The Aromatic Triad or.... HOW Essential Oils Work!

In his book, Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils, Daniel Penoel, MD refers to the “Aromatic Triad” of matter, energy and information embodied in the oils. As powerful healing allies, the oils can provide help at many different levels, known and unknown, throughout the body’s total healing system. Essential oils are adaptogens. This means they have the ability to provide therapy in unanticipated or unexpected ways; they seem to understand – and the body understands – instinctively where their influence is needed and how it is best used.
Dr. Penoel considers eight realms in which the healing effects of essential oils can have an influence. I’ve listed them here with brief descriptions for reference:

• The Congenital Realm – refers to issues of heredity or as a result of complications during pregnancy. What Penoel refers to as “aromatic treatment” focuses here on alleviating the consequences of damaged DNA replication or from events occurring during conception or fetus development.
  
• The Organic Realm – refers to the organic systems of the body including the liver, kidneys, lungs, spleen, cardiovascular system, digestive system, etc. Aromatic molecules provide properties that promote improved functioning of the organs.
  
• The Bioelectronic Realm – refers to the biochemical and the electromagnetic systems of the body. Essential oils have an uncanny capacity to balance the pH, increase the electrical resistance, and reduce the oxidation within body fluids. Added to this biochemical action is their electromagnetic action - which can create an inhospitable environment for pathogens.
  
• The Microbial Realm - This refers to the flora and fauna co-existing within our bodies including pathogens as well as the friendly allies. Within the digestive tract alone, we harbor more bacteria than there are cells in our body. Certain essential oils have the ability to eliminate the unwanted inhabitants while preserving those that are helpful.
  
• The Immunity Realm - refers to the immune functions of the body. Effects of essential oils treatment are known to stimulate, regulate, or modulate immune system response.
  
• The Structural Realm – refers to bone, joint, and muscle systems of the body, especially the spine. Aromatherapy can play a support role to corrective, energy, or structure techniques that is extremely valuable.
  
• The Glandular Realm - refers to the system of glands in the body which produce a vast and interrelated group of hormones to regulate most body functions and many psychological mechanisms. Like essential oil molecules, these hormones are highly complex and have a tremendous influence on the growth, healing, health, and regulation of body systems. Either by direct action or by more subtle biochemical processes (molecules which are precursors to hormone structures), essential oils can be used here also to stimulate, moderate, or regulate glandular performance.
  
• The Neuro-Psychic Realm - refers to the functions related directly to and controlled by the brain - or “human central computer.” This includes pain response, controlling the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, production of endorphins, the functions of the subconscious and the memory, and the libido, among others. The effects of essential oils can stimulate, moderate, or regulate these functions with this realm providing one of the highest response levels to aromatic molecules.

What we observe and experience as the healing effects of essential oils are a result of the aromatic triad (matter, energy and information) interacting within these eight realms.

Do Essential Oils Contain Hormones?

Regarding hormones, oils do not contain any hormones manufactured or needed by human bodies, but the molecules of essential oils can act like hormones in that they can occupy hormonal receptor sites and, thus, trigger beneficial hormonal actions in support of our endocrine system. Also, as in the case of proteins, enzymes, and vitamins, essential oils can stimulate and support our bodies in producing the actual hormones we need. Since hormones are small molecules that can come through the distillation process, it is possible that essential oils do contain traces of plant hormones which can be beneficial to our well being.

Since the presence of hormones in essential oils would only be in very tiny amounts, not detected by a chemical analysis from a laboratory, the "hormonal" properties of oils would be more in the way of support and enhancement of our endocrine systems, assisting in the manufacture and balance of the hormones our body naturally makes. So there you have it. ~David Stuart, Ph.D

NOTE: For additional information on how essential oils work see "The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple," by David Stewart, available at www.RaindropTraining.com or subscribe to the FREE Oils For Wellness newsletter.

Not All Essential Oils Are Created Equal....

There are 4 Grades of Essential Oils:

Grade A oils are pure therapeutic quality and are usually made from organically grown plants distilled at the proper temperatures using steam distillation.

Grade B oils are food grade; they may contain synthetics, pesticides, fertilizers, extenders, or carrier oils.

Grade C oils are perfume grade and may contain the same type of adulterating chemicals as food grade oils. They usually contain solvents which are used to gain a higher yield of oil per harvest. Solvents are highly toxic and contribute to cancer.

Floral Water is a byproduct of the distillation process, a very high quality if it comes from a Grade A distillation process. Accordingly it is of low quality if it comes from poor quality raw materials and or poor distillation processes. It is usually found in skin and hair products.

Subscribe to the Oils For Wellness free e-newsletter to learn more about what makes essential oils pure,therapeutic grade and safe for medicinal use.

How Essential Oils Release Cellular Memory

The perception of smell consists not only of the sensation of the odors themselves but of the experiences and emotions associated with these sensations. Smells can evoke strong emotional reactions. In surveys on reactions to odors, responses show that many of the likes and dislikes of scents are based purely on emotional associations.

The association of fragrance and emotion is not an invention of poets or perfume-makers. The effect of smell is instant. The olfactory receptors in our noses are directly connected to the limbic system, which is thought to be the seat of emotion. Molecules arrive at receptors in the limbic part of our brain within seconds, triggering off a multitude of complex reactions. Smell sensations are relayed to the cortex, where ‘cognitive’ recognition occurs, only after the deepest parts of our brains have been stimulated. Thus, by the time we correctly name a particular scent as, for example, ‘lemon’ , the scent has already activated the limbic system, triggering more deep-seated emotional responses.

Smell is the only one of the five senses directly linked to the limbic lobe—the emotional control center—of the brain. From anxiety to depression, fatigue to stress, essential oils have long been appreciated for their uplifting, calming, and clarifying effects on emotional wellness. By diffusing essential oils or applying them topically to targeted areas of the body, therapeutic constituents reestablish balance where stress, depression, or mental discomfort has disrupted healthy emotional function.

Here is how it works thanks to Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D who has a wonderful way of putting scientific jargon into layman's terms. I find the human DNA structure so fascinating, and again, the intelligent handiwork of a loving Creator!

1. Essential oils are extracts from the natural juices of plants that circulate through the leaves, stems, roots and flowers their lifeblood.

2. The molecules of essential oils are small enough to circulate through human tissue bringing nutrients to the cells and carrying waste products out of the cells.

3. Essential oils carry electrons and oxygen into human tissue.

4. Essential oils also carry coded information that can be translated by cellular DNA and which can be of great therapeutic benefit to people-physical, mental, and emotional.

5. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different compounds found in essential oil molecules each with an affinity for certain cells of the human body.

6. In addition to the electrical nature of the human body by which it functions, the intracellular communication system of the human body also consists of thousands of compounds (called ligands) manufactured within the cells and sent out as messages and messengers to other cells in other parts of the body.

7. Ligands are composed of amino acids of which there are twenty known. Ligands consist of chains of amino acids. Consider the amino acids as an alphabet of twenty characters that can form and unlimited variety of words (ligands) by which cells send messages between themselves.

8. On the surface of all cells are thousands (even millions) of receptor sites, each designed to accept only certain types of ligands and to reject the rest. This is how a ligand released by one set of cells (say the liver) finds its way to the specific cells of the organ or tissue (say the pancreas) that was intended by cells sending the message.

9. This how a ligand, like insulin, can circulate throughout one’s body and yet only be picked up by the cells that need the information that it carries.

10. In one sense, ligands are like keys that fit only certain locks (specific receptor sites).Ligands of the right shape (molecular structure) are accepted by cells with matching receptor sites(matching locks) while ligands of another shape are rejected ( the key that doesn’t fit).

11. The molecules of essential oils are like enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and ligands.They carry information that is pertinent only to the cells with receptor sites able to accept that specific ligand.

12. Hence, some oil molecules gravitate to muscle tissue, others to nerves, others still to the digestive system, and others to the heart, etc,each administering benefits, including the removal of toxins and the opening of emotionally stored memory in the DNA.

13. Not only can oils help release cellular memories stored anywhere in the body, depending on the oils applied, they also directly stimulate the limbic system or emotional brain, which is in the center of our heads.

Subscribe to the Oils For Wellness free e-newsletter to learn more about the amazing healing benefits of essential oils!

Be well, Jen

Prayer And Healing Of MRSA: Madeline's Story

I haven't participated in the MckLinky Blog Hop for a while. When I saw that the theme this week is "Answered Prayer", I couldn't resist sharing this story of how God used Oils For Wellness to heal a little girl that I have never met.

Back in August of 2008, I had only been blogging for barely a month. As I began to explore the blogsphere for ways to promote my blog, I put an announcement on a Christian women's network offering free essential oil samples. Shortly after that, I received an email from a woman named Rebecca from the West coast. I could sense the weary and desperate tone in her email as she shared her situation with me.

She had a daughter who was almost 2 years old at the time, ironically the same age as my son. Little Madeline had an environmental illness since she was a newborn. She could only eat 25 safe foods at the time and was allergic to almost everything including antibiotics. What was worse was that she had developed bleeding lesions in her diaper area that were infected with MRSA. I couldn't imagine the pain that little girl went through. Rebecca shared that she had found me online immediately after being told by her naturopathic doctor that Young Living Essential Oils might be something to investigate.

This mom is a faithful Christian who believes in the power of prayer! Rebecca had started a blog to chronicle her struggle with infertility and grief over a miscarriage of a baby boy at 12 weeks. Now she began to use her blog as also a vehicle for partnering with other Christians from all over the country to pray for Madeline. I joined the others who were storming the gates of heaven while developing an essential oil protocol that Rebecca could use to battle the MRSA.
Since Madeline was so sensitive to everything, it was a step of faith to even try aromatherapy. I had learned about the use of melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree species) and eucalyptus globulus for killing antibiotic resistant infections in my clinical aromatherapy studies. Samples of these oils plus lavender and a Young Living EO blend called Melrose were sent priority mail. Rebecca applied these four oils diluted in organic olive oil or jojoba oil, rotating them with each diaper change. To make a long story short, within weeks of consistant use of the oil protocol, Madeline's swab test came back from the lab negative for MRSA. Eventually the email that I had been praying for came in from Rebecca praising God that for the first time in months, she could see normal skin during Madeline's diaper change! Later I received the following notes from her:

I am SO thankful I found you when I did - and that you gave me the samples. I couldn't have made that investment without knowing if it would work. I think of the MRSA ordeal often and thank God for His provision. When I look back, I think of how you just took charge for me. You researched, got samples, gave me the jojoba, mailed them out at your expense - I didn't even have to think, which was good b/c I wasn't doing it very clearly (dealing with the fear and all). Even the bug bite thing. I have NO other recourse. Madeline just can't have anything, not even for a minute. I can't believe how well we've been able to cope with just the oils.

Thanks for taking such good care of our oil needs! Yours is a friendship that I thank the Lord for. Who would have thought the Internet would lead me to someone I would come to consider dear. Maybe someday we will even get to meet in person....before we get to heaven. :)

Thanks again, Rebecca

This experience was the highlight of 2oo8 to say the least. I keep praying that God will create more "Divine appointments" through my work here on Oils For Wellness! I will leave you with a couple of my favorite scripture verses that inspire me to diligently serve others and touch lives with these healing essential oils~God's love manifest in molecules.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

2 Corinthians 1:3,4

In Service of the Anointed One,

Jen

What Can Essential Oils Do?

A great explanation by Dr. Terry Friedmann, MD!

What can the oils do?

First of all they are transporters; they transport products to the cells of our body.

Secondly, they contain ATP which serves as the power source of the cells-the fuel.

Essential oils can also:

Normalize the viscosity of the blood.

Facilitate the delivery of vital nutrients.

Soothe muscle spasms.

Relieve migraine headaches.

Reduce mental fatigue.

Reduce pain and swelling of arthritis.

Release liver toxins.

Clean the gallbladder.

Clear up acne.

Stimulate the secretion of gastric juices.

Work to improve nerve impulses and synaptic connections.

Reverse insomnia and anxiety.

Heal burns, cuts, and infected wounds.

Lower cholesterol.

Relieve PMS symptoms.

Stimulate immune system functions.

Destroy fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

And smell great as perfume too!

Subscribe to my free e-newsletter to learn more about the benefits of therapeutic grade essential oils!

Yours in wellness, purpose, and abundance,

Jen

Essential Encouragement for Your Health!

"…..because essential oils are far more complex than any
laboratory produced drug and because essential oils are never
exactly replicated year to year,

bacteria can never figure them out and become resistant.

Microbes are smarter than synthetic drugs,
but essential oils are smarter than microbes."

The Raindrop Messenger
Sept./Oct Issue Newsletter,
with permission from Dr. David Stewart.

The Gift of Comfort

Recently my mom, sister, and I went to visit my 87 year old grandmother who lives in a nursing home 2 hours away. One of the nurses had told us that Grandma was not wanting to eat and was feeling pretty low. We hoped a visit from the three of us would cheer her up. Grandma does not want flowers, balloons, stuffed animals etc, so I often feel at a loss as to what I can give her.

Grandma was in a blue state of mind when we arrived, lying motionless curled up in her bed. We talked a bit and coaxed her into sipping on a cup of soup. She perked up somewhat and wanted us to take her outside. Before the end of the visit, we asked her if she would like a massage. She indicated an enthusiastic yes, which surprised us because sometimes she doesn't want to "bother" us for a massage. Being that she has arthritis, back pain, and mild nausea we applied a few drops of PanAway and Ortho Sport massage oil that have a minty uplifting aroma. A note: do not use these oil blends if a person is taking aspirin, blood thinners, cortisone, or is epileptic because they contain wintergreen which has a cortisone type activity.

Her blissful sighs as my mom rubbed her back were so wonderful to hear. I was grateful there was something we could give her that brought her some happiness and showed how much we cared. I rubbed the oils gently up and down her thin, frail arms thinking about how many people lay in hospital, hospice, or even beds at home longing for this simple human connection. The sweet aroma of the essential oils filled the room, transforming the stale atmosphere as she enjoyed a foot massage punctuated by more peaceful sighs.

When applying oils to the ill, aged, or those in recovery, be sure to let them smell the oils you will be using before rubbing them on. Light gliding strokes are very soothing. Use just one or two drops of oil mixed with jojoba or a massage oil base. Lavender is always a good choice for basic relaxation. Diffuse citrus oils or blends rather than topical application to avoid skin sensitivities. Some patients cannot be moved to receive a back massage, but a gentle hand and/or foot massage will still be wonderfully effective.

Give the gift of aromatherapy and touch to someone you care about, it will mean more to them than words can say!

One Bottle of Lavender

Friends, this is what it takes to make one bottle of pure Young Living lavender! More tips coming up for using this wonderful oil.

The New Ultrasonic Diffuser

Here it is!!! The latest in diffuser technology launched last month at the Young Living Essential Oils convention. I just took mine out of the box and gave it a whirl.

Wow, is this thing sooooo much more user friendly than any other diffuser that I've used.

It wholesales on my website for $85($112 Retail) and includes a 5ml bottle each of Lavender and Citrus Fresh.

Ask me how you can get one for 50% off!

Here are some the fabulous features:

1. It is silent......no annoying hum of a motor.

2. Has its own one touch button timer. Automatic shut off.

3. Soothing light spectrum option--very cool!

4. Uses one cup of bottled or distilled water.

5. No glass nebulizers to break.

6. Easy to clean with no clogging.

Some benefits of cold air diffusing pure essential oils:

Diffused oils alter the structure of molecules that create odors, rather than just masking them. They also increase oxygen availability, produce negative ions, and release natural ozone. Many essential oils such as lemongrass, lemon, Purification blend, Citrus Fresh blend, and Thieves blend are highly antibacterial and are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors.

Research shows that cold air diffusing certain oils may also:

· Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.

· Help with weight management.· Improve circulation, alertness, and mental clarity.

· Stimulate neurotransmitters and secretion of endorphins.

·Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity.

· Improve digestive function and hormone balance.

· Relieve headaches.

A cold air diffuser is designed to atomize a microfine mist of EOs into the air, where they can remain suspended for up to several hours. Unlike aroma lamps or candles, it disperses oils without heating or burning, which render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and even create toxic compounds.

(From Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, Essential Science Publishing)

Marketing, Magical or Medicinal?

Did you know that they make "aromatherapy" TRASH BAGS??? Sadly, these commercial advertising schemes have created a whole lot of confusion about what the difference is between "scented" versus "aromatherapy". Hence the reason why I often get THE LOOK when introducing myself as an aromatherapy practitioner.The only way to attempt to describe it is a combination of puzzled amusement and skepticism.


Aromatherapy....the definition is so murky these days! Those beautiful packages decorated with a twig and a leaf in the "wellness" section of the store may not even contain a single drop of pure essential oils yet it is touted as aromatherapy product. Nope, those candles don't have any therapeutic benefit either. In fact, they can be more polluting to our bodies and atmosphere than we realize.


History is a great place to find clues about true aromatherapy. It is certainly NOT a New Age idea, but has been the medicine of many cultures since ancient times. Mysticism and magical attributes have been assigned to herbs and essential oils over the ages. As one browses the internet sites that come up with a search for "aromatherapy", there it can be found alongside the tarot cards, magic rocks, and Goddess t-shirts. In fact, a teacher at my massage school initially turned me off to aromatherapy by encouraging the female students to brew up potions to cast evil spells on the men in their lives!

Later on when I was introduced to therapeutic and medicinal essential oils, I started focusing on WHO made the plants that produced these oils with healing properties. As I delve further into botanical chemistry, I am in awe at the sheer complexity of these created molecules which were so compassionately designed to work in perfect synergy with the human body, enabling the innate healing process we all possess.

Pagans and saints alike used essential oils for healing, much like we understand the common use of toothpaste today. The Egyptians utilized oils and spices for their temple rituals and mummification processes and the Levitical priesthood were given this instruction to appoint makers of ointments for the Tabernacle in 1 Chronicles 9:29-30. "And some of them were appointed over.....the oil and the incense and the spices. And some of the sons of the priests made ointment of the spices." What an honor to be an aromatherapist in the LORD's service!

That Necessary Disclaimer

Many of you are looking forward to discussing tips and usage of essential oils which makes it necessary for me to clarify that I cannot diagnose or prescribe for any disease or illness. Holistic aromatherapy is about wellness and helping the body enable itself to heal rather than curing or treating symptoms of illness.I can tell you about my experiences or what I may do in a certain situation. Most of the time I will refer to the one of the best user friendly resources about therapeutic/medicinal essential oils, The Essential Oils Desk Reference by Essential Science Publishing.

I intend on freely sharing my philosophy about aromatherapy, medicine, and healing from a Christian perspective, however this is not a "Christians only" blog. Everyone is welcome and I ask that contributors in discussions would extend grace to any opposing opinions of other commenting visitors.

Since this blog is related to my aromatherapy business, there will be promotion of Young Living Essential Oils which is the world leader in production and distribution of therapeutic/medicinal grade essential oils and supplements. I have used these extremely pure oils with consistent satisfaction and results for over 8 years which is why I continue to be an independent consultant with the company. The quality of their product is simply outstanding. However, please be aware that while I wholeheartedly promote Young Living's products, I do not personally endorse all of the content and philosophies on their website/links, trainings, or publications. Young Living appeals to customers with a wide spectrum of beliefs, so please bear that in mind. Essential oils do have the ability to affect the emotional and spiritual dimension of our health.... and that is a WHOLE other post!