The change of the seasons symbolizes not only weather shifts, but also transitions in life patterns. For example, in the winter, white stuff falls from the sky and visions of sugar plums, midnight shopping, holiday gatherings, and adding items to “to-do-lists” dominate one’s mind. For the fall, the appearance of yellow buses, pumpkins, and...
Tarragon Essential Oil- All the Benefits and None of the Toxicity
Recently, a few clients came to me asking about the safety of tarragon essential oil. It appears there is much misinformation regarding the safety of this essential oil based on two key components, estragole and methyleugenol. Those not versed in essential oils often confuse studies on toxicity of single compounds found in them...
Moving Forward to Make Our World Safer for Little Bodies and Their Brains
This week, I am keeping with the theme of “staying green for the summer” and building a better world for future generations. I just released my post on how a “tiny” swap for a baby care product can be the first step in creating the momentum for purchasing other safer, kid-friendly goods. We are...
Why “Going Green” is Essential for Your Family’s Health, Especially Baby & How Oils Can Help
I have blogged previously on the importance of choosing safe, non-toxic, and sustainable products to support our wellness and to safeguard our planet for future generations. Evidence is mounting on how the chemicals released into our world, via the merchandise we purchase, the air we breath, and the food we eat, are building up...
Essential Oils on the Youthful Brain- Moving Beyond “Sage Advice
Beyond the aromatic influence of essential oils on memory and mood, these secondary plant metabolites consist of hundreds of synergistic compounds that are able to interact with our cellular physiology to further address multiple factors that impact the brain function. In this ongoing series, I have provided details on how essential oils can soothe...
Keeping the Brain Young with Essential Oils
Essential oils are my favorite holistic tools for the mind and body. Through a combination of their powerful aromatic properties and physical compounds, they can immediately shift emotions and impact multiple factors related to the health of the brain. I have been discussing this concept as part of my recent series on using oils...
More on Sage Oil for the Mind, Memory, & More!
For the third article that focuses on essential oils for mental health, I continue with discussing the brain enhancing properties of sage essential oil. Sage oil has impressive evidence in experimental studies to modulate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine for enhancing memory. It has also been validated for this effect in humans. In this latest post,...
The Calm of Lavender Oil & Beyond Keeping the Bugs at Bay with Citronella Oil
This is the fourth article in my series on natural approaches to mental health which focuses on essential oils. In the previous blogs and videos, I discussed how these plant metabolites and their isolates influence our brains’ biochemistry by modulating various cellular pathways and neurotransmitters. Specifically, I reviewed some of the mechanisms of actions...
One of the Earliest “Hacks” to Emotional Health: Essential Oils on the Brain (Biochemistry)
We’ve been on quite a journey exploring how a natural supplement can support mental health. It started out with the “superhero” antioxidant NAC (N-acetylcysteine). I first highlighted its most well-known uses. After reviewing them, I’m sure you’ll agree that it does deserve its place in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) Phase 4. If...
The Unique Properties of Melaleuca ericifolia…Move Over Tea Tree!
Last week, I dedicated the latest oily spotlight to tea tree essential oil. This was for good reason. Melaleuca alternifolia is well-known for its efficacy, versatility, and scientific validation for a wide range of applications. Perhaps this is why this essential oil has stolen the hearts of many famous aromatherapists. Recently, another Melaleuca caught...