What Effects do Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils Have on People?

June 7, 2010

As Cleansers …

It is the same for people as with the plants themselves … they carry oxygen into the cells and carry waste products out. In fact, essential oils are one of nature’s best body cleansers. They can cleanse our cells receptor sites of pharmaceutical drugs, petrochemicals, and other disruptors of intercellular communication. They help to remove and flush out heavy metals and other toxins through the liver, colon, sweat, lungs and kidneys, as well as increase our ability to absorb vitamins and other nutrients.

As Hormones …

They can act as neurotransmitters, peptides, steroids, hormones, enzymes, vitamins and other message-carrying molecules which intelligently assist our bodily functions and help to restore or maintain wellness.

As Balancers …

Essential oils always work toward restoring and maintaining balance and homeostasis. This means that the same oil can work in different directions depending on the needs of the person. Oregano oil will kill hostile microbes while nurturing those that are friendly. Angelica can stimulate a uterus to contract or to relax depending on the need. Myrtle oil is an adaptigen that can stimulate an increase or a decrease in thyroid activity depending on a person’s condition. Drugs are incapable of such intelligent discriminations and act only in preprogrammed directions, like robots, whether beneficial or not.

Click here for more information.

References

Publishing, E. S. (2007). Essential Oils Desk Reference, Fourth Edition. Essential Sciences Publishing.

Stewart, D. P. (2005). The Chemistry of Essential Oils, God’s Love Manifest in Molecules. Care Publications.

Posted by Terry | Filed Under Essential Oils | Leave a Comment

Fraud in the Labeling of Essential Oils?

June 5, 2010

I believe knowledge is power, so in addition to understanding what is involved in saving the therapeutic elements of essential oils (see What Are Essential Oils), you should also know that labeling fraud is rampant. There are currently no standards in North America set by any government agency (see What Are AFNOR and ISO Certifications) to keep this in check. So in order to really be sure you’re getting therapeutic grade oils, you need to know your grower, your distiller, your packager, and your distributor, because anywhere along the line oils can be compromised.

What Are Some Fraudulent Practices?

Just so you know, a common fraudulent practice is to take a decent grade oil and dilute it 90% to 95% with an odorless, colorless solvent (usually an inexpensive petrochemical) so that what was a pound of good oil becomes ten or twenty pounds of diluted oil to be sold as if it were the original substance, and they often carry labels saying “Genuine” or “100% Pure”. When you see a $10 to $20 full ounce bottle of fluid labeled as “Frankincense”, you can be sure it has been diluted. You can’t gather the resins from the Arabian and Somalian deserts, transport them to France or England to be distilled, and then import them to North America (or any other country) for that price and maintain quality and purity.

Another indication of this fraudulent practice is that, mysteriously, for every pound of frankincense distilled in the world, more than a dozen pounds are eventually sold! And this practice isn’t just used with frankincense!

People Can Become Discouraged Due to These Fraudulent Practices

Sadly, when these cut, synthetic and adulterated oils cause rashes, burns, or other irritations, people become discouraged and conclude that essential oils don’t have much value.

Even the “anointing oils” commonly found in Christian book stores are not true, therapeutic grade oils. When only the common names (i.e. Frankincense and Myrrh) are used, and the latin names (i.e. Boswellia carteri and Commiphora myrrha) are missing from the label, that is a clear warning that the contents are probably not genuine.

Also, finding oils for sale in clear white glass bottles is another clue that the contents are not real essential oils, even though the label may say so. Essential Oils exposed to light will polymerize and lose their fragrance and their healing properties. These oils are not suitable for use in healing applications. Genuine essential oils must be stored in light proof containers or dark glass, like amber or blue.

So. These are some things to look out for, and why it is imperative to know your source! Click here for more information on essential oils.

References

Publishing, E. S. (2007). Essential Oils Desk Reference, Fourth Edition. Essential Sciences Publishing.

Stewart, D. P. (2005). The Chemistry of Essential Oils, God’s Love Manifest in Molecules. Care Publications.

Posted by Terry | Filed Under Essential Oils, The Big Picture | Leave a Comment