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