Essential oils are the natural plant extracts that are found in plant leaves, flowers, stems, etc. Visualize the making of a delicious spaghetti sauce. What herb spices do you put into the sauce for flavor? Basil, marjoram, oregano? From the spice cabinet, you are placing dried herbs for flavor. What happens to the spaghetti sauce if you chop fresh basil from the garden? The flavor is enhanced, correct? Also, how about nutritionally? Are there nutritional properties in live plants that are valuable? Of course. It is common knowledge that live food is your best choice nutritionally. Essential oils are the lifeblood of the plant. A drop or two can produce significant nutritional results which it uses for the body to support, heal, or balance.
Now think of the things you put on your skin. Your skin is your largest organ. EVERYTHING you put on your skin is absorbed into your system. Think of the medicine patches you now buy at your pharmacy. Stick them on your skin and the medicine is absorbed. The same is true with essential oils. They are nutritional plant properties (even antioxidant power) that can be absorbed through the skin, diffused in the air, or in some cases taken internally. We do know that essential oils have the highest ORAC scores of any substance in the world. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) scale measures the antioxidant powers of foods and other substances. Four biblical essential oils greatly outperform the highest ranking fruits and vegetables for their nutritional antioxidant power. The Bible makes over a thousand references to their historical use for healing, maintaining wellness, emotional support, enhancing worship, anointing and other holy purposes.
When applied to the body by rubbing on the feet, essential oils penetrate the skin and travel (via the bloodstream) throughout the body and affect every cell, including the hair, within 20 minutes. They may have a lasting effect for as long as five months from only one application. The oils do not build up and store in the body because they are very subtle and volatile, having a high evaporation rate. Because of their chemical structure, they are metabolized like other nutrients in the cells.
An entire plant, when distilled, might produce only a single drop of essential oil. That is why their potency is far greater than dried herbs. For example, one drop of peppermint essential oil is equivalent to 26 cups of peppermint tea. Pressing or distillation extracts the subtle, volatile liquids (meaning they evaporate quickly) from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds, that make up essential oils. But remember, as with cooking, you can cook nutrients out of the food by too high of a temperature so the creation of quality essential oils is an art as well as a science.
Essential oils are the life-blood of the plant, protecting it from bacterial and viral infections, cleansing breaks in its tissue and delivering oxygen and nutrients into the cells. In essence, they act as the immune system of the plant. That is why they are so essential to the plant -- without them, plants could not survive.
In the human body, they have a similar action -- such as transporting valuable nutrients to the cells; increasing oxygen intake, and digesting toxic waste in the blood. This is because the three primary elements - carbon, hydrogen and oxygen-are common to both human beings and essential oils. This shared chemistry makes essential oils one of the most compatible of all plant substances with human biochemistry.
Not only that, but the lipid-soluble structure of essential oils and the fact that they have a protein-like structure similar to human cells and tissues makes them even more compatible with human tissue.
Essential oils are very different from vegetable oils (also called fatty oils), such as corn oil, olive oil, peanut oil, etc. Fatty oils are produced by pressing nuts or seeds. They are quite greasy, are not antimicrobial nor help transport oxygen, and will go rancid over time. Essential oils, however, are not greasy nor do they clog the pores like vegetable oils can.
Essential oils are highly complex substances. They are mosaics of hundreds - even thousands - of different natural chemicals. The average essential oil may contain anywhere from 80 to 400 known chemical constituents. Many oils contain even more, occurring in minute quantities - but all contributing to the oil's therapeutic effects. It requires years of study to understand these constituents, their activity and functions.
Different varieties of the same oil can have widely different therapeutic actions, depending on their chemistry. For example, basil high in linalool or fenchol is primarily used for its antiseptic properties. However, basil high in methyl chavicol is more anti-inflammatory than antiseptic. A third type, basil high in eugenol, has both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.
In addition, essential oils can be processed in different ways, which dramatically effects their chemistry and medicinal action. Oils that have been redistilled two or three times are obviously not as potent as oils that have been distilled only once. Also, oils that are subjected to high heat and pressure in processing have an inferior profile of chemical constituents, since excessive heat and temperature fractures and breaks down many of the delicate aromatic compounds within the oil -- compounds that are responsible for much of the therapeutic action of the oil.
Of even greater importance is the fact that some oils are thinned or cut (i.e. adulterated) with synthetic chemicals.
Historically, there have been three models for using essential oils: the French, the German, and the English methods.
The English traditionally dilute a small amount of essential oil in vegetable oil and massage the body to relax and relieve stress.
The French prefer to ingest (swallow) therapeutic-grade essential oils. Many French practitioners have found that taking the oils internally is highly effective.
The Germans recommend inhalation of the essential oils. There is good reason for this - research has shown that these aromatic compounds can exert strong effects on the brain, especially on the hypothalamus (the hormone command center of the body) and the limbic system (the seat of emotions). Some essential oils can dramatically increase oxygenation and activity in the brain. Oils also increase ozone and negative ions, which inhibit bacterial growth. Essential oils can make chemicals non-toxic by fracturing their molecular structure. European scientists have found that essential oils work as natural chelators, bonding to metallics and chemicals and carrying them out of the body. Diffused essential oils make outstanding air filtration systems, helping to remove dust particles from the air and destroying odors from mold, cigarettes, animals, etc.
When diffused, the oils reach the brain by means of the olfactory system. The olfactory membranes have about 800 million nerve endings that receive micro-fine, vaporized oil particles. They carry them along the axon of the nerve fibers and connect them with the secondary neurons in the olfactory bulb. The impulses are then transported to the limbic system and the olfactory sensory center at the base of the brain. Then they pass between the pituitary and pineal gland and move to the amygdala - the memory center. The impulses than travel to the gustatory center where the sensation of taste is perceived.
The best method of application depends on the need. In some cases, inhalation might be preferred over topical application if the goal is to induce weight loss or balance mood and emotions. In other cases, topical application would produce better results, as in the case of muscle or spinal injuries. For indigestion, peppermint oil taken orally is very effective. Yet peppermint can also produce the same results when massaged on the stomach. In some cases, all three methods of application (topical, inhalation and ingestion) are interchangeable and may produce similar benefits.
The two most common methods of essential oil application are cold-air diffusing and neat (undiluted) topical application. Healing response is greatly enhanced when essential oils are incorporating into the disciplines of reflexology, Vita Flex, acupressure, acupuncture, auricular techniques, lymphatic massage, spinal touch, and the Raindrop Technique.
Anchored in Scripture:
There are numerous references to these oils (or the plant they are derived from) in the Bible. Some precious oils, such as frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, rosemary, hyssop, cassia, cinnamon and spikenard were used for anointing and healing of the sick. There were three wise men (magi), who brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Christ child. Clinical research now shows that frankincense and myrrh are two of the most powerful immune-stimulating substances available, containing very high amounts of immune-stimulating properties. Perhaps the three wise men were wise in ways beyond our knowledge.
Recent excavation of the ancient city called Gilead, has unearthed the remains of a fortress like building used for the manufacture of balsam oil. This "balm of Gilead" noted in Jeremiah 8:22, had long been famous in antiquity for its nearly miraculous properties to HEAL WOUNDS. In fact, the balsam oil of Gilead was so famous that the conquering Roman emperor Titus (79-81 A.D.), after conquering Gilead, displayed branches from Gilead's balsam trees in his triumphal march through Rome.
So precious was this oil to the commerce of Gilead, the exact manufacturing process was kept a closely guarded secret. So much so, archaeologists uncovered an inscription carved into the floor of a local synagogue that reads, "Whoever reveals the secret of the village to the gentiles, the one whose eyes roam over the entire earth and see's what is concealed will uproot this person and his seed from under the sun." (see Biblical Archaeology Review, Sep/Oct 1996 issue)
It should be noted when Joseph's brothers tried to sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites passing by, their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, purchased in Gilead, on their way to Egypt (Gen. 37:25). And so it is, the use of extracted plant oils was an established industry thousands of years before Christ walked on the Earth.
The Plagues of Europe:
Essential oils were not produced in Europe until the 12th century. Although Medieval Europeans lost touch with personal cleanliness, which helped bring on the great plagues of the 13th and 14th centuries, essential oils are still known and talked about in relationship to the thieves who robbed the bodies of the dead and were not infected. These robbers, known as spice traders and perfumers, bathed in such oils as pine, frankincense, balsam, clove, cinnamon and rosemary. Imagine the knowledge and trust they must have had in the oils, that they were willing to expose themselves to an otherwise certain death.
USING ESSENTIAL OILS
Further research has shown that with their immune-stimulating properties, essential oils enhance and support the building of the immune system, whether they be inhaled or applied on the body topically. Even those who contract a cold or the flu recover 70 percent faster using essential oils.
Diffusing the Oils Into the Atmosphere:
Perhaps one of the greatest attributes of essential oils is their ability to purify the air we breathe. When diffused in the home they release oxygenating molecules into the atmosphere where they stay suspended for several hours to destroy and prevent bacteria, fungus, mold, and freshen the air with natural fragrances. In addition to removing dust from the air, the diffused oils allow us to inhale their wonderful antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
This is the most perfect way to improve our home environment, either to help us relax, relieve tension and headaches, dispel odors, or just create an atmosphere of peace and harmony. If you have children, or suffer from Emphysema, Sinusitis, Asthma, and allergies, diffusing essential oils into your home will make an essential difference for you and your family's health.
Topical Application of the Oils:
There is a misconception that pure essential oils should first be diluted before applying them topically on the skin. Pure oils, with the exception of those containing the natural chemical constituent known as "phenol," (such as with cinnamon, clove or oregano) may be applied "neat" (undiluted) directly on the skin. Oils containing phenol can cause an irritation or burning sensation. Users of essential oils should always test an unknown oil first on a small area of skin to determine sensitivity.
CAUTION:
Because many commercially available EO's have been adulterated with solvents and/or man-made chemicals, you should not apply EO's directly to the skin...unless you know them to be safe. There is but one major producer of EO's in the U.S. that is known for producing ONLY pure unadulterated oils. EO's from this producer are, with few exceptions, considered safe to apply directly to the skin without diluting first with a carrier oil. That producer is Young Living Essential Oils, Inc. If in doubt, always try a small amount first to test for a possible reaction.
When applied to the body by rubbing on the feet, essential oils penetrate the skin and travel (via the bloodstream) throughout the body and affect every cell, including the hair, within 20 minutes. They may have a lasting effect for as long as five months from only one application. The oils do not build up and store in the body because they are very subtle and volatile, having a high evaporation rate. Because of their chemical structure, they are metabolized like other nutrients in the cells.
In addition to the feet, the oils may be applied directly to affected areas of the body, such as to joints, muscle and tendons needing relief from aches and pain. Gary Young has discovered the oil from Helichrysum, Birch, Clove and Peppermint when combined will take pain away in a manner of moments.
Note: As a user of the above ingredients marketed under the name, PanAway, the publisher of Health-Line can verify the effectiveness of this oil blend in relieving arthritic pain. It not only worked for myself, but has worked equally as well for everyone I have given it to try. Amazement is the universal response.
Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy means to treat with aroma through inhalation. Essential oils, because of their fragrance and volatility, have also been reported to help create greater spiritual, physical and emotional harmony when inhaled.
The olfactory, that part of our nose responsible for odor detection, sends impulses created by various odors to the amygdala, which is the memory center of our brain for fear and trauma. It wasn't until 1989 that it was discovered the amygdala plays a major role in the storing and releasing of emotional trauma, and ONLY odor or fragrance stimulation has a profound affect in triggering a response with this gland. Fragrance is one of man's greatest enjoyments, bringing back memories of past experiences and creating a feeling of security, grounding, and well-being. Dr. Joseph Ledoux, of New York Medical University, feels that this could be a major break-through in releasing emotional trauma.
Gary Young, founder of Young Living Essential Oils, Inc.
Oil distillation is a precise art that has all but been forgotten. Gary Young has spent twelve years studying essential oils in Switzerland, France, Israel, Egypt and Turkey to learn as much as he could about the oils, and how to produce them. In the process, he has established himself as one of the world's leading authorities on the subject.
Returning to the U.S., he built a research farm in Idaho where he built the largest and only stainless steel vertical steam distiller in North America. Today he is distilling some of the finest oils in the world, and lecturing all over America and abroad about the therapeutic value of essential oils.
Producing the finest oils requires several hundred pounds of plants, or more, to extract one pound of oil. For instance, it requires from 175 to 250 pounds of lavender to produce one pound of lavender oil, and 5,000 pounds of rose petals to produce one pound of rose oil. Low pressure and low temperature are the keys to maintaining the ultimate fragrance and therapeutic value.
Incorrect processing or contact with any chemical or impurity will destroy the effectiveness of the oils. With this in mind, Gary Young is committed to producing and offering the finest quality and purest oils in the world. Even the earth on which Gary Young farms his herbs is free of herbicides and pesticides, to prevent the plants from picking up man-made chemicals. Weeding is meticulously done by hand. In fact, should you visit Gary Young's Herb Farms, you might be invited to take your turn at "pulling weeds."
When Gary Young had his oil production tested in France, the world's center for lavender production, he went to the government laboratory of Phytosun'Arom. His oils tested there showed some of the highest levels of chemical constituents that had ever been recorded. It is this kind of quality that Health Line 2000 urges its readers to insist upon when purchasing Essential Oils for aromatherapy.
The Essential Oils Consultant/Trainer Research Farm, located in Idaho, is the finest of its kind in North America. Gary Young's company grows the plants, distills them to produce the oils, packages and distributes them and educates the consumer in the usage and benefits of essential oils. What started as a small research farm has grown to sustain over 220 full-time employees.
