Everything you ever wanted to know about Essential Oils and
why I have chosen Young Living Essential Oils.
Because they are... 100% Therapeutic Grade, NON-gmo and worth every penny.
Young Living Stands by their Seed to Seal commitment to Excellence.
Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils are very different than pure grade, aromatherapy and even certified organic essential oils. You will know the difference when you start using really good quality products that meet the standards, especially when you smell our Lavender verses others that have been adulterated.
Essential Oils are the lifeblood of the plant. They are obtained from properly distilling parts of the plant, shrub or tree, including the roots, bark, stems, leaves, fruit, flowers, seeds or branches.
There are many factors and two main categories that make therapeutic grade essential oils: Environmental, including where the plant is grown, type of soil, fertilizer (Organic), altitude etc… and Physical factors, including how and when the plant is harvested (what time of year as well as what day or night), how it is distilled and how it is bottled. All of these factors have equal importance.
For example: Lavender grown in our backyard will have different chemical constituents than the one grown in France. Autumn season will produce specific constituents compared to those harvested during the Spring time. The way the plant is planted, grown and time of harvest all plays an important role.
Essential Oil Chemistry will distinguish what constituents and that will tell us what medicinal properties each oil has. The chemistry of Essential Oils by Dr. David Stewart is an easy to read book that will answer all of your questions in detail on the Chemistry of Essential Oils.
After the oil has been distilled, it is very important to test the oils. If they are not tested, we really don’t know what their chemistry is. Many companies do not test the oils because it is time consuming and an additional expense. Wouldn’t you prefer knowing what oil is best for aromatherapy, perfume and which one will support your liver?
Unfortunately in the USA there are very loose standards for labeling Essential Oils. Pure oil can have synthetic oil in it and still be labeled Pure. Organic Oil can be labeled Organic and also have a certain percentage of synthetic oil in it. After studying the chemistry of Oils, I learned many things, the most important is that I do not want one drop of synthetic oil in my Essential Oils!
Fortunately the Europeans, Asians and other Middle Eastern cultures who have been using essential oils for thousands of years do have some guidelines. They are serious about providing real therapeutic grade essential oils and test their batches to those standards. The Association French Normalization Organization Regulation (AFNOR), ISO Certification has the most reliable chemical constituent indicators of whether an essential oil is therapeutic or not. However, no organization regulates whether a company is meeting those standards or not.
The United States Pharmacopoeia (USPC), standards for medicinal preparations of any kind and the National Formulary (NF) was set up to set codes for inactive ingredients that are used in medicine. Today these organizations have merged and published a book USP-NF “RED BOOK” that provides the FDA enforceable standards for quality and strength of health care products.
Our unique Seed to Seal® commitment and its three pillars - Sourcing, Science, Standards ensures that the cultivation, wild-crafting, distillation, quality testing, and legal compliance of the essential oils and products produced by Young Living are done without compromise.
Methods of extracting essential oils:
There are many methods of extracting essential oils and this separates the therapeutic grade essential oils from perfume or aromatherapy grade.
Carbon Dioxide extraction and distillation methods are processes that use solvents /chemicals to quicken the distillation process. It is less expensive process and oils are considered adulterated (changed). These oils will still contain a portion of the solvent and can be dangerous when used for therapeutic reasons. This is how 98% of manufactured essential oils including the perfume quality oils are made.
Distillation through steam is a very slow process and is carried out at low temperatures to maintain quality and therapeutic benefits.
Distilling Essential Oils:
Steam distillation by water distillation, (plant placed in water and boiled)
Water/steam distillation (water and steam pushed through the plant)
Straight steam. (steam pushed through the plant)
Steam ruptures the oil membrane in the plant and releases the essential oil. The steam carries the oil to a condenser and then as it re-liquefies the lighter essential oils floats on top. The water is separated (hydrosol or floral water) and the oil is the Essential oil.
The size, material of the cooking chamber, (stainless steel) condenser type and separator, vertical steam, temperature, pressure, oil pH and Polarity can all change the chemistry of the oil.
Low Pressure and low temperature are extremely important to producing therapeutic grade oils. Young Living maintains these ancient cultures and how they distilled oils for thousands of years.
Short cuts in the distillation process changes the recipes, adding solvents to the oil, re-extracting or re-distilling plant material and using non organic plant material significantly alter the end result.
DISTILLATION TEMPERATURES, LENGTH OF TIME THE OIL IS DISTILLED AND THE TYPE OF CONDENSER USED ALL HAVE AN ENORMOUS IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF THE OIL.
We need hundreds of pounds of material to make one pound of therapeutic grade oil. For example: it takes about 30 - 60 roses to make one drop of pure therapeutic grade rose oil.
It takes far less material to make synthetic and perfume oils. Producing oils correctly for therapeutic benefits is extremely time consuming and costly. Therapeutic grade essential oil is extremely concentrated, so we use much less of it and we can expect better results.
Synthetic compounds in oils such as propylene glycol are harmful to the body.
Lavender is the most adulterated oil on the market today. It is also sold as hybrid, lavandin which has a high level of camphor that is a skin irritant. TRUE Lavender is excellent for skin.
Therapeutic oils should be bottled directly from the still and sealed in non reactive air tight dark colored bottles.
Aromatherapy:
German aromatherapy model: emphasizes the inhalation of essential oils. This alone is very effective.
British aromatherapy model: supports a high level of dilution, but they do not emphasize the use of therapeutic grade oils. Based on that point alone, we can understand the cautions in dilution.
French aromatherapy model: very proactive and they support applying essential oils NEAT (undiluted) to the body. They also support using the oils internally using strong scientific studies along with the use of therapeutic grade oils.
Once again it is important to KNOW YOUR OILS.
And again, when oils are adulterated with solvents, perfume quality or used incorrectly will compromise essential oil safety. So it is entirely about the Quality of the Oils, where and when to use them.
OIL Safety
Pregnancy & Oils: It is important to be cautious with oils and consult your health professional. DO NOT USE Fennel, Hyssop and Sage essential oils when pregnant.
For Infants, babies and children oil should be diluted 1 – 2 drops into 1 tsp of vegetable oil if it is to be used NEAT (undiluted ) so when applied directly on skin of an infant or child, dilute !)
Keep bottles tightly sealed and out of the reach of children and animals.
Do not store essential oils around flammable materials
If they are stored properly there is no shelf life. If they are exposed to air, oxidation can occur and the quality can degrade.
Always keep a bottle of V6 if you need to dilute or experience any discomfort.
People with any medical condition, including epileptics and those that have high blood pressure should consult their health care professional. Oils support a healthy function of a healthy body.
Do not add directly to bath water; add to Epsom salts, or dispersing agent first.
One drop goes a long way when it is therapeutic grade.
Mixing oils:
It is important to understand blending of oils. You will need to consider the Chemistry of oil – this determines its volatility, viscosity and properties. The desired action- blending correctly allows for a synergistic effect with the blend, this means the action of the oil is increased by mixing several oils together. you will also need to know the Sequence of the blend – the order in which it is blended can also be a factor, changing the sequence can change the properties along with fragrance. This is why it is best to purchase oils that are already professionally blended. Young Living Essential Oils already has blends for our convenience.
Essential Oils 101 ~
Inhalation ~ Inhale oils to assist with Brain function, emotions and respiratory issues.
Diffusers - kill bacteria & viruses, improve mental clarity, balance emotions, increase feelings of well being, strengthen immune system, reduce mold and unpleasant odors.
Direct inhalation - Oil can be placed on cotton strip and inserted into empty inhaler
Cup & Inhale - couple of drops on hands, cup & inhale.
Tissue Cup -PET plastic or glass small container, place 3 drops on tissue
Spritz - place a few drops in water of a spray bottle, shake well & spray
Steam Tent - with a towel over a bowl, place drops in a bowl of water.
T-Shirt tent – place drops on chest, breath in under t-shirt.
TOPICAL ~ Caution, eyes, or mucus membranes during direct application.
Acupressure points / reflexology, Oil can be placed direct or diluted on point, massage, hot or cold compress
Topically for almost immediate delivery through the circulatory system and to enter bloodstream/ skin conditions, aches, pain, bruises, burns, rashes, fungal infections, cuts, scrapes, bumps, wounds, bites.
Travel – 2 drops on mastoid glands (behind ears) and on chest, breath in 3 times before travel.
Baths & Soaking
Full bath, 4 to 6 drops, agitate to avoid oils settling on top of bath.
Jacuzzi, Sauna, Shower/wash cloth, foot bath, hand soak
Capsules
Some hints on using capsules… empty capsules can be purchased at health food stores, aromatherapy accessory stores and online.
00 holds about 15 to 20 drops of essential oils
0 hold about 10 to 13 drops
Oils will soften capsules over a few days depending on the oils.
(Water will dissolve a capsule in 15 minutes
Oregano will dissolve capsule in 8 hours
Lemon will not dissolve after one week.)
It is easier to fill a capsule using a dropper.
INGESTION
Before taking an oil internally, check its references to determine that it is Therapeutic Grade and GRAS (generally regarded as safe) by the FDA.
I highly recommend Muscle testing to be sure you are taking the proper oil for yourself. See the section on Muscle testing for accuracy.
You would ingest oil in a capsule, orally as you would traditionally take vitamins.
Swishing – 2 to 6 drops of peppermint, lemon and/ or lavender in a teaspoon of water and swishing in the mouth for a minute.
Pulling Oils – Oil Pulling is a therapy that improves health of gums and teeth/ detoxing. Add carrier oil such as grapeseed, coconut or olive oil to 2 drops of clove, myrrh or peppermint. Then without swallowing, swish and pull the oil mixture through the teeth and around the mouth for 5 to 10 minutes, then spit out the mixture without swallowing. Then brush teeth.
Enema – Add the desired oils to a 00 capsule and fill the remainder with coconut oil and insert appropriately one of the more effective ways to get oils deep into the lungs is via the rectum.
SKIN TEST ~ Every person is different in how they respond to oils. It is highly unusual for improper use but it is important to have an understanding of the characteristics of the various oils and any precautions.
The most common unwanted result is skin irritation. Some oils are stronger than others. This is an important reason to use Young Living Essential Oils because they are therapeutic grade 100% organic from Seed to when they seal the oil in the jar. This gives a strong assurance that they have also been tested for impurities.
Some Oils are HOT and may cause irritation, especially on sensitive areas or those with sensitive skin. To avoid such situations, it is always prudent to dilute oils with a carrier if in doubt and to perform a basic skin test if there is any question.
Place a small amount of carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil and small amount of essential oil on the inside of your elbow, after one hour, check the area for reaction.
If an essential oil causes irritation, dilute the oil with a carrier oil or applying carrier oil followed by the essential oil will usually make the oil usable.
The skin on the bottom of the foot is tough and the oils will still enter the body. The bottom of the foot is a template of your entire body, and as reflexology… oil will enter those areas if placed on the bottom of the foot.
Most users will not react to therapeutic pure oils and they can be safely applied for a direct powerful effect. Melaleuca or lavender oils are very mild even for more sensitive skin and can be effectively used undiluted on burns, insect bites, pimples and other skin eruptions .
Critical Health Conditions:
People with Asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure or other critical health conditions can benefit from essential oils but should always consult a healthcare or aromatherapy professional when addressing these serious conditions.
Oils NOT suitable for use in aromatherapy. Caution or consultation should be used before using wormwood, pennyroyal, camphor, sassafras, onion, bitter almond and horseradish. Ruta Graveolens or Rue essential is classified as poisonous to humans and should NOT be used.
PRECAUTIONS:
Wintergreen – contains methyl salicylate that has very positive properties but if applied too strongly can be an irritant and even toxic at high levels. Some recommend storing wintergreen out of the reach of children since it has an odor familiar in many sweets.
Bergamot – is more photosensitive than other citrus oils
Epilepsy – Avoid the use of Basil, Rosemary and Wintergreen
High Blood Pressure - Avoid Rosemary and Thyme
Grapefruit – There has once again been mention of concern with grapefruit oil and medication. The compound Naringin, found in the fruit of the grapefruit, causes problems with prescription medication by interfering with or amplifying the body’s ability to absorb the drugs, it is not present in grapefruit essential oil. You may still choose to avoid taking grapefruit oil internally, but with a little research, you will find that the ingredients of concern is not in the oils.
Some Essential Oils are Photosensitive – They react to radiant energy or light such as natural sunlight, sunlamps or other sources of UV Rays. An adverse response appears within minutes, hours or days after first application and exposure. These oils are primarily Citrus oils and include angelica, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, wild orange and tangerine. The result is a dark pigmentation or rash on the skin. Bergamot contains bergaptene, a dominant photo-sensitizer and can cause severe reactions.
When using photosensitizing oil, wait a minimum of six hours before exposing skin to UV Rays. The stronger and longer the UV Ray exposure, the longer the wait should be.
Use care with Babies, and people with sensitive skin. Increased watchfulness should be used when treating babies, young children and the elderly. Their skin is much more sensitive and susceptible to irritation, burning or stinging sensations. Use an effective carrier oil to protect sensitive skin against irritation.
Use Care with Eyes, Ears, etc. Keep oils out of eyes. Never apply oils directly to eyes or ear canal. After application be attentive to things like rubbing the eyes, around the eyes, eyelids, handling contact lenses or touching the interior of the nose. The skin is most sensitive and prone to irritation around the genitals and mucous membranes.
KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN- Treat essential oils the same as you would medicine. Oils can be painful or harmful if used in the eyes or if large quantities of the wrong oil are ingested.
Infants, babies and children should be diluted 1 – 2 drops into 1 tsp of vegetable oil if the oil suggests to be used NEAT ~ dilute for infant, baby and child.
Use Care when applying oils to infants and children. After application the child should be supervised in areas where oils were applied and should be clothed until the oils have been sufficiently absorbed to protect from cross contamination. A baby might easily grab their foot after oils were applied to them and then rub his or her eyes.
Dogs and Cats, dilute as you would for a toddler. 90% dilution is appropriate. According to weight of the animal.
FYI – A little goes a long way. Young Living Essential Oils are 100% therapeutic Grade, NON-GMO and 100% Organic. The higher the quality of the oil, the more potent it is and smaller amounts are required.
GRAS – Generally regarded as safe by the FDA. If ingesting these powerful essences, consider diluting it in water, agave, honey or juice. These methods are especially appropriate for young children. Some application techniques will direct you to oils which can be ingested without dilution. A number of essential oils are used in cooking. If there is a question of GRAS, consult a qualified aromatherapist.
MANY OILS ARE FLAMABLE – keep them clear of open flame, spark or fire hazards.
Carrier Oils- Coconut oil, Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil, Olive oil, Safflower oil, V6 oil.
Any one of these oils will help dilute the Essential oil.
Muscle Testing
Muscle testing also known as kinesiology or energy testing, is an ancient tool that has been around for centuries.
Muscle testing can be used anywhere to test anything. In the natural healing world we use muscle testing to test for allergies, foods you are allergic to, or to find which foods can help you.
Everything from vitamins hair color can be tested.
Everything is made up of vibration, vibrations make our body strong by responding positively to them which in turn makes our bodies muscles and ultimately our immune system strong, or they weaken it. The goal is to find those things and situations that strengthen your body and therefore strengthen your immune system. You also want to stay away from those things that weaken your body.
The body is an integral interacting whole. Muscles, organs and glands are interconnected by energy circuits of nerves, lymphatics, energy meridians and blood vessels. These circuits turn off when imbalanced or blocked by illness, injury or overload with toxins. By balancing the body’s energy, the systems are able to return to a state of pure health. Muscle testing is one method that allows us to do this.
You should muscle test for each oil selected, to determine which one is best for you to work with. When dowsing or muscle testing, I ask “is it in my highest and best interest to take or work with this oil right now”. If I get a negative response, I check the next oil and go through all recommended oils on the list. If none are testing positive, I wait an hour and test again. Maybe whatever you have eaten may be interfering with the oil. It is best to never combine medication and oils and to always separate oils by 2 hours. That means never take two recipes in less than 2 hours apart.
Your intuition is the best for deciding which oil is best for you. Reference books will give you a starting point; it is up to you to decide which oil is best for you and when.
Elizabeth Desrochers (401) 447-3671
Young Living Independent Distributor
Member # 1001744
Ancient Wisdom, LLC
Young Living Independent Distributor.
ID # 1001744
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Young Living Independent Distributor Elizabeth Desrochers
Member #1001744 © 2013