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Health Benefits of High Quality Essential Oils

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Nature's Most Exciting Secret

New statistics from a government agency reveal that Americans' use of alternative medicine - including natural supplements - is rising.

Additionally, the study by the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine looked at children's use of natural therapies and found that 12 percent of kids have used such treatments over the past 12 months.

Among adults, nearly forty percent said they had used complementary and alternative medicines in the previous year.

Adults tended to use natural products to treat back pain, neck pain, joint stiffness and arthritis. Children used alternative remedies for conditions such as colds, anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

"These statistics confirm that CAM practices are a frequently used component of Americans' health care regimens," commented Dr. Josephine P. Briggs of the NCCAM

Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing forms of natural therapy. It is a method of healing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual body using the energetic properties of essential oils.

Photo of plant leaf, human blood vessels, and Amazon Rainforest.

An Overview

  1. How Do Essential Oils Work?
  2. How do Essential Oils Differ from Herbs?
  3. The Science Behind Aromatherapy
  4. 9 Everyday Oils to Support 9 Body Systems
  5. Trending Articles in the News

About Aromatherapy

Essential oils are natural liquids pressed or distilled from plants. They carry the aroma as well as the healing and medicinal properties of herbs, leaves, and seeds from which they are extracted.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants to support and balance the mind, body, and spirit.

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy:

~ to boost the immune system
~ to relief pain and restore damaged muscles or other injuries
~specialized therapies, such as massage and Raindrop Technique.

Essential oils are composed of tiny molecules that can penetrate every cell, administering healing therapy at the most fundamental level of our bodies.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

Essential oils work on several different levels. The first way they affect people is through the sense of smell. The sense of smell provides the easiest and quickest way to be brain.

1. Smell receptors in the nose may respond to smells of essential oils by sending chemical signals along nerve pathways to the brain's limbic system, which affects moods and emotions. Imaging studies in humans helps show the effects of smells on the limbic system and its emotional pathways.

2. Essential oils are extracted from whole aromatic plants, they have a life force or vitality that can affect the body in unique ways.

Bruce Taintio has recently demonstrated that the frequencies (life force) of essential oils range from 52 Hz to 320 Hz, depending on the specific essential oil being measured. It has been further established that essential oils have the highest frequency of any natural substance known to man.

Researchers have found that essential oil of clove, has been found to have electronic constituents which are opposed to cancer and to virus diseases.

How do Essential Oils Differ from Herbs?

Lavender Essential oils are very concentrated and contain virtually all the plant's healing nutrients. Most of them are at least 50 times more potent than the herbs or plants from which they were derived.

When herbs are cut and dehydrated, they lose up to 90% of the healing nutrients, as well as a vast majority of vital oxygen molecules which are needed to deliver the nutrients to the cells of the human body.

The Science Behind Aromatherapy

Many studies of essential oils have found that they have an antibacterial effect when applied to the skin. In addition, many studies have found that essential oils can calm and energize.

Studies in 1997 at Weber State University demonstrated that diffusing an antimicrobial blend of oils for 20 minutes killed 99.3% of the airborne microorganisms present. Many other studies show that the oils of cinnamon, clove, lemon, and rosemary exhibited significant inhibitory effects against bacteria.

A small study of tea tree oil as a topical treatment against antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria from the skin of hospital patients found that it was effective as the standard treatment. Another study carried out at the University of Manchester showed that essential oils could stamp out the spread of MRSA superbug.

A team of scientists at the University of Oklahoma evaluated frankincense's oil's impact on normal human bladder cells and cancerous human bladder cells in culture. The results showed that frankincense oil was harmless to the normal cells - but the natural extract zeroed in and killed the cancer cells. They discovered that the oil suppressed cancer cell growth and then triggered bladder cancer cell death by activating several cell death pathways.

A Japanese research team from Nihon University found remarkable disease-fighting properties of frankincense oil. Components of frankincense inhibited the Epstein-Barr virus and was effective against three human neuroblastoma cell lines.

Essential Oils for Mood and Behavior

In a recent study, 122 patients who were in an intensive care unit, reported feeling much better when aromatherapy was administered with lavender oil. No changes were observed in their blood pressure, respiration, or heart rate.

In another study, Japanese researchers reported fewer mistakes by keypunch operators who were exposed the fragrance of lemon essential oil.

Considerable evidence exists that therapeutic-grade essential oils have a profound effect on our mind and behavior.

Essential oils are particularly effective for stress, anxiety, psychosomatic problems, muscular and rheumatic pain, digestive disorders, and women's problems, such as PMS, menopausal complaints and post natal depression.

9 Everyday Oils to Support 9 Body Systems

There are over 300 essential oils. Between 50 and 100 have health-giving properties and are used in aromatherapy, including frankincense, lavender, geranium, lemon, cedarwood, melaleuca, sandalwood, and peppermint. Each type of essential oil has a different chemical structure that contain 50 -200 chemical components that effects how it works in the body.

* Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils and no home should be without it. It is great for relaxing, yet has balancing properties that can boost stamina. It may be used to soothe and cleanse cuts, bruises, burns and skin irritations.

* Frankincense is a holy oil in the Middle East and has been used for religious ceremonies for thousands of years. It was well known at the time of Christ for its anointing and healing powers and was one of the gifts given to him at his birth. "Used to treat every conceivable ill known to man," frankincense was valued more than gold during ancient times. Medical properties: anti-tumoral, immuno-stimulant, antidepressant, muscle relaxing. It increases spiritual awareness, promotes meditation, improves attitude, and uplifts spirits.

Therapeutic grade essential oils work for every health concern and are the secret for health and longevity.

How to Use Essential Oils

The most popular ways to use essential oils are:

1. diffusion into the air

2. direct application to the skin

3. taken by mouth

Diffusion of essential oils into an enclosed space is called aromatherapy. That's because the aromatic, sweet-smelling molecules of essential oils are breathed into the human body, which trigger immune-boosting, healing, relaxation, or stimulate responses unique to the oil.

When oils are diffused, they purify the air by removing toxins, metallic particles, and harmful microscopic debris. They also increase oxygen and boost negative ions. They kill virtually all pathogenic bacteria, molds, fungi they come in contact with. They also destroy odors within the home.

If you do not have a diffuser, add a few drops of these oils to a humidifier or drop onto cotton balls and place them in the home or air vents.

Botanical Breakthroughs for Cleaning

Cleaning with Consciousness

My favorite cleaner is Thieves Household Cleaner. It makes tough stains and problem areas in your home simple and easy to clean without using harsh or abrasive chemicals. While bacteria can be dangerous, some industrial cleaners on the market pose an even larger threat to your health. Thieves Household Cleaner is a natural all-purpose concentrate that can be used in every room in your home, without harsh chemicals.

"My 3 yr old decided my laminate bar was the perfect place to scribble with a red permanent sharpie. I put some cleaner on the counter and it really didn't budge. So I decided to leave the cleaner straight on the mark for about 20 minutes. It came off with no effort at all." - Bobbie Jo

Dana K. Shirey submitted the following tip:

"Many of us don't realize how the beater bar in our vacuum cleaners pick up, carry, and spread germs; anything that comes in the door on your shoes will end up in your carpets. When you run the vacuum, you spread these germs everywhere and they find the environment on your beater bar ideal to thrive. I spray my beater bar with Thieves® Spray before and after each use. I also spray the floor of my closet where I keep my shoes."

A Beautiful Journey to Share with a Pet

Dr. Mary Hess recommends that every pet owner carry an essential oil emergency kit for pets. Based on her experience as a veterinarian, Dr. Hess suggests Young Living Essential Oil blends to keep pets feeling their best.

If stress, fear, or anxiety or similar conditions are present, Peace and Calming can be used to calm the pet.

Thieves is perfect for attending to minor skin issues. Thieves is also utilized for addressing dental concerns. This blend is safe for kittens and puppies.

Tips for Choosing High Quality Essential Oils

The Importance of Therapeutic-Grade Quality

Essential oils have no harmful side effects when used appropriately. Sun sensitivity may develop when citrus or other oils are applied to the skin before sun exposure. Allergic skin reactions may occur with the use of adulterated essential oils.

The quality of essential oils matters whether you are using them for aromatherapy, applying to the skin - but most of all if you plan to use them internally or for cooking. Most health food stores stock essential oils that are "perfume grade" - destined only for aromatherapy for the undiscerning. These oils are generally not safe for consumption and even smelling them may cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

When purchasing essential oils, look for "100 percent pure therapeutic-grade" and "essential oil supplement" on the label. It is the vital energy of pure essential oils that is responsible for their positive healing effects on body and mind.

The use of essential oils discussed here refer to therapeutic-grade quality.

If You're New to Essential Oils

"The best advice anyone could give you is to use the oils. Put a drop on the bottom of your feet (or hands - avoid eyes) before going to bed at night. Put another one on the bottom of your feet (or hands) in the morning.

You may want to start with frankincense. It wakes up the brain, calms the nerves, it gives clarity to life.

As you begin, drink water throughout the day, as you may experience a cleansing of your body.

Diffusing lemon or Citrus Fresh will help keep the air around you fresher. Taking lemon internally will help support your liver and blood.

Peppermint is very refreshing, supports the nerves, clears sinuses, and helps with alertness (and fevers)." - Gloria Little (edited)

Trending Articles in the News

Frankincense essential oil...

New research shows frankincense could be the perfect gift-no matter what time of year-for folks in need of arthritis pain relief!

According to a study published in the journal entitled, Arthritis Research & Therapy, patients taking an enriched extract of the Indian frankincense herb Boswellia serrata showed significant improvement in osteoarthritis knee pain in as little as seven days!

This amazing herbal remedy helps reduce inflammation and even stops the action of an enzyme that eats away at joint cartilage. Perhaps this was just one of the things that made the three Magi of Bible fame such wise men!

Cypress oil for immunity...

I use lots of cypress oil. It builds blood corpuscles, especially white cells. Apply it to the skin, breathe it, or take caps of it. It will accelerate the healing of your immune system after chemo has destroyed it. The doctors will be amazed at the speed of recovery from chemo when cypress oil is used like this. - Dr. David Stewart

Recommended Reading

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Essential Oil Resources

How to Get the Most out of Essential Oils

I am sure you will find using essential oils as exciting and helpful as I have in our quest for a more natural, safe and healthful life.
YL Essential Oils
Young Living Essential Oils is the world leader in the production of therapeutic grade essential oils and oil enhanced supplements.

Article Links

These references will contribute to your understanding of essential oils and how they can help you live a healthier life.
Mold Rx
Mold is a hidden cause of respiratory and other illnesses. Dr.Edward Close's website explains how to prevent and eliminate mold in the home.
Thieves Product Information
Recognizing the hazards of using dangerous chemical-based products in the home, Young Living created a line of natural household products. From toothpaste and mouthwash to cleaning products, hand soaps, and throat lozenges, the Thieves product line provides safe, natural alternatives for use in the home.
Essential Oil Testimonials
Look for essential oil testimonials by searching on keywords. This site was designed to be a win-win situation for all who use it. There are 2629 testimonials in the database.
Sound Concepts
Sound Concept offers the brochure "Toxic Mold vs Essential Oils."
Artificial Fragrance
Why commercial scented products (Fakegranes) are not safe.
MarketingScents
Learn more about Young Living's line of therapeutic grade essential oils.
ORAC Levels
We need approximately 5,000 ORAC units of bio-available antioxidants daily to cope with the average rate of oxidation. The solution is found in essential oils and superfoods...
Mint Family
Herbs from the Lamiaceae family, also known as the mint family have been shown to drastically reduce the infectivity of HIV-1 virions, single infective viral particles.
Frankincense Oil Kills Bladder Cancer Cells
Research just published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine demonstrates that could an effective treatment for cancer of the bladder.

The frankincense used in this trial was purchased from Young Living Essential Oils.
Aromatherapy Could Stop the Spread of MRSA
Tests revealed that three essential oils killed MRSA and E-coli as well as many other bacteria and fungi within 2 minutes of contact.

Comments?

Are you new to aromatherapy and the use of essential oils? If not, what is your favorite essential oil?

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  • lakeerieartists Jan 1, 2009 @ 7:27 pm | delete
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  • TheNewGreenWayToHealthyLiving Jul 2, 2008 @ 3:54 pm | delete
    Pretty and elegant, informative lens! I use aromatherapy in my diffusers! They are made with essential oils!
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faye_durham

My name is Faye Durham. I am a Clinical Research Associate and Consultant in Natural Health Care. My specialty is therapeutic nutrition, aromatherapy,... more »

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