If you are trying to build muscle, lose fat or just improve your overall health – you need to understand how one important hormone, insulin, works in the body. Insulin is the ingredient within your body that dictates the course of events for muscle and fat metabolism. Your body’s ability to utilize insulin efficiently will make the difference between whether you are fit or flabby.
Insulin sensitivity refers to how your body responds to the hormone insulin. It is directly related to how productively your body utilizes carbohydrates in your diet. Insulin, simply put, helps you maintain more even blood sugars throughout the day. People who have a higher sensitivity to insulin have better blood sugar regulation. They are able to store the extra glucose in the system in muscle tissue. People who have a lower sensitivity to insulin may actually overproduce insulin, causing the body to store glucose as fat.
When the body is continually running with a poor insulin sensitivity, it can lead to chronic, debilitating diseases such as type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
As you improve your insulin sensitivity, it will cause the body to gain more lean muscle with less body fat. If you are dieting, it will help you maintain proper muscle glycogen levels, without the energy highs or lows that often accompany restrictions in calorie intake.
Cutting down on refined carbohydrate intake is crucial for insulin balancing. A high refined carbohydrate diet is one of the main reasons people develop diabetes. The pancreas is working overtime to pump out enough insulin to keep up with all the glucose being shoveled into the system. Lowering the dietary intake of refined carbohydrates gives the pancreas a break and it allows the body to provide enough insulin to keep the blood sugar balanced.
Healthy fats are another way to help keep the body processing carbohydrates at a normal rate. Insulin sensitivity can be optimized by consuming healthy fats such as flaxseed oil, avocados, nuts and fish oils. By replacing the trans fats in your diet with healthy monounsaturated fats your body is able to maximize the rate at which your body produces the insulin necessary for proper metabolism.
A high fiber diet is yet another way in which you can help the body digest carbohydrates more slowly. The slower carbohydrates enter the blood, the less need for higher and higher amounts of insulin. This slow release of carbohydrates allows the insulin that is released to be much more effective. Generally, foods that supply fiber in the diet also contribute a great many vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health as well.
Eating smaller meals throughout the day has been shown to help increase insulin sensitivity. It is much easier on your body to process small amounts of carbohydrates at time rather than one huge load. Eating small meals also discourages blood sugar fluctuations. Maintaining a constant blood sugar is much healthier than the spikes and valleys that can occur with large meals.
Periodic activity throughout the day is helpful. It is important to match your exercise based on the carbohydrate load you provide for the body. Even performing short periods of light physical activity will go along way in helping maintain even blood sugar levels. These even blood sugar levels equal a higher sensitivity to the insulin your body produces and allowing the glucose to be utilized right away and not stored as fat.
Once you shift to a more lean, less fat body your insulin sensitivity remains greater. This means that your body will operate faster and that you will have an easier time staying lean.
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LeBreezey |
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Ingredients
birch, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, ravensara
Affinity for
respiratory system
immune system
skin
muscles
Resonance
physical
Application
LeBreezey should be diluted and rubbed on the chest or back. It can also be diffused or placed on your pillow at night.
Aromatic Considerations
LeBreezey opens bronchial and sinus passages very effectively and has been successful in alleviating snoring.
Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
While generally thought of as an oil for physical illness, the aroma of LeBreezey lifts the spirits and brings a sense of confidence and self-worth.
Physical Aspects
LeBreezey, besides being very effective in times of illness, is an excellent respiratory tonic and immune stimulant. The inclusion of ravensara oil creates viral fighting and tissue rebuilding properties, especially for the lung and bronchial tissues. This blend should also be tried for conditions such as colds, asthma, allergies, sinus congestion, and flu. LeBreezey is an immune stimulant. LeBreezey makes an excellent muscle relaxant and pain reliever when you do not have LeWarm Down orLeDeeper handy and you have strained a muscle.
General Information
LeBreezey is often used alternately with LeAspire.
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LeInner Peace |
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Ingredients
angelica, cinnamon, copaiba balsam, frankincense, lavender, palmarosa, rosewood, sandalwood, spruce, ylang ylang
Affinity for
emotional balance heart chakra small intestine meridian
pineal gland
pituitary gland
Resonance
emotional, spiritual, physical
Application
One specific and effective way to apply LeInner Peace is across the forehead, moving from the right temple to the left temple. It can also be placed on the chest to cover the heart and the thymus. This blend is very good in the tub or as a perfume, if your mood is right. (See unique information section below.)
Aromatic Considerations
LeInner Peace helps to collect our thoughts and connect our heart and mind. This connection to ourselves creates a solid and balanced center from which we can connect to others.
Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
LeInner Peace can aid us in staying focused and clear, particularly about the direction of our lives. It promotes harmony between ourselves and others, and between ourselves and God. This blend helps us feel genuine compassion for others, and aids us in forming rewarding relationships. Much like LeBenediction, LeInner Peace protects the energies of our bodies and minds from attack and depletion by the energies of others. Though protected energetically, LeInner Peace leaves us open, compassionate, and willing to be of service if we desire. It can also be helpful if we fear or hate being alone. LeInner Peace can help us with acceptance of ourselves and others and with the calm acceptance of the changes that life brings to us all. For emotional work, use with LeSanctuary and LeMagi.
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LeThermaCare |
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Ingredients
coriander, goldenrod, litsea cubeba, peppermint, yellow yarrow
Affinity for
Resonance
Application
LeTherma-care should be diluted well and applied to the back of the neck and down the spine. It is also effective to apply LeTherma-care to the bottoms of the feet.
Aromatic Considerations
It is better to apply this essential oil blend to the body. Diffusing might be pleasant but may not give you the results in fever reduction that you need.
Physical Aspects
LeTherma-care was specifically designed to aid in gently reducing the very high fevers we have been seeing with these high-powered and quick-onset flu ‘bugs.’ The use of this essential oil to reduce the fever is especially nice with children. In addition to the fever reducing properties of the yarrow and the peppermint, the coriander is well renowned for giving strength both during an illness and during the convalescent stages.
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Marjoram
(Marjorana hortensis or Origanum marjorana) |
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Ingredient In
LeAspire, LeBalance, LeMyGraine, LeSolitude,
LeTendaCare,
LeVitality, LeWarmDown, LeWomanWise
Therapeutic Properties
antispasmodic, arterial vasodilator, expectorant, digestive, analgesic, calming, sedative, antitussive, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-infective, diuretic, emmenagogue
Affinity For
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| respiratory system |
reproductive areas |
solar plexus chakra |
| digestive system |
cardiovascular system |
governing vessel meridian |
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yang energy |
stomach and spleen meridians |
| Resonance |
Plant Family |
Part Utilized |
| physical, emotional |
Labiatae |
leaves
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Aromatic Considerations
The aroma of marjoram oil can warm the soul in times of grief, sorrow, or loneliness.
Application
Dilute and apply to the feet or any area of the body.
Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
Marjoram is quieting to obsessive worry where negative thoughts circle repetitively in the brain hour after hour. This type of obsessive worry is an indication of depleted or stressed earth energy. Marjoram essential oil is also helpful for those who seem to love being in the center of some sort of drama all the time. This need for attention is a manifestation of an energetically depleted earth meridian with its ‘lack of something’ perception. In this instance, the feeling of deprivation focuses on family or friends. We are sure that ‘no one cares’ about us as they should. The aroma of marjoram oil can eliminate feelings of loneliness or persecution, replacing them with feelings of security and even some compassion for others.
Physical Aspects
Marjoram eases respiratory distress and infections such as bronchitis. It is often beneficial for spasmodic dry coughs. The analgesic properties of marjoram make it an appropriate choice for muscle aches, sprains, strains, and arthritis. Marjoram essential oil helps bruising to clear and fade more quickly. Marjoram increases the dilation of blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and eases heart palpitations. It can ease headaches that are caused by muscle tension or lack of circulation. Marjoram oil increases the tone and effectiveness of parasympathetic nerves. One benefit of healthy parasympathetic nerves is an increase in the peristalsis in the colon. Marjoram regulates the menstrual cycle, relieves pain and cramping.
General Information
Marjoram was known as the ‘herb of happiness’ to the early Romans and ‘joy of the mountain’ to the Greeks.
Cautions
Marjoram should be used sparingly during pregnancy.
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Spruce
(Tsuga canadensis) |
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Ingredient In
LeAspire, LeAssurance, LeBenediction, LeConnection, LeDeeper, LeDiscernment,
LeDreams,LeEverlasting, LeHoliday Spirit, LeInner Peace, LeMagi, LeMeditation,
LeMillenia, LePatches, LeSanctuary, LeStefanie, LeTrust, LeUnity, LeVision,
LeWhispering Hope, LeWisdom
Therapeutic Properties
anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, cortisone-like
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| bones, joints, muscles |
solar plexus chakra |
governing vessel meridian |
| endocrine system |
brow chakra |
heart meridian |
| especially the thyroid and thymus |
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Liver meridian
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| Resonance |
Plant Family |
Part of Plant Used
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| physical, emotional |
Coniferae |
needles, leaves
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Aromatic Considerations
The aroma of Canadian spruce is calming to the nervous system. It encourages communication, both the speaking and listening aspects.
Application
Spruce can be applied, diluted, to the feet or any other area of the body. Spruce is very pleasant in the bath or sauna. It is frequently used as an ingredient in room sprays, soaps, and detergents.
Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
Spruce (and other conifers) create the symbolic effect of an umbrella which protects the earth and brings energy in from the universe. At night the animals of the forest lie down under a conifer tree for the protection and rejuvenation that the tree will provide for them. Spruce grounds the solar plexus and stimulates the thymus, creating the emotional balance necessary to be gracious at both giving and receiving. Spruce can help us push through emotional blocks to further healing.
Physical Aspects
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of spruce make it beneficial for bone pain, aching joints, arthritis, and sciatica. Spruce should be massaged wherever sore muscles need relaxing and re-energizing. Spruce is an excellent oil for the respiratory and endocrine systems. Spruce is a general gland and organ tonic, but it has an intrinsic affinity for balancing the thyroid function and stimulating the thymus gland.
General Information
The aroma of Canadian spruce is that of a forest of conifer trees, but with a strong balsamy vanilla undertone, which is very comforting to the emotions. Tsuga canadensis is Canadian spruce, not the species called black spruce, which is Picea marianna. Tsuga canadensis seems to be consistently sweeter, more mellow, and with more of the balsam and vanilla notes that I love than Picea marianna. Canadian spruce adds a rich depth to blends that is not usually accomplished with any other variety of spruce.
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Tea Tree
(Melaleuca alternifolia) |
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Ingredient In
LeCandila, LeMela Plus, LePurify, LeSimplicity
Therapeutic Properties
antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, immune stimulant, antibiotic, antiparasitic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, decongestant, analgesic
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tissue and skin |
tissue and skin |
tissue and skin |
| Resonance |
Plant Family |
Plant Family |
physical, emotional |
Myrtaceae |
leaves |
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Aromatic Considerations
Tea tree is a very strong and pungent oil. It is very effective in killing air-borne bacteria.
Application
Tea tree should be diluted before applying to the skin except in the case of insect bites, where it is best applied neat.
Emotional/Spiritual Aspects
The aroma of tea tree can help us replace a victim mentality with a desire to understand why events and circumstances happen Tea tree can be used to bring both tolerance and growth into our lives. Tea tree starts the process of spiritual and emotional cleansing. It can help us turn toward the positive and find refreshment for our spirit. The aroma of tea tree essential oil has the feel of a good friend who has come to help us ‘clean house’. The cleaning up and throwing out will be good for us and will be far less painful than we have imagined it would be.
Physical Aspects
Tea tree essential oil is effective against some of the nastiest microbes on the planet. Tea tree can prevent sepsis in wounds and it (or something else effective) should be used to treat wounds, boils, sores, cuts, insect bites, and stings. The only way to kill a virus is to weaken or rupture its protective shell—called a cyst. Tea tree oil has been shown effective in this capacity, which greatly shortens the duration of viral infections. Tea tree is also a mild tissue regenerator, making it a sensible choice for rashes, nail or skin fungal infections, wounds, cold sores, acne, athlete’s foot, ringworm, head lice, vaginal thrush (dilute very well here), and candida.
General Information
Tea tree has been in use as an antiseptic for centuries. It was used by soldiers and sailors in World War II in the treatment of tropical infections.
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