Sweet Dreams and Goodnight Irene

Western medicine is finally catching up to prove ancient, 5000+ year old Ayurvedic practices! In a long 5000+ year old story short we need sleep and dreams to find balance in our physical, mental, and emotional health. As a child my parents would sing the "Goodnight Irene" lullaby when it was time to "Hit the hay". I would cry and throw fits as I resisted, not wanting to miss out on any of the action. Now, bedtime is my favorite part of the day and I look forward to blissful sleep while dreaming fantastical escapades. Plus tomorrow is always a new day!

Modern Science

What inspired this wellness post on the subject of sleep was an invite from my friend, Anna to attend an intriguing lecture last night hosted by OHSU's Brain Institute as part of a series for “Brain Awareness Week”. Dr. Robert Stickgold, PhD (Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Director, Center for Sleep and Cognition Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center ) presented his current work which looks at the nature and function of sleep and dreams from a cognitive neuroscience perspective, with an emphasis on the role of sleep and dreams in memory consolidation and integration, and how defects in these processes contribute to psychiatric disorders, including PTSD and schizophrenia. In other words, prior to this research modern medicine has looked at insomnia as a side effect of these disorders. Dr. Stickgold studies suggests the opposite.  Lack of sleep and dreaming could be a contributing factor to the cause of these disorders.Some other points of interest included findings from one of Dr. Stickgold studies where groups of people played the game Tetris. Some of the subjects had severe amnesia w/ zero function of memory recollection yet several reported elements of the tetris game showing up in their sleep/dream state when interviewed right after waking. This helped to give “sense” to what possible action had occurred the day before because certain subjects felt they must have been playing the game.

Lastly, the main highlight from many varies studies all pointed to our performance, recollection, and other skills shooting off the charts after a good night dream and sleep. When regular healthy subjects were time tested on mazes, puzzles and other challenges over and over the results were about the same with a tiny percentage of improvement after having the opportunity to take the test multiple times. Given a nights sleep the same subjects performance had improved up to 50%.

Sadly, as it goes the overall performance of certain cognitive and motor skills are greatly reduced after subjects do not get a night of sleep and dream. This research is especially helpful advocating for better shifts in the workforce like, ER doctors and nurses who are on 24 hour shifts at times. 

Cortisol is called the "stress hormone" (often called, "the death hormone.") because it is secreted during times of fear or stress, whenever the body goes into the fight or flight response. It is is made in the adrenals. The general hustle and bustle of society today and the required ass busting it takes just to stay above water taxes the adrenals, producing stress and cortisol levels to skyrocket. In the morning we want cortisol levels to be high, waking us up and giving us the energy to get through the day. Cortisol production should gradually decrease through the day, until it reaches its lowest levels late in the evening ideal for bedtime. However, if cortisol levels do not decrease in the evening, because the stress response is triggered and doesn’t shut off cortisol production, it can affect a peaceful rest, inducing sleep disorders. In addition Cortisol creates chronic to severe inflammation that eventually causes premature aging. Cortisol suppresses another important, DHEA, the "youthing" hormone. 

Ancient Ayurvedic Solutions to Promote Sleep

 Living a natural lifestyle, with plenty of self-care can greatly support wellness of body and mind. Ancient ayurvedic practices can help reduce stress, support adrenals, regulate cortisol levels and and promote a healthy sleep/dream state. These wellness lifestyle practices include healthy diet (no caffeine/sugar, breathwork (alternate nostril breathing), exercise (yoga practice), meditation, oil massage (Abhyanga), and using adaptogenic herbs as supplements.  Russian researcher Professor Israel Brekman established the definition of Adaptogens. They are harmless plants with no side effects. They increase the general capacity of the human body to adapt to stress and they increase resistance to disease. They are not localized to a specific body organ but have a "normalizing" effect (restorative rather than curative) on the imbalances caused by physical or emotional stress.

I personally, sleep soundly at night and have never had an issue w/ insomnia. I also apply these Ayurvedic practices in my life on a daily basis. There are many adaptogens to explore but my main go to source has been using essential oils. There are 98 published medical studies on the subject of essential oils and sleep. Essential Oils are adaptogenic and can be used aromatically, topically, and sometimes internally to bring balance to the body and support a myriad of systems. Find a trusted source to buy EOs because they are not all created equal. I choose a company w/ the highest quality, pure therapeutic grade essential oils. They use rigorous testing criteria, ethical sourcing through a “Co-impact Sourcing initiative”, and are on a bold mission to further the advancement of essential oil useage around the world from hospitals to our own homes through science and education.  

Essential Oils

Calming Essential oils like Lavender and Bergamot are rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds that have well-known relaxing properties.Use: Diffuse aromatically in the bedroom to create a peaceful environment, perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. They can also be used topically and to calm the nervous system, promote relaxation, and lead to a restful sleep. Try placing two to four drops of Lavender or Bergamot essential oil in a warm, herbal foot bath and have a nice soak about 30 minutes before going to bed.

Alpha Pinene, a major constituent of coniferous tree essential oils support Rapid Eye Movement (REM) state during sleep. This is helpful considering nightmares and other night terrors occur during this sleep phase.Use:  White Fir, Black Pepper, or Spruce can be used topically on the back of the neck or massage on the bottom of the feet to promote relaxation. Aromatically usage includes placing a few drops on the pillow to support, a deep restful sleep.

Marjoram oil has been associated alleviating panic and may help against snoring.

In conclusion, we are happier, healthier, and maybe even a better version of ourselves from the previous day if we can get a good night’s sleep. There are many natural tools at our fingertips to support us in this process.. Please do not turn to big Pharma which have a plethora of terrible side effects and can cause more harm than good.

Reference:

Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(1):43-9. doi: 10.1159/000380989. Epub 2015 Feb 19:  Effects of bergamot ( Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) essential oil aromatherapy on mood states, parasympathetic nervous system activity, and salivary cortisol levels in 41 healthy females. Watanabe E1, Kuchta K, Kimura M, Rauwald HW, Kamei T, Imanishi J. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25824404

α-Pinene, a Major Constituent of Pine Tree Oils, Enhances Non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Mice through GABAA-benzodiazepine Receptors. Yang H, Woo J, Pae AN, Um MY, Cho NC, Park KD, Yoon M, Kim J, Lee CJ, Cho S. Mol Pharmacol. 2016 Nov;90(5):530-539. Epub 2016 Aug 29. PMID: 27573669

Nurses experience of aromatherapy use with dementia patients experiencing disturbed sleep patterns. An action research project. Johannessen B. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2013 Nov;19(4):209-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.01.003. Epub 2013 Aug 17. PMID:24199975 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24199975

98 other published research articles on sleep and essential oils: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=sleep+essential+oils&cmd=DetailsSearch

OHSU Lecture Series for Brain Awareness 2017 /Dr. Robert Stickgold PhD https://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/brain/in-community/brain-awareness/lectures-events/sleep-memory.cfm

Just sleeping like a log. Don't even mind a husky on my head after an essential oil treatment to promote blissful sleep.

Tribal Beauty of Ancient Egypt

The Egyptians regarded beauty as a sign of holiness and believed in the magical properties of their beauty ritual ingredients.

Ancient Egyptians not only used the precious metal of gold as adornment, but also used gold as a therapy for the skin. Historically in Egypt, gold was used for its curative and antibacterial properties. The exclusiveness of this ritual has not changed throughout the years, as only a certain number of elite spa’s around the world offer the expertise in using this expensive metal for skin and energy revitalizing purposes.

The ancient Egyptians were not entirely misguided in believing that kohl would prevent eye infections because it actually did prevent an ocular infection that was caused by the flooding of the Nile. The lead-based substances in the kohl promoted the production of nitric oxide in their skin, which helped strengthen their immune systems against diseases ("How the Pharaohs Fought Ocular Infection"). The soot in kohl helped in reducing the damaging effects of sun glare on their eyes. The ancient Egyptians created a remedy for burns by mixing the cheek and lip stain and other remedies for improving skin with red natron, northern salt and honey. However, the ancient Egyptians strongly believed that the healing effects of these cosmetics were magical rather than medical.

The beauty technique, known as hair extensions was widely used in ancient Egyptian history, followed the Egyptians predecessors to their grave. Hair is something that ancient Egyptians went great lengths to nurture and enhance. Hair symbolized wealth, status, beauty and in some references, motherhood and fertility. To maintain natural hair growth and the strength of their hair, Egyptians were pioneers in using castor oil. Ancient Egyptians initiated the use of this oil for their hair due to its nourishing properties. Castor oil has since then been used to enhance healthy hair growth and in strengthening hair follicles.

One can not help but think of the legendary queen Cleopatra of Ancient Egypt known throughout history for her beauty and charm. 

Her father was exiled and so she took the thrown at 18 ruling w/ her brother who was 10. A woman was allowed to rule but not alone. She then decided to remove her brothers name from all of the records and print only her face on the coins. She was 1st women to rule Egypt solo. Eventually she needed a partner to possy up with and form a stronger position in ruling so she seduced Julius Ceasar for political reasons, showing up for the first time at his palace rolled in a rug then rolled out to surprise him. She and Ceasar had a son heir to throne. After Ceasar died she formed an alliance w/ Mark Anthony, her great love and had three more children. Sadly, she died by age 39 taking poison but beauty and intellect have never been forgotten. 

• Born 69 BC and died by age 39

• Egyptian people loved her

• Beautiful, smart, and seductive

• Spoke nine different languages.

• Wrote a book on cosmetics

• Built a cosmetics factory near the Dead Sea.

• 1st of her royal line to learn to speak Egyptian.

• Last Pharaoh to rule Egypt

Cleopatra knew that physical beauty can attract the eye (this is why she took such a good care of her skin and body), intellect can help become an interesting and skillful communicator (this is why Cleopatra loved to read books, learn new things and grow mentally), but she also knew about one invisible, yet important ingredient of feminine beauty – charm; she knew that, if you want to be irresistible and truly beautiful, it’s important to cultivate the inner confidence and inner charm of a true lady!

Milk and Honey was the backbone combination for a multitude of Cleopatra’s ancient skin care regimes. Because of the dry climate and the risk of premature aging due to cell dehydration Cleopatra knew the value of locking in the moisture to her skin. Rose was another favorite due to it's regenerating effects. Though rose also native to Turkey which is closer to Egypt, Cleopatra would have imported her species of  rose from bulgaria if she wanted the highest grade and I am sure she did! Her roots were also Greek and Greece borders Bulgaria. so Bulgarian rose was most likely an accustomed luxury.!

• Roses are native to Bulgaria

• Have the highest level of healing properties

• Powerful against wrinkles

• Soothes skin issues

• Natural emollient /hydrating

• Preserves our skin to fight aging

So in honor of being a skin care enthusiast like this queen who loved to nourish her body, mind, and soul celebrate your own beauty by indulging in a luxurious Cleopatra Bath of milk, honey, and roses.  Milk contains lactic acid; a form of Alpha Hydroxy acid, removing dead skin cells, causing the younger skin to emerge. Honey is a humectant that retains h2o, locking in moisture for the skin. Indulge in Rose which resonates a love frequency.

Elegant Savage also inspires a rose infused, skin regenerating "Harem Serum" w/ ingredients that was celebrated back in ancient Egypt. Combine w/ "Kudra's Kiss, our coconut milk bath soak to for the vegan version on Cleo's bath! Enjoy!

EO Spotlight: PETITGRAIN

The botanical name for the orange plant is Citrus Aurantium. The French name Petitgrain means ‘little grains’ or ‘little seeds’. It acquired this name because Petitgrain essential oil was initially extracted from unripe oranges that were just in the size of cherries. No part of the citrus plant goes to waste.

Typically essential oil of orange is cold pressed from the peels and if you have ever smelled the divine floral scent of neroli it is the flowers which are distilled from this same plant for a completely different aroma. Petitgrain is also from this same orange plant but it’s the leaves and twigs that are now distilled for yet another lovely aroma that can be described as fresh, floral, and slightly herbaceous.

“Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.”

— Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Since the primordial times, this oil has been considered an aphrodisiac and important ingredient of the classic ‘Eau-de-Cologne’. It is still extensively used in the perfume and cosmetics industries due to its remarkable aroma. Numerous Complementary and Alternative Medical systems have recorded the traditional use of this oil for supporting digestion, nervous exhaustion and skin disorders. English herbalist Gerard suggests bitter juices of Citrus fruits for treating venomous bites, stings and worms. Theophrastus, the antique book talks about the use of oranges for scenting fabrics and warding off moths.

The chief constituents of this oil are gamma terpineol, geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, linalyl acetate, myrcene, neryl acetate and trans ocimene. Because of these therapeutic compounds Petitgrain has been used throughout time to promote health.

• May help support healthy cardiovascular function*

• May provide antioxidant support*

• May support healthy immune function*

• May help promote a restful sleep*

Three ways to use this oil include:

1. Health benefits as a massage oil or bath oil: Abhyanga or Ayurvedic massage is the ultimate therapy for relaxing the mind and comforting the body with the use of Ayurvedic essential oils. Skin is the best channel that aids the blood passage to absorb the therapeutic properties present in such essential oils and pass it on to the entire body and the psyche. A classic Ayurvedic massage is known to augment blood circulation, calm the mind, promote mental energy and enlighten the soul.

2. Benefits to the system when added to vaporizers or diffusers: Fragrance, scent, aroma, smell or odor, whatever form it may be has a strong impact on your sensory receptors  followed by the entire behavioral and emotional set-up. Adding 2 drops of Petitgrain essential oil to your air freshener, diffuser, vaporizer or burner will help you in attaining greater heights as it boosts the intellectual power, helps restore emotions, instills self- acceptance and self-love.

3. Nourishes your skin as a trusted topical application: Petitgrain essential oil is lighter and refreshing than Neroli or Bitter Orange oil, making it more suitable for skin problems when 3 to 4 drops of this oil are added to skin care creams and lotions. Petitgrain oil plays a vital role in skin care as it helps clear skin blemishes, acne and oily skin. When used after a bath it keeps your skin moisturized all through the day.

By sourcing this oil through my doTERRA store you are helping small farmers while protecting the environment. This is because doTERRA is sourcing their Petitgrain from Paraguay through their Co-Impact Sourcing® initiative. doTERRA is able to support needed rural community development projects and provide diversified income for small-scale farmers. This approach provides an economically viable alternative to clear-cutting land, dramatically helping to protect the remaining patches of the Atlantic Rainforest in eastern Paraguay.

To purchase this oil visit my oil store at my.doterra.com/elegantsavage

(*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)

"Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" aka the Matcha Coconut Milky Mud Mask

Eisai, the monk, who brought Matcha green tea to Japan (circa 1200a.d.), said that it was:

                       "The Elixir Of The Immortals"

What is Matcha Green Tea?

In it’s simplest form, Matcha green tea is pure stone ground green tea leaves. A practice that has been perfected for over 1000 years by Japanese Monks.

Matcha tea is approximately 10X stronger than regular brewed green tea, and so it has extremely powerful therapeutic effects on the body. Matcha also contains high amounts of L-Theanines—a unique set of natural amino acids found almost exclusively in Matcha, known to reduce stress and anxiety, heightens the concentration to help provide increased mental clarity and focus.

Matcha contains over 70 times the anti-oxidants of fresh orange juice, and over 9 times the beta carotene of spinach. According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), which is the method of measuring antioxidants in food developed by the National Institute of Health.

Matcha has a ORAC rating of roughly 1300 units per gram. This makes it one of the highest among the super foods and looking at the table below, you can see that Matcha Green Tea contains more antioxidants than all of the other antioxidant-rich foods combined!

According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity), which is the method of measuring antioxidants in food developed by the National Institute of Health.

Skin Benefits?

The antioxidant content of matcha like polyphenols and catechins battle and control the harmful effects of UV radiation and free radicals, helping greatly in protecting the skin from sun, wind and all extremes in weather conditions. Also protecting against inflammation in the body, these antioxidants also help eliminate acne and other types of skin eruptions and roughness. The strong presence of the EGCG antioxidant in matcha slows cell degeneration to impede the aging process, promoting smooth, tight skin that retains moisture and natural, smooth color tones.

Throughout the last three to four weeks of their growing time, right before harvest, matcha (camellia sinensis) leaves are keep covered for protection from the sun. This results in greater chlorophyll production which is responsible for the vivid green color of high caliber matcha. It also makes matcha a strong detoxifying agent for the bodies of users, cleansing the body’s entire system of toxins and hazardous chemicals or other impurities, leaving the skin glowing and radiantly clean.

Various natural or organic substances found in matcha have powerful antibiotic action for the body’s great benefit. These ingredients include catechins, Vitamins A and C, calcium, protein, iron and potassium. As these cleansing agents clean the internal system, they purify and smooth the skin, too, eliminating any blemishes or rashes. A healthy immune system also promotes clear, well-hydrated and youthful skin with good elasticity and resilience.

MATCHA MAKES A COLORFUL AND EFFECTIVE SKIN MASK

MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER + COCONUT MILK + PETITGRAIN / PINK PEPPER ESSENTIAL OILS

This facial mask is very soothing and uplifting while it’s detox and purification properties will do wonders to rejuvenate your skin and complexion. If I was to name it I would have to call it "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" because it is the total CURE. While a heaping tablespoon of spring green matcha green tea powder supplies the antioxidants, cleansers and detox agents, a few drops of petitegrain and pink pepper essential oil will heal and revitalize multiple layers of the skin. The coconut milk hydrates and softens delicate tissue. The many healing properties of this mix will help reduce any scarring or imperfections in skin surface, and your entire face will feel renewed and fresh.

It also alleviates wrinkles and may even prolong or eliminate their formation when used regularly over an extensive time period. While this facial treatment is not intended to result in an overnight makeover, you will see gradual, but steady skin improvements with continuous use.

MY BLUE HEAVEN

BLUE TANSY INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT

I have recently sourced organic, steam distilled Blue Tansy essential oil (Tanacetum annuum) for my Cote d' AZUR Face Oil and Blue Nile Body Balm. It has been such a beautiful oil to work with because of it's therapeutic effects and it's intense, opaque blue color.  Both of these properties are due to a healing compound present known as chamazulene.

Blue Tansy essential oil is useful for treating burned, irritated, inflamed and damaged skin. I have been using to decrease my pore size.  It's chamazulene component has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful antioxidant. Additionally it can help calm anxiety and nervous tension when diffused or inhaled. This may be an under statement because I experienced first hand it's calming effects after spilling a bit on my hands and clothes. I had an outer body experience as the stress melted I was either swimming in an ocean of euphoria or had found

“my blue heaven!”

This safe Tansy oil (Tanacetum annuum) should not be confused with Tansy oil (Tanacetum vulgare), which is toxic and should never be used in aromatherapy due to the toxic levels of thujone content. 

Adulteration of this oil is common due to it's high cost. Distillers or distributers try to add a toxic solvent to extend the oil in a sneaky way that is hard to detect. I have almost one exclusive source for all of my essential oil needs because this source is a leader in the industry producing the purest oils on the planet and invests in rigorous testing methods like GC/MS on every single batch. Unfortunately, my go to source does not sell Blue Tansy, so I was on a hunt and gather mission to find the best out there. 

I found this video from the world's leading essential oil expert, Dr. Robert Pappas helpful. It was a great reminder that though we live in a time where we have great technologies like Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry for testing there are still simple ways to also pre- evaluate an oil for purity like "Sensory" Evaluation" or "Physical Analysis". I tried out these simple methods in my apothecary (photo from above) and was pleased to find the Tansy I had purchased was not cut. It was empowering to use my own senses to say the least and Blue Tansy will forever be part of my daily beauty regime. Besides the euphoric feelings my skin is also happy.