pineal gland

Origin-of-sandalwood-(Santalum-album)

Origin of sandalwood (Santalum album)

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Sandalwood is considered spiritual and mystical in Hindu mythology. Since ancient times it has been part of the skin and beauty care regime. Its homeland is southern India and Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

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Sandalwood refers to the wood (core) of wood species belonging to the Santalaceae family and santalum genus. The wood from these trees has a characteristic aromatic aroma. There are many species of trees that fall into this genus, of which the East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15988" target="_blank" data-ref="Santalum album" rel="noopener">[ref. 1] and</a> the Australian sandalwood (S. spicatum) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/20576" target="_blank" data-ref="Santalum spicatum" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; are among the most famous.

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Its enticing aroma calms the mind and relieves anxiety by relaxing the central nervous system as well. This is a great help in meditation, and its natural firming properties help to tone the old skin when used topically on it.

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With a fragrance that promotes concentration and tranquility and diuretic properties that help eliminate toxins, sandalwood purifies both the body and mind. It is also a relaxant that can be used to treat cramps and not only.

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Therapeutic-properties-of-sandalwood

Therapeutic properties of sandalwood 

Sandalwood-for-insomnia-and-anxiety

Sandalwood for insomnia and anxiety 

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The chemical compounds "sesquiterpenes", present in the essential oil of sandalwood, stimulate the pineal gland in the brain to produce melatonin. It is the main hormone that regulates sleep cycles, promotes complete rest, and eradicates insomnia, as well as other sleep disorders.

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The aroma of the oil has a powerful effect on the limbic system of the brain and has sedative qualities that can provide a continuous night's sleep.

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Promotes concentration and mental clarity  

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Used for millennia to promote clarity of mind and as an aid in meditation, sandalwood has been the subject of recent research that confirms it is able to improve mood and concentration.

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Sandalwood essential oil is rich in the active compound alpha-santalol. In a study published in the journal Planta Medica, the researchers found that alpha-santalol helps for improved attention and mood compared to placebo. The study also found that sandalwood increased participants' blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating, which were markers of increased alertness. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2006-941544" target="_blank" data-ref="Thieme E-Journals - Planta Medica / Abstract" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Aphrodisiac

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One of the many traditional uses of sandalwood is as a natural aphrodisiac. It has been found that the aroma and chemical effects of sandalwood are similar to those of androsterone &ndash; human pheromones. This androsterone effect helps to promote sensuality by relieving tension and mental blockages that can cause impotence and loss of libido.

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Did you know that: sandalwood is a popular ingredient in aftershave for men? The similarity of androsterone to male pheromones sends a subtle but very effective erotic signal to the opposite sex, which is believed to increase the attraction of the other sex!

Sandalwood-for-skin-health

Sandalwood for skin health 

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As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, sandalwood is rich in antioxidants that fight damage to free radicals associated with aging.

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It also improves the condition in skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the researchers found that sandalwood reduces the severity of these conditions. In the treatment of warts with sandalwood, it was found that a mixture of salicylic acid and santalol (the active compound in the sandalwood) completely clears the warts in 21% of the treatment group.

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The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action of sandalwood makes it an effective remedy for insect bites and superficial wounds. You can also use sandalwood powder or sandalwood oils for acne or skin bleaching or for daily skin care.

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Possible applications of sandalwood in psoriasis 

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Psoriasis is a skin condition in which a person suffers from itchy, scaly and red spots usually on the elbows, knees, body and scalp. When applied topically to places where plaques are found, sandalwood has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of the disease. This is due to its potential anti-inflammatory effect.

Potential-applications-of-sandalwood-for-cancer-treatment

Potential applications of sandalwood for cancer treatment

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The &alpha;-santalol, present in sandalwood, has anticancer properties, as evidenced by animal studies and cell cultures. Therefore, it has potential use in the treatment of skin tumors, which need to be further studied before its use in humans. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/35/6/3137" target="_blank" data-ref="Anticancer Effects of Sandalwood (Santalum album)" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

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Potential applications of sandalwood for the treatment of ulcers 

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An ulcer is a rupture of the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines. Studies have shown that sandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Sandalwood oil can be effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for the development of a gastric ulcer. Thus, the oil extract of sandalwood can be used in the treatment of gastric and intestinal ulcers. However, ulcers are a serious threat to health and should be treated properly by a doctor.

Skin-&-hair-care-with-sandalwood

Skin & hair care with sandalwood

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prevention of hair loss: By tightening the skin tissue, sandalwood essential oil strengthens the hair roots.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anti-dandruff: The cooling, antibacterial nature of the sandalwood soothes the sensitive scalp and limits infections, preventing peeling.</li></ul>How to use sandalwood for beautifying procedures? Dilute sandalwood essential oil with a base oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil and use it in scalp massage oil.

Sandalwood has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, as well as anticancer properties. In the form of oil can be used to improve mood and concentration, as well as in skin problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema. High in antioxidants, sandalwood oil largely reduces signs of aging, protecting the skin from the negative effects of free radicals.&nbsp;

Sandalwood Oil: Health Benefits and Uses (Santalum album)

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Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Some of the most serious problems that the modern lifestyle leads to are anxiety and insomnia.

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For some, a lifestyle change may be enough to alleviate symptoms - dimming the lights in the home in the evening, turning off screens hours before sleep time, switching to a more relaxed lifestyle.

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In this article, we will look at medicinal plants&nbsp;that&nbsp;have a calming effect backed by science.

Herbs-for-anxiety

Herbs for anxiety

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Anxiety can be a major symptom of various mental or psychological <a href="/p/panichiesko_razstroistvo_i_kak_da_ovladieiem_panik_atakitie_57735649_fedd_437a_b9e0_14cfed86da88" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> problems. [<a href="https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/bitstream/handle/11343/216778/Plant-based+medicines+for+anxiety+disorders_Part+2.pdf;jsessionid=24B0F3B56F22B1B7F853B633B8039A86?sequence=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>]

Lemon-balm-(Melissa-officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

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The ability of Lemon Balm extract to lower anxiety has been demonstrated in several studies – both in humans, In one of the studies [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Pilot_trial_of_Melissa_officinalis_L_leaf_extract_in_the_treatment_of_volunteers_suffering_from_mild_to_moderate_anxiety_disorders_and_sleep_disturbances_22207903" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] patients suffering from both chronic anxiety and insomnia were involved. For 15 days they took standardized Lemon Balm extract twice a day at 300 mg. Anxiety attacks in these patients decreased&nbsp;by 18%, symptoms associated with the condition decreased by 15%, and insomnia decreased significantly by as much as 42%.

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Gotu-kola-(Centella-asiatica)

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

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The herb is also called Asiatic pennywort&nbsp;and Gotu Cola. It grows in eastern Europe and is known for its beneficial effect in a wide variety of diseases - a variety of infections, wounds, scars, <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>psoriasis, <a href="/p/krvonosna_sistiema_razshirieni_vieni_i_uprazhnieniia_za_profilaktika_5c96eb74_033d_416c_9aa2_7ca7b3558fb2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a> varicose veins - but in recent years studies have been conducted that the plant has the potential&nbsp;to suppress anxiety and depressive states, as well as to improve mental&nbsp;abilities.

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In 2017, an overview of the action of the Asiatic pennywort on mental abilities and mood was&nbsp;published, but scientists concluded that more evidence is needed in favor of positive effects [<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-09823-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>].

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

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The soothing effects of chamomile are known to folk medicine but have not yet been well studied and the mechanisms by which this herb works remain unclear. Studies in humans and animals also prove the effect, but it remains to be established what dose&nbsp;is needed to cope with anxiety. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_randomized_double_blind_placebo_controlled_trial_of_oral_Matricaria_recutita_chamomile_extract_therapy_for_generalized_anxiety_disorder_19593179" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

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Echinacea-(Echinacea-spp.)

Echinacea (Echinacea  spp.)

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Echinacea is best known for its effects on the immune system - but there is evidence it can also&nbsp;positively affect patients suffering from anxiety. [<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.4677" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Ginkgo-biloba

Ginkgo biloba

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According to one study in humans, the intake of Ginkgo biloba extract has a positive effect on anxiety sufferers, significantly reducing it both in lower (240 mg/day) and in higher doses (480 mg/day). [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022395606001026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

Passifloraincarnata

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The leaves of passiflora and especially passiflora incarnata&nbsp;are the part of the plant that has the strongest sedative effect. The plant has a long history in folk medicine of the native American population, and is used precisely for sleep problems and anxiety.

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The effect is also proven by modern science. There are at least three clinical trials on&nbsp;humans that detect this action of passiflora. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/search?q=Passiflora%20incarnata%20anxiety&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=e" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]

Herbs-for-insomnia

Herbs for insomnia

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Insomnia is another problem typical of more and more people, although sometimes we do not realize that we suffer from it or that our sleep is not good.&nbsp;If in the morning we wake up tired and without mood, and there is no obvious reason for this, then most likely our sleep is incomplete.

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Valerian-(Valeriana-officinalis)

Valerian (Valeriana  officinalis)

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Valerian is also known as a setwall. Perhaps it is the first herb we can think of when it comes to problems with anxiety and insomnia.

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Many studies have been conducted on the effects of the herb on insomnia and valerian has been found to shorten sleep time, allow deep sleep to occur faster, and reduce the number of wakes at night. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Critical_evaluation_of_the_effect_of_valerian_extract_on_sleep_structure_and_sleep_quality_10761819" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>]

Lavender-oil-(Lavandula-officinalis)

Lavender oil (Lavandula officinalis)

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Aromatherapy with lavender before bedtime has been found to improve sleep quality, especially in young people, women, and those with mild sleep problems. [<a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/681304/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.9</a>]

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Other herbs that may help us with insomnia are St. John's wort, passiflora, chamomile, cava cava,&nbsp;lemon balm, and as a harmless supplement melatonin&nbsp;can be taken in the evening, but it is good to discuss the dose with the attending physician to avoid suppressing the natural production of melatonin in the body.

Q&amp;A

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What are the symptoms of anxiety?

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The symptoms of anxiety are many and varied. They can affect both the psyche and the emotional state, as well as have physical manifestations such as: palpitations, upset stomach, feeling of needles on the skin, dizziness, nausea, sleep problems, restlessness, rapid breathing, libido disorders.

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Psychological symptoms include: nervousness, feeling that something very bad is about to happen, anxious thoughts about the future, depression, fear of losing touch with reality, depersonalization (feeling that you are separated from your body or mind), fear of anxiety itself.

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How to recognize panic attacks?

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Panic attacks usually occur for no specific reason, as opposed to anxiety, which is a response to stress or a perceived threat. The symptoms of a panic attack are extremely intense, often involving feelings of "unreality" and detachment. Panic attacks appear suddenly, while the symptoms of anxiety gradually become more intense in minutes, hours or days. Panic attacks usually subside after a few minutes, while anxiety symptoms may predominate for long periods of time.

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What gland is responsible for insomnia?

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The gland responsible for sleep and wakefulness through the secretion of melatonin is the pineal gland. It is located in the brain. Another gland whose dysfunction can lead to insomnia is the thyroid gland.

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<a href="/p/kak_da_sie_spravim_s_biezsniieto_4a5e9367_3f8a_4aa7_bcf3_ecedac42f10c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">How to deal with insomnia</a>

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<a href="/p/kak_da_pomoghniem_na_dietieto_si_s_trievozhnostta_a691104d_9072_4562_bb4f_6588e1ad3dfe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">How to help your child with anxiety</a>

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pineal gland

Anxiety and insomnia - what does nature offer