Research Report on Young Living Essential Oils

Weber State University Publishes Young Living Essential Oil Research Report

The U.S. lags behind other countries in essential oil research is well known.

Weber State University, sponsored by Young Living Essential Oils, Inc. , to research Essential Oils, published in 1997 its Annual Research Report. The mission of the work is to identify which oils, and/or combination of oils are effective against disease-causing microorganisms.

The study also compared the effectiveness of two often used antibiotics, Penicillin and Ampicillin, with 4 essential oils (two single oils and two blends) against 2 bacteria with known high morbidity rates, Escherichia coli (E-Coli) and Staphylococcus aureus. The four essential oils are Cinnamon, Oregano, Immupower and Purification.

The results clearly showed all 4 oils were superior to both Penicillin and Ampicillin in their ability to kill the microorganisms. In the case of Penicillin, lysis disintegration of E-Coli did not occur. Apparently this generation of bacteria strain is totally resistant to Penicillin. Interestingly, the kill rate with essential oils went up dramatically as more of the oil was added. This same effect, however, did not occur when more of the antibiotics were added. This however, does not mean that the more of an essential oil that is used the better. Whenever an essential oil is used it should be therapeutic-grade and should be used mindfully and within the guidelines of the Essential Oils Desk Reference.

With National attention focused on E-Coli bacteria outbreaks, we want to share a portion of another Weber State Study with you that deals with this potential killer. To understand the numbers next to each oil below, it is necessary to know something of how the study was conducted.

A small piece of paper infiltrated with essential oil was placed in a petri dish infected with Escherichia coli. After a period of incubation, examination revealed a dark shadow around the paper indicating Lysis (disintegration) of the E-Coli. The diameter or size of the dark circle is demonstrative of the kill ratio and referred to as the "Zone of Inhibition" (Through replication, researchers know that E-Coli cannot grow in this zone).

Measured in millimeters (mm), the Zone of Inhibition was noted for each of 67 different oils tested. There were nine oils that the Zone of Inhibition measured 25 mm or larger, meaning these oils are most effective against E-Coli.

They are:
Rosewood 40 mm
Cinnamon Bark 32 mm
Peppermint 30 mm
Thyme 30 mm
Ravensara 30 mm
Oregano 30 mm
Mountain Savory 30 mm
Lavender 25 mm

By mixing Peppermint and Rosewood with a ratio of 1 part Peppermint to 8 parts Rosewood, researchers discovered the Zone of Inhibition for E-Coli increased to 50 mm.

This is wonderful news as one begins to speculate how commerce might employ these oils to insure the safety of our food supply. One in particular, Peppermint oil, caught our attention. Already in use as a food additive, health conscious consumers may consider spraying countertops, sinks, fruits and vegetables with therapeutic-grade Peppermint oil diluted in water, as a safeguard against the possibility of E-Coli infected food.

The Weber State study is important because it confirms that essential oils play a vital role in the health and well-being of mankind.