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The Essential Oils Hormone Solution by Dr. Mariza Snyder – my book review

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Together with dietary changes and key nutrients like GABA, tryptophan, zinc and vitamin B6, using essential oils are a wonderful tool for helping to ease anxiety, reduce stress, improve sleep and focus and contribute to overall hormonal health for women. Now we have a new book that is a wonderful essential oil resource specifically for women, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution: Reclaim Your Energy and Focus and Lose Weight Naturally by Dr. Mariza Snyder.

She shares this about essential oils:

Essential oils are natural aromatic com­pounds found in the roots, seeds, stems, bark, leaves, and flowers of various plants. They are super-charged, fifty to seventy times more potent than their dried-herbal counterparts. They’re simply the best plant-based remedy that exists, and they have been success­fully used for thousands of years.

Dr. Mariza lists these top 5 must-have hormone-support essential oils for perimenopausal and menopausal women: clary sage, geranium, lavender, peppermint and rosemary. Lavender and peppermint have been long-time favorites of mine and I recently learned about clary sage and rosemary and love both.

She covers so many wonderful essential oils in the book but for the purposes of this review I’ll focus on clary sage since it was new to me until recently and may be new to you too.

In the chapter on sleep, she shares this about the benefits of clary sage and how to use this essential oil:

CLARY SAGE (Salvia sclarea)

  • Promotes relaxation of the body for a restful night’s sleep
  • Calms and soothes the mind and body
  • Supportive during menstrual distress

Aromatic Use 

  • Apply 1–2 drops directly to bedclothes or pillow.
  • Diffuse 3–4 drops before bedtime.

Topical Use

  • Dilute 1–2 drops with your favorite carrier oil and massage into abdomen.
  • Add 2–3 drops to a warm bath with ¼ cup Epsom salts dis­solved in the water.
  • Dilute 1–2 drops with your favorite carrier oil and massage into your soles before bedtime.

I had looked into clary sage about 6 months ago when I learned that it supports serotonin production and also lowers high cortisol.

Interestingly, I didn’t care for the aroma of clary sage when I first purchased it and I diffused it with lavender and rosemary to disguise the aroma. But I have grown to really like it and use a drop on a hanky each night and look forward to how much it helps me sleep and the fact that it eased the mild hot flashes I had started to experience again.

I love the combinations/blends Dr. Mariza recommends in the book and would have welcomed these ideas when I first started using clary sage myself. Here is one example of a rollerball blend with clary sage:

Tense-Away Rollerball Blend

10 drops Lavender essential oil

10 drops Clary Sage essential oil

10 drops Peppermint essential oil

Carrier oil of choice

I also really like that Dr. Mariza describes different ways to use the oils other than only diffusing – like using rollerballs, using them for massages and in baths, and applying the essential oils on various parts of the body for a more direct impact. One such example is the Hormone Synergy Rollerball Blend (which contains clary sage, lavender, geranium, bergamot and ylang ylang). She recommends applying this blend directly over your ovaries.

I learned this direct application tip from Dr. Mariza last year and started using lavender, peppermint and rosemary (in a carrier oil) topically on my belly before bed. It helps with digestion, occasional belly bloat from SIBO (if I’ve eaten something that triggers symptoms) and is relaxing too. I think I’ll add clary sage to this belly blend too for the added hormone benefits. This could be one way to use clary sage for the benefits if you find you don’t really like the aroma (because it will be further from your nose!)

Here are some of the benefits of the other top 5 hormone-support essential oils for perimenopausal and menopausal women that Dr. Mariza shares:

  • geranium – calming and soothing and “rejuvenates and revitalizes skin, complexion, and hair” (I haven’t been using this one and looking forward to trying this one)
  • lavender – “eases and calms feelings of anxiety, stress, and tension while rebalancing emotions” and “relieves discomfort associated with menstrual cycles” (I’ve been using lavender for years)
  • peppermint – “stimulates mental focus and energy by enlivening the senses” and supports your respiratory system (I also use this one all the time. It’s also great for headaches and neck pain)
  • and rosemary – “increases memory, concentration, and focus” (I also use it for EMF/electromagnetic radiation protection. Research shows rosemary could play a protective role against this harmful effect through its antioxidant activity)

Clary sage is also featured in the libido chapter: “Commonly used to stimulate sexual energy and boost libido.” This aspect was new to me, but it makes sense given that it lowers cortisol and supports serotonin production (and hence estrogen). Dr. Mariza also covers many other wonderful essential oils that boost libido too: jasmine, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang and geranium.  In one study neroli, lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose significantly improved sexual function in menopausal women.

Here is the official book blurb:

Have your hormones been hijacked? Do you feel energy-depleted and irritable, unable to sleep, stay focused, or lose weight? You may have attributed these symptoms to the natural hormonal fluctuations that occur with age. But behind the scenes, there are a host of pesky culprits wreaking havoc on your hormonal health: chronic stress, air pollution, chemical-laden foods and cleaning supplies, and the synthetic estrogens in personal care products. Women of all ages are left vulnerable to the consequences, suffering from unnecessary hormonal imbalance and frustrating symptoms that are often dismissed by their doctors.

Dr. Mariza Snyder is here to help put you back in control of your health. In The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, you will learn how to heal hormonal chaos and revitalize the body from the inside out with the support of high-quality essential oils. You’ll learn how essential oils work on a cellular level to mitigate the toxic loads we carry, and how to use essential oils to reduce cravings, get deep, restful sleep, ease stress, improve mood, banish the worst symptoms of PMS, regain focus and concentration, boost libido, and increase energy.

Featuring a 14-day plan to jumpstart your hormonal health, with over 100 essential oil blends, daily self-care rituals, and delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes, you’ll discover how to reset your body and pave the way for improved hormonal health, without taking hormones.

Grab your copy of The Essential Oils Hormone Solution here (my Amazon link).

I’d like to add my thoughts on what I have found to be safe use of essential oils, and what I share with my clients (I consider myself an essential oil user like you – I’m not an expert):

  • Always use a carrier oil, unless you are diffusing, and this includes using essential oils in the bath (I know there is some conflicting advice on this, but I like to err on the side of caution)
  • Don’t try to remove too much of an essential oil with water – it will only drive it deeper into the skin
  • Think low doses i.e. a little goes a long way
  • Be sure to rotate your essential oils
  • Don’t ingest the oils neat or even in a gelatin capsule. I would only consider doing so if I was working with an experienced practitioner and using an enteric coated capsule  (there is definitely conflicting advice on this one but again I like to err on the side of caution)

It’s a fun book with wonderful ideas for how to combine essential oils and use them to improve hormone imbalance. I love this quote from Dr. Mariza:

Inhaling them and applying them is like adorning yourself in something truly beautiful

What are your favorite essential oils and combinations for easing anxiety, reducing stress, improving sleep and balancing your hormones? How are you “adorning yourself” and what is your favorite way to use them – diffused, topically, via a rollerball, or via a massage or in the bath? Feel free to post questions here too.

New book: The Healing Power of Essential Oils

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The Healing Power of Essential Oils: Soothe Inflammation, Boost Mood, Prevent Autoimmunity, and Feel Great in Every Way by Eric Zielinski, launched last week and I promised you a book review so here goes. I have always loved Dr. Z’s research-based approach and practical how-tos when it comes to essential oils and was so excited for this book. Well, all I can say is that this is one of the best books I’ve read this year! I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting and I have lists of things I want to try!

It’s perfect for you if you’re:

  • a total newbie to essential oils and have been hearing how great they are and want to learn the basics (and the science)
  • someone like me who does has been using essential oils for a few years but could really take things up notch in terms of therapeutic use and how to use blends
  • someone who is well versed in using essential oils therapeutically, making your own cleaning products and self-care products and wants the science behind each essential oil
  • looking for a great resource to give a loved one like your sister or mom, or to a friend, and if you’re a practitioner, as a resource for your clients and patients, so they too can benefit by what you already know
  • looking for a non-branded resource (Dr. Z has no brand loyalty but does teach you how to find quality brands of essential oils)

Here are some of the many reasons I love this book:

  • Dr. Z emphasizes biochemical individuality – just like with food and nutrients there is no one size fits all with essential oils and you have to find what works for you. He teaches you how to figure that out in the recipes sections
  • He addresses the ‘overwhelmed and where do I start’ aspect – he calls it “paralysis by analysis”. One way he does this in a few ways: 7 steps to start using them, a daily morning and/or evening practice and the tops oils everyone should start with. Here’s another idea (from me): start with a calming essential oil like lavender or neroli!
  • The background information is excellent: the source of the essential oil (for example cinnamon bark vs the leaf); why knowing the chemotype is important in terms of their different therapeutic effects; shelf life; how to find quality oils; why plants native to an area are better; dilution rules; inhalation, topical use and ingestion of oils
  • The research is comprehensive and best of all he refers to studies where the essential oil has been shown to provide therapeutic value, rather than referencing studies on various constituents
  • There is extensive coverage on carrier oils (like jojoba, coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil etc.) and emulsifiers (like Castile soap and aloe vera oil). He also shares that liquid stevia is a solubilizer (this one intrigues me)
  • All the wonderful recipes – from home cleaning to personal care products to many products for addressing specific health conditions like aching muscles, wounds, candida, dandruff and much more. Here are a few ways he shares how peppermint essential oil, one of my favorites, can help: as a digestive aid (I use it topically in coconut oil, together with lavender at night and love it!), to ease muscle tension, to clear sinuses, as a potential solution to antibiotic-resistant infections (I’ve used lavender and lemongrass when I had a boil but wasn’t aware peppermint had similar properties), to give you focus and provide an energy pick-up and much more.  Here is one application for your hair/scalp:

A few drops of peppermint essential oil included in your shampoo and conditioner will tingle your scalp and wake your senses. As a bonus, peppermint’s antiseptic properties can also help prevent or remove both lice and dandruff.

 

  • Here is a safe and effective bathroom cleaner recipe from the book – and it smells wonderful! I love the added bonus of getting a mood boost while cleaning!

    Tea Tree Citrus Bathroom Cleaner

    The star of this blend is orange essential oil, which is a known mood booster. You’ll be happier even though you’re stuck cleaning the bathroom!

    1 tablespoons Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap

    2 tablespoons baking soda

    20 drops tea tree essential oil

    15 drops orange or lemon essential oil (or 7 drops of each)

    15 drops lemon eucalyptus or lemon myrtle essential oil

    2 cups distilled water

    Supplies: 32 oz spray bottle, preferably glass

    1. Combine the liquid soap, baking soda and essential oils in the spray bottle and mix well.
    2. Pour in the water and shake well
    3. Use as you would any other bathroom cleaner. Shake before use.

    Elsewhere in the book, Dr. Z writes about how eucalyptus is highly antimicrobial, helping to clear surfaces of potential germs (and says you can use regular eucalyptus in the above recipe too).

  • There is a big focus on women’s health and anxiety and depression, so it’s perfect for you. The recipes for PMS, perimenopause and menopause are fabulous – with help for anxiety, depression, insomnia, vaginal dryness and much more. Here is one where clary sage helped with depression (anxiety was not assessed but we know high cortisol and low serotonin impacts both anxiety and depression)

Clary sage offers antidepressant effects as described in a 2014 study that was conducted on twenty-two women in Korea. The trial measured neurotransmitter levels found in blood samples of menopausal women and discovered that, by simply inhaling clary sage oil, levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped considerably and serotonin levels were elevated. The result was an overall improvement in depression symptoms.

  • There is an entire chapter on essential oils for fertility, pregnancy and postpartum
  • Photosensitivity is explained and he lists all the oils that fall into this category (such as bergamot and expressed lemon)

Some essential oils can increase the photosensitivity of your skin. For example, chemicals in the citrus family such as bergapten are notable for their phototoxic effects. When bergapten is left on the skin and then exposed to the sun, it can amplify the effect of UV rays, potentially causing sunburn and leading to sunspots. Some people just decide not to use any bergapten-heavy oils topically, but simply avoiding the sun after use (for example, by applying them at night) is sufficient.

  • He addresses the concerns about lavender and tea tree being estrogenic and explaining why they are not (I get this question a lot!)
  • Plenty of oils and recipes for digestive support like a SIBO blend of a 1:1:1 ratio of caraway, lavender and neroli (which I am very interested in exploring further)

As you can see, this book is comprehensive, research-based, practical and I would even say pretty exciting and fun! Here is the official blurb about the book:

Eric Zielinski, D.C., host of the Essential Oils Revolution summits, offers a soup-to-nuts guide to mastering essential oils for vibrant health and well-being, featuring dozens of recipes and formulations for restful sleep, reduced inflammation, balanced hormones, and more.

Achieving true health is not an easy task. For many people, it might be easier to pop a pill or push aside lingering discomfort in favor of finishing everything on your to-do list. In The Healing Power of Essential Oils, Eric Zielinski, D.C. shows readers how to make their health a priority with the life-changing benefits of essential oils. Essential oils are the natural solution to everything from anxiety and depression to deep-seated inflammation.

For beginners, Dr. Z teaches everything you need to know to get started, including the top seven oils you should stock from Day 1 and the commonly used techniques and tools. He illustrates daily practices you can follow to enjoy the properties of essential oils, including a five-minute devotional using frankincense and neroli to set you up for a productive and stress-free day, and a simple bedtime routine harnessing the soporific effects of lavender.

Backed by extensive research, Dr. Z also supplies essential oil blends that promote hormone balance, reduced inflammation, improved digestion, increased immunity, and so much more. You’ll be armed with over 150 recipes for every health need, and a special section on women’s health includes dozens of formulations for PMS, fertility, pregnancy, candida, and menopause. Even those well-versed in essential oils will benefit from this thorough approach. With your newfound knowledge, you can begin tailoring an essential oils practice to your unique pain points and lifestyle right away – and start experiencing amazing results.

Grab a copy from your nearest bookstore or online store such as Amazon (this is my amazon affiliate link)

Be sure to grab the bonus gifts here after you’ve purchased the book

And let us know what you think and some of your favorite recipes and how they have helped you!

Blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli reduces stress and lowers cortisol

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As you know I’m a big fan of essential oils and the healing benefits they offer for anxiety and stress. Here is one example of the power of essential oils for both reducing stress and lowering cortisol levels.

In this study, Essential oil inhalation on blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects, 83 participants who were hypertensive (high blood pressure) or prehypertensive were asked to inhale an essential oil blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, marjoram, and neroli with the following ratio (20 : 15 : 10 : 2).

The study group experienced the relaxation effects of this particular blend of essential oils leading to:

  • significant decreases in the concentration of salivary cortisol
  • reduced blood pressure
  • and stress reduction.

Here is the rationale for the particular blend they used in this study:

Lavender alleviates cardiac excitation, lowers BP [blood pressure], and is effective in hypertension and palpitations. Ylang-ylang lowers BP [blood pressure], alleviates palpitations and nervous system excitation, and promotes emotional relaxation. Marjoram lowers sympathetic nervous system activity and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in vasodilatation to reduce cardiac strain and decrease BP [blood pressure]. Neroli brings forth emotional soothing and comfort and is effective in cardiac palpitations secondary to shock or fear.

Are you new to essential oils or want to learn more about using them?

Dr. Z and Mama Z’s 10-part video online masterclass called Essential Oils for Abundant Living offers practical steps for using essential oils.  It is science-based (which I love!) and they address potential risks. Dr. Z shares this:

We pride ourselves on providing safe, scientific and practical advice that is all non-branded. We do not sell essential oils so, regardless of what your favorite brand is, the information you will learn in this program applies.

Not to mention, because we don’t sell essential oils, we are not restricted by government or “compliance” regulations and we can freely communicate what the research REALLY says about the healing power of essential oils!

And here is the amazing line-up of video lessons you’ll have access to when you register for Essential Oils for Abundant Living. After watching the Quick Start Guide, a new lesson will air each day:

Setting the Foundation

  • Lesson 1: Aromatherapy Quick-Start Guide
  • Lesson 2: Inhalation Guide & Safety Tips
  • Lesson 3: Topical Application Guide & Safety Tips
  • Lesson 4: Internal Use Guide & Safety Tips

Natural Solutions for a Toxic-Free Home

  • Lesson 5: DIY Body Care Products
  • Lesson 6: DIY Cleaning Products
  • Lesson 7: Cooking with Essential Oils 

Regaining Control of Your Health

  • Lesson 8: Preventing Disease with Essential Oils
  • Lesson 9: Treating Disease with Essential Oils
  • Lesson 10: Advanced Strategies & Protocols

This video series will

  • give you the confidence that you need to use essential oils to make healing remedies for your body, as well as non-toxic natural recipes for your home.
  • provide many golden nuggets that you can start putting into practice today (no matter where you are in your essential oil journey)
  • offer an all-you-can-eat buffet of expert tips, recipes and DIY ideas to help you and your family enjoy abundant health with essential oils!

Reserve your spot for Essential Oils for Abundant Living HERE!

I hope you enjoy it and learn a ton!

After the no-cost online airing you’ll have an opportunity to upgrade and get additional content and also join the wonderful Facebook group. I’m a member and it’s a fabulous resource for asking questions and sharing what’s working!

Lemongrass essential oil for cancer and anxiety: The Truth About Cancer livestream

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The Truth About Cancer live event which runs Oct 5-7 and the livestream broadcast starts on Thursday, October 5th at 9am Eastern. You can tune in and listen from home!

This event brings you the latest in natural cancer prevention, new therapies, cancer diets, toxins to avoid and much much more!

What’s so encouraging is that many of the natural treatments and approaches for cancer also help with reducing anxiety. One of these is the essential oil of lemongrass.

One of my favorite essential oil experts is Dr. Eric Zielinski and he is talking about Essential Oils, Aromatherapy, and Cancer. Dr. Z shares this about lemongrass essential oil and cancer:  

In 2009, an article was published that evaluated the essential oil of Cymbopogon flexuosus (a variety of lemongrass) for its in vitro cytotoxicity ability against 12 human cancer cell lines; as well as its anticancer effects on mice in vivo. The results were remarkable. Researchers discovered that the essential oil triggers a variety of mechanisms that kill cancer cells. “Our results indicate that the oil has a promising anticancer activity and causes loss in tumor cell viability by activating the apoptotic process as identified by electron microscopy.”

Research also shows that the GABAergic system contributes to the anxiety-reducing effect of essential oil from lemongrass (cymbopogon citratus).

A number of speakers are sharing the benefits of the ketogenic diet for cancer prevention and healing

  • Joseph Mercola – Ketogenic Diet and Cancer
  • Dr. Toni Bark – Ketogenic Diet and disease reversal and prevention
  • Cherie Calbom – Juice, Juice, and More Juice to Treat & Prevent Cancer: How Vegetable Juicing Complements a Ketogenic Diet

As you heard recently from Dr. David Jockers on the Mental Wellness Summit, the ketogenic diet helps with anxiety because it improves the ability of glutamate converting into GABA:

There is a relationship between glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Glutamate naturally converts into GABA when certain nutrients are present – like magnesium and vitamin B6 – along with a properly working GAD enzyme.

Now, when we have ketones present, they have been shown to improve the ability to convert glutamate into GABA.

Dr. David Jockers is also a speaker at The Truth About Cancer and is covering The Sugar-Cancer Connection

The list of speakers is truly a Who’s Who of natural cancer therapies … and includes superstars like:

  • Patrick Quillin – Beating Cancer with Nutrition
  • Robert Scott Bell – Gut Health, the Microbiome, and Cancer
  • Rashid Buttar -The Cancer Conflict: Resolving the 5th Toxicity
  • Tony Jimenez – Treating Cancer with Sound and Light
  • Mike Adams – The importance of “ORGANIC”
  • Del Bigtree – Freedom of Choice in Medicine
  • Chris Wark – How “Chris Beat Cancer”
  • Sayer Ji – Epigenetics and Cancer
  • Dr. Darrell Wolfe – DETOX and the Lymphatic system
  • Jeffrey Smith – How GMOs have been linked to cancer
  • Doug Kaufman – The Fungal Link to Cancer
  • Pharmacist Ben Fuchs – Skin Health & Skin Cancer
  • Barbara Loe Fisher – Freedom of Choice in Medical Interventions
  • Dr. Stuart Nunnally – Biological Dentistry and Cancer Prevention
  • Dr. Ben Johnson – Stem Cells, Lasers, and Novel Approaches for Cancer
  • Dr. Marlene Siegel – Preventing and Treating Cancer in Pets

And many more!

It’s 3 days that could very well save your life or the life of someone you love.

You’re invited to watch it LIVE at no cost from the comfort of your own home.

Take a minute to get all the details right here. The broadcast starts Thursday, October 5th at 9am Eastern.

I don’t often share resources about cancer but I feel this is such an amazing opportunity to learn and feel empowered so you don’t have to feel anxious about cancer. These experts may just have the healing answers you’ve been looking for! Please share with your friends, family and anyone else you think could use this information!

Just like there is hope and solutions for anxiety, there is HOPE … and healing … and survival for cancer too.

To your health! See you on the livestream!

Never Fear a Cancer Diagnosis – Livestream of The Truth About Cancer event

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Hearing the words “you’ve got cancer” is not something anyone wants to hear but statistically, one in two people WILL hear these words.

That’s right. The odds are 50/50 that it could be you or someone you love.

Anxiety and cancer feed off each other

  • you’re anxious and fearful about your cancer diagnosis (or the diagnosis of a loved one) and
  • the cancer itself can make you anxious and depressed because of the inflammation, the effects on the immune system and the cancer treatments themselves

But just like there is hope and solutions for anxiety, there is HOPE … and healing … and survival for cancer too.

There’s a growing body of evidence and data from a group of forward-thinking scientists and researchers around the world suggesting there are real solutions out there to prevent, treat, and beat cancer naturally.

Ty and Charlene Bollinger and their wonderful team at The Truth About Cancer are working hard to bring you the latest in natural cancer prevention, new therapies, cancer diets, toxins to avoid and much much more. It is being shared live on stage at their upcoming event (and you can watch it all via livestreaming from your home)

Dr. Joseph Mercola is speaking on the Ketogenic Diet and Cancer. He shares:

many cancer patients have reportedly overcome cancer by adopting a ketogenic diet, which calls for eliminating carbohydrates, replacing them with healthy fats and protein”

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers addresses Breast Cancer and Early Warning Signs. She faced the diagnosis of breast cancer and shares this about her journey

I came to appreciate that cancer was a message of love – that my body was trying to communicate with me and get my attention. If you keep doing things you have always done, you are going to get the same results. So for me, it was time to change emotional patterns, manage my stress, set boundaries and learn to love myself with all my perfect imperfections.

One of my favorite essential oil experts is Dr. Eric Zielinski and he covers Essential Oils, Aromatherapy, and Cancer. Dr. Z shares this about essential oils and cancer:

First – the research suggests that oils can help prevent and treat cancer at the cellular level. Additionally, and oftentimes overlooked, essential oils have been shown to be exceptionally effective at managing the side effects related to cancer itself and the side effects people suffer at the hands of medical interventions.

Second – it is critical to recognize that this is not an all-or-nothing approach. Just because you’re taking chemo doesn’t mean that you can’t use oils. The same is true on the flip side of that coin. Far too many patients and healthcare practitioners dichotomize natural from allopathic therapies, and do not give enough emphasis on the practicality of using both together.

The list of speakers is truly a Who’s Who of natural cancer therapies … and includes superstars like:

  • Patrick Quillin – Beating Cancer with Nutrition
  • Robert Scott Bell – Gut Health, the Microbiome, and Cancer
  • Rashid Buttar -The Cancer Conflict: Resolving the 5th Toxicity
  • Tony Jimenez – Treating Cancer with Sound and Light
  • Mike Adams – The importance of “ORGANIC”
  • Del Bigtree – Freedom of Choice in Medicine
  • Chris Wark – How “Chris Beat Cancer”
  • Sayer Ji – Epigenetics and Cancer
  • Dr. Darrell Wolfe – DETOX and the Lymphatic system
  • Dr. Toni Bark – Ketogenic Diet and disease reversal and prevention
  • Jeffrey Smith – How GMOs have been linked to cancer
  • Doug Kaufman – The Fungal Link to Cancer
  • Pharmacist Ben Fuchs – Skin Health & Skin Cancer
  • Barbara Loe Fisher – Freedom of Choice in Medical Interventions
  • Dr. Stuart Nunnally – Biological Dentistry and Cancer Prevention
  • Cherie Calbom – Juice, Juice, and More Juice to Treat & Prevent Cancer: How Vegetable Juicing Complements a Ketogenic Diet
  • Dr. Ben Johnson – Stem Cells, Lasers, and Novel Approaches for Cancer
  • Dr. Marlene Siegel – Preventing and Treating Cancer in Pets
  • Dr. David Jockers – The Sugar-Cancer Connection

And many more!

It’s 3 days that could very well save your life or the life of someone you love

You’re invited to watch it LIVE at no cost from the comfort of your own home.

Take a minute to get all the details right here. The broadcast starts Thursday, October 5th at 9am Eastern.

I don’t often share resources about cancer but I feel this is such an amazing opportunity to learn and feel empowered so you don’t have to feel anxious about cancer. These experts may just have the healing answers you’ve been looking for! Please share with your friends, family and anyone else you think could use this information!

To your health! See you on the livestream!

Nutrition solutions for psychological stress after a natural disaster

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There is much that can be done nutritionally in support of psychological stress and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) during and after a natural disaster. I’ve written this blog for you if you’ve been impacted by the recent storm and flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in the Houston area (the pictures of people returning home are so sad), and for everyone impacted by Irma and about to be impacted by Irma. This is for you if

  • you had to be rescued and had to evacuate your home, are displaced and/or saw neighbors in trouble, have lost your belongings and home – and anything else that may have happened during this natural disaster
  • you have been involved in on-the-ground rescue efforts or working online helping with rescue efforts and you have working long hours, not getting enough sleep and likely not eating well
  • you had a loved one in trouble and feared for their lives
  • and if you’re on observer feeling distressed by what you have witnessed

You may be feeling on edge and anxious about the future, fearful about losing your job, worried about expenses and the chemical soup of flood waters you were exposed to, exhausted and yet not able to sleep, feeling overly emotional and weepy, having nightmares and flashbacks and feeling frazzled.

I wasn’t even in Texas and my contribution was a very small one, helping online rescue efforts from Australia via a volunteer rescue group created by McCall McPherson, but I felt really burned out after just a few days and quite distressed by some of the rescues we were trying to facilitate. I have had to really walk my talk and implement some of what I’m sharing here even though I would consider myself resilient because my nutrient balance is good.

B-Complex for everyone

My first recommendation is a B complex and if this is all that can be managed it would be my first choice for everyone. In fact, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, flood, fires etc. I’d recommend being on a B complex all the time.

My colleagues Bonnie Kaplin and Julia Rucklidge published this paper in 2015: A randomised trial of nutrient supplements to minimise psychological stress after a natural disaster. They share that:

After devastating flooding in southern Alberta in June 2013, we attempted to replicate a New Zealand randomised trial that showed that micronutrient (minerals, vitamins) consumption after the earthquakes of 2010-11 resulted in improved mental health. Residents of southern Alberta were invited to participate in a study on the potential benefit of nutrient supplements following a natural disaster.

Fifty-six adults aged 23-66 were randomised to receive one of the following for 6 weeks:

  1. vitamin D as a single nutrient
  2. a B-Complex formula or a
  3. broad-spectrum mineral/vitamin formula

The study participants monitored changes in depression, anxiety and stress via self-reporting. All of the above 3 groups showed substantial decreases on all measures. However, those consuming the B-Complex and the broad-spectrum mineral/vitamin formula showed significantly greater improvement in stress and anxiety compared with those consuming the vitamin D alone, with the results being similar for the group using the B-Complex and the broad-spectrum mineral/vitamin formula.

The authors report that:

The use of nutrient formulas with multiple minerals and/or vitamins to minimise stress associated with natural disasters is now supported by three studies.

Further research should be carried out to evaluate the potential population benefit that might accrue if such formulas were distributed as a post-disaster public health measure.

I would love to see either a B-Complex or broad-spectrum mineral/vitamin formula be given out to everyone as part of relief efforts for all natural disasters.

The B-Complex used in the study was made by Douglas labs but other similar B-Complex products would be fine too.  I happen to use Designs for Health B Supreme with my clients.

The broad-spectrum mineral/vitamin formula in the study was EmpowerPlus made by TrueHope.

From: A randomised trial of nutrient supplements to minimise psychological stress after a natural disaster

Vitamin D based on levels

In the above study, some participants in the vitamin D group did see benefits and it’s likely to have been those who were low in vitamin D at the time of the flooding since other research supports a connection between low vitamin D and anxiety and depression. I like to see vitamin D results before recommending supplementation.

Serotonin, GABA and endorphin support based on symptoms and a trial

As well as a B-complex and/or vitamin D, I’d also consider the following neurotransmitter support on a case by case basis, and after doing the amino acid questionnaire and a trial of each amino acid:

  • Serotonin support with Lidtke tryptophan or Lidtke Tryptophan Complete or Lidtke Combat Stress (a tryptophan product formulated for stress support) – especially if you’re feeling sad, worried, resolving to try and feel positive, imagining the worst, feeling fearful and having problem sleeping. I blogged about tryptophan products last week.
  • GABA support for physical tension and an increased need to self-medicate with alcohol in order to stay calm. New research shows that reduced plasma levels of GABA observed in PTSD could be considered as a possible biomarker for PTSD severity. This is not something I typically look at but it’s something I will be considering going forward. I blogged about some specific GABA products earlier this week.
  • Endorphin support with Lidtke DPA if you’re feeling especially emotional and weepy.

Serotonin and GABA play a role in stress resilience and when we have enhanced stress resilience mechanisms we have the ability to adapt more successfully to stressful situations like natural disasters.    

Additional adrenal support if needed

The adrenals are part of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) and also need nutritional support after stress and trauma. I recommend a good adrenal support product with rhodiola, Vitamin C, pantothenic acid, eleuthero and ashwagandha. Designs for Health Adrenotone is a good product.

If it’s known that cortisol levels are high then the addition of Seriphos and/or a lactium product (such as Biotics Research De-Stress) helps to lower high cortisol, reduce anxiety and help with insomnia.

Additional pyroluria support if needed

It is well known that pyroluria symptoms are made worse in times of heightened stress. If you are on protocol for pyroluria, additional zinc and vitamin B6/P5P is likely going to be needed short-term too.

Essential oils

Essential oils like lavender and citrus are wonderful for the stress, anxiety and sleepless nights. An animal study reports that passively inhaling orange essential oil could potentially reduce PTSD symptoms in humans

 

Some other considerations include the following once things start to get back to some kind of normal:

I would recommend a similar approach for any natural disaster or in fact for any other traumatic event, always working individually with each person.  

If you have found some approach to be particularly useful for you please do share it.

And if you have any connections for getting this information into the hands of public health officials and non-profits offering aid please let me know. I feel that protocols similar to this one need to be made available to everyone subjected to a natural disaster.

I wish you and your families much healing and a speedy recovery.

Additional resources

I added these additional resources after September 20, 2017:

If you have links to additional useful resources please let me know and I’ll add them.