July 2009

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How Essential Oils Work

July 22, 2009 in Application, Aromatherapy, Best Essential Oils, Family Health, Health, How do I use, Therapeutic-grade Essential Oil, Vibrational Frequency, Young Living Essential Oils by Evelyn Vincent | No comments

This article was excerpted from the Essential Oils Desk Reference and refers to the usage of Young Living Therapeutic-grade essential oils. Please do not use this information as guidance for use of other brands of essential oils as they are not the same quality.  essential-7-oils

Essential oils [therapeutic-grade] can work through inhalation, ingestion, topical application, or rectal/vaginal retention.

Although topical use is perhaps best known, dietary use of essential oils may be one of the most effective ways of unlocking their health benefits. Many essential oils have been used as food flavorings or as a part of patent medicines for centuries, endowing them with a long history of safe use. Recent research suggests that certain high ORAC essential oils act as potent antioxidants that can actually raise antioxidant levels in the body and prevent premature aging.

Many of the oils listed in this section are classified as GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means they are ìgenerally regarded as safeî for human consumption.

Topical application is probably the most common means of using essential oils. According to researcher Jean Valnet, MD, an essential oil that is directly applied to the skin can pass into the bloodstream and diffuse throughout the tissues in 20 minutes or less. More recent studies have also documented the ability of essential oils to penetrate the stratum corneum (the upper layer of skin) to reach the subdermal tissues and blood vessels beneath.1,2

Some of the compounds in essential oils that work synergistically to enhance permeation include alphapinene (frankincense, valerian, basil, cistus), betapinene (galbanum, hyssop, fir, rosemary), alphaterpineol (bay laurel, Melaleuca ericifolia, ravensara), 1,8-cineole or eucalyptol (Eucalyptus globulus, E. radiata, E. dives, rosemary) and d-limonene (white fir, tangerine, orange, lemon, grapefruit).

Inhalation is also an effective means of therapeutically using and delivering an essential oil. The fragrance of an essential oil can have a direct influence on both the body and mind due to its ability to stimulate the brainís limbic system (a group of subcortical structures including the hypo thalamus, the hippo campus, and the amygdala). This can produce powerful effects that can effect everything from emotional balance and energy levels to appetite control, heart, and immune function.

Some researchers believe that the inhalation of an essential oil can also enhance the bodyís frequency, which can have a direct impact on disease. Disease and emotional trauma foster a negative frequency that may be disrupted or broken by essential oils. Oils with higher frequencies can elevate the entire frequency of the body whether topically or orally administered, thereby creating an internal environment that opposes the establishment of some disease conditions.

1. Taiwan Huang, Fang, Hung, Wu, Tsai “Cyclic monoterpene extract from cardamom oil as a skin permeation enhancer for indomethacin: in vitro and in vivo studies.” Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 1999 Jun;22(6):642-6.
2. Ogiso, Iwaki, Paku “Effect of various enhancers on transdermal penetration of indomethacin and urea, and relationship between penetration parameters and enhancement factors.” Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1995 Apr;84(4):482-8.

Evelyn Vincent

Evelyn Vincent

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Article by Evelyn Vincent, Young Living Independent Distributor

Helping families make informed choices!

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How Much Young Living Essential Oil Do I Use on My Pets

July 20, 2009 in Aromatherapy, Best Essential Oils, How do I use, Palo Santo, Pets, Skin Care, Therapeutic-grade Essential Oil, Using Essential Oils, Young Living Essential Oils by Evelyn Vincent | No comments

Using essential oils with pets is excerpted from the Essential Oils Desk Reference

Young Living Essential Oils have been used very successfully on many different kinds of animals from kittens to 2,000- pound draft horses. Animals generally respond to essential oils in much the same way as humans. [It is NOT recommended to use other brands of essential oils on animals are they can be adulterated and contain harmful chemicals - if they contain any real essential oil at all].

How Much Young Living Essential Oil Should I Use?

Most animals are even more sensitive to the effects of therapeutic-grade essential oils than humans. They often seem to have a natural affinity to the healing influence of the oils. Adjust dosage proportionately, based on body weight. If the protocol for a human being ( at about 160 lbs.) calls for 3-5 drops, then a horse (at 1600 lbs. or more) could use as much as 10 times that amount, while a dog (at 16 lbs.) would need as little as one tenth that amount. Generally speaking, if you have never put oils on an animal before, you should start carefully, applying them only to the feet, paws, or hooves (on the frog and cornet bands) at first.

In the case of cats and small dogs, essential oils should ALWAYS be diluted before applying, because they are actually MORE sensitive to the biochemicals in the oils than humans.

Be careful to avoid high phenol oils, such as oregano and thyme, on cats because they can be extremely sensitive to these stronger oils. They should only be used in high rates of dilution (90% carrier oil) and the diluted oil should only be applied to the paws.

General Guidelines When Using Essential Oils with Animals:

  • For small animals: (cats and small dogs) Apply 3-5 drops DILUTED (80 essential oil – 90% carrier oil) oil mixture per application.
  • For larger animals: (large dogs) Apply 3-5 drops NEAT (dilute if using oils high in phenol) per application.
  • For large animals: (cattle and horses) Apply 20-30 drops NEAT (dilute if using oils high in phenol) per application.

Essential Oils and Cats

There is much fear among some people that essential oils should never be used around cats. It is true that cats process essential oils very differently than humans, dogs, and horses. I personally do not have a cat and cannot share with you any of my own experiences other than this… when I have come in contact with cats while wearing my Young Living oils (as a perfume or applied for healing) cats are are attracted to me so strongly that I can’t keep them away.

I have also heard stories, I don’t know how accurate and true they are, that some have had bad experiences with oils and cats. This has most certainly occurred for  one of two reasons, 1) because they are using inferior quality oils, or 2) they’ve used way too much essential oil.

I do know that it is fine to use Young Living oils in the same house with cats because many thousands of Young Living oil users have cats and they use their oils daily without any problems. I also know that there are many vets and animal workers who use Young Living oils with cats very effectively for healing and wellness purposes.

I believe that those who say never to use essential oils even in the same house with cats are either repeating something they heard or read that’s not true, or those horror stories are from those who used an inferior essential oil or too much (too much of even a good thing can be unhealthy, read Why Essential Oils Kill Insects and Not Humans).

Essential Oils and Cat Testimonials

“I have two kittens that a friend gave us. When we got them they were very sickly and terribly thin. I use oils on them daily. I put Helichrysum, Lavender and Roman Chamomile on their ears twice a day. I’ve also used Peppermint, RC, Idaho Balsam Fir and maybe a few others. These kittens are growing like weeds, play hard and sleep hard. Except for still having extra mucus, they are the picture of health. The YL oils didn’t kill them, but they would be dead if not for the oils.” ~ Edith C.

“I volunteer at an animal shelter and they used Melrose in oil base for ringworm there. Some cleared up in days, some in weeks. One tougher case over a month. That is compared to over 1 year with what they were doing before, which was why I suggested the oils. I couldn’t stand to see them isolated from kitten hood to adult. Of course, I would only use my YL oils. One shelter worker seemed to think they even liked the smell and affected their mood.” ~ Toni D.

“If the YLEO (Young Living Essential Oils) kills cats then my cats have lost eight or nine lives each! They love the oils and a couple of them try to lick the oils off of my skin if don’t watch them. I have 5 cats. I even had one cat with liver problems (her brother died from liver disease and she had all of the same symptoms – that was before YL) that Immupower cured. That is one of the oils that isn’t supposed to be used for cats. I do dilute the oils when I use them on the cats – 3-4 drops per teaspoon of olive oil. I don’t know why I do since they lick the oils off fo me and those aren’t diluted. I have also diffused the oils full strength. Of course cats aren’t suppose to like citric oils and smells but I have 2 cats that will pick up lemon rind and chew on them – what can I say.” ~ Carol B.

Essential Oils and Dogs

My dog, has been around Young Living essential oils since the age of 3 1/2, when we got him, he’s now 9 1/2 years old. He absolutely LOVES the oils, we let him pick which one he wants applied. Some of his favorites are: Palo Santo (for pain and killing ticks), Deep Relief RollOn (for pain), Geranium (for bites and irritated skin), Helichrysum (for skin issues), Frankincense (for skin conditions and removing a large skin tag). The one essential oil he doesn’t like is Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and if one oil is not particularly good for dogs Tea Tree is it. We’ve taught him how to ask us when he wants some oils and how to indicate if he wants a particular oil over another.

Please use the information above to help you use your Young Living oils safely and effectively with your pets and remember… ALWAYS use common sense.

Evelyn Vincent

Evelyn Vincent

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Article by Evelyn Vincent, Young Living Independent Distributor

Helping families make informed choices!

Contact Evelyn

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Aromatherapy to Refresh Mind, Body and Soul

July 15, 2009 in Aromatherapy, Best Essential Oils, Clary Sage, Diffusing, Emotional Release, Energy Healing, Frankincense, How do I use, Lavender, Lemon, Mind / Body / Soul, Orange Oil, Peppermint, Sandalwood, Therapeutic-grade Essential Oil, Using Essential Oils, Young Living Essential Oils by Evelyn Vincent | No comments

Therapeutic-grade essential oils, can give us a wide range of emotional, physical, and emotional benefits. The most refreshing of the oils are the citruses, such as Lemon, Orange and Grapefruit, and the conifer oils such as Spruce, Pine, and Balsam Fir. But refreshment can also come from relaxation and deep rest, assisted by Lavender, Clary Sage, RutaVaLa, or Geranium.

Sweet fragrances are particularly important for refreshment, as the Charka Samhita of Ayurveda says: Sweet smells maintain youth, vigor, and give a long life. As a rejuvenator, they increase sensual enjoyment . Such oils would be: Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Copaiba.

Aromatic plants and essential oils are some of the worlds most potent antimicrobial substances. The purification of atmospheric toxicity and cleansing of airborne pathogens is one of the greatest benefits, especially when used in diffusers. Essential oils also help lift the spirit from depression and calm the agitated mind, removing the impurities of stress, anxiety, and unhappiness from our consciousness – orange and lavender are particularly good choices for this – see this study).

Unfortunately, many aromatherapy products such as scented candles are now contaminated with synthetic aroma chemicals, which can cause headaches, allergies, and even cancers. I suggest using natural, unscented bee’s wax candles, and use your Young Living diffuser for scent.

Some essential oils can act as gentle stimulants to the limbic system of the brain, increasing alertness and concentration, enhancing the capacity for learning, improving memory, and assisting many other cognitive functions. A wide range of essential oils offer these benefits, such as: Peppermint, Lemon, Rosemary and Melissa.

For those who cannot abandon their worldly responsibilities, the simple ritual of  inhaling an essential oil (take a quick sniff straight from the bottle anytime you need a pick-me-up), or diffusing, or rubbing a drop on the back of your neck, is a way of stepping outside the confines of routines and habitual thoughts.

Aromatic oils and unguents discovered in ancient Egyptian tombs still contained their fragrance thousands of years later, such as those used in embalming of mummies, do not decay, and their aroma continues through the millennia. Some fragrances, such as essential oils of Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Patchouli get better with age, becoming priceless treasures after a hundred years.

The ingredients our ancestors used for incense and perfumes were derived from plants and therefore relatively harmless. Today, adulteration and toxic ingredients make many kinds of incense, essential oils, perfumes, scented candles, and aromatherapy products quite hazardous to our health.

There are a zillion creams, lotions, and potions on the market that claim to be natural and organic. Please check the labels carefully to see if any ingredients are: propylene glycol, sodium laurel sulfate, or DEA (diethanolamine). If they contain those ingredients, they are not truly natural ingredients and it is best to avoid them entirely. These ingredients are known to be carcinogenic. So whether they temporarily plump the skin to erase wrinkles or not, having a carcinogen on your skin is not worth it.

Buy therapeutic-grade essential oils here.

Other articles by Evelyn Vincent:

Cedarwood-Geranium Facial Mask Recipe

Frankincense Essential Oil More Than Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy for the Bath and Chakras

embellishment

German Shepard with Hip Displacia, Treating with Raindrop Technique

July 12, 2009 in Alternative Therapies, Antioxidant, Best Essential Oils, Blends, Calming, Essential Oil Collections, NingXia Red Juice, PanAway, Peace and Calming, Pets, Raindrop Technique, Smell / Olfactory, Sulfurzyme, Therapeutic-grade Essential Oil by Jonell Elder | No comments

I have a friend who asked for my help with her German Shepard, Pixie.  Pixie has hip Displacia and she was having a hard time getting around and in a lot of pain.  I gave several suggestions to my friend and she was all for buying products and giving the therapies a try. The first therapy I started was Raindrop Technique. I have been around Pixie for many years, so she is used to me, but not so used to essential oils.  I start the therapy by applying Peace & Calming and Valor to myself.  As I approach Pixie, she reacts to the scent. I kneel down beside her and remain still for several minutes, until she becomes accustomed to the smell. As she breathes in the fragrances she becomes calm. (Some of the oils in the Raindrop Technique kit are what I used on Pixie)animals-boy-dog

Raindrop Technique Kit

Raindrop Technique Kit

I have my friend get Pixie to lie down and I begin the Raindrop Technique applying oils, starting with Valor, then, PanAway, wintergreen and spruce. Pixie is a large German Shepard and I use 2-3 drops of each oil.  She has had four treatments and we have seen a noticeable change in how she gets around.

I also got her started on;

It is so rewarding to see the results that Young Livings Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils and products can do for not only us, but our beloved pets as well.  And the realization that we can help them with the best pure and natural products, which betters their life, gives one such a “happy” feeling.  Just seeing how these therapies have helped Pixie to be relieved of the discomfort from hip Displacia is absolutely wonderful.  I wish I would have known about these precious oils when my German Shepard was alive. But I am grateful that I now have them in my life and am able to share them with others.

Buy Now

How to buy Young Living oils at Wholesale

Article by Jonell Elder, Reiki Master, Raindrop Technique Practitioner and Young Living Essential Oil Distributor. Monthly Essential Oil Classes in the greater Seattle area, Everett, WA

Dogs Itching & Scratching

July 12, 2009 in Alternative Therapies, Bath / Shower, Buy / Purchase, Calming, Chamomile, Chemicals / Toxic, Laundry, Lavender, Natural Household / Cleaning, Peace and Calming, Pets, Skin Care, Tea Tree / Melaleuca, Using Essential Oils, Young Living Distributor by Jonell Elder | No comments

Where our pets walk or “sniff”, can be a big cause of why they are always scratching.  They are constantly walking on, lying on, or smelling the chemicals that are in cleaning products that are used on the floors and carpets and chemical fertilizers on the ground outside.  The chemicals in the shampoos and the chemicals used in flea and tick products are another bad culprit. All of these chemicals come out mostly through their skin which leads to health problems and the itching and scratching. The best thing we can do for our pets is to replace all the chemical induced products from their lives as much as possible.

Thieves Household Cleaner

Thieves Household Cleaner

Being a Young Living Distributor I am aware of all of the chemical & toxic products that can be replaced in our homes with natural cleaning products, which intern protects us and our pets from harm.  Thieves Household Cleaner* may replace all of your cleaning agents in your home. From cleaning your windows, counters, sinks, bathrooms, using for laundry, washing dishes & in your dishwasher. For our pets, we can use Thieves Household Cleaner to mop the floors and even when shampooing the carpets.  The scent is wonderful and you don’t have to wear gloves or run from the room when using it.

When giving your dog a bath, use Animal Scents™ Shampoo*.  It cleans, protects, and conditions your pet’s coat without the harmful ingredients often found in pet care products. This all-natural shampoo contains five powerful essential oils, which are blended to gently cleanse, increase luster, and enhance grooming. which is enhanced with essential oils of; citronella, lemon, spikenard, lavandin and geranium.

My son’s dog, Raleigh, loves to go swimming, but he used to be scared of getting a bath.  I suggested to my son to some of the blend of Peace & Calming on his hands and just give Raleigh some “loving” before his bath time.  By doing this it made a tremendous difference in bath time.  He is much calmer and is actually relaxed while getting his bath.

Animal Scents

Animal Scents

If your dog has an itching problem, apply a drop of Lavender on the effected area. One to two drops is sufficient for small dogs.  If they have any sore spots, use 1-2 drops of Lavender,  or Purification and put a coating of Animal Scents Ointment over the sore to seal the oil in and to protect the skin from the elements.  Should their skin be sensitive, another oil that could be to used would be Roman Chamomile.*

LavaDerm Spray is another great way to get a larger area that is irritating to them. It combines lavender and Aloe, both soothing and healing.  It may bring relief to stressed skin with a blend of gentle skin-soothing ingredients including lavender essential oil aloe vera. Spray directly onto the affected area and repeat every 10-15 minutes until desired relief is achieved*

All of these therapies and changing your household products to natural Thieves Household Cleaner may be one of the best things you can do for your pet!!  Why wait? Order these healthy therapeutic products for your loving pets today!!

Buy Young Living Products Here

Article by Jonell Elder, Reiki Master, Raindrop Technique Practitioner

and Young Living Essential Oil Distributor.

Monthly Essential Oil Classes in the greater Seattle area, Everett, WA

Read more articles by Jonell Elder

* This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


Aromatic Lavender Stick

July 11, 2009 in Air Freshener, Alternative Therapies, Aromatherapy, Calming, Chemicals / Toxic, Lavender, Make My Own, Recipes, Relaxation by Jonell Elder | No comments

I was visiting a girlfriend and she had some of the most beautiful lavender and it smelled so wonderful.  We decided to do something fun with the Lavender that we could enjoy and also give away as gifts.  We wanted something that could capture both the aroma and the beauty of the plant.  She had a great craft idea and I wanted to share it with you. Read ahead to see the fun, easy and rewarding way to make your own Lavender Sticks.

8-20 long stems of lavender with buds still attached

6″ piece of purple tulle

About a yard of silk ribbon per “stick”

1.     Lay the tulle down on a work surface that you’ve covered with paper.

2.     Usually the braided lavender sticks must be freshly picked, but this craft can be made with dried flowers and stems that you’ve picked ahead of time.

3.     Lay your bunch of lavender on top of the tulle.

4.     Center in the middle with about an inch left at the top of the material.

5.     Fold the tulle over the top of the stems that have the buds, so the flowers are covered but not the bottom of the stems.

6.     Carefully roll the lavender up in the tulle, so it’s sealed in.

7.     Use the ribbon to tie the bottom part of he rolled tulle that is open.

8.     Tie a knot with the first third of ribbon, then use the rest to trap around the bottom of the tulle and stems about 2-3 inches down until the ribbon is used and there is enough to tie it off or glue the end if you prefer.

9.     These can be given as favors or used as gift toppers.

Lavender Essential Oil.

Lavender Essential Oil.

Of course the Lavender Sticks don’t have all the wonders of Young Living Lavender oil, which is such a versatile oil, but the sticks are still a great treat to have around.  All you have to do is wave it in the air, or set it in front of a vent, and you will have a very pretty smell filling the room.

I live in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle, WA area and July is the best time to have an abundance of Lavender for clippings.  It is such a beautiful scent  and natural air freshener and it is so amazing how just being around the lavender and touching the plant can be calming, and softening and soothing to the skin.  It is such a treat to have a bouquet of Lavender in every room to smell the aroma and have a house filled with serenity.  And to know that you are breathing in natures natural scent instead of chemicals and toxins, that are in sprays and air fresher plug ins, is to me something to be thankful for.

Order Lavender & other oils here

How to save $$ on your order

Article by Jonell Elder, Reiki Master, Raindrop Technique Practitioner

and Young Living Essential Oil Distributor.

Monthly Essential Oil Classes in the greater Seattle area, Everett, WA

Other articles by Jonell Elder