Following my review of lavender oil’s benefits for the nervous system, my latest article discusses the second essential oil that is validated in both experimental and human trials to support mental health. Although there’s over 900 species of sage oil, I manage to narrow it down to two of the most common ones. After...
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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...
More on the Brain and Body Effects of Essential Oils for Mental Health
As I’ve reported in my latest articles, essential oils and their compounds have verified pharmacological effects on brain biochemistry. Through their intricate makeup, these delicate yet powerful substances have the potential to balance out the inhibitory and excitatory signals in the nervous system. The ability to therapeutically apply substances that have hundreds of synergistic...
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...
Exploring More on How Essential Oils Can “Hack” Brain Signals
My goals with my recent articles on exploring the use of NAC (N-acetylcysteine) for mental health are several: to demonstrate that various natural modalities can be used in conjunction with conventional approaches to assist those with stigmatizing mental illnesses to help bridge the gap between integrative, conventional, and alternative practitioners through using language that...
The Great and Powerful NAC: An Antioxidant for Balancing Mental and Emotional Health
In my previous article, I introduced the amazing capacities of the well-known antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC is most well-known for its use in conventional medicine for the treatment of acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. It has been shown to restore levels of the “master” antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), which prevents the damage that can result from excess...
How the Well-Known Antioxidant NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and Essential Oils Validate a Holistic Approach to Brain Health
Many integrative and conventional doctors are familiar with NAC (N-acetylcysteine). This natural substance is indicated as an intervention for treating liver toxicity resulting from the overdosage of the over the counter pain medicine, acetaminophen (Tylenol). This is due to its role as an antioxidant that restores glutathione and prevents damage from the formation of...
The “Essentials” (Oils) of Melaleuca
This week, I bring the topic back to one of my most beloved healing tools, essential oils. It is no secret that I have a soft spot for these mind-body therapeutic substances. In fact, I’ve devoted a whole database (and a whole-lot of research time), highlighting their power, versatility, uses, and applications on my...
The Flaws in the “Science” of Food Addiction & How I Discovered Them
Last week, I continued with my topic on why “obesity” cannot be deemed as a cause of chronic illness. The “science” which “supports” that physical size is a risk factor for major diseases is being misinterpreted as causation vs. association. A body weight outside of “acceptable” limits is neither necessary nor sufficient to create...
The Problems with the Science on “Obesity” and Food Addiction
In my previous article, I discussed the dangers of the current medical, “wellness,” and dietary trends that are advocating for a one-sized-fits all “healthy” body. I stated the flaws in associating a higher risk for chronic diseases in those with larger body sizes and the harmful psychological, biological, cultural, and societal effects that this...