NeuroTalk Support Groups - Out of control III

mine is the whole right leg but it is beginning to feel better. Last night it was hurting and I was just lying in bed. The other day in the morning I walked so well when I went downstairs. I can only blame it on medication. I will ask my cardiologist on Monday if praulent could do it to me.
I just put three drops of lavender essential oil on my pillow. It is so very wonderful.
love
bobby
Lavender essential oil is the most used essential oil in the world today, but the benefits of lavender were actually discovered over 2,500 years ago. Because of its powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, sedative, calming and antidepressive properties, lavender oil benefits abound and it’s been used both cosmetically and therapeutically for centuries. (1)

The Egyptians used lavender for mummification and as a perfume. In fact, when King Tut’s tomb was opened in 1923, there was said to be a faint scent of lavender that could still be detected after 3,000 years.

Early and modern aromatherapy texts advocate for lavender’s use as an antibacterial essential oil. The leaves and stems of the plant were used to prepare decoctions against digestive system diseases and rheumatism, and lavender was valued for its cosmetic purposes. The Romans used lavender oil for bathing, cooking and purifying the air. And in the Bible, lavender oil was among the aromatics used for anointing and healing. (2)

Because lavender oil contains such versatile properties and is gentle enough to apply directly to the skin, I consider it a must-have oil, especially if you are just getting started with using essential oils for your health. Science has only recently started to evaluate the range of health benefits that lavender essential oil contains, but there’s already an abundance of evidence that points out the amazing capabilities of this oil. (3)
Today, lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the world. And for good reason. People are beginning to catch on to lavender oil benefits, for your body as well as your home.

10 Lavender Oil Benefits and Studies
1. Antioxidant Protection
Free radicals, like toxins, chemicals and pollutants, are arguably the most dangerous and most common risk factor for every disease that affects Americans today. Free radicals are responsible for shutting down your immune system and can cause unbelievable damage to your body.

The body’s natural response to free radical damage is to create antioxidant enzymes — especially glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) — that prevent these free radicals from doing their damage. Unfortunately, your body can actually become deficient in antioxidants if the free radical burden is great enough, which has become relatively common in the U.S. because of poor diet and high exposure to toxins.

Thankfully, lavender essential oil is a natural antioxidant that works to prevent and reverse disease. A 2013 study published in Phytomedicine found that lavender oil increased the activity of the body’s most powerful antioxidants — glutathione, catalase and SOD. And more recent studies have indicated similar results, concluding that lavender has antioxidant activity and helps to prevent or reverse oxidative stress. (4, 5)

2. Diabetes Natural Treatment
In 2014, scientists from Tunisia set out to complete a fascinating task: to test the effects of lavender essential oil on blood sugar to see if it can help reverse diabetes naturally.

During the 15-day animal study, the results observed by researchers were absolutely amazing. In a nutshell, lavender essential oil treatment protected the body from the following diabetes symptoms (6):

Increased blood glucose (the hallmark of diabetes)
Metabolic disorders (especially fat metabolism)
Weight gain
Liver and kidney antioxidant depletion
Liver and kidney dysfunction
Liver and kidney lipoperoxidation (when free radicals “steal” necessary fat molecules from cell membranes)
Although more research is needed to understand the full capacity of lavender oil for the prevention or reversal of diabetes, the results of this study are promising and indicate the therapeutic potential of lavender. To use lavender oil for diabetes, apply it topically to your neck and chest, diffuse it at home or supplement with it for the health benefits.

3. Improves Mood and Reduces Stress
In recent years, lavender oil has been put on a pedestal for its unique ability to protect against neurological damage. Traditionally, lavender has been used to treat neurological issues like migraines, stress, anxiety and depression, so it’s exciting to see that the research is finally catching up to history.

In 2013, an evidence-based study published by the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found that supplementing with 80 milligram capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxiety, sleep disturbance and depression. Additionally, in the study there were no adverse side effects, drug interactions or withdrawal symptoms from using lavender oil. (7)

The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology published a human study in 2014 that revealed that Silexan (otherwise known as lavender oil preparation) was more effective against generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) than placebos and the prescription medicine paroxetine. After treatment, the study found zero instances of withdrawal symptoms or adverse side effects. (8)

Another study published in 2012 took 28 high-risk postpartum women and found that by diffusing lavender in their homes, they had a significant reduction of postnatal depression and reduced anxiety disorder after a four-week treatment plan of lavender aromatherapy. (9)

Lavender oil has also been shown to improve PTSD symptoms. 80 milligrams of lavender oil per day helped decrease depression by 33 percent and dramatically decrease sleep disturbances, moodiness, and overall health status in 47 people suffering from PTSD. (10)

To relieve stress and improve sleep, put a diffuser by your bed and diffuse oils while you sleep at night or in the family room while you’re reading or winding down in the evening. You can also apply lavender oil topically behind your ears for the same benefits.

4. Supports Brain Function
The neurological benefits of lavender essential oil don’t stop at its ability to treat depression and boost mood. Research also shows that lavender oil serves as a natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease! Studies conducted on rats show that inhaling lavender essential oil vapor can help to prevent brain oxidative stress and improve cognitive impairment. (11, 12)

Also in 2012, the Swiss journal Molecules printed the results of a study that shockingly proved that lavender oil is a viable treatment option for neurological dysfunctions such as stroke. Researchers believe that lavender’s neuroprotective effects are due to its antioxidant properties. (13)

To support the nervous system with lavender oil, diffuse it at home, inhale it directly from the bottle or apply it topically to the temples and back of neck.