Essential Oils and the Endocrine System

Although we rarely think about them, the glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, and metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes. In general, the endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth.

The foundations of the endocrine system are the hormones and glands. As the body's chemical messengers, hormones transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Although many different hormones circulate throughout the bloodstream, each one affects only the cells that are genetically programmed to receive and respond to its message. Hormone levels can be influenced by factors such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in blood. Too much or too little of any hormone can be harmful to the body. Controlling the production of or replacing specific hormones can treat many endocrine disorders. 

Essential oils are uniquely able to support the endocrine system. Through their fragrance and unique molecular structure, essential oil molecules can easily pass through our tissues into our very cells. Any essential oil placed anywhere on the body is trans-dermal and can reach every part of your body within minutes. The molecular property (small size) that enables essential oils to penetrate human tissue and pass through the cell membranes is also the property that makes it possible to smell them and take them into our bodies through the olfactory system. In so doing, the molecules not only reach all parts of our body via the blood stream accessed through our lungs, they also go directly to the brain, crossing the blood-brain barrier.

When you breathe oil molecules into the back passages of your nose, they go straight to the limbic lobe of the brain. The limbic lobe is a group of brain structures that includes the hippocampus and amygdala and can directly activate the hypothalamus (the hormonal control center of our brain).  The limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance. Because the limbic system part of the brain does not understand words or written language and responds to smell only, essential oils can have profound physiological and psychological effects.

If you are looking for a natural alternative to correcting a hormone imbalance and for general endocrine support, there are many essential oil singles and blends for you to consider; Clary Sage, Fennel, Majoram, Nutmeg, Spearmint, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Myrtle are just a few.  I hope this information is encouraging to you and as always please seek the advice of your trusted health care professional before incorporating essential oils into your treatment plan.

Emotional Health & Essential Oils

Are you emotionally well? I pray yes but statistics say otherwise... from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), more than 1 out of 10 Americans over the age of 12 are on some kind of anti-depressant. Maybe you are one of these people and are feeling better but according to NIMH your chances of ever going into remission are not good. And what if you are like me and prefer not to take anti-depressants?

Praise God we have His original medicine, essential oils, to turn to for emotional support and healing.

Isaiah 61:3 -NKJV
...to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

One of the most powerful healing aspects of essential oils is their ability to penetrate the so called "Blood-Brain Barrier." When you breathe oil molecules into the back passages of your nose, they go straight to the brain in the central part called the amygdala. The amygdala is the central headquarters of the limbic system, which manages your storage and filing system for all your emotional experiences. The limbic system part of the brain does not understand words or written language. It responds to smell only. Hence essential oils provide a powerful means to contact that non verbal portion of our brains that stores our feelings and emotions.

Inhalation of essential oils communicates signals to the olfactory system and stimulates the brain to exert neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine) thereby further regulating mood. Most studies, as well as clinically applied experience, have indicated that various essential oils, such as lavender, lemon and bergamot can help to relieve stress, anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.

I have personally experienced the emotional healing benefits of essential oils and am grateful to God for designing and providing His medicine for us to be emotionally well. For more information about essential oils and their healing benefits please contact me.

In Christ,
Sue

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.


References
Healing Oils of the Bible, Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml