Aromatherapy


ESSENTIAL OILS

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Introduction

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The use of natural plant essences, called ESSENTIAL OILS, to improve health and well being can be traced back to man's earliest recorded history. There is mention of their use in Eygpt (6000 years ago), ancient China, India, Syria, Arabia, Rome, Greece and 12th century Europe. There are 188 entries noted in the Bible.

In 1920, French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse coined the term "AROMATHERAPY" to describe the medical use of essential oils. He became interested in the medicinal use of essential oils after having received a 3rd degree thermal burn in the laboratory. An assistant had just taken a container of Lavender oil out from the cooler. Thinking it was water he placed his arm into the oil. He discovered the pain decreased rapidly and after continual use of the oil over a period of days, the burn healed completely and without scarring. Since he was a chemist he analyzed the oil and discovered it's chemical constituents or properties. Excited about his findings he began sharing this information with other colleagues of which John Valnet, M.D. was one. Valnet experimented with the oils in treating infections before and during world war II. He and his students were some of the persons responsible for expanding the research and developing techniques for the use of essential oils. They wrote many professional research papers and books. Over the years, the use of these oils has grown and become increasingly widespread. Scientific research is beginning to discover how, why and to what extent these oils work.

Essential Oils are the basic life force of the plant. Similar to blood in a human, these oils are the substances released by the plant when it is torn or bruised. They rush to the injured area of the plant to heal and regenerate it, much like our blood does when we get a cut or scratch. These are NOT fatty oils such as olive, sunflower, coconut or avocado. The essential oils contain trace elements of nutrients, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and antibodies . They have anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and natural chelating abilities. They have immune-stimulating properties and can increase ozone and negative ions in the air.

In general, oils are found in the fruits, seeds, flowers, resins, woods, barks, leaves and roots of plants: those from fruits are stimulating and expanding; those from flowers, sedating, narcotic and relaxing; those from resins, woods and barks are heating and tend to move fluid; leaf oils, which are high in chlorophyll, are cooling and have many medicinal properties; the root oils are grounding and earthy.

Examples of some of these oils are:

FRUITS: Lemon, Orange, Juniper Berries, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Cardamom, Mandarin

ROOTS: Spikenard, Vetiver, Ginger

LEAVES: Hyssop, Sage, Basil, Cistus, Rosemary, Marjoram, Myrtle, Lavender

RESINS: Frankincense, Myrrh, Benzoin, Galbanum

TREES and BARKS: Pine, Sandalwood, Juniper, Spruce, Cypress, Cedarwood, Rosewood, Fir, Cinnamon

FLOWERS: Rose, Neroli, Chamomile, Tuberose, Jasmine, Lavender

The process for extracting the essential oils from plants has been proven to be in existence for hundreds of years before the time of Christ. King Tut's tomb when opened had 350 liters of well preserved oils and we know he lived around 1500 B.C. It is reasonable to believe that oils were used from early times. Though there are many references to the oils throughout history, there is not much written about how they were extracted.

One of the earliest known methods for extraction was that of oil extraction. Plant material was mixed in goat fat and then wrapped in a wool cloth. This cloth was slowly burned and the aromatic oils would be imparted into the fat. Goat fat contains a lot of water. Since oil and water are not soluble, when the fat cooled the essential oil could be pressed from the fat. Some flowers were too delicate for the goat fat extraction method, as goat fat is very dense. They discovered using more refined fats, such as goose fat and later lard, worked better with these flowers. This method is known as enfleurage. here flower petals were laid into the fat and then placed in the sun to heat. The plant material was removed from the fat after a few days and more petals added. This process would continue until the desired strength of essential oils was imparted into the fat.

Another method used for extracting essential oils, was to fill a stone tub with water that could be heated by the sun. The plant material was broken up and placed into the hot water. The oils would float to the surface and be skimmed off. The remaining water was used as a floral water.

Some early condensing units were built in Pakistan as early as 4000 B.C., according to one author. With the advent of steam distillation a more refined quality of essential oils was able to be obtained. It may be that Napolean brought back information about steam distillation from Egypt to France in the late 1700's.

In the process of steam distillation, steam is sent through the plant material which has been placed into a chamber of the unit. This steam stimulates the plant membranes to open and release their oils. The water vapor now goes into another chamber where it is cooled and the essential oils come to the surface where they can be separated. The art of distillation is most important to the quality of the oils. Low pressure and low temperature yield the finest medicinal quality essential oils. The amount of time the plant material spends in the distilling chamber is also an important factor, determining whether some of its primary constitutents will even be present.

In the 1920's the development of chemical extraction was introduced. Solvents are used to extract the essential oils. The oils are then taken through another process to extract the solvents. Many times chemical residues can be left behind. For this reason, we do not use solvent extracted oils, such as absolutes, internally. CO2 (carbon dioxide) extraction is another method used today.

In many European countries today, essential oils are used in clinics and hospitals. Researchers at The Pasteur Institute have discovered, for instance, that oils of Thyme, Clove, Mint, Marjoram, Pine and Oregano strongly inhibit the microbes that cause Tuberculosis, Cholera and Staphylococcal infections. In tests at Weber University, Cinnamon oil has proven more effective than Ampicillin in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcal infections and unlike conventional antibiotic drugs, essential oils tend to leave beneficial bacteria intact while killing disease producing bacteria (pathogens). Additionally, bacteria do not acquire resistance to the oils as they do with antibiotics. Today when so many illnesses and bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, the therapeutic effects of essential oils and their immune-boosting abilities may be just what we need.

The use of essential oils for emotional health is also rising. Promoting relaxation, improving mental acuity, calming and soothing, essential oils are a healthy replacement for synthetic and chemically formulated pharmaceutical drugs. These pharmaceutical drugs can have negative side effects and lead to subsequent health complications. Pure, natural and without side effects, essential oils are the perfect de-stressors to our fast, paced, high stressed lifestyles.

Essentially plants seem to be helpers, here to teach us more about ourselves and our environment, serving us in many profound ways.


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Chemical Constituents

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In nature plants take in the elements of sun, earth, air and water and convert them into molecules of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats during the process of photosynthesis. Chemically essential oils are made up of alcohol, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, terpenes, sesquiterpenes, ethers and esters which work together to affect the body in various ways and have pharmocologic and therapeutic properties.

For example. pure and unadulterated Lavender oil has more than 4 times (4X) the germ killing power of Phenol (a common disinfectant), Rosemary oil more than 5X, Clove oil more than 9X and Thyme oil more than 12X.

The cellular structure and chemical composition of DNA in plants, animals and people are basically the same, with hydrogen, carbon and oxygen being the primary elements. Both plants and humans depend on chelating chemicals in the blood to transport nutrients. In humans iron in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells and in plants magnesium at the center of their cells accomplish this. Considering the process is similar in both plants and humans, this may explain why certain parts of the plant act as keys to many of our physical and mental processes.

Through the use of chemistry plants can talk to each other, defend against predators and attack other species to protect their resources. Possibly this explains why trees can live and adapt over many generations, some living for over 2000 years. When under attack trees produce a chemical tannin which can be detected (Professor Wouter Van Hoven's work in Africa) within 15 minutes. These tannins showed up as an increase in the leaves within an hour. It took 24 to 100 hours after the attack before the trees returned to their normal chemical state. The trees also let other trees in the area know about the attack, presumably by an airborne chemical messenger or hormone. Observers thought these messages were sent by air since an increase of tannins was noted in other trees which were not under direct attack and were not connected by their root systems to the original trees.

Trees also produce chemicals which insects ingest and leave behind in their droppings. These chemicals prevent other plants from growing nearby and conserves resources for the tree.

Aroma molecules also give off an infrared radiation that can be picked up by other insects and probably animals and humans. Humans have their own infrared emanations which seem to relate to the subtle molecular odors or pheromones that surround a person. Infrared radiation can also be absorbed. John Tyndale discovered that the essential oils of Patchouli, Sandalwood, Cloves, Lavender, Rose, Lemon, Thyme, Rosemary and Aniseed can absorb infrared rays. These were the oils he experimented with and it is believed other oils have these same capabilities. It is known that infrared exposure improves circulation and opens blood vessels, bringing blood to the surface. This could be why the oils which are also known to absorb infrared radiation can increase circulation and oxygenate the blood.

Many times just the placement of a hydrogen atom can determine the smell of a compound. All of the components are the same chemically, only in one the hydrogen atom sits to the right, which causes the plane of polarization of light to rotate to the right. In the other it is sitting to the left causing the polarization of light to be to rotate to the left. When this happens identical aroma molecules will be called laevorotary (left) or dextrorotary (right) and each will have a completely different smell. Spearmint (left) and caraway (right) are an example of this and are called stereo-isomers.

There may be 200 to 800 different chemical constituents in a single oil and each has its own effect on the body. For example, Aldehydes are anti-infectious, sedative and calming to the nervous system. Eugenols are stimulating and antiseptic. Ketones stimulate cell regeneration and liquify mucous. Phenols are antiseptic and kill viruses and bacteria. Sesquiterpenes are anti-inflammatory and bring increased oxygen to the brain and stimulate the endocrine glands, Terpene Alcohols are anti-bacterial and work as diuretics and de-congestants.The list could go on and on.

David Stewart mentions in his book, Healing Oils of the Bible, three types of terpenes. The first is called phenylpropanoids or hemiterpenes, which work to clean the receptor sites on the cells. The receptor sites are where information is transferred in the cells through hormones, peptides, neurotransmitters, steroids or other intracellular messengers. You can see how clogged receptor sites could create a scenario of mis-communication. The hemiterpenes are found in Clove (90%), Cassia (80%), Oregano (60%), Anise (50%) and Peppermint (25%) oils. These oils are also well known for their anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities. Another variety of terpenes is called sesquiterpenes. They deliver oxygen to the cells and also seem to be capable of erasing or de-programing miswritten information in the DNA. Sesquiterpenes are the principal constituent of Cedarwood (98%), Vetiver (97%), Spikenard (83%), Sandalwood (90%), Black Pepper (74%), Patchouli (71%), Myrrh (62%) and Ginger (59%). They are also found in a lesser quantity in Galbanum, Benzoin and Frankincense (all 8%). The third terpene is called monoterpenes. Oils high in these chemicals have many valuable healing properties. One extraordinary ability of monoterpenes is their capacity to re-program information in the cellular memory. Improper coding in the DNA can lead to malfunctioning of cells and subsequently to disease. These oils work to correct this information. The oils highest in monoterpenes are Galbanum (80%), Angelica (73%), Hyssop (70%), Cistus (54%), Peppermint (45%), Juniper (40%), Frankincense (40%), Spruce (38%), Pine (30%), Cypress (28%) and Myrtle (25%).

The diversity of essential oil chemistry would require years of study to completely understand. Books listed in the resource pages can give you more detailed information on this topic, should you care to know more. Suffice it to say, it is this chemistry which gives us clues to understanding WHY and HOW essential oils work.



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SCIENCE OF OLFACTION & EMOTIONAL HEALTH

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Much work is being done to research the reactions of olfaction on humans, including studies on learning, spending, performance, stress and mood changes. It is known that aroma can infleunce our reactions. It is frightening to think chemical companies can manipulate and exploit us by using
certain fragrances and aromas. Additonally, when they use synthetic and non-biodegradable fragrances (which they currently do) our atmosphere is being filled with life threatening substances. Who is this serving?

Click here to read an article about synthetic fragrancing

Aroma has a direct action on the brain because the molecules connect with receptor cells in the cilia. These cells are embedded in a layer of mucous on either side and on top of the nasal cavity. These cilia are part of the olfaction bulbs, which are part of the brain.There are 800 million nerve endings here. Interestingly, these cells are replaced every 28 days, which is one moon cycle. This state of constant regeneration may have something to do with the importance of smell to our survival. This seemed more important thousands of years ago when we were challenged daily and more directly by outside forces. This seems like a part of ourselves we may have dis-connected from in today's world. Another interesting fact indicating the importance of olfaction is that the nasal mucous cells contain P450 enzymes. These enzymes are also predominant in the brain's sense cells, the liver and on our skin.These are very efficient metabolic alterants, that work to prevent toxins from damaging the body. P450 enzymes work in the areas where toxic chemicals make contact with the body most frequently. Through the work of these enzymes, toxins will be altered and either incorporated for use in the body or expelled.

The limbic system, which is our primal brain and the home of our emotions, is most directly involved in the process of olfaction. The limbic system is made up of the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning, the amygdala, the septal area and several regions of the cerebral cortex. Here it forms a ring-like base. The latin name for border is limbus. The limbic system is a link between the voluntary and involuntary nervous systems and the left and right brain. This part of our brain is involved in the processing of and reaction to our emotions, desires, appetites and memories. It also is in direct communication to our pituitary and pineal glands. These are the master glands of the endocrine system and they direct many of our bodily processes.

Our thoughts and feelings create chemical reactions in our body. These reactions can affect us physically. We can see an example of this reaction in the flush of our skin in response to a thought or feeling. Aroma molecules set off reactions involving proteins, enzymes, cell depolarization and other messengers which convert odors into electrical impulses being sent to the brain also. Aromas influence on these impulses can therfore effect us both physiologically and emotionally, just as our thoughts and feelings do.

The various information molecules thoughout our body are called ligands. They come in the form of peptides, neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, antigens, toxins, bacteria, viruses, hormones and drugs. They fit into the receptor molecules on the outside of our cells, like a key into a lock, receiving and passing instructions. These are the center of the body/mind connection. Research shows that even a small quantity of oil can create stimulation and influence these molecules. When ligands bind with cell receptors and information is passed, cells begin to vibrate and fire sparks through the axon. This releases more ligands and information is passed on to the next cell. This can happen billions of times in a matter of seconds. This is communication, though a lot is unconsious a majority of it can be controlled by thoughts. Maybe, it is this hum or vibration that creates a certain resonance in our body or becomes the subtle energy field that we call the aura. All of this humming and vibrating may be the invisible attraction that holds our atoms together, our chi, prana or mana.

In 1989, Dr. Joseph Ledoux, of the New York Medical Center, determined that the amygdala plays a major role in storing memories of fear and trauma and that scent stimulation of the amygdala is a key to unlocking this stored trauma in the body.
Releasing stored trauma is vital to our emotional and physical health. Our feelings are neither negative or positive. It is only when we allow our feelings to run us or control our responses that we find ourselves out of balance. Unpleasant emotions and feelings are generally fear based.

Storing unpleasant emotions causes physical and/or emotional pain and suffering. Our goal is to gain insight into these emotions, not suppress them. They are there to teach us about ourselves. They contain our history and provide us with guidance, leading us to our higher evolution. We can gain mastery from the action we take in response to these emotions and feelings. When we react we are acting again on information we once had from a previous situation, even though the situation we are experiencing is now a new one. This is an emotional pattern, a groove that is in our brains and stored throughout our cellular structure. That is why it can be so hard to change cellular memory. These grooves are deeply entrenched in our mental, physical and emotional patterns. Some of these may be survival mechanisms from our early childhood. These emotions are stored in our organs, glands and cells. Each organ has a vibratory frequency, as do emotions, so they tend to settle in areas of similar frequency.

For example: the colon stores the emotions of struggle and survuval; the reproductive organs, suppressed creativity and sexuality; the lungs grief and sadness; the gallbladder, obsession, worry and over-analyzing; the kidneys and bladder, fear, resentment and frustration; the liver, anger and hatred; the diaphragm, fear of death and a combination of other emotions. Many times accidents, disease and emotional/mental disorders can be caused by our subconscious need to protect ourselves from fear. Most people generally will protect themselves by suppressing their fear with denial, food, drugs, disease, alcohol and various other addictions.

Once we can locate the underlying emotion, learn the lesson it holds for us and release the cellular pattern we can change. We can feel the emotion, experience the other side of that emotion and create a new way of looking at it. Of course, one must be willing and ready for this change as it requires focused energy to shift direction and choose a new experience. Essential oils may just be the helpers we need to assist us with this mastery,

Below is a list of essential oils used most frequently for emotional healing. I have also included charts showing emotional muscular sites, as these are places where particular emotions are held in the body. This information is taken from Valerie Worwood's books THE FRAGRANT MIND and THE FRAGRANT HEAVENS.

TO HELP DISSIPATE FEAR:

Frankincense, Cypress, Cedarwood, Rose Maroc, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood, Basil, Coriander, Ginger, Bergamot, Cinnamon

TO HELP DISSIPATE GUILT:

Jasmine, Pine, Rose Otto, Juniper, Benzoin, Clary Sage, Clove,

TO HELP DISSIPATE FEELINGS OF UNWORTHINESS:

Frankincense, Rose Maroc, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Clove, Mandarin, Geranium, Cedarwood

TO HELP FACILITATE LETTING GO:

Pine, Coriander, Myrtle, Tuberose, Frankincense, Juniper, Cypress, Lemon, Cardamom, Melissa

TO HELP US RECEIVE LOVE:

Rose Otto, Neroli, Lavender, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Orange



EMOTIONAL MUSCULAR SITES ON THE FRONT OF THE BODY

Illustration from THE FRAGRANT MIND by Valerie Worwood






EMOTIONAL MUSCULAR SITES ON THE BACK OF THE BODY

Illustration from THE FRAGRANT MIND by Valerie Worwood









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FREQUENCY OF OILS

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The measurable rate of electrical flow between two points is called frequency. Everything has frequency. Scent is created by the rate that molecules move according to Dr. Luca Turin, of University College in London. Dr. Turin is doing work on the vibration rate of aromatic materials. This rate can speed up or slow down, depending on the oil. He believes it is the vibration rate rather than the molecular shape that make oils smell a certain way.

There are numerous ancient accounts of people who could see the movement of energy as light, such as the halos described in the Bible. Now Kirilian photography shows us this energy does exist. Pictures of the brain also show color changes when aroma is introduced. The brillance of the colors also show up as dark, cloudy or missing when there is impairment or lower frequency.

You can also see how oils affect the human aura through Polycontrast Interface Photography (PIP). This was invented by Harry Oldfield. You can actually see the oils interact with the human aura in these pictures. I have included these photos from Valerie Worwood's book Fragrant Heavens, at the end of this page.

When oils are placed in the palm of the hand the auric field gets brighter and wider than the field in the control photographs where NO oils are introduced. It may be that essential oils help to re-organize the aura as the energy is stirred up and stimulated. This now gives us the opportunity to change our perspective and move through stuck energy spaces. The energy becomes more coherent through the assistance of essential oils on the auric or energy field. Oils can align frequencies, thus balancing and harmonizing body organs. Mixing and blending oils amplifies these frequencies, as does using them with crystals. Lower frequency oils effect structural and physical changes, while higher frequency oils have a profound effect on emotional and spiritual regions.

Additionally, work is being done by Dr. Valerie Hunt, who has measured the energy field or aura with highly advanced and technical instruments. She has noted that there is another electrical current beyond the known alternating current of the nervous system. This second frequency is continuous and oscillates at 500-20,000 cycles (this is as high as can be currently measured) instead of the 0-250 cycles of the brain, heart, muscle frequencies which we are accustom to monitoring with EEG and ECG machines.These readings of the "energy field" change with input of light and sound BEFORE the changes are registered by the body. Ms. Hunt therefore believes "a person's primary response in this world takes place first in the field, not the sensory nerves or the brain." She also believes the energy field is the highest level of the mind.
The patterns of flow in the field seemed to correspond to the path of connective tissue, not the classical Chinese meridian flow.
She noted that by increasing the electrical field in a room, an expansion of consciousness and clarity of thought were reported by those involved. When decreased, people lost their sense of where their body was located in space. When magnetism was increased subjects were more agile and had increased motor ability. When magnetism was decreased simple coordination was difficult. The use of essential oils in the field alone, not directly on the physical body, has shown an effect on the field, possibly making it easier for us to adjust and move blocked energy.

In 1992, it was discovered that pure essential oils have a bio-electrical frequency. Bruce Tainio, of Tainio Technology (an independent division of Eastern State University) in Cheny, Washington, created a bio-freqency monitor to calculate this frequency. He found the average frequency of a human body is between 62-68 MHz. Dr. Robert O'Becker (The Body Electric) states "much about a person's health can be determined by the frequency of the person's body". If the frequency drops, the immune system is compromised. Colds and flu symptoms appear at 58 MHz, Candida at 55 MHz, Epstein Barr virus at 52 MHz and Cancer at 42 MHz. The process of dying begins at 25 MHz.

Dr. Gary Young noticed in his private practice, that when using oils patients begin to feel emotionally rejeuvenated at first and then within seconds their symptoms start to abate and pain decreased 50 - 80% within 3 minutes. This led him to doing work with Bruce Tainio on oil frequency measurements.

Other substances that have been measured for their frequency levels include; processed foods at 0 MHz, whole foods at up to 15 MHz, dry herbs from 12 - 22 MHz and pure essential oils from 52 - 320 MHz. Adulterated oils have lower frequency levels, even as low as 0 MHz. Rose oil has the highest frequency of the oils at 320 MHz. Other high frequency oils include: Helichrysum at 181, Ravensara at 134, Lavender at 118, Wild Tansy, German Chamomile and Myrrh at 105, Melissa at 102, Sandalwood at 96, Angelica at 85, Peppermint at 78, Galbanum at 56 and Basil at 52. The electrical frequencies of pure essential oils seem to be related to their ability to kill even virulent micro- organisms. Readings can change based on who is handling the oils, which indicates that essential oils are interfacing with the energy field of those handling them~ it is a reciprocal process. Bruce Tainio also found that thoughts had an affect on the frequency of the oils. Negative thoughts lowered the frequency of oils by 12 MHz and positive thoughts increased them by 10 MHz. Prayer seemed to raise the frequency by 15 MHz.

Dr. Gary Young has done experiments that show increases in an individual's frequency levels and reduction of headache symptoms after only a few seconds when an oil formula of Helichrysum, Lavender and Chamomile were simply inhaled. Dr. Young also discovered in his frequency experiments, when the right and left lobes of the brain varied even only a few points in frequency from each other, a headache would occur. A difference of over 10 would usually accompany a severe migraine headache. In another experiment by Dr. Young, the frequency measurement of a 26 year old man showed a decrease after just holding a cup of coffee for 3 seconds. It took three days for his frequency level to go back to the original level without using any essential oils. Another young man showed the same decrease after drinking a cup of coffee, however, when he inhaled essential oils his frequency returned to normal in 21 seconds.

Recent research in Japan has confirmed that synthetic floral perfumes can limit brain function while pure essential oils enhance the range and activity of brain function within twenty seconds of inhalation. One study found the test scores and alertness of students increased by 28% when pure peppermint oils was diffused in the classroom of students while learning and later during the testing periods.

Dr. Valnet an M.D. from France, who is a medical researcher and essential oil expert, says about clove oil, "it has been found to have electronic constituents which are opposed to cancer and viral diseases." So we can see the high frequency of the oils can raise the electrical frequency of our body, creating an environment in which low frequency organisms cannot function.

Dr. Royal Rife (physician and scientist, practicing in the 1920's) found that every health disorder has a frequency. A person maintaining a high frequency can prevent development of these disorders or destroy a low frequency disorder. Clinical research has found that the high frequency of essential oils create an environment where bacteria, fungus and viruses cannot survive. Essential oils provide a positive frequency for the body. This frequency can be lowered by negative thoughts, invading pathogens and pH imbalance. The acidic condtion of a hydrogen dominant body chemistry has a low frequency and an alkaline conditon of a calcium dominant body chemistry has a higher one.

There is also a theory that the electromagnetic emissions of the oils are converted into higher frequency ultrasound emissions. Nikola Tesla knew, if we could eliminate certain outside frequencies that interfere with the body we would have a greater resistance to disease. Other scientists have dissolved tumors by running electrical currents through the tumors and found that when cell voltage dropped too low cells began to change. Dr. Warburg who has done much cancer research states that "cancer has only one prime cause and that is the replacement of normal oxygen respiration of the body cells by an anaerobic cell respiration".

In terms of energetic frequency, another indicator is the rate of evaporation an essential oil has. This is designated as a top note, which evaporates quickly, a middle note, which has an average rate and a bottom note which has a slow evaporation rate. The quicker the rate the quicker the aroma molecules are released into the air and can influence the auric field.

SOME COMMON BASE NOTES:

Benzoin, Cistus, Galbanum, Myrrh, Orris Root, Patchouli, Sandalwood and Vetiver

SOME COMMON MIDDLE NOTES:

Bay, Black Pepper, Cardamon, Cedarwood, Chamomile (German), Chamomile (Maroc),
Cinnamon Leaf, Clary Sage, Clove Bud, Cypress, Geranium, Ginger, Helichrysum, Hyssop, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Sweet Marjoram, Melissa, Nutmeg, Oregano, Palmarosa, Parsley Seed, Rose Maroc, Rosemary, Rosewood, Sage, Tagetes, Thyme, Tumeric, Yarrow, Ylang Ylang

SOME COMMON TOP NOTES:

Aniseed, Basil, Bergamot, Caraway, Cajeput, Chamomile (Roman), Citronella, Coriander, Eucalyptus Globulus, Sweet Fennel, Fir, Frankincense, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Niauoli, Orange, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Rose Otto, Spearmint

Also in regard to frequency, it has been shown that the electrical frequency of our earth is rising, it is now at 9 hz. and it once was 7.8 hz. The magnetic pulse of the earth is decreasing and may be heading for what Gregg Bradden (geologist) is calling the ZERO POINT. According to Bradden, at this point the earth stops and may reverse direction as polarities are reversed. Whether this were to happen or not, it seems reasonable that if the earth is rising in frequency, so are we as part of the earth. I believe this indicates we are in need of higher frequency energies in our food and medicines, if we are going to be able to sustain this higher frequency.

As technology allows us to become more aware of the "subtle" energy of all living matter, we can see how the high frequency of essential oils help us to raise our energy field to a higher level of frequency and vibration, therefore supporting our vibrant health and well-being.

Taken from The Fragrant Heavens, written by Valerie Worwood




These photos are stills from video film taken through Polycontrast Interface Photography (PIP), invented by Harry Oldfield. They show the images of the energy fields of the essential oils of Rose Otto, on the top and Hyssop, on the bottom, as they appear on the end of a smelling strip.

Taken from "The Fragrant Heavens" by Valerie Worwood




Essential oils on the LEFT are Neroli, at the top, Frankincense, in the middle and Juniper at the bottom. On the RIGHT are Jasmine, at the top, Yuzu (an oil similar to Frankincense) in the middle and Patchouli at the bottom.

Taken from THE FRAGRANT HEAVENS by Valerie Worwood




The top hand is a hand WITHOUT essential oil. This is the control. The hand at the bottom is the same hand which has a drop of Lavender oil in the palm. You can see the increased energy striations around the thumb, fingers and arm.

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POLARITY AND COLOR ASSOCIATED WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

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Essential oils have electrical properties that are expressed as positive and negative polarity. The electro-positive oils are missing an electron and as they willingly acquire them from other cells, they produce heat. These are the heating oils, such as Oregano, Thyme, Clove and Savory. Interestingly, these oils are often of the red-orange color.The electro-negative oils have an extra electron which they can donate and have a cooling effect. Oils such as Blue Chamomile fit into this category, which is blue in color.The neutral oils tend to be of the yellow-greenish colors and include such oils as Lavender, Clary Sage and Roman Chamomile.

The chemical composition of an oil also give us clues to its' electrical properties. Aldehydes being electro-negative, Mono-terpene hydro-carbons being electro-positive. Phenols being electro-positive,Turpene Alcohols being electro-positive and Esters being neutral.
Mono-terpenes, as present in citrus oils, have been shown in preliminary animal research to have anti-tumor activity. Orange peel oil for example contains 90% of a mono-terpene called d-limonene. These mono-terpenes seem to have mechanisms for cancer prevention. (This information from Crowell PL. J. Nutr 1999. 775-78 Prevention and Therapy of Cancer by Dietary Mono-Terpenes).

The polarity (high or low) of an essential oil is an indicator of its' hydrophilic (water loving) or lipophilic (fat loving) nature. Wet, hydrophilic oils, such as Geranium and Rose, have high constituents of Alcohol, a high polarity and mix well with water. Dry, lipophilic oils, such as Pine and Citrus, have high constituents of Terpenes, a low polarity and mix well with fats. Neutral oils include, Lavender, Clary Sage, Basil, Anise, Tarragon and Roman Chamomile. Again we are shown, how the chemical constiuents of an oil help us determine its' energetic properties.

There is also something called a piezoelectric effect. This occurs when electrical energy is produced from pressure exerted on the electrons of a substance, particularly cyrstalline substances. DNA and the crystalline minerals found around collagen fibers in the bones and connective tissue of the body are some of the things which can be affected by this piezoelectric effect. Essential oils can ifluence this effect as they donate or receive electrons..

Some healers believe the color of an oil may be an integral part of its bio-electrical value, since color has frequency. Each color has a particular frequency. Yellow and green frequencies are in the middle of the low red, frequency and the high blue-violet frequency. Color is registered by our eye according to the length of the wave produced by light. Red has a longer wave length and violet a shorter wave. White light is a blending of equal wave lengths. The color we see is actually the color of the spectrum that the object has not absorbed. It is therefore a reflection of that color we are seeing.

Most oils are light or pale yellow or green. Some oils appear colorless. There are also deep green, red and dark blue oils. We see many different colors when we put a drop or two of an essential oil on the surface of warm water in a white container and look at it in the sunlight. These appear as ripples of color and there can be an interplay between the colors. These ripples are something like the colors we can see on a soap bubble. The color(s) may be nothing like the color(s) we see when we look at that oil in a bottle as it stored on our shelf. This is also different then the aura colors we saw in the PIP video stills shown in the information on the frequency of essential oils and in Valerie Worwoods book, The Fragrant Heavens.

To read more about the frequency of Essential Oils.

The color of an essential oil can vary depending on the species, the conditions of where and how it was grown, the weather, the altitude and also how it was processed after harvesting. Differences can also occur according to the length of time, the temperature and the amount of pressure used when being distilled. Color also can change when affected by heat, chemicals or oscillation. It becomes apparent that it is really difficult to know the true color of an essential oil.

The aroma molecule or the vibration of an essential oil can be imprinted on water, much like what happens when we create a flower essence. Here the petals are placed on water and their energetic blue print is imparted into the water. Likewise, with essential oils, the function of the aroma molecule becomes imprinted throughout the body of water that it has contacted. This phenomena is known as the Coander effect. Even when water has passed over a molecule for only a second, water can replicate and retain the memory of that substance. Thought forms projected on to the water can also have an effect. This has been shown in photographs taken by Dr. David Schweitzer. This is also visually apparent in the work of Masaru Emoto, a visionary Japanese researcher. You can check out some of his incredible photos at the following website,

http://www.wellnessgoods.com/art_wat_messages.html

Many scientists today believe water contains somatids, given their name by Gaston Naessens. These are visible light bodies that can be seen with an electronic microscopes. They can not be cut by diamonds, destroyed by ultra-violet radiation or nuclear radiation of over 50,000 rems or temperatures of over 200 centigrade. The strongest anti-bacterial or anti-fungal chemical agents do not seem to harm them either. These somatids have a three stage cycle in a healthy person. When the immune
system is depleted they go through another thirteen evolving forms. These forms include bacteria, yeasts, mycobacterial, ascopores, asci and mycelia. These somatids seem to become more active with positive thoughts and less active with negative thoughts. They are fundamentally electrical in nature and according to Francoise Naessen, assistant to Gaston Naessen, "they are actually tiny condensers of energy, the smallest so far found." Could these be the source of electrical energy that Dr. Hunt has been measuring outside the normal contractions of our muscles, the beat of our heart or the peaks and dips of our brain waves?

To read more about this electrical energy, read the information about Dr. Hunt on the Frequency of Essential Oils pages

The watery mucous area at the top of the nasal cavity, which receives the aroma molecules and translates them to the brain when we inhale, may be implicated when we see the profound and rapid effects of essential oils on the physical, emotional and spiritual body. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity with the ability to imprint the energetic patterns of any substance that it contacts as we have seen. Our brain is 90% water, knowing this may account for the rapid effects we experience from essential oils.

We can see essential oils as keys to unlocking chemical reactions, as catalysts that can cause chemical transformation or act as electrical and frequency moderators. Either way they are bringing about a stimulation of the body's mechanism and are EFFECTORS. In this way they are part of the electro-magnetic chemical mix that makes up the human body.

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OXYGENATING QUALITIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

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Dr. Farag, head of biochemistry at the University of Cairo, has documented the
oxygenating molecular activity of essential oils. Some pure esential oils have been proven to increase oxygen in the body 21%. This increase would then contribute to the increase of frequency in the body. Herbs and vitamins give us a 6-7% increase of oxygen, while minerals and hydrogen peroxide give us a 9% increase. Many diseases cannot exist in the presence of oxygen. Also, as oxygen is delivered to the cells there is better absorption of nutrients and cellular regeneration begins.

Essential oils oxygenating molecules transport nutrients into the cells. Their small size and their lipophilic (fat loving) and hydrophilic (water loving) nature are in harmony with our cells, allowing them to pass through the interstitial fluid easily.They can cross the blood brain barrier and enter the circulatory system rapidly, The brain holds 15% of our blood supply making it easy to transport these molecules into our circualtory systems where they can travel throughout the body.

By keeping our oxygen levels high we can better maintain our health. The oxygenating qualities of essential oils can assist us in nourishing and cleansing so we can obtain higher levels of health and vibrancy.


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MODES OF APPLICATION

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Essential oils penetrate our body through our skin, nasal passages, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. They now go into the lymph and blood circulation. As components of the oil circulate with the blood, the tissues and organs can use them in their own metabolic proceeses. For example, lemon oil is full of vitamins B1, B2, B3, A, C and PP (a factor in the protection of the vascular system). It increases lymph function and leukocyte formation. The components of the oils can be received by the blood, along with the beneficial properties specific to each oil, i.e. sedation, stimulation, cooling and tonification.

Essential oils can be detected in all the cells of the body 21 minutes after application. Essential oils are the healing life force of plants and are 50 times (50X) or more powerful than the raw plant itself. They bring oxygen, nutrients and other therapeutic elements along with them to the cells.

Essential oils are of a volatile nature, which means they leave the body quickly, usually within 48 hours (a little longer if the person is obese). As they are being excreted the oils can effect our body also. For example: Eucalyptus may be outgassed as a vapor from the lungs with effect on the mucous membranes as it exits. Rose oil is extracted by the liver and it will be held briefly by the gallbladder before it is dumped into the G.I. tract where it can have a profound affect on these organ systems. Juniper may be filtered out by the kidneys, doing its work there and others may exit throught the skin, influencing sebaceous glands and becoming part of our skins protective mantle (layer).

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METHODS OF USE AND GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR VOLUME

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• Anointing: 1-2 drops in 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable carrier oil.

• Baths: 1-6 drops. Run the tub, add oil and swish. For sensitive skin dilute in vegetable oil one drop for one drop of essential oil. Avoid oils that can cause skin irritation such as, basil, cinnamon, clove, grapefruit, eucalyptus, peppermint, lemon, thyme and lime. For a salt bath add 2 drops of essential oil into a teaspoon of salt, mix and add to bath.

• Body oils: 10-20 drops in 30 mls (one fluid ounce) of vegetable oil. When making a blend add essential oils to the bottle first then roll it in your hand to mix, then add carrier oil and mix again. Label bottles with ingredients, purpose for its use and the date.

• Compresses: 2 drops to a pint of cold or hot water, depending on your needs.

• Diffusers: 6-12 drops or more
You can create various blends or use a
single oils specfic to your need. Use oils to calm, detoxify, for colds or other medical challenges, to stimulate or uplift
and to purify the air.

• Showers: 1-2 drops can be put on a separate washcloth, wipe over body avoiding delicate tissue. DO this while the water is running over you. Breathe deeply.

• Tissue or Handkerchief: 1-2 drops. Inhale as needed.

• Room Sprays: 6-10 drops in 8 ounces of water which you can mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt into. Use a plant mister or other
spray bottle. Spray away from clothing, eyes or furniture so as not to damage.

• Fires: 1 drop of oil per log. Let sit for one hour before placing on fire as essential oils are flammable.

• On Light Bulbs: Use 1 or 2 drops only. Oils are flammable so be sure you put them on a cool light bulb, not one that has already heated up. Light rings are also
available.

• Perfume: Dilute essential oils 50/50 with jojoba oil

• Sweat Lodges: 5-10 drops on water that is placed on to the rocks.

• Laundry Applications: A few drops added to laundry soaps and powders will fragrance and sanitize your clothing while you do the washing. With powders, use a fork to blend and incorporate the oils. You can make bigger batches to avoid having to do this with each load. Also a few drops of oil on a handkerchief that is placed in the dryer will add a lovely fragrance, of your choice, to your clothes. Lavender and
patchouli work well.

• Garbage cans or trash compactors: Put a few drops of lemon or other tree oils, such as pine, eucalyptus or cedar into the empty can each time you empty it.

• Kitchen and bathroom fragrancing: A drop or two of can be added to the toilet paper or paper towel cardboard tube each
time you replace them.

• Vacuum cleaner freshener: Add 3-4 drops to your filter or place a fragranced cotton ball in the vacuum cleaner bag.

• To drive away mosquitos: Add a few drops of citronella oil to your floral arrangements or the melted wax of your candles.

• Closet freshners and insect repellants: Oils
of clove, lavender and cedarwood keep moths away. Place a few drops on a strip of cloth or a cotton ball in the closet. Refreshen as needed.


Learn to make your own household products and personal care items using essential oils. Many recipes are included in the books I have listed on my resource pages and bibliography. Not only will you get the health benefits of the oils themselves but you will be sure the products you are using are free of synthetics and harmful chemicals. Making products is fun and you can get very creative. You will save money too. These inspirations can be given as gifts to friends and family. I have found people are thrilled to get something I have personally made for them. This is a lovely way to give to yourself as well. Take the time to let your body know you care about it. Once you get the knack, you will find making these items does not take much time and you may find it will give you a great deal of satisfaction.

You can read more about making you own body care products on my web page, by clicking here.

Check links page to connect with companies using therapeutic grade essential oils for personal care and household products.

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CARRIER OR BASE OILS

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Most times essential oils are NOT used in their pure form because they are too concentrated. They are generally diluted in a carrier oil, which is a fatty oil. Some of the most common carrier oils are almond, apricot kernel, coconut, grapeseed, sesame, hazel nut, avocado, walnut, sunflower, safflower, kukui and macadamia nut oils. Olive oil has excellent qualities also, yet is not used often because it is very heavy in both texture and smell. Jojoba oil is also often used because it less likely to go rancid, though it is actually a wax. Though you can use any oil, or blends of any of the oils listed, you may want to choose your carrier oil based on its particular signature and energietics.

ATTRIBUTES OF MORE FREQUENTLY USED CARRIER OILS

ALMOND OIL. Use ONLY sweet almond oil, not bitter almond which can be poisonous and irritating to the skin. Sweet almond is heating and has a mild smell and is a favorite of many aroma and massage therapists.

APRICOT KERNEL OIL. Another favorite among massage therapists, as it is not a strong smelling oil. Apricot kernel is warming, sweet and makes the skin feel smooth.

COCONUT OIL. This oil is cooling, reflects radiation from the sun and is very moisturizing. Note that coconut oil does not have an aroma unless a synthetic fragrance has been added.

GRAPESEED OIL. This is a very pentetrating oil. Be sure of how this oil has been extracted as many times it is solvent expressed.

SESAME OIL. Nourishing, high in minerals and able to block 45% of ultraviolet rays, this oil is very protective and good for use in sun screen products.

AVOCADO OIL. This oil is high in Vitamins E, A and D. It is a good oil to use for preventing deterioration of our skin elasticity and is good for many skin condtions, such as eczema. Highly moisturizing, warming and sweet, unrefined avocado oil also has sun screen properties .

OLIVE OIL. Is a neutral oil, with antiseptic and stimulating properties. Good for joint pain and often used to soften and decongest the biliary system.

SAFFLOWER OIL. A warm and pungent oil.

SUNFLOWER OIL. A sweet and cooling oil. Nourishing to the skin and good for rashes.

Many times I use an oil which has already been infused with herbs, such as calendula, chamomile or helichrysum. In this way I am starting with a medicated oil base that I can now add my essential oils to. Many other plant materials can be used to make a medicated oil.

To learn how to make a medicated oil go to the HERBAL INFORMATION page

I will also mention here that wheat germ oil, though too expensive to be used as a carrier oil, can be added to other oil blends as an anit-oxidant. This will extend the life of the oil blend and keep it from going ranicd as quickly. Add 1 part wheat germ oil to 10 parts of the other oil or oils. A few drops of Vitamin E oil, added to your oil blend, can serve this purpose too.

When making a blend, add the essential oils first, one by one, blending by rolling the bottle in your hands. This movement allows the oils to synergistically blend with each other. NOW you can add the base oil to the essential oils. Mix by turning the bottle upside down first, this integrates the oils, then roll again between your hands. This rolling process is the same one you may have used when making ropes from clay for creating bowls or other pottery items. This method of mixing seems to energize the blend.

It is always important to know the quality of the carrier oils you are using. Be sure they are organic, cold-pressed and virgin. This way you will know they have not been grown using pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, have not been heated and have been taken from the first pressing of the oil material. Sometimes as little as one drop of essential oil can be used to get the desired effect you are after. You can experiment or follow some of the guidlines listed above.

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ESSENTIAL OIL SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS

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• It is a good idea to wash your hands
before and after using essential oils. This
protects you from contaminating your precious oils and also keeps you safe from inadvertantly getting oils in your eyes or other sensitive skin areas.

• ALWAYS test an essential oil on a small area of the skin before using, especially if you have sensitive skin or it is your first time using the oil. Everyone's body is different.

• ALWAYS store your oils in a cool dark
place, as direct sunlight and heat can
destroy the healing constituents of your oils. Keep bottles tightly closed.

• ALWAYS put your oils into a glass or specially prepared container, as essential oils will melt through plastic, virtually turning it into a plastic goo.

• NEVER put oils in your eyes or ears. You can use them around the ears and eyes. If you should happen to get some in your eyes or on sensitive skin, DO NOT flush with water, it will only drive the oil in deeper. Oil and water do not mix. Instead, dilute oil by using a few drops of pure vegetable oil on the area affected, even in the eyes, if needed.

• ALWAYS proceed carefully and with guidance when using essential oils if any of the following conditions exist: pregnancy, high blood pressure, epilepsy, open wounds,
diabetes, sensitive skin and allergies.

• Keep oils out of the reach of children.
Though essential oils are wonderful for children, keep in mind they have very sensitive skin. ALWAYS dilute oils with pure vegetable oil prior to application for people with sensitive skin types. The bottoms of the feet are a safe and effective place to use oils.

• Citrus oils can make skin photo-sensitive
and may cause rashes or pigmentation changes to the skin when worn on an area that is exposed to direct sunlight. This can happen even 3 to 4 days after exposure. The high coumarin content of these oils allows the body to absorb more ultra-violet light. The rash will usually disappear in a few days but it can discolor the skin for longer.

• The following oils can be caustic to the skin and should be diluted with a vegetable carrier oil prior to application.

These include: the CITRUS oils of bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, mandarin & orange; the CONIFERS oils of birch, cedarwood, juniper, pine and spruce; the SPICE oils of cinnamon, clove, ginger, marjoram, nutmeg, pepper & thyme. Particular care should be taken with cinnamon, lemongrass, oregano & thyme as these are the strongest and most caustic oils.

If one wears contact lenses, then special
care is needed when using these oils as their high phenol content may cause sticking problems or could damage the surface of the lenses. It is safest to remove contacts when working with essential oils.

• Ingest oils ONLY with a deep knowledge
of their pharmacology or under the guidance & direction of a qualified ` practitioner. Use only organic therapeutic
grade oils, NEVER ingest absolutes, CO2, solvent expressed or synthetic oils. If you do ingest the oils, then dilute them in an oil soluble liquid, such as, honey, milk or olive oil before ingesting, to prevent damage to the delicate mucous membranes of the mouth and esophagus.

• People taking medication or those with addictions to alcohol, tranquilizers or any other substances can use half the recommended dosage when using essential oils.

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QUALITY OF OILS

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Only pure and unadulerated essential oils have optimum therapeutic qualities. Oils contain almost all of a plants healing nutrients: amino acids, precursors, enzymes, vitamins, hormones, trace minerals and more. Many oils marketed today have been improperly processed or have been contaminated with chemicals or impurities that alter their balance, fragrance, constituents or pH, all of which inhibit their therapeutic nature. Solvents such as acetate, alcohol, propylene glycol or even radioactive isotopes may be found in oils. This adulterates the oil and can make it harmful.

Essential oils, given to us as gifts from the plant kingdom, have far reaching benefits to our physical body, our mind and our energy body,which in turn, allows us access to our greater potential or spirit. Science is beginning to understand the delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit and essential oils are playing an integral part in this balance through their ESSENTIAL nature.




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AROMATHERAPY BOOKLET

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This is a very detailed and concise compilation of the most current, scientifically based aromatherapy facts and information available. It also includes the information.from my "Chakra System of Healing" and "Holistic Body Care" web pages, plus charts, diagrams, recipes and a vast aromatherapy and related health topics resource list, Presented in a format designed for easy reading and access to the subject matter. All the information you will need is at your fingertips so you can easily integrate aromatherapy into your everyday life.<

If you would like to have a spiral bound copy of this Aromatherapy compilation please email me at essentialhealth2@gmail.com for details.



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