It is the month of July, and we are focusing on the Endocrine System. This system of the body is made up of glands that are in charge of our hormones. These hormones get released into our bloodstream and travels to the cells and other parts of the body in order to cary information from one group of cells to another group of cells.
This week, we are focusing on balancing our adrenals and helping the body with adrenal stress and ailments like Addison's Disease. Our favorite essences to address adrenal imbalances are Black Spruce, Cedarwood Atlas, and Scotch Pine.
The adrenals are two triangular glands that sit on each kidney and have two parts that make a set of hormones - from the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. These hormones help the body with the stress response, salt and water balance, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function. Addison's Disease happens when the adrenals don't produce enough Cortisol and Aldosterone. When they have been damaged by a virus or other source, they may not produce enough of these hormones and the body will experience fatigue, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and changes in skin color. Energetically, the adrenals reflect anger at the self and severe emotional malnutrition.
Black Spruce is excellent for adrenal support. It is natural cortisol and can help support the body when this hormone is deficient. As a pituitary-ovarian stimulant, Black Spruce helps the thyroid, thymus, and stress response in the body. Black Spruce is for anxiety, stress, and tension. She is the medicine that supports letting go of the shadows, trusting the self, and expressing oneself authentically.
Cedarwood Atlas is a natural kidney tonic, helping the immune system as well as the body's response to stress, tension, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Where fear has taken hold of the being, this amazing tree essence offers Love. The message is to never give up, to cultivate inner strength, and to become clear and calm in order to endure the ups and downs of life.
Scotch Pine offers stimulation to the adrenal cortex, helping with fatigue and nervous debility. For the Endocrine System, this amazing tree helps the thyroid, stimulates the pituitary gland, and helps support sexual function. When feeling overstressed, Scotch Pine is grounding, yet expansive, and helps bring calm stillness and relaxation to the entire being.
All three essences help with the mind-body issues related to the adrenals. It is best to use essences for one month for every year you have had the symptoms that are being treated. In general, for the average adult weight and height, five to ten drops "neat" on the skin is enough to start anointing each essence 2-3 times a day. Always do a test patch on the inner arm to make sure that the essences are not too powerful to anoint "neat" on your skin. If they bring up a healing response, then use the bottoms of the feet to anoint, and meditate on what is coming up and out emotionally for healing. All three of these essences are safe to anoint directly onto the lower back area of the body, and on the wrists and neck to get closer to the major veins and arteries. These plants work well together, and can help to restore harmony and balance. All essences are safe to ingest in small amounts (3-5 drops in an ounce of water is a good start). Use your intuition to guide the way, and remember that less is always more in most cases.