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Man's First Medicine
HealthStyles4URx would like to introduce you to the natural and invigorating world of Essential Oils. We have read about how the ancient Egyptians and Greeks used oils for the preservation of beauty, youth and health, and how they stored their precious oils in large jars of alabaster. Even King Tutankamen’s tomb was filled with 350 liters of oils of various kinds, since, after all, the oils were “fit for a king”. The Bible makes reference that wise men brought gifts to the baby Christ Child, including Frankincense and Myrrh. In ancient days, herbs and oils were the medicines of the times, and were secured and protected from thieves. However, as the centuries passed and new ideas and concepts replaced those of olden days, modern man developed newer methods of caring for the health of mankind. We have seen a return to some of the more ancient methods of healthcare during the past hundred years or so, and in more recent times essential oils and their many uses are being revisited. No longer are they just for those who meditate or have a spiritual lifestyle; essential oils are very versatile, and are being used by many people in their daily lives. Essential Oils are the life within herbs, shrubs, flowers and trees. It is the blood of the plant and contains all of the life essential properties in the plant’s DNA. They fight infections, initiate regeneration of cells, transports nutrients and contains hormone-like substances. Oils have the ability to heal a cut or wound, cope with extreme environmental conditions, and fend off various types of attackers to the body. Essential Oils were one of the first medicines seen on the Earth, and used by our ancestors. Throughout time, plant properties were mimicked by scientists and were used in many common drugs, since they were refined plant extracts. Today, approximately 25% of prescription drugs are derived from plant sources. The chemical structures of essential oils are so similar to human cells that they are compatible with human protein. This allows them to be readily accepted by the human body with little to no side effects, as are seen in prescription drugs that are being taken today. Essential Oils come in various Grades (similar to eggs and meat), and are regulated by the fragance laws. They are not considered a nutrient or a supplement. By law, a bottle labeled “100% Pure Essential Oils” need only contain 5% essential oil, with the rest being carrier oil. The amount of Essential Oil per bottle can vary from 5% to 99% for Grades B (food), and Grade C (perfume). Only Grade “A” Essential Oils should be used for therapeutic usage, containing nothing but the pure properties of the plants, without the use of solvents, carrier oils, and other impurities. Grade A oil will provide a person with the best and safest therapeutic results. These essential oils are steam distilled from organic plants, often cultivated by the manufacturer. If you want therapeutic results, always purchase Grade “A” – therapeutic grade – Essential Oils that are steam distilled form organic plants. Some Essential Oils sold in health food stores, or by manufacturers, use a solvent-based distillation process that leaves a residue of chemicals within the oils. Lower grade oils (Grades B and C) may still produce “some” therapeutic results on the human body, but a person runs the risk of absorbing chemicals – solvents, pesticides, and metallic traces from the distillation chambers and impurities from the carrier oil. Essential Oils ~ Man’s First Medicine Kit
During the Middle Ages, a group of spice merchants robbed dead corpses for any money, jewelry, etc., that may be found on the body. These “thieves” used a blend of Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and other oils, to protect them from contracting the Black Plague from the dead corpses. The Properties of Essential Oils
How To Use Essential Oils
A Brief History of Essential Oils
Essential Oils were man’s first medicine, well-recorded in ancient historical documents. An archeological expedition located an oil distillery in a monastery in Egypt, and while digging, a wall collapsed, resulting in the discovery of five alabaster jars filled with essential oils – all still containing their purity. The use of Essential Oils is also documented in Egyptian hieroglyphics. The Bible lists 188 references to oils and their use, such as in Genesis when Moses was told to add the Oil of Hyssop to the lamb’s blood during Passover. The ancient Egyptians used oils for treatments and healing diseases, such as blindness, diabetes, and in caring for their skin and hair. In addition, oils were used in embalming, and in religious rituals and ceremonies to “cleanse the mind of evil deities”, which today may be interpreted as “releasing emotional trauma”. Well-preserved oils were found in 350 alabaster jars in the tomb of King Tut. Essential Oils are the life force of plants, containing vitamins, minerals, enzymes and hormones. Since the turn of the century, there has been a growing interest in the value of the therapeutic power of Essential Oils in Germany, Switzerland, France and England. Because the oils work as the defense mechanism in the plants, they produce the same effect in the body of humans, working at the cellular level to increase assimilation. Dr. Daniel Penoel, a French physician, found that when the essential oil of Niaouli was massaged into the tissues of radiation patients prior to treatment, it seemed to prevent the tissues from burning and being damaged. There were also no side effects from the radiation. Aromatherapy is being taught in medical schools in England and France, and essential oils are being used by doctors in many clinics and hospitals across Europe. Essential Oils are one of the greatest untapped resources in the world. The concentrated essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs and plants have been used for centuries all over the world, but in modern times we have forgotten about their power, preferring instead to use the products of perfume and chemical (drug) companies which only imitate the natural fragrances, medicinal and cleansing properties of pure Essential Oils. Modern scientific research has proven that essential oils are potent, with remarkable healing properties. The substances are very complex in their molecular structure, and are very powerful. The Essential Oil of Oregano, for example, is 26 times more powerful as an antiseptic than phenol, the active ingredient in many commercial cleansing materials. Oil of Oregano has been proven to be very effective as an antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial agent. Essential Oils have unlimited applications from cosmetology to food flavoring, from perfumery to medicine, as well as their traditional use in religious ceremonies. Unfortunately, the quality of Essential Oils varies greatly and it is difficult to get pure, unadulterated oils in the U.S. today. One of the biggest secrets to success with Essential Oils is in knowing the biochemical constituents and how to blend the oils to create specific desired results. Many oils, such as Myrrh, Rosewood and Patchouly, are used for skin regeneration. Melaleuca and Rosemary are used in a proper blend as a topical anesthesia. They cleanse and purify, working together synergistically as healing agents for infectious cuts and rashes. Therefore, the grade and quality of essential oils is extremely important. There are three grades of oils: Grade “A”, “B”, and “C”. Over 90% of the Essential Oils in the U.S. are of the lower grades. Only Grade “A” oils carry frequency, and have full and significant health benefits. Most of the oils in the U.S. are cut (diluted) with carrier oils (which can go rancid), alcohol, other cheaper and less costly oils, or chemicals and synthetics. The Essential Oils offered by HealthStyles4URx, including singles and blends, are of Grade “A” quality and purity. Perhaps the oldest traditional use of Essential Oils was for emotional and spiritual purposes. The inhalation of oils works directly on the olfactory nerve and the sense of smell. Each individual oil has a profound effect on the emotional and spiritual body. Different fragrances have a calming, stimulating, elevating, or suppressing action within the body. Oils enhance brain wave function, improving spiritual awareness and bring about a beautiful balance to the body. Rose and Rosemary may improve memory function; Patchouly brings peace and relaxation; Ylang Ylang balances male and female emotions; Clary Sage can help balance hormones; Sandalwood increases spiritual awareness; Spruce helps to ground and create a sense of security; Melissa contains a biochemical constituent which has been reported to be very effective against viral diseases, insomnia, migraines, and nervous tension. Chamomile, cinnamon, oregano, clove and thyme are commonly used in Europe to strengthen the immune system and to fight against viral and infectious diseases. There are hundreds of additional oils, and oil blends, with each providing their own special benefits and enhancements to the state of one’s health and well-being. Unlike chemical drugs, Essential Oils do not remain in the body, and they leave no toxins behind. They make more sense as air fresheners than commercial products, because they cleanse the air by altering the structure of the molecules that cause odors, rather than “masking” the unwanted smells. And, if the oils are diffused, the air is ionized, therefore, adding additional health benefits. For those looking for environmentally safe products as alternatives to toxic commercial products to use in their homes and lives, with numerous, positive health benefits included, then Essential Oils are an obvious, practical, and pleasant solution. OXYGEN: Disease cannot exist in an oxygen-rich environment. Oxygen delivers vital nutrients to the blood, and is needed for assimilation. Nutrients must get into the body’s cells, because cells feed from the inside out. The cell wall begins to mutate (harden) with as little as a 1% drop in oxygen in the serum surrounding the cell. There are five stages of cell mutation – the fifth being cancer. Essential Oils are catalysts; they are lipid-soluble and can immediately penetrate the cell wall to bring oxygen and nutrients into the cells. Scientist Jean Claude LaPrage’s studies showed that Essential Oils bring 21% more oxygen to the cells. (Hydrogen Peroxide improved by only 9.5% -- but also contributed to cell degeneration!) Increasing oxygen can relieve pain and speed cellular regeneration to levels that we have not been accustomed to. Also, given that they are lipid-soluble (fat), when applied to the skin (topically) they enter the blood stream within 4½ seconds, and within 20-60 minutes the oil has entered every cell in the body. Furthermore, oils can penetrate hardened, toxic cell walls to deliver oxygen and nutrients, even when the diseased condition was not allowing any cellular nutrition in, or wastes out. Cellular death is the beginning of organ death, and so on. Essential Oils are the highest natural source of oxygen, ozone, negative ions, and antioxidants. No wonder nature has included them in every plant! Essential Oils are the regenerating, oxygenating and immune defense properties of plants. They contain the oxygen molecules that transport the nutrients to the cells of our bodies, and without oxygen molecules, nutrients simply cannot be assimilated. This is how disease begins. A nutritional deficiency is an oxygen deficiency. Not only do Essential Oils contain oxygenating molecules, they also have a biochemical frequency. Frequency is a measurable rate of electrical energy that is constant between any two points. Everything has an electrical frequency, and Essential Oils contain a frequency that is several times greater than the frequency of herbs and food. For example, measuring in Hertz, food has a frequency range from 0-22Hz, dry herbs from 15-22Hz, and fresh herbs from 20-27Hz. Essential Oils start at 50Hz, and go as high as 320Hz, which is the frequency of pure Rose oil. A healthy body from head to foot typically has a frequency - ranging from 62-78Hz. Disease, or illness begins at 58Hz; death begins at 25Hz.* According to Dr. Royal R. Rife, every disease has a frequency, however, a substance with a higher frequency will destroy a disease of a lower frequency. Clinical research shows that Essential Oils have the highest frequency of any substance known to man, creating an environment in which disease, bacteria, virus, fungus, etc., cannot live. Is it just by “chance” that ancient civilizations used Essential Oils as medicinals, or were they in possession of certain knowledge, and have been trying to pass it on to us for the past 6,000 years? Perhaps it is worth considering. There has never been a time when essential oils were more needed than today. Our world is facing a medical disaster! Modern technology has produced the jet aircraft which can be the instrument of transferring contagious diseases and plagues around the world in a matter of hours. As previously stated, Essential Oils are the regenerating and oxygenating immune defense properties of plants, i.e., literally the “life force of plants”. Because they are highly concentrated, most oils are at least 50 times more therapeutically potent than the herbs of plants from which they derived. The three primary elements of all Essential Oils are “hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen”. Other powerful and therapeutic chemical groups include: terpinols, phenols, esters, ethers, alcohols, oxides, coumarins, sesquiterpenes, ketones and aldehydes. Their myriad of oxygenating molecules effectively transport nutrients and other chemical constituents to the cells, binging life to the plants, destroying infections, staving off infestation, aiding in growth, and stimulating healing. They are to plants what blood is to the human body, and much, much more. So just why are leading researchers and practitioners becoming so interested in them today? In light of today’s modern plagues, and the utter failure of our 2lst Century “wonder drugs” to stop them, it would be wise to examine these amazing healing and immune-boosting oils, and find out what medical science is now discovering about them, and why some researchers are excited about their uses. Dr. Jean Valnet, MD, one of the world’s foremost authorities on the therapeutic uses of Essential Oils points out that the powerful medicinal value of Essential Oils is only now being discovered in the Western World of Medical Science, yet it has been known for many centuries. In fact, Essential Oils were once considered more valuable than gold by ancient cultures, due to their phenomenal healing properties. We all are familiar with the story of the birth of the Christ Child. The wise men brought gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold; which were considered gifts “fit for a King!” Dr. Valnet states: “In recent years both doctors and the public have re-discovered the medicinal value of essential plant oils, but the idea of using their properties to maintain or regain health goes back to antiquity … the Romans obtained their knowledge of Essential Oils from the Greeks, who had received their knowledge from the Egyptians . . . Hippocrates tackled the plague epidemic in Athens by fumigating the whole city with aromatic essences of plant oils. Later, in the 19th Century, it was known that perfumery workers always showed an almost complete immunity during cholera outbreaks.” In 17th Century England, tanners and perfumers were also able to escape the Black Plague, due to the fact that the powerful, sweet-smelling plant oils that were used in the making of various perfumes, and in the scenting of hand-made leather goods, exhibit phenomenal anti-microbial properties – and those workers were constantly exposed to these oils every day. History further reveals that virtually the entire town of Bucklersbury, England, was spared from the plague, even while the residents of other towns in close proximity were dying in droves. How were the residents of Bucklersbury protected? It was no fluke; this fortunate town was the center of the European Lavender trade. The Oil of Lavender has long been known to have powerful disease-fighting properties. Recent scientific and medical research has proven that the essential Oil of Lavender has immune-stimulating and anti-microbial properties that rival – and even surpass – many modern antiseptic chemicals and antibiotic drugs. WHAT EFFECTS CAN ESSENTIAL OILS HAVE ON HUMANS?
Essential Oils are the volatile liquids that are distilled from various part of plants, including seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruit. Essential oils are very different from vegetable oils, such as corn oil, peanut oil, and olive oil, because they are not greasy and do not clog the pores like vegetable oils can. Essential oils are chemically very complex, consisting of hundreds of different chemical compounds, and sub-compounds; they are highly concentrated and help transport nutrients to the cells of our bodies. The essential oils of the plant and the human blood share several common properties: They fight infection, contain hormone-like compounds/chemicals, and initiate regeneration. Working as the chemical defense mechanism of the plant, essential oils possess potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. They also ward off attacks by insects and animals. Grade A, therapeutic-quality Essential Oils, extracted with low heat/pressure, and NO chemical solvents in the distillation process, provides numerous beneficial therapeutic properties, literally too many to fully describe in the text of this document; however, medical science has been able to verify many of these properties, including:
HOW CAN ESSENTIAL OILS BE USED?
Because Essential Oils are lipid-soluble, they travel through the skin, fat cells, cell membranes (particularly of the skin) and begin diffusing into bloodstream within 4½ seconds of application. They penetrate the skin the same way that the active ingredients in transdermal hormone or nicotine patches do. They can even penetrate hardened, toxic cell walls in the blood of extremely ill individuals, bringing more oxygen and nutrients “in”, and allowing wastes “out” – even when these processes have been compromised and limited by cellular mutation, hardening, etc., from various toxins. Oils may be applied either “neet” (straight or pure), or mixed in a fine, small-molecule vegetable “carrier oil”, such as Almond, Apricot, Grapeseed, and Jojoba. Applications can be made to:
OTHER USEFUL APPLICATIONS
Essential Oils are very effective when inhaled, by rubbing oils in the palms of the hands, then gently inhaling; “Spritzing” oils in distilled water as a spray; and probably the most effective use is by Diffusing into the household air.
ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE: According to the translation of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts, priests and physicians were using essential oils “thousands” of years B.C. They were mankind’s first medicine. As previously stated, there are 188 references to oils in the Bible (KJV), and some, such as Frankincense, Myrrh, Rosemary, Hyssop and Spikenard, were used for the anointing and healing of the sick. Biblical prophets recognized the use of essential oils as a protection for their bodies against the ravages of disease. According to the story, the Three Wise Men brought oils of Frankincense and Myrrh to the Christ Child. Clinical research has now found that the Oil of Frankincense contains very high immune-stimulating properties. Science is only now re-discovering the healing substances used in ancient and biblical times. PROCESSING: Essential oils are the subtle, volatile liquids that are distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes, and seeds. Low pressure and low temperature are the keys to maintaining the ultimate fragrance and therapeutic value. High pressure, high temperature, rapid processing and the use of solvents, or any other chemical will fracture the oil molecules, destroy the therapeutic value, and alter the fragrance. Any chemical combined with an essential oil destroys the effectiveness of its purpose and function. In order to produce the purest of oil, it may be very costly and require several hundred, or thousands, of pounds of plants to extract one pound of oil. For example, Lavendula Officinales (Lavender) requires 175 – 250 pounds of plants to produce one pound of Lavender oil. Rose oil requires 5,000 pounds of petals for just one pound of oil; Peppermint requires 35 – 40 pounds of plants to produce a pound of oil. Melissa requires three tons (6,000) plants to produce one pound of oil – which sells for $10,000 - $15,000. The ancient process of distillation is a delicate and precise art, but the beneficial effects of the results of this art is truly amazing. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ESSENTIAL OILS
DO NOT BE MISLED: Since 1994, the huge commercial distillers needed for removing the fragile oils from plants’ leaves, stems, roots, and flowers are all based on adding chemicals to the steam. This makes the process more rapid and cost-effective, but the toxins remain inseparable in the natural oils. Chemical cleaning solvents are also used in commercial distillers between “batches” of differing oils. However, pure steam can be used to “flush out” distillers between plant types. Once oils are obtained, 99% of the commercially produced oils on today’s market have synthetic “smell-alikes” added to extend the quantity of the marketable product. The skin absorbs these additives along with the true, essential oil. Other common practices are to substitute a less-expensive plant like Lavendin for Lavender. They still smell good to the untrained nose, and may have partial therapeutic benefits, but they cannot be relied on for the benefits of the more expensive plant on the label. As with so many aspects of our modern world, the true artisan is being forced out of the market by “efficiency”, which in many cases results in food or hygiene products that add toxins to our already burdened immune system via skin absorption, ingestion or inhalation. ESSENTIAL OIL CONSTITUENTS
The following is a list of the various families of chemical constituents. Individual chemical families have several different constituents. Much of this information is taken from the French Medical Textbook “L’aromatherapie”, by Dr. Daniel Penoil and Pierre Franchomme. ALDEHYDES – are various organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are anti-infectious, sedative and calming. Found in: Lavender, Myrtle, Chamomile AZULENE – prevents the discharge of histamine from the tissues by activating the pituitary-adrenal system, causing the release of cortisone, which may be useful for asthmatic conditions and liver regeneration. It causes histamine to be released, which activates cellular resistance and speeds up the healing process. In addition, it also works as an anti-inflammatory agent. Found in: German Chamomile, Yarrow, Tansy CARVACROL – is antiseptic, energizing and possibly anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory for arthritis conditions. Found in: Oregano, Basil, Ravensara, Thyme, Mountain Savory CINEOLE – works as an anesthetic, antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and expectorant. Found in: Cinnamon, Geranium, Rosemary, Ravensara, Peppermint CITRAL – is a part of the aldehyde family and is sedating, anti-infectious and anti-viral, as with Melissa, when applied topically on herpes simplex. Found in: All Citrus Oils, Basil ESTERS – are the compound resulting from the reaction of an alcohol with an acid. The reaction is called esterfication and is accompanied by the yield of H2O, along with the ester. They are calming and sedating to the nerves and smooth muscle tissue. Found in: Lavender, Melissa, German and Roman Chamomile, Rose, Geranium EUGENOL – comes from the phenyl group and is very antiseptic, stimulating, and very useful as a topical anesthesia. Found in: Cinnamon, Clove, Basil FLAVONOIDS – shows beneficial effects on the capillaries. By inhibiting methyl transferase in chamomile, epinephrine effects are prolonged and the pituitary-adrenal axis is stimulated. Citrus flavonoids are high anti-oxidants and increase Vitamin C absorption. Found in: Orange, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Lemon LIMONENE – has strong anti-viral properties. Found in: Lemon, Lime, Nutmeg, Melaleuca, Orange PHENOLS – are antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. They contain high levels of oxygenating molecules and have anti-oxidant properties. Found in: Oregano, Cinnamon, Fennel, Hyssop, Thyme, Tarragon and Mountain Savory SESQUITERPENES – contain caryophllene and valencene are antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immune stimulating, and work as a liver and gland stimulant. Recent research from the Universities of Berlin and Vienna show increased oxygenation around the pineal and pituitary glands when inhaling Sandalwood and Frankincense. Found in: Basil, Cedarwood, Melissa, Myrrh, Ravensara TERPENES – inhibit the accumulation of toxins and discharge them from certain organs, especially the liver and kidneys. Found in: Basil, Cypress, Juniper, Lavender, Pine and Spruce. TERPENE ALCOHOLS – are anti-bacterial, immune stimulating, and work as a diuretic and a general tonic. This family includes: Borneol, Cirtonellol, Nerol, Gernaiol, and terpineol. Dr. Gattefosse considered terpineols to be a decongestant. Found in: Geranium, Frankincense, Mountain Savory, Pepper, Meleluca. Of interest to physical applications is the electrical effect that enhances nerve function. Indeed, there have been improvements documented in conditions of paralysis, hearing, eyesight, etc., when using varying oils of Grade “A” quality and applications for these supports. When two or more atoms join together, they form a molecule, and essential oils are made up of molecule groups. The chemical constituents of aldehydes, ketones, and esters are the contributing factor in the protection of oxygenating molecules. Essential oils contain oxygen and glycosides, which convert into glucose in the human body, and glucose is the raw material of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) – the high octane fuel in the body. The molecules of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the crude fuels that we break down to produce ATP, and this is a very important part of daily metabolism because it supplies the fuel for the cells. Our bodies require oxygen and glycosides in order to manufacture ATP. Synthetic essential oils have NO ELECTRICAL FREQUENCY, therefore, a tremendous portion of the therapeutic benefits that is expected from a given oil will be missing. We suggest the use of essential oils topically, via inhalation, and/or via diffusion. Topically, an individual can utilize the “Reflex Points” on the soles of their feet with a “VitaFlex” massage to stimulate nerve uptake, and receive 70%, or more, of the effects that was desired elsewhere in the body! If you have never experienced this, it is remarkable, and you should try it. Also, you can go “on location” to the particular muscle, organ, spine, etc., that was of concern, utilizing the oils that have been found to get the most results. “Auricular” (ear) points can be very powerful, especially for emotional support and effects, and immune stimulating oils can be used over the thymus / spine / feet. Oil blends and singles applied over the endocrine glands – thyroid, ovary, and adrenals – have been found to provide noticeable results. The lipid solubility of essential oils also allows them to travel trans-cellularly, or directly through the cells. Their penetrating ability through the fatty tissue layers into the interstitial fluids may explain why essential oils enhance circulation, and why massage with essential oils can be so beneficial. Many scientific experiments have shown that essential oils can travel with relative speed when applied through massage or inhalation. References: 
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