Essential Oils

What is an Essential Oil?
    Oils are stored in special cells/ducts that are distributed among the roots, leaves,  bark, stems, and 
    flowers of the plant. They protect the plant from insects and other herbivores from bacteria, mold, 
    fungi, and other microorganisms. It also helps heal inflicted wounds. The unique characteristics make 
    essential oils highly beneficial to humankind.  

    Herbs are dried essential oils; the same amount of herbs have 6-8% effectiveness than oils do.  For 
    example, 1 drop of peppermint equals 26 cups of peppermint tea.

    Some essential oils cross the blood/brain barrier which provide incredible health benefits, including     
    neurological healing.  The medical profession is still searching for a medication that will accomplish that.

What to look for in Essential Oils? 
    High quality oils that are from a trusted source, not including cheap, synthetic, diluted oils.
    Young Living is and example of such a trusted source.  The majority of oils are obtained  by steam
    distillation which is a process of using low heat, proper pressure, specific time and fresh, 
    properly, organicly grown and harvested essential oils. 

    Some companies indicate that they have 100% pure essential oils, but since they are not
    regulated, they indicate this while still only having at least 1 drop of pure oil within the bottle.  
    Research of the company is essential before purchasing.

    Young Living Essential Oils have high standards and often exceed AFNOR and ISO standards.

Potential Benefits
    There are hundreds of health benefits from using Essential Oils like ones produced at Young Living. 
    An Essential Oils Desk Reference can be purchased from Amazon.com that provides suggested oils 
    for particular symptoms and/or illnesses

How can oils be applied?
    1.  Inhaled: 2-3 drops of oil in palm, rub in a clockwise manner and cup your hands over mouth and nose
    and inhale slowly for around 6-8 minutes. The oils will travel through the nasal passages into lungs and 
    then into every cell in the body; passing into the brain via the limbic system. 
    Oils can be also directly inhaled from the bottle. 
    Inhaling may be good for headaches, nervous conditions, anxiety, restlessness, energy, stamina, 
    concentration, high blood pressure, and respiratory conditions.

    2. Diffuse

    3.  Neat application: apply oils without diluting to skin.

    4.  Diluted direct application: apply oils to skin after diluting with another oil such as olive oil. Reference 
    Guides suggest a 50/50 dilution.

    5.  Eyes and ears: Never apply directly in the eye, rather on the bony area around the eye. Situations
    where application around the eye may be beneficial is to possibly improve eyesight, heal stys, 
    and pinkeye.

    6.  Vitaflex: a special technique similar to reflexology, using oils on various pressure points on the bottom
    of the feet. A chart can be found on the internet at a location 
    like http://www.younglivingworld.com/resources/vitaflexchart_main.asp
        
    7.  Bath: recommended to combine one cup of Epsom salts with one cup non-refined salt (or dead sea 
    salts) and add 5 drops of oil.

    8.  Foot or Hand Soaks: combine olive oil with 5 drops of essential oils and place in 2 cups of warm
    water.

    9.  Hair and scalp massage: helpful for hair conditions.  Combine 1/2 tsp olive oil or wheat germ
    and 5-10 drops of essential oil. Dip fingers into the oil and massage into scalp.

26 Uses for Young Living's Peppermint Oil - obtain a copy of document at the next meeting