Hormones

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers that affect the activity of another part of the body and are part of the endocrine system. Endocrine gland’s main function is to secrete hormones, which travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs. They serve as messengers, controlling and coordinating activities throughout body.

Hormone effects vary widely but can include:
*Stimulation or inhibition of growth
*In puberty, hormones can affect mood and mind
*Induction or suppression of apoptosis (programmed cell death)
*Activation or inhibition of the immune system
*Regulating metabolism
*Preparation for a new activity (e.g. fighting, fleeing, maging)
*Preparation for a new phase (e.g. puberty, caring for offspring, menopause)
*Controlling the reproduction cycle

Progesterone is a dynamic key hormone in the human body. It is manufactured by the adrenal glands in men and women and also in the ovaries in women. It is responsible for numerous functions that are necessary for optimum health. Progesterone is the precursor to all other hormones. Some of the numerous benefits of progesterone include preventing osteoporosis & heart disease, enhanced sex drive, healthy maintenance for the lining of the uterus, increased fat burning for energy, blood sugar levels and it also acts as a natural diuretic. Progesterone is a neutral hormone and is therefore excellent for men too. It may help to reduce the swelling of the prostate and other male related problems.
Health to the female & male reproductive system is very important. Drs Country Health has several formulas that may benefit the reproductive system. As always a multi vitamin is a very important place to start. Depending on your age and condition, we have CHF #57 or CHF #57S available. For women, our CHF #27 Ovary/Uterus formula provides nourishment to those particular areas of the body. CHF #66 Female Hormone Cream may help to stabilize the hormones created by the ovaries. For men, our CHF #32 Prostat promotes healthy prostate functions. CHF #67 Male Hormone Cream may help stabilize hormone levels.

 

 

Scents You Should Know…

EO #68 Spikenard

 

Spikenard was very precious in ancient times, used only by kings, priests and high initiates in Egyptian, Hebrew, and Hindu civilizations. One of Spikenard’s biblical references is that of Mary Magdalene anointing the feet of Jesus with the oil before the last supper: “Then took Mary a pound of ointment of Spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.”

Spikenard is native to the mountainous regions of northern India, China, and Japan at elevations between 11,000 to 17,000 feet.  It is prepared by steam distillation from the crushed roots and stems that are below ground.  It has a pale yellow to amber color with a heavy, sweet, woody, spicy odor similar to valerian.  It may also blend well with lavender, patchouli, pine needles, and spice oils.

Spikenard has many actions including anti-inflammatory, bacterial, deodorizing, fungicidal, laxative, and sedative.  It is highly regarded as a calming, sedative, stabilizing oil. It may be used for allergies, inflammation, anti-aging, rashes, insomnia, nervous indigestion, migraines, stress, and tension.

Try using an external application of EO#68 Spikenard for its sedative effect by rubbing gently over the heart and solar plexus. It may also help in cases of allergic skin reactions and can sooth, nourish, and regenerate the skin for some people.  In a diffuser, use a couple drops of EO#68 Spikenard oil to help with relaxation and stress. You may also add EO#35 Lavender to that blend.  It has also been noted to be one of the few essential oils to assist with dandruff.