THYROTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE
AKA: TRH.
AKA: TRH.
A neuropeptide which, along with its analogs, is currently under study for its brain-boosting effects.
A neuropeptide which, along with its analogs, is currently under study for its brain-boosting effects.
VASOPRESSIN VASOPRESSIN
AKA: ADH, Adiuretin SD, antidiuretic hormone, arginine-vasopressin, argipressin, AVP, DAY AKA: ADH, Adiuretin SD, antidiuretic hormone, arginine-vasopressin, argipressin, AVP, DAY Ritter, DDAVP, Desmopressin, Desmospray, Diapid, L-desamino-8-D-arginine, LVP, lypressin, Ritter, DDAVP, Desmopressin, Desmospray, Diapid, L-desamino-8-D-arginine, LVP, lypressin, lysinevasopressin, Minirin, Postacton, rinderpressin, Syntopressin.
lysinevasopressin, Minirin, Postacton, rinderpressin, Syntopressin.
A hormone and natural brain peptide secreted by the pituitary gland that has antidiuretic properties.
A hormone and natural brain peptide secreted by the pituitary gland that has antidiuretic properties.
Vasopressin is released by experiences of great trauma or intense arousal (which may be one reason Vasopressin is released by experiences of great trauma or intense arousal (which may be one reason why such emotional moments have such a strong impression and can be remembered with vividness why such emotional moments have such a strong impression and can be remembered with vividness
CHAPTER 9 CHAPTER 9 Essential Oils Essential Oils
Aromatherapy, or the use of herbal oils as medicines, has been practiced for thousands of years.
Aromatherapy, or the use of herbal oils as medicines, has been practiced for thousands of years.
Essential oils, or concentrated liquids extracted from various parts of plants, are believed to help Essential oils, or concentrated liquids extracted from various parts of plants, are believed to help protect plants from certain diseases and pests, and are thought to have effects on the human mind and protect plants from certain diseases and pests, and are thought to have effects on the human mind and body as well. They can either be inhaled (by putting a drop or two in a bowl of steaming water),
body as well. They can either be inhaled (by putting a drop or two in a bowl of steaming water),
absorbed through the skin (by using three or four drops as a massage oil, or a l-to-10 ratio of essential absorbed through the skin (by using three or four drops as a massage oil, or a l-to-10 ratio of essential oil to a carrier oil such as sweet almond, olive, or sesame seed oil), or both (by putting 5 or 6 drops in oil to a carrier oil such as sweet almond, olive, or sesame seed oil), or both (by putting 5 or 6 drops in warm bath water). Some shops or catalogs sell dispensers, lamps, vaporizers, or diffusers that provide warm bath water). Some shops or catalogs sell dispensers, lamps, vaporizers, or diffusers that provide a longer-lasting effect.
a longer-lasting effect.
Smells can have a direct influence on the brain, affecting emotion and memory by stimulating the Smells can have a direct influence on the brain, affecting emotion and memory by stimulating the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. Studies have shown that pleasant aromas increase hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. Studies have shown that pleasant aromas increase
productivity in the workplace by as much as 25 percent, and learning by as much as 17 percent. Many productivity in the workplace by as much as 25 percent, and learning by as much as 17 percent. Many oils work synergistically with each other.
oils work synergistically with each other.
Pure, undiluted oils are extremely concentrated and should never be inhaled directly from the bottle Pure, undiluted oils are extremely concentrated and should never be inhaled directly from the bottle or applied to the skin, and they should not be taken internally (as little as a half teaspoon of pure oil or applied to the skin, and they should not be taken internally (as little as a half teaspoon of pure oil can be fatal). Also, avoid getting essential oils in the eye, as they can be irritating (a cotton swab can be fatal). Also, avoid getting essential oils in the eye, as they can be irritating (a cotton swab soaked in vegetable oil and applied to the eye should relieve discomfort). They can last a year or soaked in vegetable oil and applied to the eye should relieve discomfort). They can last a year or more if stored properly in a cool, dry, and dark place, and the bottle is opened only when dispensing more if stored properly in a cool, dry, and dark place, and the bottle is opened only when dispensing oil (they can evaporate or oxidize quite readily in the open air); a small amount of vitamin E can help oil (they can evaporate or oxidize quite readily in the open air); a small amount of vitamin E can help preserve the freshness. As for their benefits, little is known about the specifics with which they work:
preserve the freshness. As for their benefits, little is known about the specifics with which they work:
only a handful of studies have been done on aromas and aromatherapy, and most of the purported only a handful of studies have been done on aromas and aromatherapy, and most of the purported effects are based on anecdotal evidence or folklore. Even among practitioners, there may be some effects are based on anecdotal evidence or folklore. Even among practitioners, there may be some discrepancy about specific effects, so caution is advised.
discrepancy about specific effects, so caution is advised.
They should not be used by those suffering from epilepsy or other seizure disorders, those whose They should not be used by those suffering from epilepsy or other seizure disorders, those whose blood pressure is abnormally high or abnormally low, those with asthma, or those being treated for blood pressure is abnormally high or abnormally low, those with asthma, or those being treated for cancer. Allergic reactions or photosensitivity are possible, especially with spice oils such as thyme, cancer. Allergic reactions or photosensitivity are possible, especially with spice oils such as thyme, sage, and oregano, which can be irritating (patchtest an oil by dabbing a drop of it on the skin with a sage, and oregano, which can be irritating (patchtest an oil by dabbing a drop of it on the skin with a cotton swab, placing a bandage over it, and checking it 24 hours later for any adverse reactions).
cotton swab, placing a bandage over it, and checking it 24 hours later for any adverse reactions).
Many essential oils can cause such side effects as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while some may Many essential oils can cause such side effects as headaches, dizziness, and nausea, while some may contain compounds which could be carcinogenic if used regularly for an extended period of time.
contain compounds which could be carcinogenic if used regularly for an extended period of time.
Oils should generally be reserved for treating specific conditions, and not be used on a daily basis, Oils should generally be reserved for treating specific conditions, and not be used on a daily basis, especially for more than two or three weeks at a time, as they can produce effects that are the
especially for more than two or three weeks at a time, as they can produce effects that are the opposite of what they normally provide.
opposite of what they normally provide.
Prices can vary depending on such factors as the origin of the plant, the method of extraction, and Prices can vary depending on such factors as the origin of the plant, the method of extraction, and whether it was grown organically or not. Absolutes — which are essential oils that are viscous or whether it was grown organically or not. Absolutes — which are essential oils that are viscous or semi-solid — are cheaper, but may contain trace amounts of toxic solvents used in the extraction semi-solid — are cheaper, but may contain trace amounts of toxic solvents used in the extraction process, and are not recommended for therapeutic use. Perfumes and fragrance oils sold by cosmetics process, and are not recommended for therapeutic use. Perfumes and fragrance oils sold by cosmetics companies are synthetic (the term "nature identical" is a tipoff), and are of little benefit in
companies are synthetic (the term "nature identical" is a tipoff), and are of little benefit in
aromatherapy. Essential oils themselves can be rather expensive, as it may take a hundred pounds of aromatherapy. Essential oils themselves can be rather expensive, as it may take a hundred pounds of plants or more to produce one ounce of oil.
plants or more to produce one ounce of oil.
Effects: Contains cineole and eucalyptol, both of which stimulate the central nervous system. The oil Effects: Contains cineole and eucalyptol, both of which stimulate the central nervous system. The oil has antiviral and antibiotic properties, and has been used to treat a variety of respiratory problems. It has antiviral and antibiotic properties, and has been used to treat a variety of respiratory problems. It is a common ingredient in cold remedies.
is a common ingredient in cold remedies.
Works synergistically with angelica, hyssop, lemon, pine, and thyme.
Works synergistically with angelica, hyssop, lemon, pine, and thyme.
FENNEL FENNEL
AKA: Foeniculum vulgare.
AKA: Foeniculum vulgare.
Effects: Said to relieve nervous tension and increase life span. It has been used to treat muscular Effects: Said to relieve nervous tension and increase life span. It has been used to treat muscular aches and pains, digestive problems, nausea, and hangovers.
aches and pains, digestive problems, nausea, and hangovers.
Works synergistically with detoxifying and cleansing oils such as juniper.
Works synergistically with detoxifying and cleansing oils such as juniper.
Precautions: It should not be used by those suffering from epilepsy; it should not be used Precautions: It should not be used by those suffering from epilepsy; it should not be used
indiscriminately because it is high in phenolic resin; and it should not be used as a diuretic without indiscriminately because it is high in phenolic resin; and it should not be used as a diuretic without supervision, as it could cause kidney damage. Some aromatherapists are also concerned about the supervision, as it could cause kidney damage. Some aromatherapists are also concerned about the combination of principal constituents anethol and estragol, which could cause serious side effects, combination of principal constituents anethol and estragol, which could cause serious side effects, though none have been reported.
though none have been reported.
FRANKINCENSE FRANKINCENSE
AKA: Boswellia carteri, Boswellia thurifera, olibanum.
AKA: Boswellia carteri, Boswellia thurifera, olibanum.
Effects: Said to slow down and deepen breathing, and to promote calmness and feelings of Effects: Said to slow down and deepen breathing, and to promote calmness and feelings of spirituality. It has been used to treat sinus congestion, asthma, and even skin cancer.
spirituality. It has been used to treat sinus congestion, asthma, and even skin cancer.
Works synergistically with sandalwood.
Works synergistically with sandalwood.
Precautions: It should be used with caution by asthmatics, as the hot steam could have an adverse Precautions: It should be used with caution by asthmatics, as the hot steam could have an adverse effect.
effect.
GERANIUM GERANIUM
AKA: Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium odoratissimum.
AKA: Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium odoratissimum.
Effects: Said to reduce stress and depression, induce calmness, and increase energy. It has been used Effects: Said to reduce stress and depression, induce calmness, and increase energy. It has been used to treat various skin disorders, as well as athlete's foot and hemorrhoids.
to treat various skin disorders, as well as athlete's foot and hemorrhoids.
Works synergistically with benzoin, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, lemongrass, melissa, Works synergistically with benzoin, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, lemongrass, melissa, patchouli, and vetiver.
patchouli, and vetiver.
Precautions: Since it is quite expensive, cheaper brands may be adulterated with artificial esters, Precautions: Since it is quite expensive, cheaper brands may be adulterated with artificial esters, cedarwood, lemongrass, and turpentine.
cedarwood, lemongrass, and turpentine.
GINGER
GINGER
Effects: Said to increase energy. It is sometimes used as a tonic for the heart and digestive system.
Effects: Said to increase energy. It is sometimes used as a tonic for the heart and digestive system.
Precautions: It can cause narcosis, vomiting, hallucinations, or even death; even the spice can cause Precautions: It can cause narcosis, vomiting, hallucinations, or even death; even the spice can cause severe adverse reactions. If applied to the skin, it can cause rashes and allergies. Its use is not
severe adverse reactions. If applied to the skin, it can cause rashes and allergies. Its use is not recommended.
recommended.
ORANGE ORANGE
AKA: Citrus aurantium, Citrus aurantium sinensis.
AKA: Citrus aurantium, Citrus aurantium sinensis.
Effects: Said to reduce stress and depression, increase energy, and induce feelings of calm and Effects: Said to reduce stress and depression, increase energy, and induce feelings of calm and happiness. It has been used to treat such gastrointestinal disorders as gas, indigestion, and
happiness. It has been used to treat such gastrointestinal disorders as gas, indigestion, and constipation.
constipation.
Works synergistically with cinnamon, clove, lavender, and nutmeg.
Works synergistically with cinnamon, clove, lavender, and nutmeg.
Precautions: When applied to the skin, it can increase susceptibility to damage by the sun. The Precautions: When applied to the skin, it can increase susceptibility to damage by the sun. The
oranges used must be natural and organic, as most are sprayed with ethylene to give them more color oranges used must be natural and organic, as most are sprayed with ethylene to give them more color and coated with wax to seal in the moisture.
and coated with wax to seal in the moisture.
PALMAROSA PALMAROSA
AKA: Cymbopogon martini.
AKA: Cymbopogon martini.
Effects: Said to elevate mood and refresh the spirits. It has been used to relieve the muscle aches Effects: Said to elevate mood and refresh the spirits. It has been used to relieve the muscle aches accompanying flus and fevers.
accompanying flus and fevers.
Precautions: It is often adulterated with cedarwood and turpentine.
Precautions: It is often adulterated with cedarwood and turpentine.
PEPPER PEPPER
AKA: Black pepper, Piper nigrum.
AKA: Black pepper, Piper nigrum.
Effects: Said to promote alertness. It has been used to treat dermatitis, flu symptoms, rheumatism, Effects: Said to promote alertness. It has been used to treat dermatitis, flu symptoms, rheumatism, catarrh, colds, and hay fever.
catarrh, colds, and hay fever.
Precautions: Undiluted, the oil can be toxic and irritating to the skin. Overuse could damage the Precautions: Undiluted, the oil can be toxic and irritating to the skin. Overuse could damage the kidneys.
kidneys.
PEPPERMINT PEPPERMINT
AKA: Mentha piperita.
AKA: Mentha piperita.
Effects: Contains large amounts of cineole, a compound which increases blood flow to parts of the Effects: Contains large amounts of cineole, a compound which increases blood flow to parts of the brain. When rubbed into the forehead, it can relieve tension headaches. It stimulates the nervous brain. When rubbed into the forehead, it can relieve tension headaches. It stimulates the nervous system, improves circulation, and increases awareness, alertness, and concentration. It has been used system, improves circulation, and increases awareness, alertness, and concentration. It has been used to treat motion sickness, gas, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, migraines,
to treat motion sickness, gas, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, migraines, hangovers, shingles (herpes zoster), and congested sinuses.
hangovers, shingles (herpes zoster), and congested sinuses.
CHAPTER 10 CHAPTER 10 Entheogens Entheogens
Entheogens, popularly known as psychedelics or hallucinogenics, are among the most powerful and Entheogens, popularly known as psychedelics or hallucinogenics, are among the most powerful and controversial substances known to man, and comprise approximately one-tenth of the 600,000-plus controversial substances known to man, and comprise approximately one-tenth of the 600,000-plus plant species identified so far. These and other mind-altering substances act by intensifying the user's plant species identified so far. These and other mind-altering substances act by intensifying the user's mood and the situation he or she is in when taking the drug; as such, they have often been used in mood and the situation he or she is in when taking the drug; as such, they have often been used in religious ceremonies and, more recently, in therapeutic situations. There may be many more
religious ceremonies and, more recently, in therapeutic situations. There may be many more
psychoactive plants that have yet to be identified; there are certainly many in which the psychoactive psychoactive plants that have yet to be identified; there are certainly many in which the psychoactive ingredient has yet to be identified. A number of these plants are used by various indigenous peoples ingredient has yet to be identified. A number of these plants are used by various indigenous peoples around the world in their ceremonies, yet they appear to have no psychoactive ingredient, and the around the world in their ceremonies, yet they appear to have no psychoactive ingredient, and the often theatrical and bizarre behavior exhibited by those partaking of the so-called hallucinogen may often theatrical and bizarre behavior exhibited by those partaking of the so-called hallucinogen may be due more to social expectations and psychodrama than to any actual pharmacological ingredient.
be due more to social expectations and psychodrama than to any actual pharmacological ingredient.
The quality of the experience may reflect the variety and potency of the plant, the method with which The quality of the experience may reflect the variety and potency of the plant, the method with which it is prepared, the setting or circumstances under which it is taken, and possibly the physiology of the it is prepared, the setting or circumstances under which it is taken, and possibly the physiology of the individual taking it.
individual taking it.
AGARA AGARA
AKA: Galbulimima belgraveana.
AKA: Galbulimima belgraveana.
A timber tree native to Malaysia and Australia that is related to the magnolias.
A timber tree native to Malaysia and Australia that is related to the magnolias.
Effects: Causes violent intoxication, followed by a deep sleep characterized by vivid dreams and Effects: Causes violent intoxication, followed by a deep sleep characterized by vivid dreams and visions. Papuans boil the leaves and bark with the leaves of ereriba to make a drink, or just chew the visions. Papuans boil the leaves and bark with the leaves of ereriba to make a drink, or just chew the leaves and bark. Although 28 biologically active alkaloids have been identified, the psychoactive leaves and bark. Although 28 biologically active alkaloids have been identified, the psychoactive principle has yet to be identified.
principle has yet to be identified.