ASK DOCTOR MARTY NEWSLETTER
November 2015
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. It is based on questions that I receive regarding natural health topics. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and will forward any questions you may have as well.
Yes, I’m still catching up on my lapse in newsletters. Welcome to the fourth newsletter on my favorite essential oils. There is a growing interest in essential oils and with good reason. They can be a very powerful addition to your arsenal of natural remedies. They also can act very quickly on the body, mind, emotions, and spirit because of the way they are absorbed.
If you think of grandmothers when you smell lavender, you’re not alone. Lavender was a very popular scent for a variety of reasons. For many people it can regulate blood pressure, help them sleep or relax, and ease muscle spasms and pain. Because of its antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, and antifungal properties, it is very versatile. It has been used on wounds in the battlefield for centuries and as an effective aerosol disinfectant. A French study showed that 90% of Strep and Staph bacteria were destroyed within three hours.* As an anti-inflammatory, it can ease headaches (even migraines) and skin irritations like acne, abrasions, burns (even post-radiation burns), and bug bites. When used to irrigate wounds and as a compress, clinical trials have shown lavender to shorten closure and healing times. As an inhalant or part of a cough medicine, lavender is one of the oils that decreased the frequency of chronic bronchitis and sinus congestion in clinical trials.
Linalol is a compound found in lavender that directly affects the central nervous system. Because of its high linalol content, my favorite use for lavender is for stress reduction and sleep. It can be used in a diffuser or sprayed on your pillow. 30 drops in a one ounce spray bottle of pure water is an effective amount. I often combine lavender oil and Roman chamomile (30 drops each in an ounce of pure water) for a very powerful sleep spray. The quality and quantity of sleep is so important for every aspect of health. Studies in Japan show that inhaling lavender can increase alpha-wave activity, which indicates relaxation. Lavender oil has been used very successfully in relaxing the agitation of Alzheimer’s patients.
Overall, lavender essential oil is a great addition to your natural medicine chest for so many reasons.
* This French study also found the same results from clove, lemon, mint, pine, rosemary and thyme.
Hot Tip: Only use true essential oils with medicinal qualities. Aromatherapy products like candles and air fresheners are virtually all made with artificial fragrance, which is petroleum based and can be very harmful.
Next month…The last of the series on my favorite, most effective essential oils (Hint: They’re especially good at Christmastime.
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs and co-authored True Health Series:Energy. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her first book was published. She is also a retired professor, specializing in courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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