doTERRA Serenity is a popular sleep supplement that many people use to get a better night’s rest. Because it’s so widely used, it’s important to understand what it is, how it works, and what side effects it can cause.
Any time you’re thinking about taking a new supplement, it’s a good idea to research the potential side effects before you start using it. This article provides an overview of doTERRA Serenity and the possible side effects you should know about.
What is doTERRA Serenity?
doTERRA Serenity is marketed as a blend of essential oils designed to promote relaxation and restful sleep, and is often used in conjunction with recipes for relaxing massage. It comes in a few different forms, including an essential oil blend and softgel capsules. So, it’s both!
According to doTERRA, the essential oil blend can be used aromatically or topically to reduce stress, calm emotions, and promote a sense of peace, much like doTERRA Passion Touch. The softgels, on the other hand, are intended to be taken internally to promote restful sleep without leaving you feeling groggy the next day.
But what’s actually in these products, and are there any potential side effects you should know about?
doTERRA Serenity Ingredients: A Closer Look
doTERRA Serenity relies on a few key ingredients that are often used to promote relaxation and better sleep. Let’s take a closer look:
Key Ingredients and Their Purported Benefits
- Lavender: Lavender is a classic aromatherapy scent known for its relaxing effects. Research suggests it can help promote sleep and reduce anxiety.
- L-Theanine: L-Theanine is an amino acid thought to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. Some believe it may work by increasing GABA levels in the brain, which can reduce anxiety.
- Lemon Balm: Lemon balm has been studied for its potential to improve calmness and relaxation. Some research suggests it may have anxiety-reducing properties.
- Passionflower: Passionflower has a long history of use as a natural sleep aid. Research is ongoing, but some studies suggest it may be effective in promoting relaxation and sleep.
- German Chamomile: German chamomile is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep.
Proprietary Blend Concerns
One thing that makes it difficult to understand doTERRA Serenity is that it relies on a proprietary blend. This means that the exact amounts of each ingredient aren’t disclosed. This lack of transparency makes it hard to know how effective the product really is or how safe it might be for you.
When you don’t know the dosages of each ingredient, it’s difficult to predict potential side effects. This is a common issue with proprietary blends, as the actual concentration of active ingredients can vary widely.
Possible side effects of doTERRA Serenity
Like any product, doTERRA Serenity has the potential to cause side effects. These can stem from the individual ingredients or the blend as a whole.
Side effects related to individual ingredients
- Lavender: If you’re applying Serenity topically, watch out for skin irritation. Other possible side effects of lavender include headache and nausea.
- L-Theanine: This ingredient could cause headaches, dizziness, or an upset stomach.
- Lemon Balm: You might find your appetite increases, or you could feel nauseous.
- Passionflower: Keep an eye out for dizziness, confusion, or coordination problems.
- German Chamomile: People with ragweed allergies may experience an allergic reaction.
General considerations and precautions
- Medication interactions: It’s really important to talk to your doctor before using doTERRA Serenity, especially if you’re already taking other medications. Serenity could interact with sedatives, antidepressants, or other sleep aids.
- Allergic reactions: You could be allergic to any of the ingredients in Serenity. Stop using the product right away if you have any signs of an allergic reaction.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There isn’t enough research to know whether Serenity is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. So, it’s best to avoid it.
- Cognitive function: Serenity could make you drowsy or affect your thinking, especially if you mix it with alcohol or other sedatives.
Rare or less common side effects
Research is still ongoing, and more side effects could be identified in the future. If you’re using doTERRA Serenity and notice something unusual, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider.
doTERRA Serenity vs. other sleep aids
doTERRA Serenity isn’t the only natural sleep aid out there. Melatonin, valerian root, and magnesium are also popular options, but there are also essential oils that can help you sleep better. So, how does Serenity stack up?
The advantage of Serenity is that it combines several different calming oils, which some people find more effective than a single ingredient. The downside? It’s hard to know exactly what you’re getting, since the exact blend and concentrations aren’t fully transparent.
If you’re looking for a sleep aid with clearly listed ingredients, you might consider something like Performance Lab Sleep. It uses natural ingredients, and the label tells you exactly what you’re getting, which can be a big plus for some people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of Serenity?
doTERRA’s Serenity blend is primarily marketed for its calming and relaxing properties. Proponents suggest it can promote restful sleep, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and create a peaceful atmosphere. The blend typically contains lavender, sweet marjoram, Roman chamomile, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and vanilla bean extract. However, it’s important to remember that individual experiences can vary, and scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
What are the potential side effects of doTERRA essential oils?
While generally considered safe when used as directed, doTERRA essential oils can cause side effects in some individuals. These may include skin irritation or allergic reactions (especially with topical application), sun sensitivity, and, in rare cases, more severe reactions like difficulty breathing. Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, and perform a patch test first. Ingesting essential oils is generally not recommended and can be harmful.
What is doTERRA Serenity good for?
doTERRA Serenity is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Some people diffuse it in their bedrooms before bedtime, apply it topically to pulse points (diluted with a carrier oil), or add it to bathwater. Users report that it helps them unwind, reduce stress, and fall asleep more easily. Again, remember that individual results may vary, and it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
Which doTERRA oil is best for anxiety?
Several doTERRA essential oils are commonly used for managing anxiety symptoms. Lavender is a popular choice due to its well-known calming properties. Other options include Balance (a grounding blend), Frankincense (which can promote relaxation and emotional balance), and Bergamot (known for its uplifting and mood-boosting effects). It’s advisable to experiment with different oils to see which works best for you and consult with a qualified aromatherapist or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Summary
doTERRA Serenity is a blend of essential oils marketed to help you relax and sleep better. Some people find it beneficial, while others experience side effects like skin irritation or allergic reactions. Because it hasn’t been rigorously studied, it’s hard to say for sure how well it works or what the long-term effects might be.
Before you try any new supplement, including essential oils, it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional. They can help you weigh the potential benefits against the risks, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
When it comes to sleep aids, it’s important to make informed choices based on your individual needs and circumstances.