susan
69. We love Peaceful! A family member who has OCD says it almost instantly calms him down. - Tammy
References:
Nasel et al., Functional imaging of effects of fragrances on the human brain after prolonged inhalation. Chem Senses, 1995 Jun.20(3); 349-50.
Komori, Fujiward, Tanida, Nomura, Yokoyama "Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states." neuroimmunomodulation. 1995 May-Jun;2(3); 174-80.
"... [A]n increasing number of clinical studies have shown that treating gastrointestinal inflammations with probiotics, vitamin B, D and omega 3 fatty acids, through attenuating proinflammatory stimuli to brain, may also improve depression symptoms and quality of life. All these findings justify an assumption that treating gastrointestinal inflammations may improve the efficacy of the currently used treatment modalities of depression and related diseases." Green Med