We have been teaching about essential oils to improve memory for years…new research dramatically confirms their positive effect!

A recent study published in the July 2023 issue of Frontiers in Neuroscience clearly demonstrates the positive effect of essential oils on cognition, specifically cognitive (memory) loss in older adults, and the need for inexpensive, effective, in-home treatments.  Here is a link to the full, comprehensive study, but the findings affirm the value of essential oils in two very important ways:  Diffusion of an essential oil at night significantly improved the performance of the study participants (226% improvement) on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and also improved olfactory ability (identification, discrimination and threshold). 

A couple of other interesting references in the report included results in another study that found that using single essential oils/odorants had significantly better results than using essential oil/odorant mixtures;  other research findings confirmed the beneficial effect of increased duration of exposure to the essential oil (the reported study used only 2 hours per night of diffuser activity), increased concentration of the essential oil, and increased number of essential oils (used individually – the diversity of oils used was beneficial). 

In the University of California study, 7 essential oil types were used:  Rose, Orange, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary and Lavender.  A previous study had recommended using four types of essential oils –  resinous, floral, fruity and aromatic (by which they probably meant a highly intense or distinctive aroma, since all essential oils are aromatic).  So the only type not represented in the selection used in the current study was resinous, such as Myrrh, Red Pine or Frankincense. I was actually surprised that a conifer was not used, since it is such a common and recognizable aroma (and many are resinous).

A point that is key, and that could be missed in the discussion of memory improvement, is the improvement in olfactory ability (the ability to smell).  This is important for several reasons.  Covid has affected the sense of smell in thousands, if not millions, of people.  For some, like me, it was very temporary.  For others, it has been a permanent loss.  Another reason, of which I was unaware, is that olfactory ability…or the loss or decline thereof…is related to cognitive ability. Studies have shown that a decline or loss of olfactory ability signals a subsequent decline in cognitive ability.  So the researchers involved in this study emphasized that significant improvement in olfactory ability (which the study showed) can help maintain or improve cognitive ability…a compelling reason to use essential oils in a diffuser to help prevent cognitive decline.

So….single, pure essences used individually, but changed daily or every other day, diffused overnight enhances sleep, and improves cognition and olfactory ability.  Pretty powerful, exciting information, and easily done at home.   Please note:  In the list of oils used in the study listed above, I have provided a link to the essential oil we offer in that category that I feel has the strongest aroma, in deference to the earlier cited finding that the more “concentrated” oils performed better. 

Announcements!
Free Lunch and Learn Zoom offering this Tuesday, 12-1 pm AZ time (which is like Pacific Time this time of year). Cynthia and I will be teaching about Sweet Birch essential oil.  Please have your Sweet Birch with you for the class, if possible.  Email Cynthia ([email protected]) for a link to the Zoom event.
 
LEVEL I Certification:  Cynthia Olivera, our Education Director, and I will be offering one more Level I Medicinal Aromatherapy Certification Class in 2023:  A Zoom Level I, November 30-December 1.  Tuition is $595 and can be paid in increments, if needed.  The beautiful custom made Level I AromaKits (set of 3) are required for the November Zoom offering; the set is $325 (student pricing) for 45 1-2 ml essences, and allows all participants to experience the key essences studied in the course and used in the ceremonies.  To register for the November Zoom class, click here:   https://wisdomoftheearth.com/class/a-zoom-wisdom-of-the-earth-level-i-certification-with-audre-and-cynthia/

Please call Cynthia at 928-649-9968 with any questions or to register by phone.

LEVEL II Certification:  Calling all Certified Level I students!  Do you want to take your relationship with the plants & trees to a whole different level?  Are you interested in becoming a more integral part of Wisdom of the Earth (i.e., a Master Distributor or Teacher of our Level I Certification class)? If so, Level II WOTE Certification is the next step of your journey toward that goal! 

A Zoom Level II will be offered October 16-20, 2023. Tuition is $2,500 and the required set of three beautiful, custom-made Level II AromaKits is included in this price (value $455). 

Click here to register for the October Level II Zoom offering: https://wisdomoftheearth.com/product/oct2023-level-2-zoom-class/

Please call the office and ask for Cynthia or me if you have questions or would like to register by phone (928-649-9968).

Please check our website for additional offerings from our wonderful WOTE Teachers. The home page shows upcoming classes, including the Level I Medicinal Aromatherapy Certification Class and their other special, related offerings.  Offerings scheduled farther out into the calendar are shown in the Classes section of the website.  Wisdom of the Earth educational offerings are updated frequently, so please check back if you are interested in joining us in our exploration of how pure essential oils benefit the body, mind and spirit. 

Thanks for reading, and for being a part of Wisdom of the Earth! Your comments re this newsletter or any aspect of aromatherapy in your life are always welcome.  

Love, Audre Gutierrez
Owner, Wisdom of the Earth