As women, we all strive to feel rested, have moisturized and glowing skin, and maintain a healthy weight and take care of our bodies, have healthy hair, and bowel functions, not to mention balance our emotional wellbeing while juggling all the balls life gives us in roles as a mom, wife, student, sister, friend... cook, maid, homesteader, provider, doctor, comforter, and disciplinary. There are soooo reasons that your health and wellness may fall below the wellness line. It's time to take action now to support our body's systems so we can continue to live our best and healthiest life.
In this blog, we dive into supporting your endocrine system aka ALL THINGS HORMONAL! Learn more about supplements that provide support to different organs in your endocrine system and complementary oils.
"When our hormones are out of balance, it can contribute to migraines, insomnia, weak bones, weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, infertility, and low libido, to name a few. Hormonal balance can also affect the way we handle stress. Over time, these hormone imbalances can lead to rapid aging and increase the risk of disease.
Your body is constantly working on the difficult task of keeping your system in balance. Stress, poor diet and food choices, inadequate sleep, synthetic hormones, genetic factors, and less active lifestyles can all throw hormones out of whack and create health problems. But there is good news! Young Living has some essential oils and other products to support your body in this delicate balancing act!" - GROWorkspace
Myth: If it's on the Shelf it's Safe
We are so wrapped up into modern-day medicine that we forget that God made so many things for us to take care of ourselves. I'm not bashing modern-day medicine, but we are so easily in habit of reaching for the pill bottle or packet and not thinking about the repercussions for those actions. In this blog, I hope to help inspire you to think about the things you're exposing yourself and your children to as you face them growing up. Don't rely on medication and the trust of a world consumed with pharmaceuticals to treat and prevent. Do your research. Weigh the facts. Consider the consequences and the side effects. Know better and do better.
Your body is a temple. It is a gift. It's your responsibility- from what you feed it to how you treat it.
Not going to lie- this topic is not something I've got a great deal of knowledge on. I am a student of this new lifestyle, just like you. I never had to take anatomy in high school and quite honestly, I just did whatever the doctors told me without second thought. I started birth control at the age of 16 to regulate my hormones and help subdue the pain of my cramps. I took pain killers on top of the birth control- 4-5 at a time. YIKES!
As I started this oily life, I realized that as I learned more about the unregulated markets that US families are subjected to, I became passionate about learning more. The more I learned the more I realized I couldn't "unlearn" it; by that I mean that once I had the knowledge that I was just being a blind, ignorant person falling into consumerism, I felt betrayed by the lack of protection of my family not only from my government but also in myself for my family. And that is when I realized I couldn't help but share what I had found with other mamas and women. I felt it was my job to empower other families to realize the need to be a gatekeeper for their homes.
The Dangers of
"Normalizing" Modern-day Medicine
Birth control isn't the only pill that you should consider dangerous for your body, but from personal experience here are some facts.
According to Medical News Today, the use of birth-control pills may increase the risk of long-term health problems such as these:
"Cardiovascular problems
Combination pills can slightly increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects, such as heart attack, stroke, and blood clots. These can all be fatal.
The risk is higher with some pills. A doctor can advise on suitable options.
Anyone who has uncontrolled high blood pressure or a personal or family history of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke should ask their medical provider about alternative methods.
Cancer risk
Female hormones that occur naturally, such as estrogen, are thought to affect the chances of a woman developing some types of cancer. It is therefore possible that using a hormone-based method of birth control could have a similar effect.
Ovarian and endometrial cancer: These appear to be less likely among women who use the pill.
Breast cancer: There appears to be a slightly higher chance of breast cancer developing in women who have recently been using the contraceptive pill, and especially if they started using it during their teenage years. However, after 10 years of not using the pill, the risk appears to be the same as for someone who has never used it.
Other factors may play a role, such as a woman's age at starting puberty and menopause, her age at her first pregnancy, and whether or not she has had children.
Cervical cancer: Long-term use of the pill has been linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer, compared with those who have never used it...
Liver cancer: Oral contraceptives have been linked to a higher chance of developing benign liver tumors, but these rarely become cancerous. Some studies have suggested that liver cancer risk is higher after using oral contraceptives for at least 5 years, but other studies have not had the same results." -Medical News Today
If you are on any medication that regulates your hormones, please please please do your research. Don't trust someone just because they have a degree. You are the gatekeeper, remember.
Since we are talking about PMS and periods, it's detrimental that I also show you the facts about something as normalized as tampons.
This is Lauren Wasser and her story is amazing. Her doctors gave her a 1% chance to live after being diagnosed with TSS which is a bacterial infection, associated with the use of tampons. I think as women we are all aware of the acronym but just normalize the use of these products, marketed to consumers as "safe". You see, "tampon chemicals are absorbed by the vaginal mucosa, and from there are able to pass almost directly into your bloodstream." - TIME
My point to showing you all these facts are just to open your eyes and make you aware that just because it's on the shelf at the market or just because it's given by a doctor with a medical degree doesn't mean it's good for you, safe for you or the only solution for this evil curse of Eve. There is hope. Let's learn a little more.
The Endocrine System
"The endocrine system is a series of glands that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses for a wide range of functions. These control many different bodily functions, including:
Respiration
Metabolism
Reproduction
Sensory perception
Movement
Sexual development
Growth
Hormones are produced by glands and sent into the bloodstream to the various tissues in the body. They send signals to those tissues to tell them what they are supposed to do. When the glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, diseases develop that can affect many aspects of life.
THE MAIN HORMONE-PRODUCING GLANDS ARE:
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus is responsible for body temperature, hunger, moods and the release of hormones from other glands; and also controls thirst, sleep and sex drive. Pituitary: Considered the "master control gland," the pituitary gland controls other glands and makes the hormones that trigger growth. Parathyroid: This gland controls the amount of calcium in the body. Pancreas: This gland produces the insulin that helps control blood sugar levels. Thyroid: The thyroid produces hormones associated with calorie burning and heart rate. Adrenal: Adrenal glands produce the hormones that control sex drive and cortisol, the stress hormone. Pineal: This gland produces melatonin which affect sleep. Ovaries: Only in women, the ovaries secrete estrogen, testosterone and progesterone, the female sex hormones. Testes: Only in men, the testes produce the male sex hormone, testosterone, and produce sperm.
Some of the factors that affect endocrine organs include aging, certain diseases and conditions, stress, the environment, and genetics."-Hormones
Myth: All Oils are Created Equal
Now, let's talk about some natural alternatives to a healthy balance. First, I'll introduce you to the Seed to Seal commitment. Not all oils are equal. Do not trust anything you buy that isn't directly from Young Living to have the standard of quality that we do. Transparency is everything. Remember, this market is not regulated. Anyone can fill a bottle with petroleum and call it are pure, therapeutic grade oil because our government does not regulate oils or personal care products.
"Seed to Seal is our commitment that helps ensure that with every pure essential oil and Young Living product your family uses, you’re enjoying the benefits of our global resources, industry leadership, and over two decades of innovation. The result? A pristine final product that you know has been created with conscientious Sourcing, Science, and Standards—the three pillars of Seed to Seal."- Young Living
- YL farms and partner farms abide by strict standards.
- YL selects the strongest seeds from strong thriving plants. They will not over-produce for quantity or stock needs. They only produce what the healthy plants will provide.
- Pest Control: All plants are hand-weeded and use oils on plants to avoid the use of toxic chemicals.
- Plants are harvested at peak times to ensure quality oils, down to the hour.
- Distilleries are on site to prevent contamination and process without chemicals.
- Every batch has several tests to pass and done 3 times each by YL and outside parties. If it doesn’t meet their standards because of weather conditions or for any other reason, it does not get used.
All of these factors make a huge difference in quality and effectiveness.
Check out more about their Seed to Seal promise at www.seedtoseal.com
Young Living Product Safety
For Supplements: Follow the directions on each individual supplement package for proper safety and usage.
If you are pregnant and nursing you have to remember that companies usually error on the side of caution. It is your responsibility to look up ingredients and make your own decision as to if you feel comfortable using any product based on your health.
When using pure essential oils, be sure to dilute with a carrier oil. Do not put them in your eyes or ears. Follow the directions on labels. A carrier oil is an oil like Young Living V-6, coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil. Save this chart for reference.
Ways to Use Oils
The solid-colored labels have aromatic and topical directions on them. The labels that are white are from the vitality line and have dietary instructions on the labels.
Topically - Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to your skin. They are quickly absorbed and effective. When you find a blend or a single you love that you use regularly, you can also use these as roller blends.
Aromatically - Use in the diffuser, inhale from diffuser jewelry, or put it on your hands and inhale.
Internally - Young Living oils in the vitality line are safe to ingest. Follow instructions on the packaging.
If you have questions about usage or safety, you can always contact us for questions at jacksonpinefarm@gmail.com.
Endocrine System Support
"EndoGize was created especially for women to support balance and health of the entire Endocrine system.
"This supplement contains DHEA, which is the most common hormone in the body. Your body produces its own DHEA but after age 20, production starts to decline. That means this supplement can be very helpful for aging women.
You need this hormone because it is needed to produce over 50 other hormones, including estrogen. Think of all the things older women commonly experience, or maybe you are experiencing them yourself. Get this supplement STAT so you can maintain your youthful health.
Don’t confuse the word COMMON with NORMAL. Just because something it common, does not mean it is normal. This supplement is going to support a healthy endocrine system so you don’t have to be one of those women with a common (NOT NORMAL) side effect of imbalanced hormones. It is especially supportive of the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. The hormones that they produce help to regulate your blood sugar and blood pressure. They help your body burn fat and use protein. They also release cortisol, your stress hormone. So by supporting these glands, you’re supporting your overall cardiovascular health, your metabolism, weight management, and your body’s ability to manage stress and maintain energy.
EndoGize is also infused with essential oils to help increase bioavailability to 80% (the body’s ability to absorb and utilize everything you ingest.)
Endogize contains the following essential oils that support many systems:
Clary Sage has been used for centuries to help support the female body, particularly hormone support and reproductive function.
Ginger is supportive of the digestive system; it is commonly used to soothe, comfort, and balance digestive discomfort.
Myrrh is a very powerful antioxidant and stimulates the immune system.
Cassia smells and tastes like cinnamon and supports healthy blood sugar levels."- GROWorkspace
Caution: Do not use if pregnant or lactating. Intended for adult use only. Keep out of reach of children. If you are taking other medications or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
Thyroid Support
"Thyromin™ helps maximize nutritional support for healthy thyroid function. The thyroid gland regulates body metabolism, energy, and body temperature. It controls calorie burning and even your heart rate.
What if one little pill could support your body so you feel energized and balanced or maintain that healthy weight you have worked so hard for?
You can be proactive in supporting your thyroid. This supplement contains iodine, and the porcine glandular extracts L'Cysteine & L-Cystine, which your thyroid needs to create hormones. By consuming this supplement and having a healthy lifestyle, you can support both your metabolism and your thyroid.
It also contains four essential oils that help increase the body’s ability to absorb the supplement.
Essential Oils in this supplement and their roles in supporting your body systems:
Spearmint provides digestive system and respiratory support.
Peppermint provides digestive support by supporting healthy intestinal function and gastrointestinal comfort. It also supports the nervous and respiratory systems as well as healthy muscles, bones, and skin.
Myrtle supports the respiratory system and promotes healthy skin and hair. It has been researched for its effects on supporting glandular balance.
Myrrh is a very powerful antioxidant and may support healthy skin." - GROWorkspace
Cortisol Hormone Support
The Young Living Supplement "CortiStop® tells it all in the name. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress and low blood sugar. When you want to support a healthy amount of Cortisol in your body, you reach for Cortistop.
You remember the fight or flight survival response. This hormone is there to help you survive and it is important!
Nevertheless, if it is produced and released too often, it can be harmful to your body. You can experience feelings of fatigue, difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, and difficulty maintaining optimal health of cardiovascular systems.
This supplement is going to support your body in maintaining natural balance and harmony. It’s also designed to aid female glandular systems.
Wake up feeling more rested and less on edge. Maintain your desired weight. Feel more emotionally balanced and able to take on whatever life may throw at you next.
Here are the essential oils in this supplement. They support your body in the following ways:
Fennel supports the circulatory, glandular, respiratory, and digestive systems. It also may support feelings of well-being during the menstrual cycle.
Peppermint supports digestion by promoting healthy intestinal function and gastrointestinal comfort and soothing; it supports the nervous and respiratory systems and encourages healthy muscles, bones, and skin.
Clary Sage provides hormonal support.
Canadian Fleabane offers cardiovascular and hormonal system support.
Frankincense encourages emotional balance and healthy skin and provides immune and nervous system support." - GROworkspace
Usage: Take 2 capsule in the morning before breakfast. If desired, for extra benefits, take another two capsules before retiring. Use daily for 8 weeks. Discontinue use for 2-4 weeks before resuming use.
Feminine Support
"FemiGen capsules are for those ladies who are of childbearing age and want to give extra support to their lady parts.
It is formulated with herbs and amino acids that may support female health. It contains the following herbs: wild yam, dong quai, black cohosh, damiana and epimedium, black and blue cohosh. All of these herbs contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are dietary estrogens that occur naturally in compounds found in plants. These dietary estrogens support your own body’s estrogen.
Estrogen helps bring about physical changes that occur during puberty. It also helps control the menstrual cycle and is important for childbearing. It also keeps cholesterol under control and protects bone health for both women and men. It also affects your brain, mood, bones, heart, skin, and other tissues.
The oils in this supplement also help to make this supplement function better due to more bioavailability. This supplement contains four essential oils that help to support the female reproductive system. The oils also help to make this supplement function better due to more bioavailability.
Clary Sage has been used for centuries to help support the female body, particularly hormones and reproductive function
Sage helps maintain balance between estrogen and the progesterone-testosterone balance. It supports the nervous system and the adrenal cortex.
Ylang Ylang supports the adrenal glands.
Fennel supports the circulatory, glandular, respiratory, and digestive systems.
Usage: Take 2 capsules with breakfast and 2 capsules with lunch.
Keep in a cool, dry place. Do not expose to excessive heat. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor's care, consult your physician.
PRO TIP:
SclarEssence™ Vitality™ is a perfect complement to this supplement." -GROWorkspace
Progesterone Support
"Progessence Plus Serum, also referred to as PP or P+, contains USP-grade progesterone (from wild yam extract). Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in the body. It regulates the menstrual cycle and is crucial for pregnancy. You also NEED progesterone to have a healthy libido. As you age, you have a natural decrease in progesterone production so this product can be very beneficial when you are starting a family and after 30 years of age.
I want you to note that USP-grade progesterone is NOT the same as ‘progestins,’ which are synthetic versions of progesterone sold by the pharmaceutical companies. Taking synthetic hormones is REALLY bad for you and can lead to life-threatening side effects. If you like to research, this is a topic worth researching. The USP-grade progesterone in Progessence Plus Serum is natural from wild yam extract
Progessence Plus is formulated specifically for women. It contains Copaiba, Sacred Frankincense, Cedarwood, Bergamot, Peppermint, and Clove essential oils, all of which are calming and grounding, ideal for women who want to feel more relaxed and balanced." - GROWorkspace
Directions:
Apply 2–4 drops of Progessence Plus to the stomach, feet, or inner thighs each day, rotating application sites to avoid applying to the same area two days in a row. For added effect, 1–2 extra drops may be applied. Do not exceed 2 applications per day.
Note: If you're pregnant, you don't really need this one, so save yourself the money and restart it when your pregnancy is over.
PRO-TIPS: Progessence Plus also makes a lovely perfume. This serum is a wonderful complement to FemiGen Supplement.
Oil Support
Here are some oils that are great complements to the supplements that support your endocrine system for happy hormones. These are the "time of the month", postpartum, or enhancing your mood, or get you in the mood.
Dragon Time
"Do you have occasional moodiness during your cycle? Your partner, friends, coworkers, and everyone else you cross paths with will THANK you for using this. No more 'dragon lady' nicknames every month when you use Dragon Time!
This blend contains Fennel, Clary Sage, Marjoram, Lavender, Blue Yarrow, and Jasmine essential oils. Its aroma is sweet and herbaceous. Its balancing properties make it a perfect choice for supporting normal, healthy moods during the female monthly cycle.
Dragon Time is recommended for BOTH young and mature women and can be applied to your abdomen, lower back, and other areas for a soothing effect before and during your menstrual cycle. It’s also great to diffuse to get you in the mood before being intimate." -GROWorkspace
"Women are often too familiar with monthly moodiness, so what better way to simmer down than a natural remedy? Dragon Time essential oil is a proprietary blend that features a sweet, herbaceous aroma and supports feelings of stability and calm.
Carefully place a hot towel infused with 5 drops of Dragon Time over your stomach for a relaxing experience.
Gently massage a few drops of Dragon Time Massage Oil onto the lower abdomen and lower back."- Young Living
"Clary Sage has been used by women for centuries. In the past ten years, there have been many scientific studies confirming its amazing qualities. Don't believe me? Google it! You will be shocked.
It has an earthy and herbaceous smell with floral and slightly fruity undertones.
Aromatically, it is uplifting and balancing to your mood and emotions. It may help alleviate occasional anxiety. Its uplifting fragrance may also improve cognitive function. Topically, it is incredible for your skin. Sore muscles or monthly aches? Try combining a few drops in a long, relaxing Epsom salt bath.
Lastly, have you been struggling to get in the mood for intimacy? Try diffusing this while you’re getting ready for bed with your significant other. It may work wonders for both of you. Diffuse it during the day so you’re excited to be intimate when your partner gets home.
Lady Sclareol™, also only available through Young Living, was created specifically for women and contains Jasmine, Bergamot, Geranium, Orange and many more. This can be used to enhance your feminine nature. It can be alluring and seductive as a perfume and, like Clary Sage, can also help get you in the mood.
When diffused, it provides a relaxing experience by calming and balancing your heart and mind.
Topically, this oil can add a little natural glow to your skin." -GROWorkspace
Endoflex™ Vitality is a proprietary oil, meaning only Young Living has it. It contains a base of Sesame seed oil and is infused with Spearmint Vitality essential oil, Sage, Geranium, Myrtle, Nutmeg, and German Chamomile.
"Here are some favorite ways to use this oil:
Apply topically over your thyroid and adrenal glands on your mid back.
Take daily with a gel capsule. Combine 1 drop EndoFlex Vitality with 1 drop of V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex.
Add a drop or two to 2–4 oz. of NingXia Red® for a quick shot of this blend.
Need more energy? Add a few drops to your sparkling NingXia Zyng™. Use this essential oil-infused beverage to jump-start the day or make it through the afternoon slump.
Combine a drop of oil with a large cup of warm tea or a tall glass of water. If you find a drop overwhelms the flavor, dip a toothpick in the oil and swirl it in your drink.
This blend contains the following oils: Spearmint, Sesame seed oil, Sage, Geranium, Myrtle, Chamomilla recutita and Nutmeg.
SclarEssence™ Vitality supports overall wellness for women. It contains Clary Sage, Peppermint, Spanish Sage, and Fennel to support digestion and reduce occasional bloating that can be a common feeling during your menses. It is also beneficial for balancing hormones.
Some of our favorite ways to use this oil are:
Add 1–2 drops of SclarEssence Vitality to a glass of water or in conjunction with Estro.
Add SclarEssence Vitality to a warm cup of tea and enjoy after a soothing Dragon Time oil massage.
Take as a dietary supplement daily with Master Formula™ to support a healthy lifestyle.*
Diffuse during your cycle or when needed to help lift your mood and feel more balanced.
Apply topically to your belly as needed.
Young Living
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Happy Switching,
Lauren
References: Young Living, GROworkspace, Hormones, Medical News Today, TIME
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. I am not here to diagnose, treat, or cure any of your (or your pets!) illnesses. The content I cover is for informational purposes only.