Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil as it relates to COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli in Health report: COMT Gene: A Look at the Processing of Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Lavender Essential Oil and COMT

Lavender essential oil has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body. This is thought to be due to its ability to modulate the activity of the COMT enzyme. COMT is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which play a role in regulating mood and stress response.

By inhibiting the activity of COMT, lavender essential oil may help to increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to a reduction in stress and anxiety. This can have a positive impact on emotional well-being and overall mental health.

Lavender Essential Oil and Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Studies have also shown that lavender essential oil can help to reduce the perception of aversive emotional stimuli. When exposed to unpleasant or stressful situations, individuals who have inhaled lavender essential oil have been found to exhibit lower levels of anxiety and distress compared to those who have not been exposed to the oil.

This calming effect is believed to be due to the impact of lavender essential oil on the limbic system, which is the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions. By modulating activity in this area, lavender essential oil can help to regulate emotional responses to aversive stimuli, leading to a more positive and balanced emotional state.

Supplements for COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Here are some dietary supplements related to the content in this report. Click the shopping cart to purchase the supplement from our partners.

  1. Curcumin (found in turmeric)

    Curcumin may inhibit COMT activity and increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. This could potentially enhance emotional processing and mood in those with the val/val genotype

  2. Rhodiola rosea

    This adaptogenic herb may inhibit COMT activity, particularly in people with the val/val genotype. It could help modulate dopamine levels and improve stress resilience.

  3. Omega-3 fatty acids

    Omega-3s may reduce inflammation and protect dopamine-producing neurons. This could support healthy emotional processing, especially in met allele carriers.

  4. Magnesium

    Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. It's proposed to positively influence neurotransmitter function, including dopamine signaling

  5. SAM-e

    SAM-e is involved in methylation processes including COMT methylation of catecholamines. Supplementing with SAM-e could potentially optimize COMT enzyme function

  6. Ginkgo biloba

    Ginkgo extracts contain terpenes that act as MAO inhibitors, allowing more dopamine and norepinephrine to remain circulating in the brain, which could benefit emotion regulation.

  7. Vitamin D

    Low vitamin D levels have been associated with depression. Optimizing vitamin D may support dopaminergic function and healthy mood/stress response.

  8. Lavender essential oil

    Lavender contains linalool which has anxiolytic effects. One study found lavender oil decreased anxiety symptoms more in met/met genotypes, possibly by increasing dopamine availability.

  9. Resveratrol

    Found in grapes, resveratrol has COMT-inhibiting effects similar to curcumin according to some research. It may boost dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex.

  10. Passionflower

    Traditionally used for anxiety, passionflower increases GABA activity in the brain. It may also inhibit MAO enzymes leading to higher dopamine and norepinephrine.

  11. Probiotics

    Emerging research shows gut-brain connections. Probiotics may reduce inflammation, support neurotransmitter precursors, and improve mood/stress response.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. They can have side effects, and some may interact with medications or other supplements you're already taking.
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