Alliums’ Powerful Health Benefits

Normally I start the day with a green smoothie. To get things going, I toss a handful of kale in the Vitamix along with a couple cups of super-herb tea or almond milk. If I find myself out of Kale, I will throw in a scoop or two of a good nutrition powder (here’s a link to make your own green formula). Then, in go my super foods: coconut oil, flax and hemp seeds, raw cacao powder, maca, and vanilla.

Next comes a handful of frozen blueberries. (I always have a stash frozen organic blueberries in the freezer!) To give it an extra digestive boost, I will often also add a cup of homemade kefir or a high quality probiotic. If it’s cold outside, I will add some warming spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, etc. Be careful not to cook the probiotics in the blender by blending too fast or long.

…gallic acid prevents cellular mutations and is toxic to cancer cells…

If I’m fighting off inflammation, when I have it on hand, I’ll also add an inch or so of fresh turmeric root. To keep the concoction low-glycemic, sometimes I sweeten it with a few drops of liquid stevia. This green super food smoothie starts my day off right by alkalizing and energizing me, and it provides me with a serious dose of the dense, high-quality nutrition. It keeps me going for hours!

Today Was Different

Today, however, for some reason, I was craving something savory – something warm and nourishing. Perhaps it’s the winter weather or the fact that the flu has been going around town. I opened the fridge to see what would appeal to me. Immediately the food that popped out at me was leeks. Leeks… Hmm, leeks for breakfast? I trust what my body is telling me, so here goes!

I grabbed one out of the vegetable drawer, gave it a rinse, peeled off the outer skin, chopped it up and tossed it in a cast-iron pan along with a big spoonful of coconut oil and started sautéing. Next, I ripped up the kale leaves that normally would have gone in my smoothie and tossed them in as well. Two ounces of wild smoked salmon found its way, crumbled, into the pan next. Finally, I cracked two pasture-raised eggs, added a pinch of salt, and voila: a moment later I had a leek-salmon-kale-scramble on the plate. It looked and smelled great, and tasted even better!

So what was the deal? What was my body craving when it so clearly said, “Go for the leeks!” I decided to do a bit of research. I knew leeks are in the allium family, which also includes onions, garlic, shallots, chives, and scallions, but what I discovered shocked me. It turns out that alliums are health-promoting, disease-fighting, phytonutrient powerhouses! First of all, they are high in hard-to-get vitamin K, which the body needs to build strong bones and combat heart disease. The body also needs vitamin K for a variety of other crucial metabolic functions.

Leeks

Leeks, in particular, are high in manganese, which the body also needs to build strong bones, as well as copper, another essential mineral of which many people are deficient, and the B vitamin, folate. Folate, which has multiple health benefits including fighting depression and promoting healthy red blood cell development, is present throughout all parts of a leak: the leaves, stem and the bulb, in one of its bioactive forms, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate or 5MTHF. Good thing, that apart from the tough outer casing, I sautéed the whole plant for my breakfast!But those nutrients found in leeks are just the beginning. Vegetables in the entire allium family are loaded with other kinds of “phytonutrients.”

Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that are key to human health. Some examples are the antioxidants found in the raw cacao and the plant sterols found in the maca that I put in my smoothie. Antioxidants fight free-radicals in the body that can damage cells through oxidation. The plant sterols in maca tone the reproductive system, improve stamina and lower cholesterol. Wild salmon is loaded with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, lauric acid, and capric acid that are unique medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that provide the body with easily digested energy and lower cholesterol. Coconut oil is also a potent anti-microbial and anti-fungal.

Mother of All Antioxidants

Alliums are one of the foods highest in an antioxidant that New York Times bestselling author, Mark Hyman, MD calls the “Mother of All Antioxidants:” glutathione. Glutathione is a “glycoprotein,” or a protein molecule with a sugar molecule attached to it, which is needed by every cell in your body, and like copper, almost everyone is deficient in it. It boosts immunity, lowers your risk of heart attack, helps detoxify the body, is anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, etc., etc., etc.!

Alliums are also full of “organosulfur compounds,” hence their strong smell and flavor. Organosulfur compounds also have a long list of major health benefits. First of all, they are extremely active antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents! They are also anti-inflammatory and thought to lower the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Allicin, the most prevalent organosulfur compound in alliums, especially present in raw garlic, is a major immune-enhancer. Studies have shown that allicin has the ability to lower total cholesterol, LDL, or “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides, and increase HDL, or “good cholesterol.” Therefore, allicin supports the functioning of the circulatory system and thus lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. The list doesn’t end there, though! Allicin is even thought to be anti-cancer, and the digestion of allicin in the body produces another master antioxidant, sulfenic acid. Research shows that this phytonutrient neutralizes free radicals faster than even glutathione!

Alliums, like my leek this morning, are also high in other health-promoting “flavonoid” antioxidants as well, such as quercetin. Flavonoids are plant metabolites that plants use for their own protection and health that also provide us with excellent health benefits such as fighting inflammation and helping us ward off viruses and microbes. In addition to being an antioxidant that is both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, quercetin is also a natural antihistamine. In other words, it is anti-allergenic!

Leeks also contain the flavonoid kaempferol, which helps prevent free-radical damage to blood vessel linings. Another antioxidant flavonoid found in leeks, and in all alliums, is gallic acid. Studies have shown that gallic acid prevents cellular mutations and is toxic to cancer cells while having no negative effect on healthy cells. Like allicin, it’s also anti-cancer, anti-viral and anti-fungal. And studies have also shown gallic acid to prevent “neuronal cell death.” In other words, it helps stop the degeneration of the nervous system which happens in Alzheimer’s or during stokes. Therefore consumption of alliums may reduce the severity of strokes and might be an anti-aging compound. It could even help you think more clearly!

The list of phytonutrients and the health benefits of consuming alliums goes on and on. Some of them have anti-inflammatory actions that protect against osteoarthritis and ward off infections. Others may protect against asthma, prevent obesity, aid in detoxification and lower blood pressure. Needless to say, the leek I ate this morning could definitely help me ward off the flu. Of course, make sure you eat organic alliums. Organic alliums are higher in minerals and phytonutrients, lower in pesticide residues, and infinitely better for the environment than conventionally grown alliums. Tomorrow, I might go back to my green smoothie for breakfast. But today I am going to enjoy the multiple health benefits of the mighty leek!

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More Vaccines Coming Down the Fast Track

In a way, vaccines are preventative medicine. Get the shot; develop immunity for a potentially deadly disease. Vaccine research development now wants to take the preventative mindset to a new level. Inspired by the Ebola outbreak that killed more than 11,000 people in Africa and the more recent Zika virus scare, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed 460 million dollars to drive forward the development of three vaccines for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), Lassa fever, and Nipah virus. The coalition is also asking the World Economic Forum for a 500 million dollar donation to enable their goal of developing two different experimental vaccines for each disease within five years.

What’s the Big Deal?

There are many serious diseases with no known curative treatment beyond fluids and rest.  So what is it about these three diseases that make them special? And what’s the hurry? According to Dr. Jeremy Farrar of the Wellcome Trust (one of the Investors in CEPI), “We know from Ebola, Zika and SARS that epidemics are among the significant threats we face to life, health and prosperity. Vaccines can protect us, but we’ve done too little to develop them as an insurance policy.” The three diseases highlighted by CEPI currently have no vaccines and no clear treatment plans. They’re also on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of diseases that urgently need to be addressed with research and development.

The Chosen Three

MERS

MERS is a viral respiratory infection caused by the MERS-coronavirus. Since its discovery in 2012, the WHO has confirmed nearly 1,900 cases of MERS with 666 deaths, resulting in a 35% death rate. People with the infection report varying levels of fever, cough, diarrhea, and shortness of breath. Symptoms are more severe in people with pre-existing health conditions.

While the virus itself is believed to have originated from bats, camels appear to be the current viral host. The spread of the infection is believed to be through coughing or contact with respiratory secretions. Most people contract the virus in healthcare settings. While the majority of cases of MERS have been reported in the Arabian Peninsula, South Korea experienced an outbreak that infected 82 people in three days. In 2014,  2 cases were confirmed in the U.S.

Lassa Fever

Of the three diseases fast-tracked for research and development, Lassa fever has been around the longest. It was discovered in 1969 in Nigeria. It predominantly occurs in West Africa and is transmitted to humans from the African rat, the most common rat in West Africa. Eighty percent of the people who contract Lassa fever have no symptoms other than a mild fever, but around 5,000 of the cases reported every year result in death. The cases that are fatal include symptoms of vomiting, fever, bleeding from body parts, and pain in the back, chest, and abdomen. A quarter of the survivors experience hearing loss. Lassa fever is difficult to distinguish from other hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola, yellow fever, and malaria.

Nipah Virus

Fruit bats are the natural hosts of the Nipah virus. Outbreaks of the virus occur almost every year in Bangladesh, and the virus occurs in India and surrounding countries as well. While the Nipah virus has not caused as many fatalities as the other two diseases targeted by CEPI, the death rate is more severe with nearly three-quarters of those infected dying. Symptoms of the virus include acute respiratory syndrome and acute fatal encephalitis. Nipah virus is transmitted to people through contact with pigs (a likely food source for bats), fruit bats, and raw date palm sap that has been contaminated by them.

Is This the Only Way to Accomplish This?

This is a very aggressive research and development campaign. Developing a single vaccine is a long process that takes from 10-15 years. CEPI’s goal is an ambitious one, but then that makes sense. CEPI is founded by some familiar entities, including the government of Norway, the government of India, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In the midst of the flurry of announcements and ambition, it’s easy to ignore potential issues.

As long as camels, pigs, mice, and bats are around, these diseases will always be present. In the case of Nipah virus, vaccines won’t necessarily stop the spread of it as there has never been a case of it being transmitted from person to person. Sanitation and ensuring that people have the knowledge and option to avoid using contaminated date palm sap. It would be interesting to see how education and strategies on how to avoid African rats in Western Africa would impact the number of people who contract Lassa fever.

As we’ve seen over and over, sanitation and education make a huge difference in preventing the spread of disease. Dispersing sanitation and disease prevention information and improving living conditions has helped to stop the spread of polio, measles, and mumps. Why not utilize sanitation and education to eradicate these diseases as well? The answer is obvious. It may cost less than the development of a vaccine, but it won’t result in a product pharmaceutical companies can sell.

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CBD Oil is Legal in Certain States and Federally Illegal – Officially Schedule 1

Is cannabidiol (CBD) oil illegal? Well…what country do you live in? If you answered the United States, the answer is yes. CBD oil and any “extract containing one or more cannabinoids that have been derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis” has (as of December 14, 2016) been given a new controlled substance code by the DEA and firmly classified as a schedule I substance. So, illegal.

But wait! There’s another question, guys! What state do you live in? Obviously,  if you live in a state where marijuana is legalized in all forms or in a state with legalized medical marijuana, CBD oil is freely available. There are also 16 states that have passed laws specifically allowing the prescription (super illegal by federal standards) or the study of CBD oil in the case of patients experiencing seizures, muscle spasms, and epilepsy. This leaves about 6 states where marijuana is illegal in any form. Oh, but remember, even in the states where it is legal, it is illegal to possess it in any building or facility managed by the federal government.

Why Does It Have To Be So Confusing?

CBD is available with a prescription in Australia and Canada and the U.K. Oddly enough, CBD oil is listed in the cosmetic ingredient database in the E.U. In the U.S., it’s illegal to have or use CBD oil in Idaho, for example. But every surrounding state allows it. Get your head in the game, Idaho!

The U.S. federal policy on marijuana is nonsensical. Marijuana is not legal because of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD oil is not legal, even when tested to ensure the trace amounts of THC are below a certain threshold (which varies, although the smallest amount allowed seems to be .3%). Hemp is not legal according to the final rule released from the DEA in 2016, as it is in the genus Cannabis and classified as a schedule I like heroin (oxycontin is a schedule II drug, for reference). Not banned? A schedule III synthetic version of THC known as Dronabinol is currently accepted for medical use.

Covering Your Ass, DEA-Style

More than half of Americans believe medical marijuana should be legal. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals took away the federal government’s ability to fund prosecution of people using medical marijuana according to state laws. In the words of former attorney general Eric Holder,

You know, we treat marijuana in the same way that we treat heroin now, and that clearly is not appropriate.”

With support for medical marijuana growing in the United States, why is the federal government dragging its heels?

The government claims there is not enough research to be sure that CBD and other cannabinoids have medicinal benefit, which is kind of a cop-out, as the research itself is illegal. The government ignores the countless stories and videos showing the amazing effect CBD oil has on people and children suffering from epilepsy, seizures, and neurological disorders. The denial of marijuana as medicine also directly contradicts the government’s Investigation of New Drugs (IND) program founded in 1978 (the program has since been closed to new patients). Under that program, there are still a tiny number of people (3) receiving medical marijuana from the federal government. So while the federal government has labeled marijuana a schedule I substance, they are also still legally dispensing marijuana to patients. But they still claim it can’t be legalized because they don’t have enough “research.”

If I’m Wrong, I Don’t Want to Know About it

So, to recap: CBD oil is banned federally due to the psychoactive compound THC (which it has in super small quantities if any) and a lack of research supporting medicinal claims, but a synthetic drug that is basically THC is legally available, and certain patients from an older (That’s where the research went!) government program have access to legal medical marijuana…from the government. Why? The current federal stance on marijuana (medicinal or otherwise) is about control of the medical marijuana market. If companies manufacturing medical marijuana extracts like CBD oil are able to control which products get through to market, they have the potential to create a monopoly. Once again, profits and market control are higher on the list of government priorities than providing medical relief to patients who truly need it.

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Is Our Vaccine Schedule Killing Our Children?

Pro-vaccine rhetoric’s “science” supports today’s vaccines as well as the vaccine schedule. Anyone paying attention knows that far too many of today’s scientific studies reach the conclusions predetermined by the pharmaceutical companies or chemical companies who funded the study. Data is often withheld and manipulated. While results can easily be skewed, the infant mortality rate is a bit more difficult to falsify.

In the article, Infant mortality rates regressed against number of vaccine doses routinely given: Is there a biochemical or synergistic toxicity? published in Human and Experimental Toxicology in September of 2011 a clear correlation between infant death and the countries’ respective vaccine schedules was shown.

An analysis was made of the 34 countries with the lowest infant mortality rate. The United States was number 34. (Yes, though we spend the most on medicine, 33 countries had a lower infant mortality than the United States in 2009.) Of these 34 countries, 5 of the nations with the lowest infant death rate required 12 vaccines (the fewest), while the United States required 26 (the highest).

When the results were charted the correlation was clear.  As the authors said,

These findings demonstrate a counter-intuitive relationship: nations that require more vaccine doses tend to have higher infant mortality rates.”

Infant deaths that are a direct result of vaccine injury are sometimes labeled as such, but too often they are categorized as pneumonia, SIDS, suffocation, etc. In addition to deaths that occur within hours or days of vaccination, death may occur in the weeks or months after vaccination due to a weakened immune system.

The Unites States no longer holds the same rank. There are no longer 33 countries with a lower infant mortality rate than ours. Today, there are 56 countries with a lower infant mortality rate. The current U.S. schedule includes 32 vaccines for the first year.

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Increase Libido and Treat Erectile Dysfunction with Natural Methods

There are a variety of things that can negatively impact a man’s sexual health. Stress, performance anxiety, relationship problems, health conditions, food consumption, and lifestyle choices are just a few. Erectile dysfunction and low libido are the most common sexual concerns. Fortunately, they also happen to be among the easiest conditions to address naturally with quick, simple, and effective methods.

1. Change of Diet

Food has a very powerful influence on our bodies. It can either help or hinder the body’s functionality.

When it comes to sex, there are a couple of significant ways diet impacts performance:

  • Blood flow – Erections depend on relaxed muscles that allow for greater blood flow to the penis. Therefore, it is important to look for foods that increase, not decrease, blood flow.
  • Testosterone – Testosterone is one of the primary ingredients in a man’s libido. Any foods that impact hormone levels will also impact sex drive.
  • Emotions: Stress and anxiety often inhibit libido. Foods that have a calming effect on the brain will improve the quality of sex.

Foods That Increase Libido

Food

How it Helps
Spinach Spinach has an abundance of magnesium.  Magnesium helps increase blood flow by decreasing blood vessel inflammation.
Peppers Spicy peppers increase metabolism, which makes the heart beat faster and pump more blood.
Ginger Ginger greatly improves artery health, improving blood flow.
Bananas Bananas are high in potassium. Potassium is needed to balance out an abundance of sodium, which decreases blood flow.
Potatoes Potatoes are another food with significant amounts of potassium, aiding blood circulation.
Fatty fish Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in wild salmon, sardines, and tuna, increase dopamine production. Not only does dopamine improve circulation, it also increases relaxation, making sex more enjoyable.
Dark chocolate Dark chocolate increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, elevating mood and decreasing anxiety.
Pumpkin seeds The tryptophan in pumpkin seeds also increases serotonin production, making performance even better.
Oysters The zinc in oysters increases testosterone levels and enhances physical performance. The copper allows the body to absorb the zinc. On top of that, oysters have B12!
Pine Nuts Pine nuts are rich in testosterone-producing zinc.

Foods That Decrease Libido

Food

Why it’s Bad
Diet soda The aspartame in diet soda decreases serotonin production—and libido.
Microwave popcorn The acid found in the lining of  the popcorn bag can kill sex drive and cause long-term damage to the prostate.
Alcohol Alcohol is a well-known depressant that inhibits the ability to establish and maintain an erection.
Soy Soy can decrease sperm count and negatively impact libido.
Sugar Sugar can deplete testosterone levels, causing less interest in sex.
Licorice The glycyrrhizic acid in licorice decreases testosterone production.
Mint Menthol is another inhibitor of testosterone production.

A nutritious diet is essential for maintaining overall health, and sexual health is no exception.

2. Lifestyle

There are various life choices that can impact sexual health.

Exercise

Exercise improves overall health—including sexual performance. Not only will an increase in activity help prevent erectile dysfunction, exercise can also help reverse the condition. Exercise helps increase blood flow and improves blood pressure. Weightlifting increases the body’s natural production of testosterone, erectile strength, and libido.

Sleep

If the body doesn’t produce enough sex hormones, mainly testosterone, erectile dysfunction and low libido are likely. The body’s internal clock controls hormone secretions, and regulating that clock is dependent on healthy sleep patterns. The more regular the sleep cycle, the better equipped the body is to release hormones at the given time.

Smoking

Tobacco negatively impacts the entire body. When it comes to sexual health, its biggest influence is on circulation. Tobacco restricts blood vessels, including the extremely delicate vessels in the penis. Tobacco also decreases blood supply.

To quit smoking, consider one of these natural remedies.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is known to increase blood flow, which can help reduce erectile dysfunction. While the available evidence hasn’t proved acupuncture as an absolute cure for erectile dysfunction, it has proven effective to reduce stress.

While some erectile dysfunction instigators are physical, others are mental and emotional. Acupuncture may or may not address physical issues, but it can help reduce anxiety and stress—which negatively impact both libido and performance.

Medications

Erectile dysfunction and low libido can be side effects of various medicines like high blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, heart medications, cholesterol drugs, anti-psychotics, and treatments to address male pattern baldness. Switching to a different drug or, better yet, a natural solution may have a positive effect.

3. Try Herbal Remedies

There are a number of herbal remedies for erectile dysfunction that have been popular in Eastern medicine for decades. While some herbal remedies haven’t been proven effective yet, others have shown significant improvements.

Ginseng

Korean red ginseng is a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction, though it may cause insomnia.

Horny Goat Weed

Chinese medicine has relied on the extract from this plant for years to enhance energy levels and balance the entire body, which can improve libido. It may also treat erectile dysfunction.

Rhodiola Rosea

Referred to as the ‘golden root’, this natural medicine is a relatively new cure for erectile dysfunction. Russians have used this herb to increase endurance and sexual performance. New studies have found it also reduces feelings of exhaustion and symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Improving Sexual Health Naturally

In many cases, low libido and erectile dysfunction can be reversed with simple, natural cures. Give these suggestions a try and come back to tell us what you found most successful.

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Blood Lead Levels – Standards Up For Review

Every four years, the Center for Disease Control analyzes blood lead levels of children. Children under six whose blood levels test above 5 milligrams of lead per deciliter have enough lead in their body for the CDC to recommend a public health response.  Before 2012, the level causing concern was twice as high as today’s. The level change expanded the potential number of children needing treatment from 150,000 to 535,000. With a new National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey from 2016, there are rumors that the CDC will again lower the reference blood lead levels from 5 mg of lead per deciliter to 3.5 mg.

How Does the Lead Get There?

Lead exposure is declining in the U.S. Levels of lead in children’s bloodstream have fallen over 90% since the use of lead in paint and gasoline was banned almost forty years ago. So where is the lead coming from? The majority of the children above the reference levels of lead are primarily exposed to lead in their homes. In addition to older homes with lead-based paints and toxic soil, contaminated water is becoming common (Flint, MI is only the most publicized case).

Lead does not belong in the body. The fact that the reference level for lead in children’s blood may be lowered again is a good thing, as raising awareness and preventing lead exposure whenever possible is incredibly important. Awareness is good, but for this potential level change, local government follow-through will be likely be limited. The CDC doesn’t actually have any regulatory power with this issue, and local labs and lead testing devices are rarely accurate around the new proposed levels, 3.5 mg.

There is also the issue of cost. Lead safety programs around the country last year were allocated a 17 million dollar budget, which resulted in understaffing and an inability to handle the cases already present. The last time the lead references levels were lowered, the number of children affected by that change almost tripled. If another shift like that occurs without a corresponding budget change, it’s likely communities will be unable to rise to the challenge set by the CDC.

What Can You Do at Home?

The average blood lead level in children 1-5 years old is from 1 to 1.3 mg. Even if you or your children aren’t exposed to lead-based paint on a regular basis, the likelihood of lead being in the body is very high (if only at low levels). While the CDC is raising awareness among medical health and government officials, they are less clear on how you can help yourself.

There are ways to remove lead and other heavy metals from the body (called chelation) by adding common, healthy foods like garlic and cilantro to the diet. The higher the blood lead levels, the more likely a medical professional needs to intervene. You can address your lead level every day before it becomes a toxic overload by doing something as simple as sprinkling raw garlic on your salad or dinner.

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Lavender: A Portrait of an Overlooked Panacea

For most people, lavender conjures memories of powdery-scented sachets in lingerie drawers, spray colognes, or dainty English soaps. Because of this nostalgic cosmetic association, this age-old garden plant has been mostly forgotten as a medicinal, even by seasoned herbalists. Lavandula angustifolia or true lavender is a gentle but highly effective multitasking plant ally for children and adults alike. This fragrant shrub in the mint family has tiny, purple flowers, but don’t let the lovely fragrance or size only connote cosmetic pleasantry. Lavender is highly therapeutic. It is capable of combating influenza and strep throat yet mild enough to calm the stormiest of tummy troubles in youngsters.

When infused gently in hot water, this lovely herb displays aqua hues that mellow to mauve as it fills the room with its fragrance. With such fairy glamor charms, this tea makes an easy internal medicine for nervous exhaustion, digestive spasms, tension headache and migraine, anxiety, panic attacks, chest infections, tonsillitis, bowel infections, excessive Candida, cold and flu, insomnia, and fevers including typhoid. Lavender can easily be combined with synergistic herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile, and rose petals to tailor its valuable properties for specific maladies.

On the other hand, lavender essential oils—true lavender and spike lavender–—are some of the most important oils in clinical aromatherapy that are capable of fighting drug-resistant infections including MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) when used topically.

When looking at the body of modern clinical studies, old herbal manuals, and scribbled notes of aromatherapists, it is easy to see why this humble plant should be one of the most important items to keep on hand at all times—in the medicine chest, the kitchen cabinet, and the travel case.

Uses for Lavender Tea

Allergies and Adrenal Support

Lavender is a natural immune booster, but it can also calm an overactive immune system that is responsible for multiple allergies or sensitivities. The adrenals, the body’s stress glands, can play a significant role in promoting equilibrium between both extremes, and lavender can help. When the adrenals are nourished and the more the parasympathetic nervous system kicks into temper chronic fight or flight response, there will be fewer allergies and less severe allergies.

Tip: To prevent the body from neutralizing the effects of long-term use, alternate weeks that you drink lavender tea. For example, after a week of consistent use, skip a week and then resume.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups a day.

Anxiety, Depression, and Neurotransmitter Balance

Lavender—both its scent and chemical properties within the flowers themselves when ingested—affect the production of serotonin, a vital neurotransmitter found within the gut and the brain. When this neurotransmitter is imbalanced or deficient, a multitude of “mental health” conditions can manifest. An inhibitory neurotransmitter, serotonin plays a major role in taming excessive production of excitatory chemicals that are responsible for low immunity, disrupted sleep cycles, sugar cravings, and heightened pain. Regular consumption of coffee and other stimulants, prolonged stress, hormonal changes, and poor diet compromise and deplete our serotonin levels. In the simplest terms, serotonin imbalance directly affects many functions in the body including digestion as well as emotional wellbeing. When it is disrupted, it can be evident in many ways ranging from hormonal moodiness to eating disorders such as bulimia and certain types of depression to chronic anxiety. Lavender tea can offer wonderful and near-immediate calming effects by lowering the stress hormone cortisol and regulating adrenaline.

Recommended amount: 1-3 cups a day.

Blood Sugar Balance

 Lavender tea has balancing effects on the pancreas and insulation production, therefore it can be beneficial for blood sugar stability, especially for non-diabetic/reactive hypoglycemia.

Recommended amount: 1-3 cups of unsweetened tea a day.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Because of its effects on neurochemicals and the adrenals, lavender tea is helpful for some individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups of unsweetened tea a day.

Digestive Balance

Chamomile has long been hailed as the quintessential herb for stomach upset, but lavender is also a heavy hitter when it comes to calming nervous bellies, nausea, gas, bloating, and griping pains. A warm infusion of lavender can also increase good intestinal flora while combatting yeast overgrowth. Lavender tea is also an excellent children’s remedy for tummy troubles, school jitters, nightmares, and stomach aches from nervous origins.

Recommended amount for adults: 1-3 cups a day. Recommended amount for little ones: ½ cup twice a day taken by the tablespoon if need be. A little local honey makes it a pleasant drink.

Energetic Properties and Emotional Influence

On the energetic level, lavender can soothe stormy emotions, stimulate peace where there is resentment or jealousy, and lift the mood.

Immunity

 An infusion of lavender flowers drunk a few times a week is a pleasant immune booster that can prevent illness during the flu season, guard against infections, and balance neurochemicals such as serotonin that play an important role in strong immunity. Lavender tea is also wonderful for sore throats, and an added touch of local honey enhances its healing and soothing properties. The tea can be drunk cold, at room temperature, or hot. The latter is useful in bringing down high fevers.

Recommended amount: 3-5 cups a week, skip a week and then resume.

Insomnia  

The scent of lavender and its effects on calming the body and inducing sleep are well known, but the herb prepared as tea gets little attention. A warm lavender infusion taken half an hour before bed can help the body wind down and calm racing thoughts.

Recommended amount: 1 cup of strong unsweetened tea before bedtime.

Muscle Tension and Headaches

Warm or hot lavender tea  can relieve tension headaches and muscle tightness (anywhere in the body, including the neck), and it may help migraines.

Recommended amount: 1-2 cups of unsweetened tea.

Caution: Because of lavender’s effects on neurotransmitters and insulin, those on antidepressants, diabetic pharmaceuticals, or sleep medications might need less of these drugs and should be monitored. Always ask your physician about contraindications regarding any medication. Also, despite lavender’s gentle effects, some individuals can be allergic to it. If any signs of allergic reaction occur, discontinue use.

How To Make Lavender Tea

Quick Method

Use 1-1 ½ teaspoons of dried organic lavender flowers per cup of water. Place the dried herb in a heat proof Pyrex measuring cup or a tea pot, pour boiling water over the lavender and allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. If preferred, add honey to taste.

Overnight Method for a Larger Quantity

Fill a 1-quart Mason jar with ½-3/4 cup of dried organic lavender flowers. Pour boiling water over the herbs, filling the jar halfway. Stir the herb mixture and then fill the rest of the jar with water until full. Put a lid on and cover with a towel overnight. Strain and drink. If preferred, add honey to taste. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Individual portions can be reheated.

Topical Use of Lavender Essential Oil

How to Use Lavender Oil Topically

Due to individual skin sensitivity, neat, or undiluted, application of lavender essential oil is recommended via the soles of the feet. Pores of the foot sole are the largest in the body and are therefore ideal for fast delivery of essential oils into the bloodstream. Inhalation of lavender essential oil can also have profound benefits.

Adults: For undiluted application to the soles of the feet, use 3-4 drops of essential oil maximum per foot. Apply to the soft part of the sole between the heel and the ball of the foot.

Children: Use 1 drop essential oil per sole of the foot or 1 drop of essential oil mixed into 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and massage on chest, belly, or any other part of the body. Avoid mucus membranes.

Tip: The easiest way to apply essential oils neat to the soles of the feet is to simply place an index finger over an essential oil bottle, invert the bottle, and then turn right-side up. The amount of essential oil dispensed on your finger should equal 1 drop. Be sure to allow oils to be absorbed before putting on shoes and socks.

Uses for Lavender Oil

Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, and Chronic Worry

Lavender essential oil is the premiere essential oil for afflictions of the nervous system that manifest as emotional or psychological conditions ranging from certain types of depression to PTSD. Dermal (skin) application and inhalation are both recommended for any of the above. Lavender essential oil is best used consistently, even when symptoms are not apparent. For example, a person who suffers from panic attacks will benefit from lavender by using it between attacks as a preventative measure as well as when symptoms are present. When inhaled, lavender essential oil immediately affects the limbic portion of the brain and works with the adrenals to regulate stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. For inhalation, put a drop on a tissue and inhale as needed.

Cardiovascular Health

Dermal application of lavender essential oil has been shown to increase oxygen and decrease inflammation, thus making it beneficial for heart disease or the prevention of this condition.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. Steam inhalation is also beneficial and can be used by dropping 3 drops of lavender essential oil into hot water and inhaling for ten minutes with a towel over the head.

Chronic Pain Syndromes and Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes respond positively to a topical application of lavender. Lavender is a gentle analgesic that reduces pain, swelling, and inflammation. Steam inhalation of lavender can also benefit the body by reducing physiological stress responses and reducing inflammation.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed.

Steam inhalation: add 3 drops of lavender essential oil to hot water and inhale for ten minutes with a towel over the head.

First-Aid and Skin Health 

A drop or two of lavender essential oil applied to cuts, burns, wounds, and other injuries can instantly promote healing and stop bleeding. Immediate application followed up with daily re-application is recommended for best results. A few drops of lavender essential oil added to water in a spray bottle makes a wonderful sunburn soother that can also be used for inflamed skin condition such as acne, rosacea, and allergies. Lavender applied to the skin after radiation treatment can speed healing and ease pain. Lavender has been shown to decrease certain types of skin cancers, especially when combined with high quality frankincense essential oil.

Headaches

A few drops applied to the back of the neck, the temples, and the forehead can relieve headaches stemming from tension, stress, and allergies. Use as needed.

Immunity

Lavender essential oil is a powerful oil to use during the cold and flu season and is best used as a preventative.

Application: 3 drops per sole of the foot daily, preferably before bed. Lavender essential oil can be combined with other immune-boosting essential oils such as clove or organic lemon. If combining, use 2 drops of lavender to 1 drop of lemon or clove.

Conclusion

In the world of alternative health, lavender is an all-around remedy with many more uses than those discussed here. It is also a gift for the frazzled spirit in challenging times. Here’s wishing you lavender’s beautiful benefits!

Recommended Reading:
Where to Find Dried Organic Lavender Flowers:
Author’s Recommended Brands of Essential Oil of Lavender, Spike Lavender, and Other Lavender Species:
  • Birch Hill Happenings
  • doTERRA
  • NOW
  • Young Living
Sources:
Books
  • Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss
  • Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier
  • Flower Power by Anne McIntyre
  • Goddess Consciousness by Marlaina Donato
  • Healing Oils, Healing Hands by Linda Smith
  • Multidimensional Aromatherapy by Marlaina Donato, CA
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