Over the past two decades oxidative stress has been the burning topic of interest among biological researchers.
During an emergency the mitochondria ATP 'Danger Response Mechanism' (short term response to a threat) is turned on. During these times Herculean type tasks may be performed. Have you ever heard of a person picking up an automobile that had fallen on someone? These excess energy demands are for short durations.
When the 'Danger Response Mechanism 'demand for energy output doesn’t turn off then the genesis of disease results.
Researchers have observed the correlation between Severe Life Stress and Oxidative Stress in the Brain.
Studies suggest that the high levels of cortisol from long-term stress can increase blood cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, and blood pressure. These are common risk factors for heart disease. This stress can cause changes that promote the buildup of plaque deposits in the arteries.
The habit of the regular consumption of coffee consuming may be a contributing factor to elevated stress hormones and the rise in depression and anxiety among Americans. Studies in humans have shown that caffeine increases cortisol (stress hormones) and can lead to hypertension.
It was shown that levels of cortisol after caffeine consumption are similar to those experienced during an acute attack of stress. Drinking coffee has the effect of re-creating stressful conditions in the body.
A study on young adults demonstrated the negative effects of caffeine on stress and mental health. Even at low doses it was noted that consumption of coffee by sensitive individuals resulted in stress, depression and anxiety. Read: Better Than Coffee as a Stimulant - Stress Free Non-addictive Super Oils.
Of course there have been numerous studies on essential oils for their ability to alleviate anxiety and stress.
Using essential oils daily to relieve short term stress can stop the dangerous buildup of stress to the body. Aromatherapy is an excellent preventative approach to free radical damage. As short term stress, if not relieved, can lead to prolonged stress and the damage caused by reactive oxidative stress.
Diseases caused or aggravated by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (click to find out about your mitochondria):
- Early aging.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Cardiovascular disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dementia.
- Diabetes.
- Migraine headache.
- Autism.
- And others.
Essential Oils to Reduce Stress
A study on the effects of Aromatherapy on Intensive Care Unit Patients’ Stress and Sleep Quality was conducted using lavender essential oil. Aromatherapy was shown to alleviate stress and improve sleep quality in intensive care unit patients after 2 days of the experimental treatment. The study concluded that aromatherapy is a valuable nursing intervention.
Another study on Stress and Aromatherapy Intervention conducted at the University of Montana concluded aromatherapy was effective for reducing stress among college students. The essential oils used in the study were clary sage, lavender and chamomile
What do these three oils have in common? They are all in the Ester Chemical Family (click to find out about the Ester Family of essential oils), the Protectors and Nurturers of aromatherapy.
Essential oils containing high percentages of esters have calming, relaxing and sedative properties, and are especially good for promoting balance and harmony to the nervous system.
Essential oils containing high quantities of esters include:
- Clary Sage (Salvia sclera)
- Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
- Geranium (Pelargonium roseum and P. graveolens)
- Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
- Helichrysum (Helichrysum Italicum - Immortelle)
READ first article in series on Human Longevity - Essential Oils Role.
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