Essential Oils to Stabilize Your Circadian Rhythm

Essential Oils to Stabilize Your Circadian Rhythm

by Laurie S. Roth-Donnell

Master Herbalist and Holistic Health Practitioner

 Circadian rhythms are a physiological cycle built into every living species broken down into blocks of twenty-four hours, prevalent in animals, plants, fungi, cyanobacteria and all living beings.  The scope of modulation is determined by external factors such as temperature, time zone change experienced when traveling and sunlight. These rhythms play a key role in determining the feeding and more importantly the sleeping patterns in animals and human beings alike. Circadian rhythm demonstrates a clear behavior of brain wave activity, cell regeneration, hormone production and other natural life cycles, all part of your daily biological clock. There are several natural remedies to assist you in adjusting your circadian rhythm to maintain health and well being, so let’s look into what Mother Nature has gifted us.

Essential Oils and Herbs Recommended This Fall

Fall, like spring, is a time of extreme change for many of us living in non- temperate zones. The air is drier or in some climates wetter and cooler, resulting in cold and flu symptoms. Emotional stress tends to be stronger in the fall, as we tend more toward reflection. To assist in staying healthy, there are a number of things you can do with the utilization of essential oils in your environments.  You may want to consider the following essential oils for your Fall Medicine Chest.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) has an uplifting and mood balancing quality that may help one on both a mental and physical level. It has a fresh, sweet, floral, herbaceous aroma that is soothing and refreshing. Because it is the most versatile of all essential oils, no home should be without it. Lavender is an adaptogen, and therefore can assist the body when adapting to stress or imbalances. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime, yet has balancing properties that can also boost stamina and energy. Lavender is a natural pain reliever and has been proven to reduce tension headaches when breathed in as vapor or diluted and rubbed on the skin. When added to a vaporizer, lavender oil may aid in the treatment of cough and respiratory infections, commonly associated with seasonal changes.

Cinnamon (Cinnamoma Cassicia) There are two different oils extracted from this tree. Cinnamon-leaf oil has some use in aromatherapy, but cinnamon-bark oil is a strong irritant, high in toxicity and should not be used. Cinnamon-leaf oil is extracted from the leaves and young twigs of the tree by steam distillation. Aroma therapists use cinnamon-leaf oil in massage to relieve rheumatism, and it can be beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders. It is a stimulant and is used to treat circulatory problems. It can also be of benefit to those who are suffering from nervous exhaustion.

Clove (Eugenia aromatica) This essential oil is extracted from the buds of the tree. The scent of the oil is hot spicy, sweet, and penetrating. Clove is a tropical evergreen that grows to a height of about 40-70 feet and has aromatic dark green leathery leaves and bright pink buds that bloom into yellow flowers, followed by purple berries. Heating the oil creates vapors, which open sinuses and breathing passages. This oil is uplifting and reviving, an aphrodisiac, is a mental stimulant, improves mental clarity and memory; improves digestion; reduces pain by numbing the area; a disinfectant and repels insects. Clove bud oil can irritate the skin and should either be avoided or used with extra care by people who have sensitive skin. Use small amounts carefully.

Autumn Mood Lifter

Used for scenting the kitchen or any room with aromatherapy, inviting fall and settling your natural cycle.

Blend

2-4 cups of apple cider or apple juice
1 apple cut into small pieces
1 pinch of nutmeg

1 cinnamon stick

Slowly simmer on the stove and enjoy the soothing aroma that will permeate the room.

Please consult your primary care physician before embarking on any new health regime. Be happy and sleep well!

Sources:

Peacefulmind.com

innovateus.net

young living.com