| An essential oil is a volatile, aromatic liquid that is | | | | properties of essential oils used to treat cancer and |
| generally distilled from the stems, leaves, flowers, roots, | | | | many forms of autoimmune disease with spectacular |
| bark, or seeds of a plant. Containing the true essence | | | | results. For example, it has been discovered that the |
| of the plant, the essential oils are highly concentrated | | | | essential oils of sandalwood has tremendous effect on |
| and far more potent than dried herbs.The science of | | | | combating specific types of cancer. Others like |
| using essential oils is known as aromatherapy. This | | | | frankincense, myrtle, and white fir have been shown to |
| science is used for psychological and physical well | | | | have an effect against specific forms of cancer. |
| being and for best results, only pure and natural oils | | | | Essential oils can build the immune system, offer |
| should be used.The origins of aromatherapy date back | | | | support to body organs, aid in digestion, and reduce |
| thousands of years. From documented uses by | | | | inflammation, just to name a few."Although essential |
| Napoleon, to references in the Bible, fragrant oils and | | | | oils are generally considered without risk, it is wise to |
| spices have played a prominent role throughout world | | | | respect their powers and become well versed in their |
| history.Essential oils can be used in many different | | | | use and safety. As beneficial as essential oils are, it is |
| ways. The English model advocates massage by | | | | prudent to note the purity is as important as safety. |
| diluting small amounts of essential oil in a vegetable oil | | | | According to Dr. Hill, "Efficacy can only be fully realized |
| and massaging the body for the purpose of relaxation | | | | when there is proper care given to protect the delicate |
| and relieving stress. The French model includes both | | | | chemical balance associated with essential oils during |
| ingestion and undiluted topical application. The French | | | | the distillation process."Generally speaking, the essential |
| believe that taking the oils internally produces the best | | | | oils that you find in department stores, and even health |
| results. A common method to ingest the oil is to add a | | | | food stores, are of uncertain quality. When choosing |
| few drops of honey, a piece of bread, or in a small | | | | an essential oil, be sure to select a guaranteed, |
| drop of vegetable oil. The German model focuses on | | | | therapeutic grade essential oil. In addition, select and |
| inhalation. The effect of fragrance on the sense of | | | | use those oils whose scent you find particularly |
| smell can exert a strong effect on the brain and limbic | | | | appealing. The whole principal of aromatherapy is that |
| system. Research has shown that some essential oils | | | | it should be a pleasurable experience. There will |
| can increase oxygenation and activity in the brain.By | | | | generally be more than one oil you can use for a |
| using a combination of these three methods, the use | | | | particular purpose, so you should be able to find one |
| of essential oils can be versatile and powerful. In his | | | | you like.Sources: Essential Oil Desk Reference, Third |
| book, Gary Young suggests that inhalation of essential | | | | Edition by Gary Young, ND, compiled by Essential |
| oils will increase growth hormone secretion, induce | | | | Science Publishing, or 1-800-336-6308. Young Living's |
| weight loss, or balance mood and emotions. Topical | | | | therapeutic grade essential oils and diffusers available |
| applications can produce results with spinal or muscle | | | | at or 1-800-371-2928, code #703949.Faye Durham is a |
| injuries or defects. He says, "The ability of an essential | | | | former chemist and clinical research associate in the |
| oil to act both on the mind and the body is what | | | | pharmaceutical industry. She has monitored clinical |
| makes them truly unique among natural therapeutic | | | | research trials involving the major diseases of our day, |
| agents." The fragrance of an essential oil can be very | | | | including heart disease, cancer, and lung disease. In her |
| stimulating--both psychologically and physically. The | | | | work with patients, she asked what can be done to |
| fragrance of other essential oils may be calming and | | | | prevent or delay the onset of the chronic diseases, |
| relaxing, helping to overcome anxiety or hyperactivity. | | | | associated with aging. Since most diseases have a life |
| On a physiological level, essential oils may stimulate | | | | style component, she became interested in the effect |
| immune function and regenerate damaged tissue. | | | | of diet and emotions on health. About four years ago, |
| Essential oils may also combat infectious disease by | | | | she was introduced to aromatherapy and has |
| killing viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens.Dr. David | | | | become a true believer in its therapeutic benefits, as a |
| Hill, a chiropractor who sees patients from all around | | | | holistic method of treatment. In her current career, she |
| the world seeking to receive the healing power of | | | | works as a researcher, writer, and independent |
| essential oils, says, "I personally have seen the healing | | | | distributor, focusing on nutrition and aromatherapy. |