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Aromatherapy for Adrenal Gland Support and Fighting Fatigue
by Misty Rae Cech, Nd
http://www.ananda-aromatherapy.com
Are you feeling tired most the time? Morning
esspresso not giving the same lift it used to?
Getting that feeling that you've been worn thin
by your busy schedule, and you're just not
recovering? These may be signs of depleted
adrenal glands - a syndrome known as Adrenal
Fatigue. Thankfully, a few commonly-available
essential oils can provide support in regenerating
over-worked adrenal glands.
What is the symtptom of Adrenal Fatigue?
The adrenal glands are your body's most
important part of the endocrine system for
dealing with stress. These tiny glands, each
about the size of a walnut and the weight of a
grape, sit atop each kidney. These glands produce
important hormones such as cortisol, a controller
of your energy output, and pregnenolone, the
precursor from which the body's steroid hormones
are made, including DHEA, progesterone,
testosterone, and the estrogens. Pregnenolone is
has been shown to be a powerful memory enhancer -
it will make you smarter (possibly), it also
brings about feelings of well-being (hopefully)
and can enhance your ability to deal with stress.
Low-output adrenal function can have a variety of
common health symptoms, including insomnia and
depressed immune system function.
Many lifestyle factors can contribute to adrenal
fatigue, and generally these can be lumped into
the category of too much stress. Too little
sleep, poor eating habits, to little time for
play and family life, surgury, illness, injury,
and the exessive use of caffeine are a few
common causes. Modifying these 'habits' are of
critical importance for long-term regeneration of
the adrenal glands and returning their hormonal
output to normal levels. Thankfully, adrenal
gland-supporting essential oils can be helpful
in bringing balance and assisting in restoring
adrenal output in mild-to-moderate cases of
adrenal fatigue. Using these oils may enable
'breaking the cycle' of stimulant and sugar use
that created the problem in the first place.
Adrenal Supporting Essential Oils
Several easy-to-find essential oils are commonly
used in aromatherapy to support the adrenals
glands. Some are used purely for adrenal gland
restoration, while others are used to provide a
healthy lift when needed, and may be of
assistance when reducing caffeine intake. These
oils are not to be taken internally, but are best
diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the
skin.
Spruce and Black Spruce Needle Oils - Spruce is
thought to restore depleted adrenal glands, and
is used regularly by aromatherapists in blends
applied directly over the adrenal area, or in an
all-over body lotion.
Pine Essential Oil: Pine oil has been called
one of the most effective oils for fatigue. This
oil can be blended with Black Spruce for a
synergistic effect on adrenal function.
Atlas Cedar Oil - Moroccan Cedar is thought to
gently and persistently stimulate the metabolism.
Rather than regenerating, as do the Spruce and
Pine oils, Cedar will provide a smooth, deep, and
long lasting stimulation without the side effects
of coffee and black tea.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Peppermint oil is
associated with many healthful effect; it's aroma
is claryifying and uplifting. As with Cedar
Atlas, it is added to adrenal formlas for mild
stimulation and metal clarity.
Citrus Oils - Essential oils pressed from the
rinds of citrus fruit like sweet orange, bitter
orange (bergamot), lemon and lime are also
uplifting and brightening, yet have a relaxing
quality as well. They are useful additions to
fatigue-busting blends, as the added calming, but
not sedating, quality can lower stress levels,
which are generally the cause of adrenal fatigue
in the first place.
Aromatherapy Blends for Adrenal Fatigue
First, a blend to provide pure regenerative
support without stimulation. This blend is
suitable for regular use, and some users report
almost immediate results - it has been noted to
reduce or eliminate that nauseous feeling that
can accompany insomnia. FOR A ONE OUNCE BLEND -
add 1.5ml Spruce or Black Spruce and 1.5ml Pine
Needle essential oils to one ounce (30ml) of your
favorite carrier oil (Hazelnut is commonly used,
but any common aromatherapy carrier oil should do
the trick). Apply regularly to the kidney /
adrenal area. Note: 1ml is about 25 drops.
These same essential oils may be used in a
gently stimulating body oil blend: Three
milliliters of both spruce and pine essential
oils plus two milliliters of Atlantic cedarwood
essential oil and another two milliters of a
citrus oil of your choice. Add this to four
ounces of hazelnut or other carrier oil of your
liking. Use this all over after a shower. Caution
should be used, however, as the citrus oils can
be photosensitizing; do not apply to areas that
will be exposed to direct sunlight in the
following two days.
If you prefer the properties and aroma of
peppermint, try the following blend: 6ml of
Spruce or Black Spruce, 2.5ml Atlas Cedar and
1.5ml Peppermint in 4 ounces of your favorite
carrier. This blend will not be photosensitizing
to the skin, and can be used all over the body.
Aromatherapy Can Help!
These aromatherapy blends have fantastic aromas,
and can provide support with mild and moderate
adrenal fatigue. The underlying causes of this
condition must be addressed at the same time for
long-lasting results. This ususally means
reducing caffeine intake, dietary modifications,
and creating balance through exercise, friends
and family, and taking time for one's self.
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