Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Cedarwood Essential Oil


CEDARWOOD (Cedrus atlantica)

Here's some information about one of my favorite oils...

Inhaling the oils of cedarwood increases the ability to think clearly and enhances the awareness needed for effective prayer and meditation. This is because of all the essential oils of the world, Cedarwood contains the highest concentration of sesquiterpenes, which have the ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier and oxygenate the brain directly upon inhalation by way of the nasal passages and the olfactory nerves. It has been suggested that cedarwood oil might prevent senility and Alzheimers disease.

Perhaps this is why the palaces of King David and King Solomon were built of cedar. King Solomon contracted King Hiram to supply all the materials needed (The Cedars of Lebanon) in return for wheat and fine oils for every year as long as it took to complete the temple. Unfortunately, the cedars of Lebanon were nearly forested to extinction and today only small patches exist in the far regions. Cedrus atlantica is believed to the closest in chemistry to the cedars of Biblical times.

Key Chemistry: Cedarwood contains 98% sesquiterpenes which deprogram misinformation written in the DNA due to trauma, abuse, loss and ancestral and limiting beliefs. Sesquiterpenes are considered the antidepressant in this valuable aspect.

Cedarwood may also be useful as a general cerebral stimulant. It may be diffused or applied topically as desired.

Fragrant Influence: Stimulates the limbic region of the brain (the center of emotions) and the pineal gland, which releases melatonin. Terry Friedmann, MD found in clinical tests that this essential oil was able to successfully treat ADD and ADHD (attention deficit disorders) in children. It is recognized for its calming, purifying properties.

Other Properties: may combat hair loss (alopecia areata), antibacterial, lymphatic stimulant.

USES: Hair loss, arteriosclerosis, ADHD, skin problems (acne, eczema)

Application: (1) Apply on location, (2) chakras/vitaflex points, (3) directly inhale, (4) diffuse.

CEDARWOOD FOR COLD/SORE THROAT TESTIMONIAL

I had a nasty cold and sore throat, a couple Sundays ago I woke up with a hacking cough and my wife told me to put Cedarwood on my throat & chest. I did, and it helped immensely. I was feeling rough enough I stayed home from church and read the first few chapters of the Essential Oils Desk Reference.




I also looked up Cedarwood and nowhere does it mention for respiratory problems. But it DOES help with this hacking cough!! I use it through the day.

At night I use Raven & RC (Young Living essential oil blends) in a travel diffuser. I get under the covers with it for about 15 minutes before going to sleep. Helps me sleep through most of the night w/o coughing. ~ Gary ~

CEDARWOOD FOR SLEEP

At night I place a drop or two of Cedarwood on my forehead and temples then dab the rest under my nose or perhaps on the outer rims of my ears. I fall asleep much more easily, perhaps because Cedarwood is known to stimulate melatonin, the sleep hormone. ~ Deborah ~

* Use only the BEST therapeutic grade essential oils. Essential oils from bath shops and natural foods stores are often perfume grade and thus may not yield therapeutic results. Perfume grade essential oils have been rendered toxic by the distillation method, fillers, chemical extractants, etc. and may cause adverse reactions.

To Learn More about Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and their many uses please contact me through my website: The Very Essence

Information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Dream Sweet:
Essential Oil recipes promote good sleep



SLEEP TIGHT

3 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop clary sage essential oil

Mix 3 drops lavender and 1 drop clary sage with a teaspoon of milk or cream. Add to a warm bath & soak.

~ o ~

CALM NERVES & PROMOTE SLEEP

4 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops of roman chamomile essential oil

Add lavender and chamomile to a teaspoon milk or cream. Pour into a warm bath and soak.

Or, add lavender and chamomile in a Cold-Air Diffuser and diffuse in your bedroom.

~ o ~

RELAXATION MASSAGE OIL

4 drops Lavender
1 drop Petitgrain
1 drop Frankincense
4 Tablespoons of massage oil, almond or olive oil

This blend may be added to a warm bath (about a tablespoon of the massage oil blend). 
Or, you can blend the essential oils 4 times the proportions and use in a Cold-Air Diffuser.

~ o ~

To see my online catalog of Diffusers and quality essential oils visit my website:
The Very Essence

Information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you. Young Living uses only organic therapeutic grade oils. Perfume grade or poor quality oils may possibly be harmful due to unknown additives and poor plant or distillation conditions.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

The Flu Season & Essential Oils

Flu is a highly contagious disease, usually more prevalent in the Winter and Spring. It is spread from discharges from the mouth and nose from infected persons. The influenza virus has great genetic variation, which accounts for the frequent epidemics, caused by different strains of the virus. The main target of the virus is the respiratory system. Flu can be highly dangerous for children, the elderly, or people with a weak immune system.

Symptoms of flu include sudden onset, fever, chills, muscle aches and pain, headache, weakness, and physical and mental exhaustion. Sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms of the common cold are usually present, and intestinal complaints are also very common.

Essential Oils to the Rescue

The History of Thieves

Europeans began producing essential oils in the 12th century. During the Plague of the 15th century, certain thieves were able to rob the dead without fear of becoming infected by the terrible disease. After being captured and charged with robbing the dead and dying victims of the plague, the thieves were offered a deal. The magistrate offered them leniency if they would reveal how they managed to avoid contracting the dreaded infection, in spite of their close proximity with the infected corpses. They disclosed that they were perfumers and spice traders, and that they had rubbed themselves with a concoction of aromatic herbs (cinnamon, and clove).

Thieves Blend was found to have a 99.6 percent kill rate against airborne bacteria!

When Ancient Tradition Links with Modern Society: Thieves™ Blend

Fast forward - 20th century, Young Living Essential Oils begins testing Thieves™ Blend, a proprietary combination of cinnamon, clove and rosemary essential oils for its potent antimicrobial properties. Thieves Blend was found to have a 99.6 percent kill rate against airborne bacteria. According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference (Essential Science Publishing, page 125), Studies conducted at Weber State University during 1997 showed the antibacterial effectiveness of this blend against airborne microorganisms."

Thieves Blend Product Line: Kill Bacteria - Naturally.

Thieves Blend is so effective and popular - that there is an entire line of germ fighting products to choose from: Sore Throat Lozenges; Household Cleansing Spray; Bar Soap; Toothpaste; and Mouthwash.

"Our family uses Thieves Blend. It is a more natural way to fight infectious germs - it's good for us, and good for the planet." James Niederland, LCSW, Psychotherapist & Wellness Consultant

you can use the Young Living essential oils topically or internally. For topical application, apply to the bottoms of the feet, the pulse points of the wrist, or to the back, neck, and chest.

For internal use, put 2-4 drops into a vegetable capsule (gel cap) and swallow. Do this three times per day, for at least a week. You can usually purchase gel/veggie caps at any health food store. Young. If you don't have any gel/veggie caps, you can put 2-4 drops in a tablespoon of honey and let it trickle down your throat.

In Europe, doctors use essential oils and herbs as treatment for Infections, Colds and Flu. Some of the essential oils recommended are Idaho tansy, Cypress, Tea Tree (melaleuca alternifolia), Lavender, Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint and Fir, Idaho Balsam.

Idaho Balsam Fir is a conifer oil distilled in northern Idaho. It has been used for treating muscle aches and pains, sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory disorders.

As you probably know, the flu requires bed rest, a well-balanced diet, and lots of liquids )water, homemade Lemonade, vegetable juices, soups and herbal teas.) Fill your diffuser with Lemon, Eucalyptus or Lavender to disinfect the room air and keep the nasal passages clear. If you have a sore throat, place one drop Melrose (blend) essential oil on your tongue and swallow. Do this every half hour until the pain is gone. The Thieves blend is also an excellent choice. Add one drop of Thieves to 1/4 cup of warm water, gargle and swallow. Do as often as needed.

It is important that you are aware of any safety precautions, as some essential oils can sting or burn so they need to be diluted. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil may be used as a carrier oil. Please contact me if you have ANY questions about dilution.

Diffusing Essential Oils:

When oils are diffused in a home, office or classroom, they purify the air itself by removing toxins, metallic particles and other harmful microscopic debris. They also increase the atmospheric oxygen of the air, and boost levels of beneficial ozone and negative ions which dramatically inhibit the growth and reproduction of airborne pathogens.

As the odorous molecules drift to the various surfaces of each room they rapidly kill virtually all pathogenic bacteria, viruses, rifles, molds and fungi they come into contact with. And lastly, they completely destroy odors from mold, cigarettes, household pets, bathrooms and more. Fill a 2 ounce glass spray bottle with distilled water, add 6-8 drops of your oil of choice and place one on each toilet (Purification recommended) and other select places.

Perhaps the most popular and effective method of diffusing oils is to buy a product called a (cold) "Diffuser," which sprays an ultra-fine mist of the essential oil of your choice into the air. The millions of misted particles sprayed from a diffuser are so fine they can hang in the air of your house, vehicle, office or classroom literally for hours, spreading from room to room via the normal air circulation that occurs as you walk through the area. For economy and efficiency, it is recommended to attach a simple timer to the diffuser. You can program the timer to be on, for example, for 15 minutes and off for 30 minutes, conserving oils and money.

VERY IMPORTANT POINT ABOUT DIFFUSING OILS:

Whatever you do, DO NOT HEAT YOUR OILS. Keep them around room temperature. Heating the essential oils will not only ruin the therapeutic value of the oil, but it can also harm you. Research shows that high temperatures will change the chemistry. This changed chemistry can be toxic to the human body. This is simply basic organic chemistry 101. If you want to fragrance a room and obtain health benefits, use a cold diffuser. Do not use a light bulb called an Aromalamp or burn oils with fire from a candle.

The Thieves essential oil and over 140 others can be found at my website The Very Essence

Information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you. Young Living uses only therapeutic grade oils. Perfume grade or poor quality oils may possibly be harmful due to unknown additives and poor plant or distillation conditions.

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Health & Wellness Seminar:
Got Mold?


Presented by Young Living NW

Visit Young Living Northwest

March 20th, 2007 • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Edmonds Conference Center
201 Fourth Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020

Free to the general public, $10 for YLEO Members

Do you remember the classic spice scented smell of Grandma’s kitchen? The scent of cloves, cinnamon, and citrus permeating the house helped keep mold, bacteria and viruses at bay. Today household mold is a serious problem.

50% of buildings, both old and new, have Mold resulting in a 50-100% increase of it's occupants having respiratory problems - 2 Studies, Harvard and Johns Hopkins Universities

1 in 7 Americans suffers from acute fungal sinustis, resulting from exposure to mold - Mayo Clinic

Bleach, Ozone, and chemicals typically used for treating mold are ineffective and are hazardous to your health - US EPA and the American Industrial Hygiene Association Bob Franks, a retired Quality Assurance Specialist for the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency with a chemistry degree from WSU, will present the latest science on toxic black mold by Dr. Edward Close, Ph.D, PE. Dr. Close is a recognized expert Environmental Engineer with 40 years experience in the field.

Learn what you can do to prevent and eliminate toxic mold in the home and workplace. Dr. Close’s recent research and important discovery support how we can use nature’s plant kingdom to clean-up and protect our indoor environments.

This solution may surprise you!

It smells like Grandma’s kitchen... and is as safe as eating her apple pie!

- This is an educational seminar on Toxic Mold you won’t want to miss -

Pre-register to reserve your seat, contact:

Evelyn at Young Living Northwest

Upcoming Health and Wellness Seminars in Edmonds, WA

April 17th, 2007
KIDS, PETS, FLEAS and PESTS
Are you ready to get toxic products out of your kids & pets lives? We’ll tell you what we’ve done to make a change!

May 15th, 2007
Cooking with Essential Oils
Chef Debra Lane, of Chef To Go, will demonstrate how to expand your cooking repertoire!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Sleep Disorders and Essential Oils


This week, I'd like to share some oils for sleep. If you know someone who needs to get some sleep, this message was created with them in mind. Please feel free to share my information with someone you know that might benefit by using an all-natural, more holistic approach to a better nights sleep.

"A friend suggested that I try using the essential oil of valerian for sleep, so I decided to do a little research; the National Institutes of Health has a website devoted to Valerian for Insomnia and Sleep Disorders. I was amazed how much clinical investigation there was on the properties of this oil. What I read about valerian was that it was very highly regarded as an all-natural sedative. What I learned about valerian from using it was that it is calming, relaxing, balancing, and a sleep aid. Just an aside, Valerian Root is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for ingestion by the FDA. I would make sure the oil you use is therapeutic grade. " ~ John, Washington ~

It is estimated that Americans spend $14 Billion dollars, every year, on our Sleep Disorders!

• 58% of adults experience symptoms of insomnia a few nights or more per week

• 35% of adults report at least one symptom of insomnia every night or almost every night

• For those looking for a safe, effective, and cost-effective alternative, Young Living's beautiful essential oils stand alone.

• Try some oils tonight before you go to sleep. You may be pleasantly surprised!

"I use Essential Oil of Cedarwood on my feet before I go to bed and sleep like a baby! It stimulates the pineal gland which releases natural Melatonin. I feel this is also good for the brain since Cedarwood is high in sesquiterpenes [brain food]. I have also used Alkalime and Lavender for sleep....love it." ~ Jackie, Texas ~

"When my sister died last year, I found myself facing insomnia for the first time in my life. I'd go to bed as normal but would have trouble even getting 2 hours sleep a night. I had heard that Valerian could be good for insomnia, so I ordered a bottle from Young Living. I'd put a few drops under my tongue and then - because it didn't smell great - I put a drop of Lavender on the tip of my nose which masked the smell. It was a wonder! I was sleeping again and never was groggy in the morning. The National Institutes of Health has a website devoted to Valerian for Insomnia and Sleep Disorders. Just as an aside, I'm a big fan of 19th century Russian literature and one of my favorite writers is Anton Chekhov, who was actually a country doctor as well as a writer. In one of his plays, The Sea Gull, the doctor in the play named Dorn asks his patient if he'd like some Valerian drops for his insomnia. So this has been a traditional remedy. Valerian Root is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) for ingestion by the FDA. I would just make sure the oil ingested is therapeutic grade. I highly recommend the Valerian/Lavender combo for insomnia." ~ Kathryn ~

"I put my daughter to sleep every night with a story and a kiss. Recently, I have added some reflexology techniques and the rubbing of Peace and Calming essential oils to the bottom of her feet, and some in her palms to smell deeply. The two of us become so relaxed and sleepy that we had to change our nightly ritual to stories first and oils last. She sleeps so soundly her blankets stay perfectly neat until she wakes up in the morning. Wonderful!" ~ Stacy ~

"Last year I was having problems with sleeping at night so I decided I would try the Valor oil to see if it would help me out. I tried putting 2 drops on the bottom of both feet and then with the oil on my hands, I would cup them in front of my mouth and nose and take 6-8 deep breaths. Since I started with this routine I have been getting a full night's sleep and waking up very refreshed. My husband has been using it also and is sleeping better with a lot less snoring." ~ Anne ~

Suggested Essential Oils for Sleep:

Valor
Lavender
Dream Catcher (For Nightmares)
Peace & Calming
Valerian (Strong)

All of the essential oils for assisting in better sleep are available at my website The Very Essence, once there, click on "Create an Account" to place an order. If you have questions please contact me.

Information found here refers solely to products from Young Living Essential Oils and is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We urge you to do the health related research necessary to learn what is right for you.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Spring Cleaning Indoor Air


The easiest and simplest way of putting essential oils into the air for inhalation is to use an aromatic diffuser. A cold air diffuser uses room-temperature air to blow the oil up against some kind of nebulizer. This breaks the oils up into a micro-fine mist that is then dispersed into the air. The oils, with their oxygenating molecules, will then remain suspended for several hours to freshen and improve the quality of the air. The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties of the oils kill bacteria and help reduce fungus and mold. Essential oils, when diffused, have been found to reduce the amount of airborne chemicals and metallics as well as help to create greater spiritual, physical, and emotional harmony.

Recommended Diffusing Time
While a diffusers can run continuously until it is out of oil, the greatest therapeutic benefit is received by diffusing oils for only 10 minutes out of an hour so that the olfactory system has time to recover before receiving more oils. This also helps to conserve your oils. A simple way to do this is to use a programmable timer that can automatically turn on your diffuser each hour for 10 minutes.

Essential Oils for Air Purification
Diffusing essential oils in the home or work place is one of the best ways to purify our environment. The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties of the oils, along with the negative ions and oxygenating molecules that are released when essential oils are diffused, all help to reduce chemicals, bacteria, and metallics in the air.
Cinnamon bark, mountain savory, oregano, and Theives (a blend by Young Living Essential Oils), were all tested by Weber State University and were shown to kill 99.96% of the airborne bacteria present when diffused into the atmosphere.

The information above is from the Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie & Alan Higley, and from KID-Radio broadcast, March 5, 1996 with Lance Richardson & Gary Young

Negative Ions
Negative ions are produced naturally by wind and rain. They help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system which controls rest, relaxation, digestion, and sleep. If you live in a stressful environment, or an environment full of electronic equipment (which produce positive ions), the diffusion of negatively ionizing oils can help balance the ions in the air and produce a more stress free environment.

Essential oils that ionize negatively when diffused include: bergamot, cedarwood, citronella, eucalyptus (citriodora), grapefruit, lavandin, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, mandarin, orange, patchouly, & sandalwood.

Positive Ions
Positive ions are produced by electronic equipment and are typically found in man-made environments. They help stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, necessary for recovering, strengthening, and energizing. If you live in an environment with an over-abundance of negative ions, such as in the country or by the ocean, you may benefit greatly by diffusing positively ionizing oils.

Essential oils that ionize positively when diffused into the air include: cajeput, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, frankincense, helichrysum, juniper, marjoram, melaleuca (quinquenervia), palmarosa, pine, ravensara, rosemary, thyme, & ylang ylang.

Essential oils for the Season: Spring/Summer
Spring and summer connote a light, airy scent, full of life, energy, and possibly a hint of romance!
Essential oils that work well during this time include: cardamom, citronella, coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger,
grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, lime, palmarosa, peppermint, rose, spearmint, & ylang ylang.

The Benefits of Diffusing Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils
1. Increased cell oxygen.
2. Increased secretions of endorphins.
3. Increased secretions of antibodies.
4. Increased production of ATP (energy fuel used by cells).
5. Increased secretions of seratonin.
6. Increased secretions of hormones.
7. Increased histamine release, which speeds up the healing process.
8. Increased circulation and supports immune function.
9. Increased conversion of amino acids and proteins.
10. Helps in dealing with emotional trauma.
11. Helps in promotion of secretion and receptivity of human growth hormone (HGH).
12. They smell wonderful.

If you're ready to do some spring cleaning of your indoor air with essential oils using a cold air diffuser go to my product website, have a look around at the essential oils and diffusers (under "Accessories A-M you will find the diffsers) I offer, and then Create an Account.

~

Friday, March 02, 2007

Using Essential Oils for Natural Gardening


Every year we produce and use larger amounts of the most unhealthy toxic chemicals on our food crops and soil. Some of these deadly substances will remain in our food chain for hundreds of years. Our precious soil as well as our water and air become more and more contaminated each day. Our bodies not being able to cope with the assault of these poisons, cry out for help as the break down with physical and mental disorders.

Many of the pesticides, herbicides and other toxic chemical compounds in use today were developed during World War II by scientists seeking to create the most lethal poisons to annihilate opposing military forces. These harmful substances interfere with vital body processes by destroying enzymes, blocking oxidation, restricting the functions of various organs and initiate cellular changes and mutations that can lead to malignancies.

The September 14, 1992 issue of U.S. News and World Report Magazine reported:

"In the past four decades, as the use of pesticides rose thirty fold to nearly a billion pounds annually, more and more insects have adapted to fight the poisons.... [insect] species resistant to insecticides [in] 1948 [were] 8, [and in] 1989 [were] 504."

The late Robert Rodale who was chairman of the Rodale Press and the foremost authority on organic gardening wrote the book "Save Three Lives" which talks about a plan for sustainable agriculture through simple, non-toxic, natural methods. He writes: "Our work at the Rodale Research Center has proven the merits of a technique known to many gardeners for generations: Interplanting food crops with certain (often aromatic) plants repel damaging insects and thus protects the crops.

In some cases the odor of the essential oil from the repellent plant does actually repel insects that would otherwise feast on the food crop. In some other cases, however, the repellent plant simply masks the odor of food crops nearby, and the insect cannot locate the food by smell. If repellent plants were used on a massive - enough scale, there's every reason to believe that many insects would be unable to find food and would die hungry. The numbers of many pest species could be greatly reduced."

Insect problems can be handled in a non-toxic way using essential oils. Select one of the formulas. Combine the ingredients in a fine mist spray bottle, shake well and mist the plant. Use as minimal amount as possible, more is "not" better. Several applications may be necessary a few days apart.

Lavender............40 drops
Sage...................40 drops
Water................. 8 ounces

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Coriander.............30 drops
Cinnamon leaf......30 drops
Citronella.............20 drops
Water.................. 8 ounces

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Sage................... 65 drops
Chamomile......... 15 drops
Water.................. 8 ounces

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Sage.................... 40 drops
Cajeput................ 25 drops
Cedarwood........... 15 drops
Water................... 8 ounces

The Native American people respected nature and held the land sacred. When they were faced with making decisions on important matters they would first take into consideration how the outcome would effect the well-being of future generations who would inhabit the land and rely on it for sustenance.

Each one of us also has an obligation to do our part to help maintain and preserve the integrity of our natural environment and to make this planet a cleaner and better place to live - our sacred and precious mother earth!

Pure Essential Oils catalog can be found here The Very Essence

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