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Young Living
Essential Oils |
Prepared by Cheryl Rennels from the Young Living Publication,
Scents and Scentsability
WHAT IS AN ESSENTIAL OIL
Poetically called the “life force” of a plant, essential oils are very
complex. Essential oils are stored in special cells, ducts, or
glandular hairs that are distributed among the roots, leaves, bark,
stems, and flowers of the plant. Uplifting, protective, calming and
regenerating essential oils-a unique gift from the plant world. A
single oil may contain hundreds of constituents that are molecularly
aligned in exactly the right manner to trigger a number of responses
in the human body. Very concentrated and very powerful, a single drop
or two of distilled therapeutic-grade essential oil produces quick and
significant results. Essential oils protect the plant from insects and
other herbivores, from bacteria, molds, fungi and other
microorganisms, and also helps to heal inflicted wounds. These unique
characteristics make essential oils highly beneficial to humankind.
HOW ESSENTIAL OILS WORK
Our senses connect us to the world and allow us to respond to our
environment. Essential oils fill our senses and trigger physiological
and psychological responses in our bodies.
The Sense of Scent
Fragrance is the substance of memories. One whiff of a childhood aroma
can set the memory in motion, bringing back thoughts, faces, and
feelings long forgotten. How does this happen? Fragrance consists of
volatile molecules that float in the air. Millions of olfactory
receptor cells line the nose. Aroma causes these nerves to fire and
send messages to the limbic area of the brain. From there, the
messages travel to other parts of the brain, activating thought and
memory. The pituitary gland is also stimulated to release chemical
messages that travel via the blood to glands and organs that create
physical body responses. Hence a scent has the power to activate a
number of physical and emotional responses. It happens in less than a
second.
The Sense of Touch
Because of their molecular structures, essential oils are rapidly
absorbed when applied to the skin. Silky smooth to the touch, they
penetrate the outer layer of skin. It is often possible to smell some
oils on the breath shortly after applying them to the body. Upon
reaching the dermal layer of skin, essential oils lead to different
effects, depending on the type of oils applied.
The Sense of Essential Oils
Essential Oils -- nongreasy yet soft and soothing -- are different
from common vegetable oils. The pure essence of a plant, lost in
normal processing of herbs and flowers, is captured in essential oils.
Pure essential oils are rapidly absorbed or inhaled and rush directly
to their targets. The quick distribution of essential oils results in
a rapid response.
“Fragrance is quickly gaining credibility as a powerful tool in both
the medical and scientific communities.”
-- Alan R. Hirsh, M. D. Director of the Smell and Taste
Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, IL.
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THERAPEUTIC-GRADE ESSENTIAL OILS USER'S GUIDE
EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF
ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
Direct Application
Essential oils may be applied topically to promote soothing and
wellness of body and spirit. Because they are soluble with the lipid
membranes of cells, they have an unmatched ability to penetrate and
disperse within minutes throughout the body.
Massage
Allowing the body to experience relaxation and soothing through a
massage brings one to a condition of rest and transformation. Our
therapeutic-grade essential oils are designed to work aromatically and
functionally, and provide a well-needed delight to the senses. To
create your own custom massage oil, mix 3-4 drops of essential oil
with 1/2 tsp. of a massage oil base, such as V-6 Enhanced Vegetable
Oil Complex. You can also use Young
Living's premixed massage oils for a relaxing stress-relieving
massage. Pamper yourself and get in touch with the senses.
Dietary Supplements
AD essential oils that are identified as Safe For Consumption can be
taken as a dietary supplement to promote physical well-being. Some
oils (e.g. valerian, lemon, grapefruit, orange, nutmeg, tangerine,
etc.) are more effective when taken orally. Essential oils should be
diluted in oil-soluble liquids such as vegetable oil, olive oil, Agave,
or goat/rice milk prior to ingestion. More or less dilution may be
required, depending upon how strong the oil is. Usually no more than 2
or 3 drops should be ingested at one time during any 4- 8 hour period.
Essential oils should not be given as dietary supplements to children
under 6 years of age. Parents should exercise caution before
administering essential oils orally to a child, and oils should always
be diluted prior to ingestion for children.
Diffusion
To enhance the mood and perspective of your home environment or
workplace, essential oils can be diffused. The Young Living diffuser
is specially designed to disperse a fine mist of oils that will
generally fill a room in a few minutes. Essential oils are renowned
for improving meditation and mood, purifying the air, and refreshing a
room. Research has shown that diffusing certain oils may also:
o Improve
concentration, alertness, and mental clarity;
o Help you
relax, relieve, tension, and clear the mind;
o Help with
weight management;
o Reduce
airborne bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.
Start by diffusing oils for only 15-30 minutes per day. As you become
accustomed to the oils and recognize their effects, you can increase
the time diffused up to 2 hours per day.
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GUIDELINES FOR SAFE USE:
*Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils are in their purest
state. Because of the potency of our oils and because skin sensitivity
is highly individualized, always skin test an essential oil before
applying it topically. Certain oils that may cause a burning sensation
on certain individuals (e.g., cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, Sacred
Mountain, etc.) are better diluted.
*If you have concerns about skin sensitivity, apply one oil or blend
at a time when using them for the first time. When layering oils that
are new to you, allow enough time (15 to 30 minutes) for the body to
respond before applying a second oil.
*Always keep a bottle of any pure vegetable oil (e.g., olive oil,
etc.) handy when using essential oils. Vegetable oils can dilute
essential oils if the essential oils cause discomfort or skin
irritation.
* Keep essential oils out of reach of children. Treat them as you
would any product that is used therapeutically.
*Lemon, bergamot, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, White Angelica, and
other citrus-based essential oils may cause a rash or dark
pigmentation if applied to skin that is then exposed to direct
sunlight or UV rays within 3 to 4 days.
*Pregnant women should consult their health care professional before
using essential oils and should avoid wild tansy and oils containing
constituents with hormone-like activity such as clary, sage, fennel,
and rosemary.
*Those with allergies should test a small amount of oil on a small
area of sensitive skin (such as the inside of the arm) before applying
the oil to other areas of the body. The bottom of the feet is one of
the safest, most effective places to use essential oils.
* Keep bottles of essential oils closed tightly and store in a cool
location away from light. If stored properly, essential oils maintain
their potency and properties.
*Essential oils rich in menthol (such as peppermint) should not be
used on the throat or neck area of children under 3 years of age.
*Keep essential oils away from eye area and do not put them into ears.
Avoid handling contact lenses or rubbing eyes with essential oils on
your fingers. Oils with high phenol content (i.e., oregano, cinnamon,
thyme, clove, lemongrass, bergamot, Thieves, and ImmuPower) may damage
contacts and irritate eyes.
*People with epilepsy or high blood pressure should consult their
health care professional before using essential oils. Avoid hyssop,
fennel, wild tansy, rosemary, and peppermint oils.
*Before taking essential oils that are Safe For Consumption
internally, it is recommended that you dilute them with an oil-soluble
liquid such as almond oil, olive oil, or rice milk.
*Adding undiluted essential oils directly to bathwater is not
recommended. Aqua Essence packets are the perfect addition to a warm
bath. Aqua Essence bath packets are designed so you can diffuse a
restorative blend of essential oils in water, creating a comforting,
rejuvenating, and soothing bath experience. Oils may also be mixed
with Epsom salts or a bath gel base as an alternative.
Please see individual product labels for application information on
essential oil blends. This application code was developed specifically
for Young Living Essential Oils using GC (gas chromatography) analysis
and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information. Because sensitivity
is highly individualized, skin test each oil by first applying to a
small area.
If you have an emergency:
Immediate dilution is strongly recommended if skin becomes painfully
irritated or if an oil accidentally gets into eyes.
*Dilute with V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex or any vegetable oil.
Avoid using water--essential oils are not water soluble, and water may
cause them to penetrate more quickly into the skin, which will
increase the irritation.
*If dilution does not provide relief, discontinue use and contact your
healthcare professional.
If a child or infant swallows an essential oil:
*Administer milk, Agave, or other safe, oil-soluble liquid.
*Call your poison control center or seek immediate emergency medical
attention.
*Consult your health care professional about any serious disease or
injury.
Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe any natural substances
for serious health conditions that require professional attention.
*Exercise caution when applying essential oils to skin that has been
exposed to cosmetics, personal care products, soaps, and cleansers
containing synthetic chemicals. Some of them-especially
petroleum-based chemicals-can penetrate and remain in skin and fatty
tissues for days or even weeks.
*Essential oils may react with such chemicals and cause skin
irritations, nausea, headaches, or other uncomfortable effects.
*Essential oils can also react with toxins built up in the body from
chemicals in food, water, and the work environment. If you experience
a reaction to essential oils, it may be wise to temporarily
discontinue their use and start an internal cleansing program (30 days
using the Cleansing Trio, Code #3115) before resuming regular use of
essential oils.
Please see individual product labels, the Young Living Product Guide,
or
www.onewithoils.com for any oils or blends, which are not listed.
(Source: Exerted from Young Living Essential Oils Publication--Users
Guide ...9/2004)
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The Author:
Cheryl W.
Rennels' 50 year involvement with horses has led to her
passionate involvement in complementary equine products and
techniques. She believes the owners and handlers of horses can
and should have the awareness of natural, non-invasive,
effective products. |
EQUINE ESSENTIAL OILS
by Cheryl W. Rennels
The Definitive Book
for the Well Being of Your Horse
Learn how to use essential plant oils
to move your horse into balance and harmony — thus, bringing physical
and emotional well being. |
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| Other books recommended by Cheryl: |
Essential Oils
Desk Reference |
Essential Oils
Integrative Medical Guide |
Raindrop Technique
booklet |
A Statistical
Validation of
Raindrop
Technique |
Releasing Emotional
Patterns with
Essential Oils |
Healing Oils
Healing Hands |
Chemistry of Essential
Oils Made Easy |
The Miracle of MSM |
Emu Oil |
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