Health Matters
The chemical structure of an essential oil is such that it can rapidly penetrate cell membranes, travel throughout the blood and tissues, and enhance cellular function.
 Essential Oils Desk Reference
In clinical practice, oils have been shown to have a profound influence on the central nervous system, helping to reduce or eliminate pain, release muscle tension and provide strong emotional uplift.
–Essential Oils Desk Reference
ELEMI

Historical Data: Elemi has been used in Europe for hundreds of years in salves for skin and is included in celebrated healing ointments. Elemi belongs to the same botanical family as frankincense and myrrh. Elemi has been used for skin care and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and skintone.

Medical Properites: Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic.

Uses: Muscle/nerve pain, skin problems (scars, acne wrinkles), can be grounding and used to clear the mind.

Fragrant Influence: Spicy incense-like fragrance  can help with meditation, can be grounding and used to clear the mind. 

My thoughts on elemi oil: I chose to use elemi and make it a part of my daily life to help with my skin. I would use frankincense oil over elemi but that would be very pricey and so instead I make sure I always have elemi and on special occasions I purchase frankincense, which then is a treat for me. They both smell very similar to each other being from the same botanical family. You can make elemi a part of your life too just by adding a drop in your own moisturizer you already use or you can create your own moisturizer using rosehip seed oil and one to two drops of the oil.

Young Living Frankincense oil 15ml: $91.78

Young Living Elemi oil 15ml: $22.04

www.youngliving.com

If you are interested in purchasing oils for yourself you will need a distributor’s number and I will be happy to give you mine.

Distributor #: 1193704

STRESS

I have noticed that many people suffer from stress so I chose this topic for the month.

What oil is best for stress? Lavender

 Diffuse for 30minutes 1-3 times daily.

Dilute 50:50 (half vegetable oil or olive oil and half lavender) For example: 4 drops of veg. oil and 4 drops of lavender oil apply on temples, neck, and shoulders twice daily, or as needed.

Other oils?: Roman Chamomile, blue tansy, cedarwood, marjoram, rose, sandalwood, frankincense, valerian

What are some alternatives for stress? Walking in nature. Exercising. 

Any tips other than oils? Super B, Super C, Mulitgreens, True Source, Multivitamins, MegaCal, Omega Blue softgels. (YoungLiving.com)

History of plant-Lavandin (Lavandula x hybrid) and Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Lavender has been around for years. A French scientist discovered lavenders abilities to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident.

 Medical Properties: Antiseptic, antifungal, analgesic, antitumoral, anticonvulsant, vasodilating, relaxant, anti-inflammatory, reduces blood fat/cholesterol, combats excess sebum on skin.

Uses: Stress, nervous tension, insomnia, menstrual problems/PMS, Respiratory infections, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis, scarring stretch marks), burns, hair loss.  

 My thoughts on lavender oil: I have this oil and it is a good oil to always have around. I sometimes even put 1 drop in my water bottle (32oz) when I know I am going to have a busy day. Remember this is a therapeutic grade so with this type you are able to ingest. Please do not ingest if you are unsure of this!

 I really only trust Young Living Oils but you can do your own research and make your own opinion.

Distributor # 1193704

http://youngliving.com/essential-oils/Lavender (If you are interested in purchasing)

http://youngliving.com/en_US/wellness/mind_emotion.html  (more information on emotional well being)

 http://topflawersandplants.blogspot.com/search/label/Lavender

 

 

 

Are You Aware What You Are Putting on Your Body?

Are you aware what you put on your body? Your kids bodies? Your pets bodies? Maybe with this information you will begin to be aware and make a change in your daily life. It will take some effort. I can’t believe these companies get away with this. We put our trust in these companies and the sad thing is we as consumers are just not educated. I hope to open your eyes and make you think twice about what you are using in your household. And I hope you share this with others. I am not an expert with these chemicals, this is based from my own research.

 

You can start by going through all of your products in your household and start seeing how much of these chemicals are in most of your household products. Then you can start by swapping these out with chemical free products. They may be more expensive but they will help you, your kids, and your pet’s live a longer, healthier life! You also want to make sure to check the products you get at the health food stores. I found several items I bought that still have these chemicals in them. Write these down on a piece of paper and carry it with you when you go shopping to remind you what you are buying.

 

Problem ingredients to look for:

  • DEA
  • Propylene glycol
  • SLS/SLES
  • Talc
  • Alcohol (25% or higher)
  • Aluminum
  • Ethanol
  • Mercury
  • Lead
  • Phthalates
  • Parabens
  • Fragrance

 

DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA): Since none of these products are required to carry a warning sticker, it is up to the consumer to inspect ingredient labels for any of the following: Cocamide DEA (Diethanolamine). DEA Lauryl Sulfate, Lauramide DEA, Linoleamide DEA, Oleamide DEA, or TEA (Triethanolamine). A common ingredient in a variety of personal care products. DEA is a lathering agent formulated into soaps, detergents and surfactants and is found in more than 600 home and personal care products.

Found in:

  • Soaps
  • Detergents
  • Lotions
  • Sunscreen
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Bubble bath
  • Laundry and dishwashing detergents

The Risks:

  • Cancers of the liver
  • Cancer of the kidneys
  • Cancer of the stomach and esophagus 
  • Fetal brain development and miscarriage risk.

 

http://www.mtholyoke.edu/~nshah/cosmetics/DEA.html 

 

PROPYLENE GLYCOL: The question many consumers should be asking is:

What antifreeze is doing in our shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics, lotions and toothpastes? It may come as a surprise, but the primary ingredient in antifreeze can also be found in many personal care products.

 Found in:

  • Antifreeze solutions
  • Hydraulic fluids
  • Paints
  • De-icing solutions
  • Floor wax
  • Laundry detergent
  • Pet food (keeps it chewy)
  • Cosmetics
  • Lotions (makes skin feel moist and soft)
  • Baby wipes (keeps from drying out)
  • Some processed foods

The Risks:

  • Inhalation
  • Ingestion or skin absorption
  • Eye irritation
  • Skin irritation
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Central nervous system depression
  • Damage cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin, and sufrace damage 

http://www.health-report.co.uk/ethylene_glycol_propylene_glycol.html

 

 

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES):

Found in:

  • Harsh detergents
  • Concrete floor cleaner
  • Engine degreaser
  • Car wash detergent
  • Toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Shampoo (anything we expect to foam up)

The Risks:SLS can act as a mutagen, meaning that in sufficient amounts it is capable or changing genetic information found in cells.

  • Irritate skin tissue
  • Corrodes hair follicles and impairs hair growth
  • Residue can be left in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain from skin contact
  • Can damage the immune system and cause skin inflammation or damage
  • Impairs proper structural formation of young eyes and may cause damage permanently.

 SLS  is a great degreaser, and it’s also a favorite for toothpaste manufactures. In fact, it can be found in nearly every brand on the market. The most troubling thing about the average toothpaste label often isn’t the ingredient list, it’s the directions for use. Most state something ot the effect that it’s necessary to supervise children under the age of 6 and warns that those under 2 should not use this toothpaste. The label also warns to keep the product out of children’s reach and that if swallowed, contact a Poison Control Center immediately. The unstated portion of these warnings is basically that manufacturers can put “safe” amounts of “poison” in these products.

 

TALC: Talc is a very fine substance so fine it can be used as a “dry” lubricant to make the skin “feel” slippery and smooth.

  • Baby powders
  • Feminine powders
  • Cosmetics
  • Condom lubricant

The Risks:

Talc is chemically similar to asbestos, a known cancer-causing substance. Its harmful effect on human tissue has been known for quite some time.

 

ALCOHOL:Alcohol is used in many products, including mouthwashes. Mouthwash in general has a higher alcohol content than beer, wine, and many types of liquor.

The Risks:

Mouthwashes with an alcohol content of 25% or higher have been implicated in mouth, tongue and throat cancers. Alcohol acts as a solvent in the mouth making tissues more vulnerable to carcinogens.

 

ALUMINUM: This metal, the third most common element in the environment is a toxin in the human body.

Found in:

  • Processed foods
  • Antiperspirants
  • Antacids
  • Cosmetics
  • Paper products
  • Beverage cans
  • Cooking foil
  • Cookware

The Risks: The World Health Organization suspects a link between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum toxicity.

 

MERCURY:(Commonly listed as mercury dissolved, liquid silver)

Found in:

  • Sunscreen
  • Body lotion
  • Lip glocss
  • Mascara
  • Baby shampoo

The Risks:

 Cancer and is linked to developmental and reproductive issues.

 

ETHANOL: (Commonly listed as Ethanol undenatured, Ethyl Hydroxide, Alcohol)

Found in:

  • Moisturizers
  • Body mists
  • Hairsprays
  • Anti-aging treatments
  • Perfumes
  • Self tanners

The Risks:

 Cancer, developmental and reproductive damage. (Note: Denatured ethanol is actually considered safe; it is important to be aware of the ingredient and how it is listed.)

LEAD: (Commonly listed as acetic acid, lead salt, lead diacitate)

Found in:

  • Shampoos
  • Conditioners
  • Hair Color products
  • Styling gels
  • Body lotions
  • Dandruff scalp treatments

The Risks:

 Known to cause cancer and organ and system failure.

PHTHALATES:Can look for on label: “phthalate-free” or “DEHP-free”

Found in:

  • Perfumes
  • Nail polish
  • Shampoo (to preserve scent and color)

The Risks:

Disrupts the endocrine system and can even interfere with the development of male fetuses and infants.

PARABENS: (“methyl-” or “propyl-“) followed by paraben

Found in:

  • Conditioners
  • Hair gels
  • Cosmetics
  • Suncreen

 The Risks:

Have been linked to increased breast cancer risk. Can look for on label: “paraben free”

FRAGRANCE: (This is the toughest one for me!!!)

The Risks:

  • Disrupts hormones
  • Allergy symptoms
  • Skin irritation

This is a catch-all term for thousands of chemicals used in scented cosmetics. Can look on label: “fragrance free”

***Handy wallet size card coming soon………………………………………….

About Me

Greetings,

 

I am very passionate about learning how plant life can heal. I have been interested and learning about oils for about five years now but it wasn’t until I started my massage practice in 2010 that I realized I can incorporate oils in my practice and help others by educating them. This is why I have chosen to create a blog and share the knowledge I learn with anyone that is interested. I hope to make you more aware of how plant life is here to help us and assist us with healing. I am here to educate others on oils. I will never tell you to use something instead of what your doctor prescribes. I am here to help with the change that is happening all over the world. You do have the ability to change, you can start by leading by example. All the information I post is from websites from the internet or information from Young Living. I am not in any way trying to steal information but to share the important knowledge with others. So I have taken the information that I feel the world needs to know and I piece it together in my own way sometimes expressing my own opinion. Hopefully down the road I will have my own stories from others and myself to share about using plantlife/oils.

Many Blessings,

Jamie Broaddus

Young Living Consultant

www.youngliving.com

Distributor # 1193704

Properties of plants are simply the easily observed side effects of a deeper effect that science has not measured.
Shahan Jon
History of Oils

Essential oils are liquid oils extracted in a very specific manner using ancient techniques with modern equipment from various plants, bushes, shrubs, flowers, roots and sometimes seeds found around the world. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via steam distillation, and are highly concentrated and far more potent than dry herbs. While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeup is complex and their benefits vast—which makes them much more than something that simply smells good.

Historically, essential oils have played a prominent role in everyday life. Some of the oldest oils came from Egypt and were used by the Egyptian kings and queens dating back to 4500 BC.  The aromatic oils were used as perfumes as well as for medicinal purposes.  Some of you might recall the mention of frankincense and myrrh in the Bible.  Well, at that time, these oils were like precious metals and were highly valued in a monetary sense.  Health practitioners, shamans, medicine people, etc. were all using these oils which many of them mixed into their own formulas using specific mixtures for curing or controlling various ailments. Today, essential oils are used for aromatherapy, massage therapy, emotional health, personal care, nutritional supplements, household solutions, and much more.

If you are using oil on your skin the oil must be a therapeutic grade (highly concentrated) from a reputable company that only uses the purest source materials and the cleanest extraction methods and equipment.  Dr. Young’s Essential Oils is an example of a company that produces very high quality products and there are also some British companies that have good products.

You have to be careful of the many diluted versions, meaning the essential oil is mixed with some other base oil and the final % of the essential oil is quite low; therefore, the oil will not be therapeutic in nature and will not have the desired effects.  The diluted oils can still be used as lotions for massage therapy, relaxing aromatherapy and general soothing and enhancing skin conditioning. But remember you will not receive the healing benefits it may say it has from diluted oils.

Dr. Gary Young’s Oils are the leading provider of essential oils, he offers more than 300 essential oil singles and blends. All of Dr. Young’s oils meet the YLTG(Young Living Therapeutic Grade) standard. This means that every essential oil Young distills or sources has the optimal naturally-occurring blend of constituents to maximize the desired effect. Only YLTG essential oils should be used for the primary methods of application, which include inhalation, topical, diffusing, and internal application.

References:

http://www.dgaryyoung.com/blog/ (Very interesting to read)

 http://www.escapeartist.com/efam/89/essential_oils.html

 http://www.youngliving.com/en_US/wellness/about-essential-oils/

No matter what situation you find yourself in, it is the power of your thoughts that got you there.