Modern Wellness

When you Google “ADHD on the rise” you will find a slew of articles from mainstream media giving their take on how much it has risen and why. The following is just one that I came across.

“New research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that diagnoses for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are on the rise, with one out of every five high school-aged boys receiving the medical diagnosis, the New York Times reported.

Overall, 11 percent of school-age children are being diagnosed with ADHD, the study found, and the numbers have been on the rise over the last decade.

Approximately 6.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 have received an ADHD diagnosis, which is a 16 percent increase from the amount of children diagnosed with ADHD in 2007, as well as 53 percent increase over the past 10 years.

In terms of medication, the CDC also found that two-thirds of those diagnosed with ADHD are taking prescription stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall.” Source

While I could go on and on about the side effects of those medications and the various factors that contribute to ADHD and give my two cents on why it’s on the rise…I won’t. What I really want to share with you is some natural solutions that you can look into that may help. If you really want to look at ADHD more in-depth this is a great article: ADHD Causes & Essential Solutions

The following are some recommendations of different essential oils that have been studied for their effectiveness in helping to combat ADHD symptoms and causes.

• German Chamomile – Possess properties similar to a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, SNRI, which has been used successfully in pharmaceutical treatment of depression and some ADHD cases. It also includes several compounds that have sedative effects.

• Ylang Ylang – A study found that it produced sedative effects measured by the decrease in pulse rates and blood pressure, and also significantly increased attentiveness and alertness after inhalation of the essential oil.  Ylang ylang would be a great alternative treatment to use for hyperactivity as well as the inattentive behavior in ADHD children.

• Lavender – This oil has been widely studied for its calming effects and one study reported that lavender produced calming effects, improved mood, and concentration in test subjects.  Lavender has been shown in studies to cause calming affects via the main constituents of linalool and linalyl acetate. Both produce clinical sedative effects.

• Cilantro – There is very supportive evidence in using cilantro as a natural way to address the concern with high levels of heavy metals found in relation to behavioral disorders. Cilantro essential oil exerts highly anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective and lead-detoxifying properties.  One study evaluated the lead-induced changes in test subjects and found that administration of cilantro extracts protected against the deposits of lead in the body.  Another study confirmed as well the lead protective properties of cilantro and found a significant decrease in the lead concentration in the body and the study concluded that cilantro induced suppressive activity on lead most likely via the chelation of lead.   Cilantro was also found to remove mercury from an aqueous solution by binding to mercury.

• Melaleuca – Melaleuca is highly regarded for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.  Inhalation of it was also found to improve the immune system by increasing the activity of the immune cells.  This essential oil seems to hold a variety of solutions for treatment in ADHD due to the anti-inflammatory effects, aide to the immune system by increasing the activity and the immunoglobulin cells, which is compromised from gastro-intestinal problems, and high anti-fungal and anti-bacterial affects that are needed to suppress the clostridia and candida albicans overgrowth found high psychiatric patients.

There are also a couple blends that people have had a lot of success with.

• InTuneTM – This blend consists of Amyris (West Indian Sandalwood), Patchouli, Frankincense, Lime, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, and Roman Chamomile. The oils used in this blend have traditionally been known for their abilities to promote calmness, focus, and a balanced state of mind. Many of the oils also contain sesquiterpenes, which have demonstrated an ability to pass the blood-brain barrier to reach the cells of the brain.

• Serenity – This blend contains Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, and Vanilla Bean Extract. This is a very relaxing blend and contains oils that help calm and soothe feelings of stress, excitement, and anxiety.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of these oils, you do so here: Purchase Essential Oils

The first week of October was doTERRA’s 2014 Convention. There were several new products launched at convention. The links for each of the products are in purple. You can find out more about each product by clicking on those links.

Juniper Berry Essential Oil: 5ml – Derived from the coniferous tree, Juniper Berry essential oil has a rich history of traditional uses and therapeutic benefits. Juniper Berry acts as a natural cleansing agent, both internally and externally. Juniper Berry supports healthy kidney and urinary function and is very beneficial to the skin. Its woody, spicy, yet fresh aroma has a calming effect that helps relieve tension and stress. When diffused, Juniper Berry helps to cleanse and purify the air.* Common uses: Acne, Alcoholism, Dermatitis/Eczema, Kidney Stones, Tinnitus

Cedarwood Essential Oil: 15ml – Known for its rich hue and warm, woody scent, Cedarwood essential oil provides a myriad of health benefits that date back to biblical times. Cedarwood is native to cold climates, thriving in high altitudes and growing up to 100 feet. Reminiscent of its size and strength, Cedarwood has a grounding aroma that evokes feelings of wellness and vitality. Diffusing or inhaling Cedarwood will help maintain healthy breathing and respiratory function and, when applied topically, Cedarwood promotes clear, healthy skin. Additionally, Cedarwood is frequently used in massage therapy to relax and soothe the mind and body.* Common uses: Calming, Tension, Tuberculosis, Urinary Infection, Yoga

Grapefruit (Pink) Essential Oil: 15ml – Grapefruit’s fresh, invigorating aroma is sure to uplift the mood and please the senses. Pressed from the rind, grapefruit is more than just a fresh scent—its cleansing and invigorating properties have made it a favorite among essential oil lovers. Common Uses: Addictions (drugs), Anorexia, Appetite Suppressant, Bulimia, Cellulite, Dry Throat, Edema, Gallbladders Stones, Hangovers, Lymphatic Decongestant, Mental Stress, Miscarriage (after), Obesity, Overeating, Performance Stress, PMS, Slimming/Toning, Stress, Withdrawal

DigestZen Softgels (60 count): dōTERRA DigestZen® Softgels are a convenient and easy way to obtain the benefits of the proprietary DigestZen essential oil blend. Each vegetarian softgel contains 120 mg of DigestZen, the oil blend you know and trust for overall digestive health. DigestZen contains a unique combination of Ginger, Peppermint, Tarragon, Fennel, Caraway, Anise, and Coriander to aid in digestion and ease stomach discomfort in a soothing, natural way—all in a vegetarian softgel that dissolves easily. DigestZen Softgels are perfect for on-the-go or for those wanting an easy way to consume DigestZen essential oil blend.

On Guard + Softgels (60 count): On Guard+ Softgels combine the proprietary blend of d ̄oTERRA On Guard essential oil with Black Pepper, Oregano, and Melissa essential oils for additional immune support. On Guard+ is a great way to strengthen and maintain healthy immune function when seasonal threats are high or to protect against elements that can weaken the immune system. Encapsulated in vegetarian softgels, this distinctive blend contains essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system and their ability to protect against environmental threats. On Guard+ should be taken on an occasional basis, when healthy immune function may be compromised.

On Guard Laundry Detergent (up to 64 loads): On Guard Laundry Detergent is a natural-based, ultra concentrated 6X laundry detergent that utilizes the power of On Guard Protective Blend and bio-originated enzymes to target and lift stains for amazingly clean clothes. This small bottle packs a punch with 10 mL of On Guard essential oil and the ability to do up to 64 loads of laundry! It is color safe for washable fabrics at all temperatures and is free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and toxins, which makes it a safe choice for your family as well as the environment.

The natural enzymes include: protease (breaks down proteins), amylase (breaks down starches), cellulase (helps prevent natural fiber materials from balling), manase (breaks down organic stains), and lipase (breaks down fat & oil stains).

Reveal Facial System: Enjoy a spa-like facial treatment in the comfort of your home with the Reveal Facial System—a carefully formulated, two-step process that gives your skin an amazing, youthful glow.

Step 1: Refining Polish—purify and cleanse with tiny polishing beads, botanical enzymes, and Wild Orange and Lime essential oils as you exfoliate away dead skin cells and impurities, promote healthy circulation, prompt collagen and other skin-saving substances, and increase your skin’s ability to absorb important nutrients and moisture with a luxurious, light massage.

Step 2: Peptide Activator—support and strengthen as you deliver the vital nutrients and peptides that your skin needs.

Slim and Sassy V Shake (40 servings): The dōTERRA Slim & Sassy® V Shake is a convenient, completely vegan-friendly, and delicious weight management shake mix that provides essential nutrients and only 47 calories per serving. Blended with nonfat dairy; almond, rice or soy milk, or water, V Shake can be used as part of a weight-loss strategy of reducing daily calorie intake and burning fat stores through exercise. Slim & Sassy V Shake includes the patented weight-loss ingredient EssentraTrim that has been clinically demonstrated to help manage cortisol—a stress hormone associated with fat storage in the abdomen, hips, and thighs. Slim & Sassy V Shake also includes Solathin®, a special protein extract from natural food sources that supports an increased feeling of satiety.* V Shake blends well with water or rice or almond milk and provides 8 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving.

Aroma Lite Diffuser: The Aroma Lite Diffuser features a large reservoir and multiple settings, allowing you to customize the diffusion of dōTERRA single oils, oil blends, or your own customized blends for up to eight hours (depending on the setting). Small and compact, the Aroma Lite Diffuser silently purifies and humidifies the air and has an optional night light, making it perfect for night time use and for traveling.

You can purchase these and doTERRA’s other products retail or wholesale.