Energy in Motion

09/14/2026

Ravintsara is a wonderful essential oil to learn about for respiratory support and promoting a sense of clear, comfortable breathing. Rich in 1,8-cineole, it has a fresh, clean, camphoraceous aroma that can feel both clearing and uplifting.

Great information shared by IFPA! One of the most important takeaways is knowing the correct genus, species, and chemotype of the essential oil you’re using. Ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora ct. 1,8-cineole) should not be confused with Ravensara.

Botanical identification and chemistry matter when it comes to using essential oils safely and appropriately.

08/13/2026

We are excited to welcome Sharon Burch, MSN, APRN, PHCNS-BC, APHN-BC, HWNC-BC, who will be presenting on a much-requested topic for holistic nurses interested in entrepreneurship!

Sharon brings decades of experience as a holistic nurse entrepreneur and will share her knowledge and insights on developing and growing a holistic nursing business.

Sharon’s description of the presentation:
“In your business, your nursing expertise is only as valuable as your ability to name who it’s for and what it does for them. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll draft your own Audience Description using a simple formula for naming who you help and the outcome they want, and leave with a short marketing message you can use right away.
Bring any of your business questions and challenges to this live interactive workshop. The presentation will be just 30 minutes and there will still be 30 minutes for Q&A time.”

Please see attached flyer and feel free to spread the word. This is a free class, open to all, not just nurses, or people in Nevada!

We look forward to seeing you on the virtual class!

Please email [email protected] for link.

08/08/2026

Great research on Lavender and Tee Tree oils showing they are not endocrine disruptors. Thank you to everyone who did all of this work!

NAHA has been privileged to partner with Dr. Jessie Cavanaugh to examine the safety and efficacy of essential oils, particularly for use on vulnerable populations. To date, five studies have either been completed or are in progress.

The first study examined the potential relationship between lavender and tea tree oils and endocrine disruption related to prepubertal gynecomastia. The study confirmed that lavender and tea tree oils are unrelated to endocrine disruption and are safe to use in children's products. "This study was the first and only to scientifically evaluate these claims, and included over 550 children" (Franklin Health).

A NAHA YouTube webinar with Dr. Jessie (Hawkins) Cavanaugh presenting the results of the study, Lavender & Tea Tree Oils as Endocrine Disrupters, can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3KgA9K15k

The claim that lavender and tea tree essential oils disrupt hormones traces back to a single 2007 case report describing three boys with breast growth who had used personal care products said to contain these oils. The products themselves were never tested, the essential oil content was never confirmed, and in one case a fraternal twin used the same lotion and never developed any symptoms at all. What supported the theory was in vitro testing, oils dropped directly onto isolated cells in a lab dish, which is nothing like how skin absorbs a diluted oil in daily use.

Robert Tisserand, along with researchers Christine Carson and Tony Larkman, published a detailed review of the case data pointing out that any hormonal activity detected in vitro was estimated to be at least 10,000 times weaker than natural estradiol, and that the boys' actual exposure to lavender or tea tree, especially through wash off products like shampoo and soap, would have been far too brief and dilute to reach that threshold in the body.

The theory sat untested for over a decade until NAHA partnered with Dr. Jessie (Hawkins) Cavanaugh of Nutraceuticals Research Institute (formerly Franklin Health Research) to run the first real epidemiological study on the question, following more than 550 children to evaluate their lifetime exposure to lavender and tea tree oils against their health outcomes.

The study, published in the International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in October 2021, found no evidence linking use of either oil to endocrine disruption in children. This is the piece that had been missing from the conversation for years: real population level data rather than isolated cases and test tube extrapolation. It found that children exposed to these oils have hormone related developmental outcomes consistent with the general population.

What media sensationalism transformed into a frightening myth was finally debunked: pure lavender and tea tree oil, used as they have been for generations, are not endocrine disruptors.

Scientific research is a critical tool that allows us to better understand the safety and efficacy of essential oils. NAHA is committed to furthering essential oil research and will continue supporting relevant research projects. We would like to personally extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the wonderful NAHA members who make studies like these possible through your support!

For the Lavender Tea Tree study, we express special appreciation to the major donors and contributors: The Franklin Health Research Foundation which conducted the study at cost, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), the Tisserand Institute, and the Australian Tea Tree Industry Association.

With gratitude,
Annette George Davis, NAHA President
Jennifer JennScents Pressimone, NAHA VP
Rose Chard, NAHA Secretary
Eric Davis, NAHA Treasurer
Kelly Holland Azzaro, NAHA PR
Sharon Louise Chapman, NAHA DC

Research Links:

https://naha.org/naha-blog/prevalence-of-endocrine-disorders-among-children-exposed-to-lavender-essent

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9152575/

https://www.attia.org.au/news/scientists-confirm-essential-oils-unrelated-to-hormone-disruption

https://naha.org/naha-blog/neither-lavender-oil-nor-tea-tree-oil-can-be-linked-to-breast-growth-in-you

https://www.drjessiecavanaugh.com/about-5

07/26/2026

I love this post from Scott A. Johnson!

Today while teaching my Healing Touch class, we discussed the heart’s electromagnetic field and the profound ways it can influence our bodies and those around us. Essential oils can support our mood, which affects our electromagnetic field.

What a beautiful example of synchronicity!

Did you know that the heart generates the strongest electromagnetic field (energy) produced by the human body. Scientists have documented that this energy becomes more clear when a person is in a loving or caring state. In addition, sharing of this energy is possible through touch or when in close proximity (proved through science by electrocardiogram)--about 10 feet.
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203763834-16/electricity-touch-detection-measurement-cardiac-energy-exchange-people-rollin-mccraty-mike-atkinson-dana-tomasino-william-tiller
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274451622_The_Energetic_Heart_Biolectromagnetic_Interactions_Within_and_Between_People

In other words, scientists have measured that others can detect and feel your mood (energy) and be affected by it. Essentials oils can significantly influence mood due to their direct connection to the brain and influence on the nervous and endocrine systems. Some general effects of EOs on mood include:
● Citrus oils are uplifting and reduce nervousness.
● Woody oils are grounding, calming, and relaxing.
● Floral oils are balancing, calming, and promote positivity.
● Herbal oils are calming and banish sadness.
● Spicy oils are invigorating and improve overall mood.

06/07/2026

Another study showing how inhaling lavender essential oil can help with lowering blood pressure. It is our most used essential oil in the hospital. We have seen the positive effects of lavender thousands of times in patients in many different ways. For those that don’t like lavender, there are other oils to try like ylang ylang, petitgrain, and geranium to name a few. Essential oils can really support our bodies in so many ways!

Did you know that about 70% of adults aged 65 or older live with high blood pressure? As a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, managing hypertension is critical as we age—but the solution might be more natural than you think.

A fascinating clinical trial put the power of functional aromatherapy to the test. Researchers evaluated the effects of inhaling diffused lavender essential oil in men and women over the age of 60 who had diagnosed hypertension. To make things even more interesting, many of the participants in the study were dealing with real-world hurdles, including smoking habits and high-salt diets.

The results? Inhaling the lavender essential oil didn't just help them relax—it significantly reduced their blood pressure!

Here is what happened:
- 100% of participants who started with severe high blood pressure dropped down to moderate or mild levels.
- Nearly 20% of the participants saw their blood pressure return entirely to a completely normal range.

It turns out that a simple, non-pharmacological routine like diffusing high-quality essential oil can be an incredibly effective tool for heart health.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370786817_Decreasing_blood_pressure_with_lavender_aromatherapy_in_elderly_with_hypertension

05/26/2026

Neroli is one of my favorite essential oils for women’s wellness, supported by both research and clinical experience. Studies involving over 1,100 women found that neroli may help reduce anxiety, ease PMS and menopausal symptoms, support emotional balance, and even promote relaxation during labor. Researchers believe it may work by lowering cortisol (stress hormone) and supporting hormonal balance — all with very few reported side effects.

Neroli is among the top essential oils I recommend to women based on research and clinical experience.

A systematic review of 12 clinical trials involving over 1,100 women highlighted the significant therapeutic potential of neroli EO across various stages of reproductive health. The study found that neroli is particularly effective in the "labor room" setting, where it significantly lowers anxiety, reduces the perception of pain, and helps stabilize vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate during delivery.

Beyond childbirth, the research indicates that neroli is a powerful tool for managing hormonal transitions; it was shown to alleviate physical and psychological symptoms of PMS and reduce the intensity of hot flashes and anxiety in postmenopausal women. The oil appears to work by influencing the endocrine system—specifically by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and potentially balancing estrogen concentrations. Because no significant side effects were reported, neroli stands out as a safe, evidence-based aromatherapy option for improving overall well-being and emotional balance in women's health.

In short, neroli is a great natural solution for women from beginning menstruation to post-menopause.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41936209/

Most commonly, I recommend applying diluted neroli to both inner forearms and spending ten minutes inhaling the aroma, once or twice daily.

04/21/2026

Healing Touch is such a great integrative therapy to support health and well-being.

04/15/2026

Looking forward to teaching another Healing Touch Level 1 class this July!
Grateful for the opportunity to share this work and support others in learning simple, powerful ways to restore balance and promote healing.

02/10/2026

Cancer Unraveled is a free docuseries by Zonia, created to empower people with science-based, lifestyle-focused health insights in partnership with leading functional medicine practitioners.

📊 Why it matters:
• The lifetime risk of cancer is nearly 1 in 2 (about 43–45%).
• That means roughly half of all people will be diagnosed at some point in their lives.
• While risk rises with age, some cancers are increasing in people under 50, including colorectal cancer.

Watch Cancer Unraveled, a free docuseries exploring why cancer goes beyond genetics. Learn terrain-based healing strategies from 43 global experts.

02/06/2026

Las Vegas friends — this is big. ✨

Paula Oleska is coming to Las Vegas for an immersive 16-hour training focused on self-care techniques for pain relief.

This is a powerful opportunity to learn practical, body-based tools you can actually use — for yourself and for others — to reduce pain, restore balance, and support healing from the inside out.

👐 Hands-on
🧠 Trauma-informed
🌱 Deeply nourishing

If you’re a practitioner, caregiver, or simply someone living with pain, this experience is not to be missed.

📍 Las Vegas
⏱ 16 hours of in-depth teaching
💫 Real tools. Real relief.

See flyer for more info!