Forget the Potpourri

or Scented Candle

New form of ingestible lavender may
help to soothe occasional stress and anxiety*

By Lindsay Helgeson

We’ve all had those occasional sleepless nights because we can’t stop obsessing about a stressful situation. The next day, we’re so tired that it’s even more difficult to deal with the problem. It’s a vicious cycle! Now researchers and health professionals are discovering that ingestible natural lavender oil soft gels may be an easier way to help take the edge off of occasional tension.

We’re not talking about sipping bottles of essential oil — save those for your bath water. A clinically-studied lavender oil supplement, available nationwide as CalmAid (www.CalmAid.com), is a safe, non-habit forming and clinically proven way to help you feel more relaxed so you can stay productive.*

“In aromatherapy, lavender has been known for years to provide mild relief from occasional anxiety. The next step has been the development of a safe and effective form of lavender oil that is taken orally.

Studies are confirming that this unique lavender oil safely helps to relieve infrequent symptoms of tension, stress and anxiety including occasional restlessness, nervousness and sleeplessness,” explains naturopathic physician Dr. Don Brown, a leading authority on evidence-based natural medicines.*

“A randomized, placebo-controlled study found that an orally-administered lavender oil supplement may be as effective as some common interventions in managing the type of mild anxiety symptoms we all encounter from time to time. It was also shown to improve sleep quality without causing daytime drowsiness,” said Dr. Brown. “These results were consistent with another randomized, placebo-controlled study which also found that lavender oil supplements helped to improve the duration and quality of sleep, while improving feelings of wellbeing.”* The lavender oil supplement that was used in both studies is now available as CalmAid.com

In addition to the lavender oil supplement CalmAid, Brown suggests this multi-faceted approach to stress management:

Make sure you are getting quality sleep. “Running on just a few hours during the work week, and trying to catch up on weekends, may jeopardize your immune system. Many of us need seven to eight hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep each and every night. To improve your sleep quality, keep the room cool and dark. Also, remove distractions such as electronics.”

Get an adequate amount of daily exercise. “Exercise raises the feel-good endorphins in your brain and helps get your mind focused on your body movements instead of what’s bothering you.”

Carve time out for meditation, or to spend time alone without distractions. “Even a few minutes of meditation may help produce an inner sense of peace.” 

Take a multi-vitamin with the recommended daily amount of B vitamins. “Increasing levels of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins may improve your mood.”  

CalmAid can be found nationwide at www.CalmAid.com, Vitamin Shoppe and Whole Foods.