Growing up in a homestead in Alaska was an education of many kinds. Long winter days taught me to be resourceful in finding activities (pre-internet and social media) that nourished me such as cross country skiing, baking, playing board games with my family, listening to records and reading. Little did I know then, that as I skied through the black spruce, I was ‘Forest Bathing’, filling my nose with alpha- pinene, an aromatic molecule I came later to seek in aromatic plants.
I have since learned that these activities also boost our neurochemicals such as dopamine and serotonin which affect our mood and stress levels. There is no proven way to ensure that neurotransmitters are balanced and working correctly. However, consuming a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and stress management can help. Learn more about Serotonin and Dopamine here Serotonin vs Dopamine: What are the Differences?
Did you know that the nose-to-brain route is one of our most efficient routes of absorption?
The aromatic compounds go straight to the brain without passing through the thalamus first. Your thalamus is your body’s information relay station. All information from your body’s senses (except smell) must be processed through your thalamus before being sent to your brain’s cerebral cortex for interpretation. Lemon, Ylang-Ylang and Lavender have shown in research to affect both Serotonin and Dopamine levels. Bergamot shows promise in clinical trials.
“Aromatherapy invokes a sense of smell via our olfactory system and stimulates pathways to our memories, emotions and hormones/ Scientific studies, the aromatherapy evidence base, demonstrate the lowering and raising of our heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and neurotransmitter, adrenal, pituitary and stress hormone levels from inhalation.” Pam Conrad, RN, PGd, BSN, Aromatherapy and Women’s Mental Health
Scent Discovery kits that use natural ingredients can be a pleasant way to give yourself a mood boost. Esas NYC has several scents, Bare, Neroli Blossom, Jasmine & White Amber and Lavender & Cedar which have these three ingredients.
Dopamine Menu’s have become popular on Social media- and for good reason, they help remind us of activities that can naturally regulate our neurochemistry. It’s all about balance, everything in moderation is generally safe. Free Gift Dopamine Menu Share with friends!
However, supplementation alone is limited, expecting a pill or tincture to do all the heavy lifting is folly. We can really shine when we combine our own efforts to exercise, eat a diet rich in Omega 3’s, have a healthy social life etc., and supplement with complementary therapies that boost our innate regulatory systems.
Less alcohol is better for overall health. As we enter holiday season you may want to have some alternatives on hand. Here are our pics
Alcohol Alternatives can help replace or cut in half your consumption by using these products in a 1:1 ratio with your beverage of choice in any Mocktail. Find some recipe inspiration here: Mindful Mocktail Recipe Book, by Natalie Battaglia
We highly recommend CandaScent Labs. Their sophisticated aromatic products; their sophisticated candles, mists and diffuser formulas are rich with Beta Caryophyllene, a unique aromatic molecule that binds to the CB1 receptor. CandaScent Labs
Try through Dec 31 with code STAYWELL20 for a 20% discount.
Herbal medicine isn’t just ancient; it’s the future! Understand what's happening through an anthropologists Lens.
Ann Armbrecht is a writer and anthropologist whose work explores the relationships between humans and the earth, most recently through her work with plants and plant medicine. She is the director of the Sustainable Herbs Initiative.
I had the pleasure of connecting with Ann for her interview on the LabAroma podcast. Her latest book is one I’ve been asking for in my mind’s curious moments- and she has manifested.
Listen to her story, beginning with her work in Nepal
Some products are affiliate links to Amazon for ease of purchase and to buy the editing team a coffee.
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