By Jennifer Elizabeth Masters
Millions of people suffer from depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Getting enough deep sleep each night is imperative to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps relay signals from one area of the brain to another.
The serotonin used by the brain must be produced in the brain. Without sufficient sleep, a study in the Journal of Medicine explains that anxiety and depression often result.
Serotonin is manufactured in the brain, however, most people are unaware that 90% of the serotonin in the body is in the digestive tract and blood platelets.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is required to synthesize serotonin in the brain. Twenty amino acids are required for protein synthesis. Eleven amino acids can be synthesized by the body, nine must be obtained by the diet. Turkey is one source of tryptophan which can lead to drowsiness after a big Thanksgiving dinner.
What Does Serotonin Do?
Adequate amounts of serotonin stabilize moods and are responsible for feelings of well-being. Serotonin creates:
- Stable moods
- Appetite control - reducing appetite
- Feelings of happiness, contentment, relaxation
- Focus or concentration
- Healthy libido
- Controls anxiety and depression
- Prevention of premenstrual syndrome
- Prevention of headaches
- Positive feelings, thoughts, and self-esteem
- Promoting positive thinking and self-esteem
Eating sweets or sugary foods like soda, ice cream or consuming high fructose, sugary foods, and cereals deplete the healthy biome and cause depression and lower the immune system. Only 3.5 ounces can suppress your immune system by 50%. Sugary foods also contribute to inflammation, candida, joint pain, and arthritis. Watch my YouTube video about toxic sugar.
What is a biome, you ask? A naturally occurring community of flora and fauna that comprise a major habitat. A deficiency of serotonin is one of the biggest reasons people suffer from depression. How do I know? I had high levels of stress post-divorce returning to work after nine years of being a stay-at-home mom.
I experienced profound guilt from taking my children out of their $600,000 beautiful childhood home, into a two bedroom apartment. Returning to work and having to put my two young boys (now 35 and 33 respectively) in YMCA summer camp created untold stress, worry, and anxiety.
I suffered from insomnia, worry, anxiety and depression as a result. I used 5htp and vitamin B6 in small amounts together to boost serotonin levels, took herbal supplements and used essential oils. My research and experience taught me better ways to combat stress depression, anxiety to be healthy and happy. Meditation, a healthy diet and exercise is an important part of my daily routine, along with essential oils. I recommend you do your research before taking anything.
A healthy diet with daily exercise, meditation and relaxation will help to promote positive feelings along with getting sufficient sleep. For those who have insomnia, a catch-22 situation occurs. You can't sleep, which causes anxiety and depression because you aren't producing enough serotonin and you find yourself having difficulty going to bed at the same time, for fear that you won't sleep.
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| Surprise! |
Bedrooms are for two things only; sex and sleep. I recommend no television, cells phones or computers in the bedroom. Shut off the computer two hours or more before bedtime so that your mind has time to shut down and get out of work mode. Do not text during the night. Keep your phone in another room on silent while you sleep. Use the following essential oils to promote restful sleep, calmness, and harmony in the mind-body.
Therapeutic Grade Essential oils that are of the highest quality have the biggest effect on mood and the body. I have done my research and love DoTerra essential oils. Why? They are the purest of pure, unadulterated oils and Therapeutic Grade. DoTerra gives back to the community in life-sustaining ways supporting and rebuilding impoverished Nepal; and were voted the 2016 International Company of The Year.
Whether we realize it or not our entire lives are affected by smell. Scents can be comforting and relaxing. Essential oils can raise your vibration, ease stress and lift your spirits. Smells bring back memories. Lilacs for me remind me of elementary school
My mother would have huge bouquets of freshly cut lilacs in soft lavender and white in a huge vase. No matter where I smell the scent of lilacs I become that little girl of 7 or 8 sitting at our dining room table eating my sandwich or bowl of freshly made soup in Ontario. Huffington Post has a great article about our olfactory response and scents.
1. Roman Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular ingredient in candles, tea and many aromatherapy products. It’s one of the best herbs for alleviating stress and promoting relaxation. Research has shown that inhaling chamomile vapors using chamomile oil is a natural remedy for both anxiety and depression. Chamomile soothes the mind and relaxes the body to promote a better night’s rest. If you’re struggling with insomnia, try applying a few drops of roman chamomile oil to the bottom of your feet before bed. You can also add a few drops to your shampoo, conditioner or skin moisturizer.
2. Lavender
Lavender has been used for centuries for a variety of uses including an antiseptic, massage oil, excellent for the blemishes as well as calming and relaxing oil on the soles of the feet, or pillows. Lavender can be used to cook with, or taken internally to calm anxious feelings.
I use lavender on the back of my neck around my ears and drop several drops into an Epsom salts bath to relax and unwind. The gorgeous scent of lavender is soothing and aids with sleep. Add a few drops to your linen closet or clothes closet as well. Lavender is my favorite oil to diffuse into my entire home, calming my animals as well as myself.
4. Bergamot
Bergamot oil is a lovely citrusy scent that inspires the brain, gives you clarity and is known for being an antidepressant, stimulating the circulation and feelings of joy and increased energy.
When I am writing I use Bergamot to excite my brain to elicit creativity. A study in 2011 paired Bergamot essential oil with lavender essential oil. Both help to treat depression. The participants experienced relaxation, calmness, greater focus, and alertness. Rub Bergamot on the soles of your feet, inhale the beautiful aroma as well. Bergamot is found in Earl Grey tea. It improves blood circulation and stimulates feelings of joy and energy.
When I am writing I use Bergamot to excite my brain to elicit creativity. A study in 2011 paired Bergamot essential oil with lavender essential oil. Both help to treat depression. The participants experienced relaxation, calmness, greater focus, and alertness. Rub Bergamot on the soles of your feet, inhale the beautiful aroma as well. Bergamot is found in Earl Grey tea. It improves blood circulation and stimulates feelings of joy and energy.
5. Wild Orange
Traveling through the orange groves of Valencia California, the light fragrance of orange blossoms is calming and soothing. The essential oil of Orange essential oil naturally helps to reduce anxiety to promote a better night’s sleep. This fresh citrus fragrance of the essential oil Wild Orange uplifts feelings of sorrow and depression. Use orange oil at night, place a few drops on your stomach before drifting off to sleep. Using a carrier oil of coconut creates a soothing effect, so moisturize your skin before bed to relieve insomnia and anxiety.
6. Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang has been used for weddings and religious ceremonies for centuries. Its floral scent has many uses including warding off feelings of jealousy, anger, and low self-esteem. Ylang Ylang is a natural remedy for depression, warding off negative emotions that often surface when we are depressed.
Ylang Ylang is a wonderful essential oil for women to use to increase libido, enhancing confidence and improving mood. It is mildly sedative, lowers stress levels and helps aid relaxation. Massage into skin or diffuse into the room.
7. Vetiver
Vetiver is of the grass family. It provides an exotic fragrance and grounding abilities to soothe and calm. Vetiver is an excellent essential oil to use for massaging. It is excellent for concentration and ADHD. An ancient Ayurvedic oil used for massaging brides to be, it was found to heal the emotional body from within.
Dr. Axe provides great detail on the many uses of this versatile and little known essential oil.
8. Blends:
Serenity Restful Blend evaporates your worries with the tranquil aroma of calming Roman Chamomile, soothing Ylang Ylang, lavender, Hawaiian Sandalwood. This Serenity blend releases anxiety, calming tension and stress.
Serenity softgels are a way to take these essential oils orally. You will sleep better and wake rested and feeling peaceful.
Serenity, Balance, and Lavender together make a great combination.
Beautifully blended, this fresh woody, grounding essential oil provides a sense of calm and wellbeing. Balance blend combines Blue Tansy, Ho Wood, Spruce, Roman Chamomile and Frankincense to promote tranquility and relaxation. Massage Balance into your feet to begin your day, diffuse in your car on trips with people you want to be speaking with when you arrive.
A deliciously fresh blend of mandarin, grapefruit, Bergamot, Wild orange, clementine with a hint of vanilla. Fresh uplifting and invigorating. Excellent for lifting your mood and reducing stress. A few drops of Citrus Bliss in water makes a gentle yet fragrant cleaning agent that is safe for pets, children and those with sensitive noses.
Elevate - Joyful Blend
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| Osmanthus (Tea Olive in Georgia) |
The perfect essential oil to lift your mood and energize you. This gorgeous blend contains my most favorite earthly fragrance - Osmanthus as well as Lavender, Lavindin, Melissa, Ylang Ylang, Tangerine, Elemi, Hawaiian Sandalwood, and Lemon Myrtle. Elevate is a unique blend that promotes a positive mood and feelings of confidence. I believe that Osmanthus is the most beautiful fragrance. It reminds me of my time as a landscape professional in Georgia. I would round a corner and wonder where is that ethereal fragrance coming from? Each of the combined essential oils is uplifting creating the perfect way to raise your spirits when feeling down, challenged or stressed.
Cheer Touch For Your Heart
I take my essential oils with me in my purse and use them on the go. I love the Cheer touch whenever I need a little boost for my heart. Blend on the back of your neck, upwards to your chin with the roll on touch applicator. Cheer is a great mood booster for children that have had a bad day or are challenged with school or friends.
You can order directly from my DoTerra website, or e-mail me if you can't decide. Yes, you can purchase wholesale! My wellness advocate number is 4146987.
Visit my website JenniferElizabethMasters.com
