Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplement (EPA + DHA)
Medicinal Profile of
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Supplement (EPA + DHA)
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are concentrated preparations of the essential fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), usually derived from fish or algae. Unlike general fish oil, which contains a mixture of fats, these supplements are standardized to provide therapeutic levels of omega-3s that can meaningfully alter inflammatory and immune pathways. From a terrain perspective, omega-3 supplementation is especially supportive for states of excitation (inflammatory irritation), congestion in circulation and lymph, and atrophic/degenerative dryness where tissues lose resilience.
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👉 Tastes describe the initial impression a food or herb leaves on the tongue, and they reveal its deeper actions in the body, shaping digestion, circulation, and tissue response.
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👉Qualities describe the felt nature of a substance or practice, and how it acts in the body beyond nutrients or chemistry.
Moistening – Replenishes fluidity in joints, membranes, and skin.
Oily/Unctuous – Provides lubrication and counteracts dryness or rigidity in tissues.
Stabilizing – Reduces excitatory inflammation and overactive immune signaling.
Circulating – Enhances blood flow and reduces vascular stagnation.
Building – Provides structural support for brain, eyes, and cellular membranes.
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Softgel capsules with standardized EPA + DHA amounts.
Liquid omega-3 oils (often lemon- or orange-flavored).
Algal oil supplements (vegan source, DHA-dominant).
Prescription omega-3 ethyl esters for high triglycerides.
Indicated Patterns by Affinity
👉 Indicated patterns describe the functional state of the body and its organs and/or tissues, showing whether they are dry, atrophied, too damp (pressure), stagnant, lax, inflammed, sluggish, tense or underactive. The Primary Indicated Pattern is the main state where this remedy works best. Secondary Indicated Pattern(s) are the patterns that often develop over time when the primary state is left unaddressed. The primary pattern must be supported first, as this allows the secondary patterns to naturally ease or resolve.
👉Affinities are the organ systems and tissues where the remedy acts most strongly.
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Excitation / Inflammatory (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Overactive immune reactivity with allergy or autoimmunity. Examples: allergic rhinitis, eczema, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis. Dosage: 2000–4000 mg EPA + DHA daily, with EPA emphasized for allergy modulation.
Stabilizing quality reduces histamine-driven irritation; EPA-derived resolvins calm immune hyperactivity.
Depressed / Hyporesponsive (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Frequent infections or poor resolution of inflammation. Dosage: 1000–2000 mg daily for maintenance.
Building + stabilizing qualities support balanced immune tone and improved resilience.
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Congestive (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Sluggish circulation, elevated triglycerides, vascular stiffness. Examples: hyperlipidemia, early atherosclerosis. Dosage: 2000–4000 mg daily (often prescription strength).
Circulating qualities improve vessel elasticity and lipid clearance.
Excitation / Inflammatory (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Vascular irritation and oxidative stress. Examples: hypertension, endothelial dysfunction.
Dosage: 1000–2000 mg daily.Stabilizing qualities calm inflammatory damage in vessels.
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Degenerative / Atrophy (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Decline in cognitive function or nerve integrity. Examples: dementia, neuropathy, cognitive decline. Dosage: 1000–2000 mg daily, with DHA emphasized.
Building + moistening qualities restore nerve membranes and preserve brain tissue.
Depressed Tone (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Mood imbalance tied to inflammation. Examples: depression, seasonal affective disorder. Dosage: 1000–2000 mg EPA daily (EPA-dominant formulas most effective for mood).
Stabilizing qualities reduce neuroinflammation, supporting neurotransmitter balance.
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Excitation / Inflammatory (Primary Indicated Pattern) – Hot, swollen, stiff joints or inflamed skin. Examples: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis.
Dosage: 2000–4000 mg daily.Stabilizing + moistening qualities resolve inflammatory irritation and restore suppleness.
Atrophy / Dryness (Secondary Indicated Pattern) – Tissue dryness and barrier fragility. Examples: eczema, dry skin, brittle connective tissue. Dosage: 1000–2000 mg daily.
Moistening qualities nourish cell membranes, improving elasticity.
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👉 Medicinal actions describe the specific ways a food influences organ systems and body functions.
Immune & Inflammatory System
Anti-inflammatory – Shifts production of eicosanoids and cytokines toward resolving inflammation.
Immunomodulant – Balances immune over- and under-responsiveness.
Antiallergic – Reduces histamine-driven reactivity and stabilizes allergy flares.
Pro-resolving Mediator Precursor – Supplies EPA/DHA to form resolvins and protectins, which actively turn off inflammation.
Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular Tonic – Improves vascular elasticity, lowers cardiovascular risk factors.
Lipid Regulator – Lowers triglycerides, balances LDL/HDL ratios.
Antithrombotic – Reduces platelet aggregation, decreasing clot formation risk.
Endothelial Protector – Preserves integrity of blood vessel linings under oxidative stress.
Nervous System
Neuroprotective – Maintains neuronal membrane fluidity and reduces oxidative injury.
Cognitive Support – Enhances memory, attention, and long-term brain resilience.
Antidepressant (supportive) – EPA-dominant formulas reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood.
Neurodevelopmental Support – DHA contributes to visual and cognitive development in infants/children.
Musculoskeletal System
Joint Lubricant – Maintains cartilage suppleness and reduces stiffness.
Anti-arthritic – Relieves pain and swelling in arthritis and inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions.
Muscle Recovery Aid – Reduces post-exercise inflammation and soreness.
Skin
Dermatologic Restorative – Improves hydration, elasticity, and barrier function.
Anti-eczema / Anti-psoriatic (supportive) – Reduces inflammatory skin flares.
Reproductive System
Fertility Supportive – Supports sperm quality, ovulatory health, and hormone regulation.
Pregnancy Supportive – DHA is critical for fetal brain and eye development.
Lactation Support – Enriches breast milk with DHA for infant neurodevelopment.
Ocular System
Vision Supportive – DHA is concentrated in the retina; supplementation helps maintain visual acuity and reduce degeneration risk.
Anti-dry Eye – Improves tear quality and reduces ocular dryness.
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👉 Constituents are the natural compounds in a food that give rise to its actions in the body.
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) – Potent anti-inflammatory; best for cardiovascular and immune regulation.
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – Structural fatty acid for brain, eyes, and nerves.
DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid) – Intermediate omega-3 with supportive vascular and anti-inflammatory effects.
Resolvins & Protectins – Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) formed from EPA/DHA, critical for turning off inflammation.
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2nd Degree to 3rd Degree (Systemic Regulator) – Potent supplement that shifts inflammatory and metabolic pathways at a deep systemic level.
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May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
May amplify effects of antihypertensive medications.
Monitor triglyceride-lowering medication synergy.
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Safe for most at 1000–3000 mg daily (EPA + DHA combined).
High-dose therapy (>4000 mg daily) should be medically supervised.
Side effects: mild GI upset, fishy burps (minimized with enteric-coated or high-quality oil).
Avoid rancid or oxidized products (check for freshness and third-party testing).
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Traditional Sources
Indigenous coastal diets (Inuit, Nordic) – high omega-3 intake linked to low rates of inflammatory and cardiovascular disease.
Cod liver oil traditions – valued for vitality, bone, and immune strength.
Modern Sources
Calder, P. C. (2017). “Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes.” Nutrients, 9(10), 1155.
Mozaffarian, D., & Wu, J. H. (2011). “Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 58(20), 2047–2067.
Appleton, K. M., et al. (2010). “Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: systematic review and meta-analysis.” British Journal of Psychiatry, 196(6), 447–454.
NIH Fact Sheet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
