Plants have been used for centuries to help us maintain or restore health. The human body knows what to do with components found in plants. Essential Oils are components found in plants - we are more and more learning the benefits for health care. 

One of the issues that I get asked about often is managing health blood sugar and helping to manage the effects of diabetes. 

Coriander is known for digestive support. A study done in 2009 suggests that coriander may also help to reduce blood sugar levels by increasing insulin levels. Now, this was a study in rats, but it does give us clues. The study found that the beta cells in the pancreas were more active after using coriander seed oil. 

Melissa (Melissa officinalis) essential oil may help people with high blood sugar levels, A study in 2015, found that topical application or even diffusing the essential oil helped glucose metabolism - again not a human study, not too many of those out there, unfortunately. 

Clove essential oil is another that is known for preventing oxidative stress and helping to minimize cell damage throughout the body. Studies also suggest that the oil reduced levels of enzymes in the pancreas in a way that may help to manage health in those who have been diagnosed with "pre-diabetes" or confirmed diabetes. 

Black pepper essential oil also is highly antioxidant and can be use internally, as well as aromatic and topical.  A 2013 study showed that essential oil from a common kitchen spice, black pepper, might help manage or prevent type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 


Weight management is a key factor in controlling  symptoms related to blood sugar. While being overweight does not cause every case of diabetes, it can increase the risk or make symptoms worse. Losing weight is a first-line treatment for many people with diabetes. This involves exercise and changes to the diet, but essential oils may help.

Helichrysum essential oil and Grapefruit essential oils have been studied in rats and the rats gained less weight and had fewer signs of inflammation and less excess insulin that the rats who did not take these oils as supplements. You could use these oils as a massage with a base oil that contains these oils - very relaxing and uplifting! 

One that won't surprise you...

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been sited in many studies and found within the supplemental suggestions of diabetes educators. The essential oil also might improve insulin sensitivity and other features of diabetes. It's a great substitute for sugar in flavoring beverages and dishes as well. 

Lavender essential oil  oil has numerous uses in traditional and Western medicine, It is "ALL things calming". It has been found to help balance normal blood sugar levels and protect against oxidative stress, which causes complications in people with diabetes...and well, everyone. 

HOW TO: 
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Inhaling and applying to the skin are the two main ways of using oils. receptors in the nose and capillaries of the lungs pick up the particles of many essential oils and carry them into the bloodstream.

• In a diffuser: Add a few drops of essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser and take long, deep breaths of the vapor. The aim is to allow beneficial compounds to enter the body. A diffuser spreads the particles of oil through the air.
• Inhaled directly: Float a few drops of oil on some hot water to make an individualized diffuser.
• On a piece of cotton: Put a few drops on a piece of cotton or tissue, or aromatherapy jewelry -  and inhale.
• Diluted on the skin or in a massage: Some particles may be small enough to pass through the skin, where they may enter the bloodstream or provide localized treatment. Always dilute an essential oil in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond, jojoba oil.

As part of a massage, oils can also help a person relax, reducing stress levels.

Essential oils are not a replacement for what your health care provider recommends. They may help as an accompaniment to standard methods. If you are wanting more natural options, tell your doctor. Let your provider know your preference, your values and ask them to work with you. Don't expect your doctor to know about essential oils- you do the homework. If nothing else, remember too - there are many health benefits we get from essential oils - managing stress, decreasing oxidative damage, overall health  - that would  make trying them for more specific reasons worthwhile. Essential oils when used appropriately and in small amounts are safe and we have no evidence that any of the above mentioned oils are contraindicated with pharmaceutical approached. 

If you have questions, feel free to reach out! I would be happy to give you more guidance on how to safely use essential oils to take control of your health - more naturally! 

References: 

Coriander: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2642
Helichrysumand Grapefruit: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2014.0088?rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&journalCode=jmf

Here is my Nurse's view of the Coronavirus.

​I have received a few messages asking what my thoughts on the coronavirus are. How worried should we be? So, here are my thoughts - for a healthy level of concern. 

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including cases in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). I share this so you don't get it confused with other reports of coronavirus. 

Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 also has been seen among close contacts of returned travelers from Wuhan, but at this time, this virus is NOT currently spreading in the community in the United States. This could change, it could change quickly - which is why health care leaders and government officials are moving into action. We have been through similar things before. The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully understood. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe - it seems to be hitting adults harder than children. 

For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the media creates fear around these threats that bring an unhealthy amount of panic over things that we have little to no control over. This causes an unnecessary stress, and that is not good for anyone. I would go as far as saying that these scare tactics may help ratings and the upcoming vaccination promo -  but do more harm than good when it comes to health. 

So, let me bring some reassurance - not that you won't ever get sick. But that you only can do what you can do to take the best care of yourself and your loved ones. 

The coronavirus is a respiratory infection that spreads by droplets - exactly like the flu. So do all the things to be proactive every day - you are probably already doing them!. Here is what we can do, that will actually help - but not just right now, all year - whether we are aware of the name of a threat or not
Get the facts, but when the media begins to build up hype around anything. When you being to feel the fear - turn off the TV, get off google - celebrate how smart you are for not having to be full of fear because you are already doing the things, you are proactive! right? If you are not fist pumping right now and declaring "THAT"S RIGHT" - then we need to talk!

Here are the things you should already be doing: 

1. Wash hands with soap and water! Touch a door handle...shopping cart...counter top... wash your hands. Keep your hands away from your face until you have a chance to wash. When you don't have access to toxin free soap, use a toxin free  hand sanitizer. (You can spray surfaces with that too - additional measure!). 
2. Cover your cough - cough into your elbow, not your hands. This will be much appreciated by those around you. 
3. Stay home if you are sick. Please. No one wants to be around someone who might be sick, especially right now. Now, I know that is not realistic in every situation - so, if you have to go to work - be diligent in hand washing, clean the surfaces you know you are touching - phones! disclose your illness, and this would be a great time to WEAR A MASK! 
4. Here is one you may not be thinking about - gut health- Did you know that 2/3's of your immune system is in your gut? This is another reason it makes me CRAZY when I hear that someone is taking antibiotics - for a virus! First, antibiotics will not help a virus - but what they will do is destroy your gut health - and disable much of the mechanism that your body was going to use to fight the virus. Do not underestimate the power of a healthy gut. Take your probiotics and digestive enzymes, eat fermented food, cut down on the processed food and sugar. So, if you are worried about the Coronavirus, and needed another reason to choose a healthy diet - you have it! 
5. Take high quality whole food supplements. We all need the the micronutrients, omegas, and antioxidants your body needs to function optimally. 
6. Drink water! Do not underestimate the benefit of being well hydrated. Our bodies are mostly water so it just makes sense, right? 
7. Vitamin D is very important for a healthy immune system. Get outside everyday to soak in some sunshine and Vitamin D. Fresh air will also help your emotional health! The light will help you get better sleep at night... So good!
8. Get your sleep and decrease stress. Lack of sleep and ongoing, lingering stress will also make you sick. Your immune system is powerful - don't sabotage it by thinking you can sleep less than 6 hours a night and stay healthy. 
9. Essential oils! We are taking essential oils as part of our daily routine, being proactive. We also have oils that we reach for at first sign of trouble - or suspected exposure. Essential oils are safe, effective, and minimal, if any reason not to use them. 

SO, bottom line - don't panic, there are simple things that you can do - all day, all year - to prevent illness, We can't do anything about the more global situation, so leave that to the Health Organizations - that is their job. You already know where you can find them if you feel you need to check in and see how it's going. You don't need a fancy emergency preparedness plan. You can still move about, enjoy time with friends and family... with really, the same level of concern you should have every day.

Eat right. 
Move more.
Rest and Manage Stress
Reduce toxins.
Be proactive, 

If you get sick, stay home. 

Let me know your take aways! Drop a comment - questions? comments? I would love to hear from you! 

There are many ways manage stress, meditation is one that honestly surprised me in the impact it made once I was practicing daily - and for only 10 minutes each day. The National Institutes of Health reports studies show us that meditation practice may reduce stress, blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, while increasing feelings of happiness and well-being.

Meditation can be intimidating for some, others think its all a bunch of hocus pocus that works as much as you believe it does. Science is telling us otherwise and if it helps to reframe the story about it.- think of it more like a discipline, an exercise for the brain. 
 
What is meditation anyway? 

According to Psychology Today, meditation is the act of turning your mind away from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment. The practice can involve turning your attention to a single point of reference, focusing on the breath, bodily sensations, or for some,  a mantra, a quote, or Bible verse.
 
How is it done? 

One of the biggest barriers to meditation is that people don’t know where to begin. I suggest starting small - maybe even just 2 minutes, then 5, work up to 10 and if you love it - keep going. If all you ever do is 2 minutes every day, I believe you will still see a difference that makes it worth it. And of course, if you want to power boost this discipline - add in essential oils to help your brain and all those neurotransmitters get the right signals out to your body - to relax, everything is going to be ok. 

Ok, here are some tips: 

One of my favorite tips is to just go to headspace.com or download the app. I have learned tons of science and tips on mediation for various goals and seasons here. I love it! Just do the free trial... and then start out with a 3-5 or 10 minutes every morning. By the time you have completed the free trial, you will see the difference it makes and can decide if you need a guide or not. 

Essential Oils known for their value in meditation: Frankincense, Lavender, Neroli, Sandalwood, Eucalyptus (great for clear breathing).  Any essential oil can be great for meditation though. I don't think you can choose the wrong oil. 

A couple other tips I learned from other nurses: 
​

• Don’t worry about the rules. There are many different types of meditation and although they may have rules or guidelines, the way you decide to practice is up to you. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

• Start small. You may have visions of yourself sitting on a pillow chanting “om” for 30 minutes but that’s not realistic at first. Set a modest goal, such as meditating for one minute every day for a week. Aim for two minutes the next week and continue to build upon your progress. 

• Set a timer. The point of meditation is to either focus on a particular thought or mantra or focus on nothing at all and just “be.” That’s tough to do when you’re looking at the clock to see how long you’ve been meditating. Use the timer function on your smartphone so you can focus and keep your eyes closed. Be sure to set the alarm to a low sound that is not too jarring, like a soft gong or chime.

• Go someplace quiet. It’s easier to feel calm and relaxed without the TV blaring in the background or overhearing coworkers’ conversations.

• Get comfortable. You don’t have to buy a special meditation pillow or yoga mat to begin meditating. You can sit, lie down, or even stand. In fact, some types of meditation involve movement, like walking. Do whatever feels best for you and feel free to experiment.

• Find your focus. You can choose to focus on anything, but common focal points are breath, mantras, or the body.

1. Breath: RN and board-certified integrative nurse coach Nicole Vienneau suggests the 4:7:8 technique for beginners. Slowly inhale for four counts, hold the breath for a count of seven, then exhale for a count of eight. Repeat the process a minimum of four times and then repeat it as many times as you’d like.
2. Pick a word or phrase and repeat it in your mind continuously. Try these mantra ideas to get started.
3. Body: Center your attention on a particular area of your body, such as the belly, neck, or feet.

• Notice your thoughts. A popular misconception about meditation is that the goal is to have a blank mind. This is unrealistic. Thoughts will be popping into your head constantly. Acknowledge them and let them go. The goal of meditation is to keep your focus on one thing only. So, when other thoughts creep in, just keep bringing your awareness back to your focal point.

• Go high tech. Meditation is an ancient practice, but it’s never been easier or more accessible thanks to technology. If you are constantly getting distracted, consider using an app like Calm or Headspace, which will lead you through a guided meditation.

• Falling asleep is OK. If you get so comfortable and relaxed that you fall asleep, accept it. In fact, some types of meditation specifically help people fall asleep, like one of these free guided meditations from UCLA. Fighting the urge to doze off while meditating just creates more stress. If you notice that you consistently fall asleep every time you attempt to meditate, it may mean you need more shut-eye in general. If you have trouble getting to sleep at night, read our tips on how to fall asleep faster.

• Take a moment. After the chime or gong sounds on your phone, take a second to gather your thoughts and regroup before you power forward with the rest of your day. Over time, you’ll begin to notice that the effects of daily meditation will help you bring more mindfulness to all aspects of your life.

Healthynursehealthynation.com
 

Hinoki Essential Oil is sometimes referred to as Japanese Cypress Essential Oil or Hinoki Cypress Essential Oil.
Hinoki Essential Oil is steam distilled from Chamaecyparis obtusa, a conifer that is native to Japan. Hinoki Essential Oil is available in limited quantities as a wood oil, root oil and needle (leaf) oil. The chemistry and actions are somewhat different depending on what part of the tree the essential oil was distilled from.


The Hinoki tree and essential oil goes by several common names. It's always important pay close attention to an essential oil's botanical name, and that holds especially true for Hinoki Essential Oil. An essential oil steam distilled from Chamaecyparis formosensis and known as Taiwan Hinoki Essential Oil (and other similar names) is also available. The two essential oils should not be confused. Both botanicals are considered in the aromatherapy world to be  endangered. This is another really fabulous reason of WHY doTERRA!

You don't have to guess and we can trust that if doTERRA is making it available, they have guarded sustainability. 

For centuries, the wood of the Hinoki tree has been used to build shrines and temples across Japan, and is still used today in the timber industry. While Hinoki is a prized resource, its wood has been over-populating areas of Japan for years. Seeing an environmental and economic need, doTERRA has partnered with groups in Japan to use the timber industry’s by-product of Hinoki wood to create this beautiful essential oil. Through the Hinoki Co-Impact Sourcing effort, doTERRA not only contributes to Japan’s forest management programs, but also creates needed jobs across rural Japan—ensuring that this unique, premium oil continues to give back to the people of its native land.

Emotionally and energetically, the Hinoki Needle Essential Oil is uplifting, cleansing, comforting and opens the mind for new perspectives. [Musacchio, 2018)

JUST THE FACTS: 

Botanical Name of Hinoki Essential Oil: Chamaecyparis obtusa
Common Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled
Plant Part Typically Used: Needles, Twigs/Wood or Root.
Color: Clear to Pale Yellow
Perfumery Note: Middle
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium

Hinoki Essential Oil smells woody and sweet. The aroma varies between the wood, root and needle (leaf) oils.

Hinoki Needle (Leaf) Essential Oil Uses / Actions

• Possible Neuroprotective Affects  
• Respiratory Support
• Protective against threats
• Supporting the body in an inflammatory state
• Reducing anxious feelings
• Supporting health hair growth
• Immune system support
• insect repellant

Uses

• Massage into the feet, back, and/or chest prior to bedtime for a calming aroma
• Add two to three drops to bathwater for a relaxing aroma at the end of a long day
• Rub two drops into the palms of your hands and inhale deeply for a comforting aroma
• Add one drop to your moisturizer for a soothing effect in your skincare routine
• Add four to five drops to your hardwood floor cleaner for a woody, fresh sce

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice. 
Topical use: Apply 1 drop with 5-10 drops of a carrier oil to
minimize skin sensitivity.

For those of you still reading, we know a lot about our oils and how to use them by chemistry... Hinoki essential oil is complex, with many chemical components, mainly: 

• α-pinene
• Δ-cadinene
• Δ-amorphene
• α-muurolene

What you really probably want to know is... does it work? Try it and see! 

References: 

• doTERRA.com https://media.doterra.com/ca-otg/en/pips/hinoki-oil.pdf
• Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 301-302.
• ​The International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy, Volume 7, Issue 1), 55-61.]

​Evidence Based Essential Oil Therapy to Support the Urinary System

Scientists have been investigating the interaction of essential oils and various pathogens for a long time now and they are publishing some promising work, clues to help us support our health with natural solutions.

UTIs develop when a person has an overgrowth of bacteria in their urinary tract, Nearly 85% of UTI are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli). To address a UTI, we have to have a solution that has the potential to kill this type of bacteria..

The following essential oils are represented in recent studies: 

Bergamot Citrus bergamia 
 - actually many of the citrus oils are mentioned often in the literature. 

Clove Eugenia caryophyllata
A 2016 study suggests that clove oil may help to kill E. coli, particularly when the bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics.

Oregano Origanum vulgare
A 2012 study found that oregano oil could slow or stop the growth of E. coli and other bacteria. The bacteria strains used in the study resisted other treatments, which means oregano oil may also kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A 2015 study that compared the effectiveness of oregano and lavender oils found that oregano had higher antimicrobial properties, suggesting that it can fight bacteria such as E. coli.

Thyme is always an oil that I think of first when considering protective properties. It's a little milder than Oregano as well. 

Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Cinnamaldehyde, the chemical that gives cinnamon its flavor, may inhibit the growth
of E. coli. The oil and the spice may also help to prevent UTIs from recurring. In addition to using cinnamon oil, a person might consider adding powdered cinnamon to their diet.

Those of you who struggle with recurring UTI, add cinnamon to tea or coffee or favorite diffuse blends - it just may be what make the difference! 

Lavender Lavendula augustofolia
Research suggests that lavender can kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, It may also act as an antioxidant.

Research published in 2015, for example, found that lavender and oregano oils, separately and in combination, may inhibit the growth of, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

Tea Tree Melaleuca alternafolia
In his book, Medical Aromatherapy, Kurt Schnaubelt recommends two dorps of tea treee oil, internally, every twenty minutes ofr the first 4-6 hours. He also recommends Oregano oil as an option - one drop every hour, four times. 

Herbal oils
Authors of a 2013 study propose that some herbal oils are effective against E. coli and other bacteria. These include:

• Basil Ocimum basilicum
• Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis
• Marjoram  Origanum majorana

I love this because one of my favorite blends contains all of these oils! AromaTouch, is doTERRA’s proprietary massage blend. It is a combination of oils known to provide relaxing and comforting effects. It is so much more than that, AromaTouch combines our essential oils of Cypress, Peppermint, Marjoram, Basil, Grapefruit, and Lavender essential oils - all oils that are researched for their protective properties. 

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus radiata
Eucalyptus oil may combat a wide range of bacteria. This makes it a good option when a person is unsure which type of bacteria is causing the infection.
A 2016 study identified compounds in eucalyptus oil that may explain its antibacterial properties. The researchers found that eucalyptus may kill or slow the growth of E. coli, S. aureus,  

Cumin and Coriander
Cumin oil became even more effective when used in combination with some antibiotics, suggesting that it may be a complementary treatment. Like Cumin, Coriander oil was more effective when paired with antibiotics. 

Good point to make here is that using essential oils, choosing natural solutions, is not an all or nothing choice. Essential oils can also work with our allopathic approaches - take the antibiotics prescribed - and add essential oils into your plan to address the root cause and support overall health. 

 Once you have chosen the oil you want to use - what do you do with it???
Essential oils can be used aromatically, topically or internally.

Many Aromatherapists will say not ever to use them without consulting an Aromatherapist - Well, I get to be that for you. Internal use is not to be taken lightly and really I can only speak for doTERRA essential oils because they are the oils that I know and trust. There may be other companies who offer pure oils, but I don't know of any who put the work into assuring quality and purity as doTERRA does.  

In this case, I would begin with all three -  topical application and an inhaled option as well as an internal option. Rememeber if you are also being treated by a Provider - full transparency about your preference to use essential oils is a must. 

When applied topically, essential oils are best used diluted in a carrier oil. The usual recipe is 3 to 5 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil. Fractionated Coconut Oil is a popular choice. There are some oils that should should only be used if diluted (Oregano would definitely be one of those, it can be very hot on the skin). 

Essential oils should not be applied to mucous membranes of the vagina or urethra. The mixture of essential oils you choose can be applied to areas around the inner thighs, mons pubis - the fatty tissue that lies just over the joint of the pubic bones. Diluted essential oils can also be safely used in a warm compress on skin near the affected area.

Another option would be to add a few drops of diluted oils to a bath may promote relaxation and provide temporary relief from pain.  Remember that oil and water don't mix, oils will sit on the top of the water and then your skin and with some oils - that isn't going to feel good! So, Mix 5-20 drops of essential oil per ½ ounce (1 tablespoon) of your chosen bath base. Either use this amount for one bath, or make up a larger quantity for future use (Tisserand). You can safely use solubol, castile soap, shampoo, shower gel, vegetable oil - fractionated coconut oil, bath oils

A couple recipes: 

Bath blend:
Lavender - 5 drops
Marjoram - 5 drops 

General rule with essential oils: It is best to use small amounts of high-quality essential oils diluted in a carrier oil, you cannot go wrong using doTERRA oils -the oils that I trust. ​

Now, when you have trouble - consider this and take this to your Provider and share your goal of minimizing antibiotic use when possible and ask that outcomes be measured to help you track the effectiveness of your chosen method of management. It is not advised to take matter into your own hands, you should seek medical advice from a provider who will listen and honor your preferences.... And consult with your Certified Professional Nurse Aromatherapist! 

One of my favorite tools for daily essential oil use is the personal inhaler (click the pics to see how you can purchase these tools) - allowing you the benefits of your essential oil therapy on the go. These (above) are beautiful, have a glass container that will preserve the aroma and not leak. There are also plastic options (below) - with even less cost involved - they do look a little like a tampon- if that matters to you at all. I like when they come with labels - but you can easily apply your own sticker of label so you remember what your blend was and why you created it! 

You can add your favorite combinations of essential oils - choose by what outcome you are looking for. You can add up to 15 drops total before you have to be concerned about leaking. 

My favorite blends:

Wake UP!
3 drops each of wild orange and peppermint.

Power Through:
5 drops Siberian Fir
4 drops Marjormam
6 drops Wild Orange

Chill Out:
3 drops of each Serenity and Balance. 

Antother option is "smelling salts". ​This is a more sustainable option. The bottles are completely reusable. Simply fill a 3/4 dram or 5ml amber glass bottle with some chunky Himalayan salt - which are being used on their own as an inhaled health option - have you seen the salt inhalers?
An extra little perk - add in some herb with your essential oil. It’s pretty, it feels good, 

Any of these are perfect for those who work in places that have not evolved to prioritize workplace wellness practices over finicky people who insist that lysol is ok but essential oils are not. Be patient, this is changing - we just need more education about quality of our essential oils... there are still those who just don't know.

Try this - if you haven't, you will probably be amazed at the benefits. I have managed an all day battle with fatigue, nausea and head tension with just my "Power Through" blend alone! 

Essential oils work - and it doesn't have to be complicated!