Clinical Consideration for Essential Oils

The research behind this post began as a search to demonstrate a common thread between chronic fatigue and narcolepsy. After working with and supporting a number of people managing life with chronic fatigue, I began meeting people struggling to keep their eyes open during the day. At first I thought they were talking about that med-afternoon crash we hear so many individuals describe. in fact, it’s the reason they run out to grab either another coffee or caffeinated beverage.

For years, I remember hearing that too much caffeine in the morning led to afternoon slumps. However, the more I explore the chemistry of stress:

1. some chemical albeit environmental or neurochemical, notifies the DNA that there is a need to be on high alert (a.k.a. potential threat to the body)

2. mast cells, containing histamine are released

3. cortisol levels rise in order to help regulate histamine

4. the production of aromatase is activated in order to convert androgens into estrogen as well as other steroidal hormones which often mimic thyroid hormones

5. an activated stress slows the digestive process, disrupting the body’s ability to breakdown protein, carbs and fats

6. larger macronutrient particles circulating throughout the body stimulate macrophage activity

7. the longer this reaction goes on, the more inflammation occurs

Additional chemical factors indicated in chronic fatigue and narcolepsy include:

1. elevated cortisol alters VDR (vitamin D receptor) function, reducing the amount of vitamin D being transported throughout the body

2. diminished levels of vitamin D, alter the body’s use of calcium, referring it to the immune system as a supporting excitatory mineral, elevating immune activity, and altering parathyroid function and slowing down fat metabolism

3. a lowered vitamin D count slows down the regulation of hecipdin and release of iron from the liver

4. low vitamin D perpetuates the stress response, maintaining high immune activity, including elevated histamine and macrophage levels

Not surprisingly, chronic fatigue is a factor in most, if not all, autoimmune disorders. Narcolepsy is due to a deficiency of orexin, otherwise known as hypocretin, a neuropeptide that mediates arousal, wakefulness and appetite. People living with narcolepsy often struggle on the side with weight, sexual arousal, never feeling satiated after a meal, disrupted sleep, sleep apnea and / or snoring, body movements while sleeping, sleep paralysis, delusions or hallucinations, total body collapse, etc. While the condition is not fully understood as of this moment, it is becoming increasingly linked to ‘autoimmune activity’.

You don’t say …

In fact, an investigation conducted in 2009 and published in Acta Physiol (Oxf) in 2010, states that there is a ‘tight association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and human narcolepsy’. HLA is a group of related proteins encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) which are responsible for regulating the immune system.

The human body is incredibly complex and fascinating. More importantly, it’s a tight association of processes. Not one thing happens that doesn’t affect another. The one thing I’ve consistently said over the years is if a blood test reveals a chemical is higher than it ‘should be’ or lower, that doesn’t mean control that chemical. On the contrary, it’s indicative of instability, otherwise known as an active stress response. Therefore, restoring stability is crucial.

The more I explored these health conditions and cross referenced various chemical activities, it became even more apparent that all health issues stem from the same basic chemical notifications, signaling a need to protect the organism. However, this is not meant to be a 24/ 7 activity. This is why stress relief must be our daily goal ….

Germacrene d is a notable sesquiterpene found throughout nature. There are a number of studies illustrating the attractant value between plants and insects. In an academic paper titled: The Plant Sesquiterpene Germacrene D Specifically Activates a Major Type of Antennal Receptor Neuron of the Tobacco Budworm Moth Heliothis virescens, it is postulated that the biosynthesis of germacrene d in plants is a conversion of farnesyl diphosphate (FDP) catalyzed by a germacrene synthase (deKraker et al, 1998)

This is significant. Farnesyl-diphosphate farnesyltransferase1 is a protein that is encoded by the FDFT1 gene in humans …….which is the first specific enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis.

Let’s review this for a moment. Germacrene d is the result of a chemical reaction involving farnesyl-diphosphate which stimulates neurochemical / hormonal activity in insects, attracting them to the plant. Farnesyl-diphosphate activity catalyzes the first committed step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Cholesterol is required for the production of all steroidal hormones as well as nerve and brain health. Narcolepsy and other orexin deficiencies are due to a reduction in neuronal activity in the hypothalamus. According the research published in Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2010, hypocretin (orexin) deficiency “is likely du to the postnatal cell death of hypocretin neurons”. Therefore, it stands to reason that assisting the body with a more effective use of cholesterol not only makes sense, it’s necessary!

Germacrene d is found in a number of essential oils. So is farnesol. Oh, I neglected to mention that farnesol is a chemical precursor for steroids in plants, animals and fungi that is produced by the FDFT1 gene in humans. Farnesene is a metabolite of farnesol and is also found in several essential oils.

While we work very hard to harness our breathing and take creative / recreational breaks as well as get physical activity or just veg out, the environment continues to wreak havoc on our system. I don’t care where you are. Depending on your genetic code, these factors vary in their impact. Keep in mind, environment isn't limited to air and water quality. It also includes foods, medications, household cleaners, and so on.

It’s true, easing our mental and emotional distress makes a big difference, we must consider the fact that the body continues to struggle and degenerate .. even if slowly. This is meaningless to a lot of people, and that’s ok. On the other hand, it’s a big deal to others, and something I believe we must begin sharing with our kids.

How do we offset the effects of the environment?

Essential oils ….making authentic oils a part of our daily lifestyle does wonders for reducing the stress response. Using them is not about targeting one specific chemical, it’s about inspiring the body to settle into an easier rhythm.

Now, there are a few points to keep in mind …

1. synergy ~ the way the constituents interact with one another, gives each oil a very specific property / use. Understanding how to identify which one is best for you often takes a second set of eyes and ears until you become more familiar with the individuality of each oil

2. integration ~ medications and essential oils do not mix well for 2 reasons; again, guidance is crucial until you are accustomed to what works with your medications

   a) duplicating the mechanism of action .. in other words, using oils and medications for the same issue i.e. cholesterol

3. stagnation ~ it’s important to avoid using the same oils for extended periods of time

   b) CYP450 enzyme interactions

With this in mind, oils containing farnesol, germacrene d, and farnesene are contraindicated with statins along with many others, depending on the chemistry of the oil.

How about a chemical cocktail for hormonal stability …

1. germacrene d

2. farnesol

3. farnesene

4. a pinene

5. limonene ~ binds to blood serum albumin

6. borneol ~ binds to blood serum albumin

Essential oils containing these constituents are exceptional options for people not taking medications … period. I know this aggravates many because .. now what do you do? Plenty. The method is to come at stabilizing the system in another way. Forgive me for saying so, and if you are taking one or more medications on a regular basis, your system is in the advanced stages of instability. This isn’t to say we can’t restore a good amount of balance, it’s just going to take a bit of effort in working with the body.

Part of the reason aside from CYP interactions and doubling up on targets involves binding to blood serum albumin. Blood serum albumin is similar to adipose tissue where drugs and other toxins bind to the protein for removal. However, when essential oil constituents bind to the albumin, there’s a problem as it’s one more opportunity for an adverse reaction.

That said, if you are someone or your assisting someone that does not take medications, getting a solid idea on which oils are best for you will make a remarkable difference. Plus, using them builds immune resilience as essential oils assist the body with stabilizing and improving immune activity as well.

I’d like to take a moment and thank you for following along and reading my posts. If you find the content valuable, please consider making a donation. It takes a bit of investigation to compile the information and put it into applicable terms when it comes to human health. Most academic studies are conducted on plants and animals; so, it becomes quite meaningful when I see a way to tie these findings to the body.

Another way to learn more is to join me on Zoom every Saturday or as often as you like! We dive into more specifics on essential oils and the important things to know about them.

I’m also available for consults which you can pay for here

If you are a medical professional and interested in a clinical lunch-n-learn on Zoom, please email me for details