Distilling plants for their medicinal value has been practiced throughout history.
According to the translation of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics,the Egyptians discovered
oils and their medicinal uses before the plants themselves were studied for their herbal
uses and incorporated into the field of medicine. Ancient Chinese documents written around
2000 B.C., by the Emperor Kiwang-ti, indicate the use of aromatic substances, clearly
showing that the Chinese were aware of aromatics. Ancient scrolls depict priests and
physicians using essential oils thousands of years before the time of Christ. There are
188 references to oils in the Bible alone. Moses used Galbanum, written about in the book
of Exodus, which he used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Hyssop was put into the
lambs blood when the angel of death (the black plague) was ravaging the Israelites. It has
very high anti viral and anti inflammatory properties. When the tomb of King Tutankhamen
was discovered, over three hundred alabaster jars were found to contain the viable oils
used in those times, still fresh and very usable! When the Christ child was born the three
wise men traveled hundreds of miles to present Him with the precious resins of
frankincense and myrrh. Clinical research has now found that frankincense oil contains
very high immuno-stimulating properties1 .
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the subtle, volatile liquids that are distilled from plants. Shrubs,
flowers, trees, roots, seeds and pedals (roses for example) are used in the distilling
process. They are the regenerating, oxygenating, and immune defense properties inherent in
all chlorophyll rich plants.They contain the highest known oxygenating molecules
transporting the nutrients to the cells of the body.2 Without oxygen molecules,
nutrients cannot be effectively assimilated and utilized by the cells. Not only do
therapeutic quality essential oils deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells, they also
aid in the tissue's disposal of toxic waste products.3
In addition to containing oxygenating molecules, therapeutic quality essential oils
also carry a bio-electrical frequency. In 1992, Dr. Gary Young and Bruce Tainio of Tainio
Technologies (an independent division of Eastern State University in Cheney, Wa.) began to
accurately measure the electrical frequency of essential oils. They verified that
essential oils have a bio-electrical frequency measurable in hertz, megahertz, and
kilohertz.4 Frequency is a measurable rate of electrical energy that is constant
between two points. Everything has an electrical frequency. It's been said that humans are
Spiritual Beings, in a physical body, electrically stimulated and emotionally controlled!
Therapeutic quality essential oils contain electrical frequencies that are several times
greater than the frequency of herbs and food. For example, measuring in Hertz, living
foods’ (foods which have not been cooked), have a frequency of about 29Hz. Cooked
foods have a frequency from 0-15 Hz, dry herbs from 15-22 Hz, and fresh herbs from 20-27
Hz.5 Essential oils start at 50 Hz [essential oil of birch resonates frequency of
skeletal structure] and go as high as 320 Hz [Turkish rose oil].
Dr. Young and Bruce Tainio also discovered that a healthy body from head to foot has a
frequency ranging from 62-71 Hz during the day. When measuring the human body, we see that
a healthy human resonates’ at and above 59 to 62Hz. This measurement is taken at the
abdominal level. The sternum to the upper throat area resonates at about 62-68 Hz. The
entire head of a normal healthy human resonates at between 72-78 Hz., and this measurement
may go as high as 90 Hz. during times of extreme mental activity. Disease begins at 58Hz.,
and becomes more severe at lower measurements,ie. cancer has a frequency of 42 Hz.6
It was also discovered that headaches are caused by a disturbance in the electrical fields
between the right and left lobes of the brain. If the frequency varies by more than 3 Hz.
headaches develop. If the frequency varies by more than 10 Hz. substantial or
migraine-type headaches develop. Understanding this, Gary Young has created an oil blend
specifically designed to help balance the electrical frequencies of the brain.7
In the early 1920's, Royal Raymond Rife M.D. developed a "frequency
generator". According to Dr. Rife, every disease has a frequency. It was discovered
that a substance with a higher frequency would destroy any disease which, of course, would
have a frequency lower than 58Hz. Clinical research shows that essential oils have some of
the highest frequencies of natural organic sub-stances creating an environment in which
disease, bacteria, virus, fungus, etc., cannot live. Dr. Gary Young states that ". .
.that the chemistry and frequencies of essential oils have the ability to help man
maintain the optimal frequency to the extent that disease cannot exist." 8
It must be stated that an ill body is also over acidic, and this type of condition may
require several applications of therapeutic quality essential oils to affect a change.9
The rediscovery of essential oils came in 1920 when French chemist and perfumer
Rene-Maurice Gattefosse severely burned his hand. Thinking the liquid in the nearby bowl
was water, he quickly plunged his hand into it only to find to his amazement that it was
pure Lavender oil. He noticed that the burn never blistered, and healed quickly without a
trace of a scar. After his speedy recovery Gattefosse dedicated the rest of his life to
researching the therapeutic aspects of essential oils. It is to this man the term
Aromatherapy is attributed.
After the French rediscovered essential oils, the production of raw materials could not
keep up with the demand for product. Perfumers were hard pressed to acquire the raw
ingredients necessary for an exploding cosmetic market. Gradually, over many decades, the
development of synthetics designed to cut costs and increase profits began to undermine
the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Consequently, the use of oils as a therapeutic
treatment, for all practical purposes, became nonexistent. Even though a label may say
100% Grade A Pure, there really is no guarantee since there is no standard, nationally or
internationally as to the "grade" or purity of Essential Oils. Dr. Gary Young is
working diligently with several international colleagues to create a system of standards
so that the consumer will know exactly what the purity in essential oils really is....
Until then, buyer beware! The probability is very high that the oil is third, fourth, or
fifth pressing, and maybe improperly distilled as well.10
The quality of the plant material is very critical as well as its growing conditions,
harvesting techniques, etc. They must first of all be grown organically and must be
harvested at the right time, under the proper conditions. The method of harvesting and
distillation is very important in maintaining quality.11 Meeting the above
standards,the highest therapeutic quality oils are first and second pressings, meaning
that they are distilled at extremely low temperatures and extremely low pressure.
Unfortunately, more than 90% of all essential oils imported into America have been
improperly distilled or are adulterated in some way, decreasing the oil's ability to
assist the bodies natural process of healing. Take for example Essential Oil of Lavender.
To distill the complete array of healing constituents, it takes a full twenty four hours
distilling time. Better than 90% of all lavender sold on the commercial market in America
imported from Europe,has a distilling time of approximately 15 minutes, at high
temperature and pressure with the addition of chemical solvents. Today, 98% of all oils
distilled are earmarked for the perfume and cosmetic industries.When applied to the feet,
absorption time throughout the entire body including the hair, affecting every cell in the
body takes 20 minutes. It must be stated that extreme caution should be taken when buying
and using essential oils. It can be guaranteed that if you purchase less than therapeutic
quality (and there is no standard set or laws to impose the standard) not only will you
not get the desired results, you may even get a chemical burn (or worse) in the process,
and come to the conclusion that essential oils don't really work.12
There are many companies worldwide that manufacture essential oils for use as perfumes,
air fresheners etc., however caution should be heeded if you want to use them used
undiluted directly on the body. The skin is very porous, taking only 3 to 5 seconds for
absorption, sometimes longer depending on the size of the molecular structure of the oil.
The body's inability to process synthetics favorably can create more harm than good. Most
Aromatologists will not use Essential Oils directly on the skin because until very
recently the only oils available were not of a therapeutic quality. The basic plant
material that is used for the oil must be grown organically - remember, pesticides migrate
to the oils in the plant material and also to the seeds.
Therapeutic quality essential oils can have a profound impact upon the emotional body
as well. The limbic system is the processing center of reason, emotion and smell. The
essential oils of frankincense and sandalwood, for example, have a constituent known as a
sesquiterpene. In 1992, it was discovered that sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols break
the blood brain barrier affecting the amygdala which is the area of the brain that records
and stores emotional trauma. When inhaled the oils have the ability on a cellular DNA
level, to completely erase the memory of emotional trauma. Dr. Joseph Ledoux of New York
Medical University feels that the effect of inhaled oil vapors upon the amygdala gland
could be a major break-through in the releasing of stored emotional trauma.13
Dr. Reijo Makela of Finland has done extensive work with electromagnetism. He has
discovered that an odor is the electromagnetic radiation of specific molecules and atoms.
This radiation changes the electromagnetic state of the receiving mucous membrane, and
this change in activity is transmitted to the corresponding center in the brain. This
explains why dogs can smell’ a storm long before it arrives, how sharks can so
rapidly sense’ blood and fear states in water, and how essential oil constituents can
immediately be picked up by the brain. Electromagnetic energy fields travel much faster
and more direct than the actual movement of molecules.14
Dr. Eldon Haas (Author - Staying Healthy with the Seasons), states that the
"qualities and essential phyto-chemicals that are carried with the oil vapors and
within the oil liquids interact with the Bio energetic and subtle energies of our
Body/Mind/Spirit, including emotional and energy patterns, immune functions, sleep and
stress patterns and cell membrane activity. These more subtle levels of life are most
nourished and balanced by vibrational energies (color, light and sound, and aromatic
qualities), and are most likely affected adversely by stronger synthetic chemical and
electromagnetic (Alternating current incoherent chaotic frequencies) patterns."15
Essential oils can have a profound effect upon the physical body. The Lokota Sioux
practiced a procedure called the Rain Drop Therapy. This treatment is so named because the
practitioner drops the oils through the energy field which surrounds the body from 6 to 8
inches above the spine, thereby affecting the emotional, mental, and etheric (subtle
energy fields surrounding the body) bodies before the oils finally contact the physical
body. This treatment can be used for almost any health challenge. The spine, through the
nervous system connecting to all the organs in the body provides the perfect delivery
system, bathing the entire body in oxygen rich constituents. Essential oils seem to have
an ability to complement and integrate the various healing activities in and around the
the body.
Specifics on Essential Oils
In France, therapeutic quality essential oils have been extensively researched, and are
documented in French medical texts. Dr. Jean Valnet, a medical doctor in Paris,
experimented with essential oils in the post WWI years, and experienced amazing results.
During World War II, while serving as a medical physician in the French Army, at a time
when he ran out of the usual antibiotics and chemical medications, he resorted to using
essential oils, and to his amazement, they had a powerful effect in reducing and even
stopping infection. He was able thus to save the lives of many soldiers who possibly would
have died even with the use of antibiotics. After the war, Dr. Valnet continued his work
with essential oils, and several of his students assisted him in conducting extensive
research into the properties and actions of several essential oils. Together, they
discovered that essential oils contain antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and
antiseptic properties, as well as being powerful oxygenators with the ability to act as
carrying agents in the delivery of nutrients into the cells.16 For example:
- LAVENDER - Lavandula Officinalis - French medical text referenced uses: antispasmodic,
anti infectious, helps regulate blood pressure, helps with insomnia, and many other uses.
- CHAMOMILE, Blue German - Matricaria Recuticia - French medical text referenced uses:
digestive tonic, cystitus, decongestant, hormone-like, ulcers, liver, gallbladder,
antiinflammatory, excema, and acne.
- FRANKINCENSE - Boswellia Carterii - French medical text referenced uses: anti-catarrhal,
anti-tumoral, ulcers, immunostimulant, anti-depressant, and asthma.
- ROSE, Bulgarian - Rosa Damascena - French medical text referenced uses: Dr. Daniel
Penoel, M.D. states that Rose may help with chronic bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis,
sexual debilities, frigidity, impotency, skin disease, wounds, and ulcers.
- LEMON - Citrus Limonum Medica - French medical text referenced uses: germicide, fever
reduction, colds, throat infections, asthma, anemia, varicose veins, gout, rheumatism,
ureter infections, intestinal parasites, air disinfectant, immunostimulant, water
purification, and red and white blood cell formation.
- BASIL - ocimum basilicum - French medical text referenced uses: nerve stimulant, adrenal
cortex stimulant, stomach and intestinal antiseptic, migraine headaches, mental fatigue,
anti-infectious, and antispasmodic.
Examples of Uses
A friend from Portland, up for a three week stay, informed me that she would need to
see a chiropractor at least once or twice a week while visiting as she had a chronic back
problem due to an auto accident. I informed her that Anchorage was blessed with many fine
chiropractors, but first I wanted her to experience an essential oil treatment. She could
not believe that one Raindrop Therapy treatment using the oils of many common spices such
as Basil, Oregano, and Thyme, could provide so much relief and for such a long time. She
returned to Portland without ever having visited a chiropractor. My husband had been
diagnosed with scoliosis in the area of his kidneys(Clinical research has found that
scoliosis can be caused by a virus). For years he would wake up and complain of stiffness
in the kidney region of his spine (T11, T12). I ordered the oils that had the properties
which would address this condition. Within a week the oils arrived along with a paper on
how to apply them. Within two weeks in which two treatments were given, Tom felt
incredible heat over the area of concern. After the twelfth day he woke up and said that
his spine felt more relaxed than it had in over twenty years, he also commented that the
deep burning was gone. When I looked at his spine it was totally straight! I had used
commercially available essential oils in the past, so the sight I was experiencing was
nothing short of miraculous. There was something very special about these unique and
specially formulated oils. It was clear to us that these oils had been properly grown and
distilled and that our own education on their use would take us on an international voyage
of significant health discoveries.
In these days of exceedingly high stress, pollutants in the air we breathe, impure
water, and fast food on almost every corner, its wonderful to know that these soothing,
healing oils can be introduced into your daily lives easily. To know that they help to
balance, calm, integrate and even physically heal in a most natural and inexpensive way is
a gift of nature, indeed.
Acupuncturists are using these therapeutic grade oils to enhance their treatments,
dipping the needles into the appropriate oils before placing them.17 More and
more psycho-therapists are finding that these oils significantly advance their patients
emotional healing. Massage therapists are experiencing tremendous results, you might want
to take one or more of your favorites to your next massage!
I am very excited about the work currently being done with these wholly natural
substances. I have found that having them around the house, for use on any number of
things from open lacerations to uplifting the ambiance in my home, has made a vast
improvement in how quickly my environment and family respond positively to negative
influences, ie. colds, flu, etc. Aside from being a high source of oxygen and negative
ions they are one of the highest natural sources of healthy electrical frequencies. Being
lipid soluble they allow easier penetration of cell walls to increase assimilation of
nutrients. The French medical texts clearly demonstrate that properly distilled essential
oils contain anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti spasmodic,
anti-viral, anti-parasitical, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory,
anti-rheumatic, analgesic, anti-depressant, and immune stimulating proper-ties. What a
treasure trove of substances that do so much with so little. What a great gift of healing
from nature. Mother Nature indeed has all the answers, if we only listen with the focus of
healing and serving our fellow man.
