Have you ever visited Niagara Falls? If so, you know that it is awe-inspiring to see so much water tumbling over the 160-feet cliffs! You can feel the spray from the falls even a great distance away.
Do you feel refreshed and energized when you visit a place like Niagara Falls or the ocean? There’s actually a reason for this: negative ions.
Denise Mann explains: “Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think mountains, waterfalls, and beaches. Once they reach our bloodstream, negative ions are believed to produce biochemical reactions that increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our daytime energy.”
Therefore, negative ions can have a positive effect in our body!
“Ions are molecules that have gained or lost an electrical charge. They are created in nature as air molecules break apart due to sunlight, radiation, and moving air and water.” (Mann)
This explains the amazing fact about Niagara Falls: “It is has been widely researched that Niagara Falls has a healthy ‘negative ion count that exceeds 100,000 per cubic centimeter’, and is known to be the largest negative ion generator in the world.” (Fallsview)
But what does this mean to me? How can I increase my exposure to negative ions? Below is some important information from the Higley Reference Guide on negative and positive ions and essential oils. Take note especially if you are battling “the blues.”
Did you know….?
…the Sympathetic nervous system is necessary for recovery, strength, and energy?
…the Parasympathetic nervous system controls rest, relaxation, digestion, and sleep?
…Positive ions are produced by electronic equipment and are typically found in man-made environments? They help stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
…Negative ions are produced naturally by wind and rain (and Niagara Falls!)? They help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.
…Negative ions can help balance excess positive ions and help produce a more stress-free environment?
…An overabundance of positive ions can lead to stress and agitation?
Thankfully, diffusing essential oils can affect the levels of positive and negative ions in an environment!
To increase negative ions, diffuse:
Bergamot, Cedarwood*, Citronella, Eucalyptus citriodora, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon*, Lemongrass*, Mandarin, Orange*, Patchouli, Sandalwood.
Do you live in an environment with an overabundance of negative ions, such as in the country or by the ocean? Then you may want to diffuse oils that can boost the positive ions which can help bring greater balance and provide a more healthy environment.
To increase positive ions, diffuse:
Clove*, Cypress*, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Juniper, Marjoram, Melaleuca quinquenervia, Palmarosa, Pine*, Ravintsara, Rosemary*, Thyme, Ylang Ylang.
* inexpensive oils (Higley)
Sources
Mann, D. Negative Ions Create Positive Vibes. webmd.com. 06 May 2002. Available here. Accessed May 6, 2015.
Fallsview FAQs. Quoting Soyka, F. The Ion Effect. Available here. Accessed May 6, 2015.
Higley C. Reference Guide for Essential Oils. 9th ed. Spanish Fork, UT: Abundant Health; 2005. Personal Guide. pp. 458, 467.
