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Essential Oils
The Missing Link in Today’s Medicine
By Rae Anne Cariker, LMT
Ancient writings suggest that our ancestors had a far greater understanding than
we do today of essential oils and their astounding potentials. Dating back as
far as 4500 BC, essential oils are said to have been used for an array of
treatments. Through extensive research and translation of the Ebers Papyrus, (a
medical scroll over 870 feet long) and hieroglyphics in Egypt, it has been
determined that essential oils were the first medicines of human kind. Even
before the use of medicinal herbs, oils were being extracted and applied in
treating various diseases with documented success. In 1922, when King Tut’s tomb
was opened, officials discovered that thieves had stolen precious oils from some
50 alabaster jars that held 350 liters of oil. Left behind, the heavy jars held
traces of these sacred oils. The robbers chose oils over the king’s ransom in
gold, demonstrating just how valuable essential oils were to this ancient
civilization.
History has uncovered that these treasured oils were used in religious rituals,
the treatment of illness, and other physical and spiritual ceremonies. Overtime,
essential oils have been used, not only medicinally, to kill bacteria, fungi,
viruses and other pathogens, but their fragrances are often implemented to
balance mood, lift spirits, and rid the body of negative emotions. Their effects
trigger the regeneration of tissue, stimulate the nerves, and deliver necessary
nutrients to cells while simultaneously oxygenating them. They are, we could
say, the missing link to today’s medicine.
Essential Oils — “Essence”
Of The Plant
The extracted oil is the blood, the life force, to the plant. Distilled from
shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds, the chemical structure of
essential oils is similar to that found in human tissue and cells. They play the
same role and function in the plant as the blood does in the body. Both blood
and essential oils transport nutrients to the cells in order to nurture and feed
them. Oxygen, one of the primary agents in both blood and essential oils,
delivers nutrients by way of the cell wall. Therefore, essential oils are
readily identified and accepted by the body. When these oils are applied to the
soles of the feet, or any other part of the body, they travel throughout the
body in a matter of minutes, due to their ability to penetrate cell membranes.
Essential oils not only oxygenate, but also provide us with antioxidants, and
increase our body’s frequency levels; our bodies are actually electrical.
However, due to incoherent and chaotic electrical AC frequencies, the human
electrical field is fractured, causing our immune systems to be weakened.
Contrarily, essential oils have a coherent harmonic frequency that is harmonious
with the human electrical field. Today, because of the state of our environment,
we are constantly deprived of oxygen: the air we breathe, the food we eat, the
water we drink. It has been scientifically documented that essential oils carry
the highest level of oxygenating molecules of any substance known to man.
Essential oils re-establish the normal frequency of the human cells, whereby
aiding in healthy immune systems and overall healthy lives.
Chemical con-stituents of the plant and the geography of its harvest determine
the purity of the oil. These constituents can be greatly affected by the part of
the plant the oil is produced from, the condition of the soil, the fertilizer
used, the geographical region, climate, altitude, harvesting methods and
finally, distillation processes.
Oils derived from a first distillation, will be more therapeutic and potent
than, for example, a second or third distillation from the same plant. High
heat, high pressure, as well as contact with chemically reactive metals such as
copper and aluminum break down the compounds in the oil making it inferior and
less therapeutic.
Therapeutic grade oils are distilled at low temperature, low pressure and
distilled in stainless steel chambers. Plants should be free of herbicides and
other chemicals such as pesticides. These chemicals can react with the essential
oils during the distillation process to produce toxic compounds. Many essential
oils on the market today have been manipulated in their engineering or extended
with the use of synthetic chemicals. Inferior quality or adulterated oils will
not produce therapeutic results and could be toxic.
The only way to distinguish the “authentic” from the “adulterated” is by
rigorous testing using state of the art gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy
and nuclear magnetic resonance. Unfortunately, untrained noses will not know the
difference. It is important to choose essential oils graded according to the
AFNOR (Association French Normalization Organization Regulation) or ISO
(International Standards Organization) standards. This standard is more
stringent and differentiates true top quality essential oils from inferior oils.
Ways to use essential oils
Topically: Essential oils can be applied to the skin topically through massage
or bodywork, warm or cold packs, or by adding them to your bath water. Many oils
can be used directly on the skin (NEAT) without dilution. Others, however, will
need to be diluted with a carrier oil. A carrier oil is a base oil such as
jojoba. Some essential oils are photosensitive and therefore should be used with
caution. Direct sunlight or UV rays should be avoided within 1-2 days of
application of those oils. Also, extreme care must be taken when using oils with
children, pregnant women, and individuals with specific health issues.
Inhalation
Cold air diffusing atomizes a micro fine mist of essential oils into the air,
where they can remain suspended for several hours. Oils diffused into the air
change the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than masking them.
They increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural
ozone. Many essential oils are extremely effective for eliminating and
destroying airborne germs and bacteria. There are many other benefits to
diffusing essentials oils, far too many to mention. Using of a humidifier or
steam tent are other ways to experience direct inhalation. However, burning oils
may become carcinogenic and is not recommended.
Internal Consumption:
Research has indicated some oils to be more effective when taken orally. Only
pure essential oils, proven safe and labeled as dietary supplements, should be
used internally. Dilution and dosage is dependent on the age, size, and health
constitution of the individual. Follow the recommended dosage on the individual
product labels to ensure safety or seek the advice of a health care professional
before administering oils internally.
Rae Anne Cariker, LMT offers a wide range of massage from, Hot Stone, Raindrop
Therapy, Swedish, Pregnancy, Deep Tissue and more. An Independent Young Living
Essential Oils Distributor, she provides information on Essential Oils and their
benefits. Call 702-809-3927; email: healing4health@cox.net . |
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