By Rae Anne Cariker, LMT
"Oils derived from a first distillation, steam-distilled 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."
History has uncovered that these treasured oils were used in religious rituals, the treatment of illness, and other physical and spiritual ceremonies.
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 constituents 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 - steam distilled 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.
"Oils diffused into the air change the structure of molecules that create odors,
rather than masking them."
rather than masking them."
Inhalation
Cold air diffusing atomizer releases 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 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 are 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.
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” 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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