HOW TO USE THESE OILS?

THE 10 Commandments for Using Essential Oils

by Mikael Zayat

1. Choose pure, unadulterated products; avoid "fragrances," even those which are supposedly "natural." An essence is an extract, natural or synthetic, often used to scent foods and cosmetics (soap, cream, shampoo, bath oil, etc.) Most of these products have names of flowers (gardenia, honeysuckle, lilac, lily of the valley, magnolia, , violet, …) or of fruits (green apple, red apple, apricot, banana, cherry, peach, strawberry …)
Try not to confuse a fragrance with an essential oil. To obtain therapeutic results, you must use only 100% pure, natural essential oils.
Essential oils extracted from organically grown or wild plants, are of incomparably greater potency than oils made from plants grown with chemicals, as they leave traces of insecticides and pesticides. In Quebec, however, most essential oils come from wild plants picked up while respecting their environment. Essential oils of coniferous origin are extracted from branches collected during regular trimmings which allow natural renewal of the forests.

2. Do not inject essential oils (intravenously, intramuscularly, etc.) under any circumstance. And Avoid sun exposure during the days following the use of photosensitizing essential oils (ammi visnaga, bergamot, most citrus zests, etc.) The same precaution applies as well to many perfumes and colognes.

3.Generally, people with allergies should be very cautious with essential oils. People with respiratory allergies should avoid direct inhalation of essential oil vapors. Essential oils are rarely allergens. Allergies are often caused by the diffusion of synthetic scents: scented candles, deodorizing sprays, plug-in scents, etc. People with skin sensitivities should avoid applying an essential oil directly on the skin, without expert advice. You should always test an essential oil first on a small area of your hand. If there is an allergic reaction, it usually appears within a few minutes of application, in which case, lift the oil with a cloth soaked in vegetable oil (olive, sunflower, etc.), and then wash your hands with natural soap.

4. Essential oils rich in phenols (phenol thyme, oregano, savory, clove, and cinnamon leaf) can be very irritating, especially to the skin. Whether taken internally or externally, do not use them in their pure state, and dilute them sufficiently to prevent burns.
The taking of essential oils internally should involve a medical prescription.
The essential oils that can be taken orally are usually those extracted from herbs used for cooking (anise, basil, cinnamon, mint, oregano, thyme, etc.) When taking oils by mouth, put a small drop on a sugar cube or on a fingertip and place in the mouth, avoiding contact with lips or eyes. Be very careful, as these oils are stronger than might be expected.

Undiluted essential oils, without exception, must never be applied to sensitive areas such as the genitals, underarms, face, etc.

5. Ketonic essential oils (thuya –now called arborvitae—armoise, hyssop, camphor, rosemary, sage officinalis, tanasy etc.) are to be used externally only. Their unsupervised use can be dangerous as ketones can cause seizures or even, at high doses, coma or death.

These essential oils should only be used for short periods (one week, then wait a week before restarting, if necessary), even for external use, because of the cumulative effect of ketones.

6. If essential oil should get in the eye, immediately pour vegetable oil (sweet almond, (carthame), olive, sunflower, etc.) in the eye in order to dilute it, and then wipe with a cotton ball soaked in vegetable oil. Succumbing to the urge to wash the eyes in water only makes the situation worse, because water just disperses the essential oil across a larger surface of the eye. The same treatment applies in case of contact of E.O. with delicate skin such as the armpits, genitals, face, mucous membranes, etc.)

When pure essential oil is applied repeatedly to the skin, protect it by applying a little bit of vegetable oil to prevent irritation or drying of the skin, or apply vegetable oil beforehand to slow absorption.

7. In case of accidental ingestion of a pure essential oil, take one to ten spoonfuls of vegetable oil in order to reduce the irritation of digestive membranes. In case of accidental ingestion of a large dose of essential oil (of any sort and in any form):
take several spoonfuls of vegetable oil,
a) induce vomiting (if possible),
b) visit the emergency room for stomach pumping or other treatment depending on the situation.

In order to avoid this sort of accident always keep essential oils out of reach, in child-resistant bottles.

8. For bathing, never pour essential oil directly in bath water, because oil is not soluble. First, make the oil soluble by mixing with egg yolk or powdered milk. To enhance the relaxing qualities of a warm bath, place near the tub a small cotton ball or napkin soaked in your favorite essential oil. Thus the air will be aromatized, and since inhalation gives the greatest benefit, the trick is done. If you are accustomed to using bubble bath, you probably know that the foam atop the bath works as insulation, keeping the bath warmer, longer. But essential oils lessen this effect, as they destroy the air bubbles, allowing heat to dissipate. Essential oils can also damage bathtub enamel. (I make a neutral & relax bubble bath).

9. During pregnancy, ketonic oils (see above list) are yet more dangerous. Use other essential oils with care, very diluted, externally or with a relaxing aromatherapy bath. If an aromatherapeutic treatment is indicated, follow the guidance of an aromatherapy practitioner (or try our Pregnant I & II)  Pregnant women are usually very sensitive to odors, so it is important to make sure that any scents used are pleasing to them.or younger children, an essential oil must be diluted (about 20%).

10.We know that, among mammals, mothers and babies recognize one another through their smell. Any scent worn by the mother can disturb this delicate sense. Therefore, avoid scented (fragrance) massage oils for babies under one year of age. (you may want to try our massage oil mixes).

*Source: Dr. Daniel Penoel’s (aromatherapist for over 20 years) book: Aroma Medicine—Planetary Medicine.
Translated by Michelle Renfield

To order through this website click here. Or, for more information,
contact Marie Allizon in Washington Tel. 703-847-6147.

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Here are some more excerpts from Mikael's interview in our November issue No 11:

Mikael:"As you know aromatherapy is the use of essential oils for the benefit of the body, the spirit and the soul. It enhances physical, emotional and spiritual health and beauty. Here are simple ways to use them:

(1)An essential oil can be inhaled, thus reaching the brain which in turn responds to the particular scent affecting our emotions and chemical balance.  Put a few drops on a handkerchief and breathe in deeply. 

(2) If you mix it with a neutral oil (almond, olive, safflower, canola, jojoba, or sunflower), it will make a wonderful massage oil. Your body will absorb it and carry it throughout via the circulatory system to reach the appropriate internal organs.

(3) Use a diffuser which will send tiny drops of oil in the air, or put a small diffuser on your car air vent.

(4) You can also take one drop internally with honey. Not all essential oils can be taken internally. Only those extracted from herbs used in the kitchen, like Anise, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Coriander, Fennel, Marjoram, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, etc. and are, of course, 100% pure and natural.  For sore throats, you can also use a drop of Thyme mixed with honey.   

(5)If you breathe in essential oils or place it on your feet and behind your ears, it will be distributed to every cell of your body in a few seconds and last 21 minutes. It will even penetrate a toe nail to reach the fungus underneath ( with Thuya). It may also be worn as a perfume or on the bottom of your feet, neck, face, back, wrist, and on your heart. If you do not like the smell of an oil, it is usually because it is not appropriate for you. Each person responds differently to an aromatic stimulus. Try one and enjoy what was once available only to the "elite."

AROMATHERAPY's MAGIC

Aromatherapy is the practice of using fragrant, pure essential oils to enhance the body, mind and spirit. The ancient Egyptians used aromatic spices and oils in cosmetics, religious rituals and as medicine. The use of  aromatics was also prevalent in the Greek and Roman civilizations.  Today essential oils are used to promote emotional wellness by calming, relaxing, rejuvenating or energizing. Essential oils are obtained by the process of steam distillation using specific parts of aromatic plants. While aromatherapy may involve training and in-depth knowledge of the properties and effects of essential oils, it may also be practiced simply and safely to add beautiful aromas to our environment each day.

Many people are not aware that there are several grades of essential oils, and that less than 1% of the oils that come into the U.S. can be considered  of the highest grade, or therapeutic grade for the use of aromatherapy. The lower grades are used for industrial purpose (fragrance, food,  laundry detergents, toiletry). They can have an appealing fragrance, but they are synthetic and usually cut with  toxic solvents. However, they will not produce the beneficial biochemical and electromagnetic effects that therapeutic grade essential oils will. In fact, if they have been adulterated, they can be harmful instead of beneficial!

A  therapeutic grade oil must use a state of art distillation process which must be at low pressure, and it takes much more time. It is done with natural spring water and exclusively in stainless steel distiller. Then the oil is stored to age from 2 weeks to five months in a cool dark place to gain its full aroma. For example the industrial grade lavender takes about 30'  to distill 85% of the oil but it can takes one hour and half more to extract the 15% remaining oil. The therapeutic grade lavender would distill for at least two hours to extract the various molecules.
"The extra time and care are worth it. Therapeutic grade oils support us on all levels simultaneously: they work with our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual being to heal, balance, integrate and expand our well-being and awareness, gradually raising our frequencies and grounding joy in our bodies.

Essential oil blends (we have 73 different ones) are a combination of essential oils blended to produce a specific effect or feeling. Some of our most popular blends are ENERGY  put a few drops on your adrenals (just above your waist in the back) and you will feel much more energetic and also you will eat less during the day; ABUNDANCE rub a drop on your wrists and hands and touch what needs joy and money; or VALENTINE put a couple drops on your wrists behind your ears, or on your heart. GARDEN  and SLEEP WELL are also favorite. See our list above. Because essential oils are very concentrated, use drops of it sparingly.

If you are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy or heart problems, it is best that you consult your health practitioner before using essential oils. Keep them away from children,  your eyes and tender mucus membranes. Your essential oils are best stored in a cool (60-70oF), dark place and will stay fresh for up to 3 years (18 months for citrus oils).

The Dance of the Hormones

Having 10 blends dealing with the endocrine system, and 7 for the chakras,we reprint this excellent article by  Terri L. Saunders*

Of all the systems of the body, the endocrine system is the most complex and perhaps least understood by conventional science. Intricately linked to the brain and nervous system, this fascinating network is comprised of the endocrine glands, the hormones they secrete, and related biochemical messengers that regulate every function in the body. Not long ago, scientists believed that there were approximately 40 hormones circulating the body, while today they have accounted for over 100. One can only wonder how many more of these mystifying substances will be discovered in the future as we begin to grasp the full scope of this intriguing system.

The word hormone was derived from the Greek word for "excite," thus linking our hormones to our emotions. This is further explained when we understand that the pituitary gland, known as our master gland, is located in the hypothalamus region of the midbrain. The hypothalamus is part of the limbic system, known as the ancient "reptilian" brain, that governs our emotions and instinctual processes such as hunger, thirst and sexuality. It is here that our feelings are processed and hormonal signals sent from the pituitary gland to the various other glands for appropriate physical and behavioral response.

Each hormone is like a highly specialized key, designed to transmit its message only to certain target receptor cells that are capable of recognizing that particular hormone. Hormones act by turning on or off the genes for a special function, or by regulating the rate at which these functions are performed. The endocrine system is an intricate feedback system with impeccable timing in which hormones release or suppress other hormones to maintain the delicate balance of life. Height, weight, growth, maturation, adaptation to stress, sexual response, reproduction and aging are determined by this brilliant "lock and key" system.

One of the challenges we face in our technologically advanced society, is that many environmental toxins, particularly petrochemicals, mimic hormones and bind to the receptor sites intended for our natural hormones. This automatically presents problems in cell-to-cell communication. In a sense, our signals get crossed and the body malfunctions. These masquerading chemicals are called xenobiotics. Perhaps the most notorious of these are the xenoestrogens that are responsible for reduced sperm count in men, hormonal imbalance in men and women, and an increase in cancer. Fortunately, there are natural therapies available to detox the body of these "trickster" chemicals so that the brain and glandular system can work more effectively.

The ancients have long recognized the importance of the endocrine system as regulators of bodily function and much more. The Hindu Chakra System depicts the flow of prana (life force energy) as entering the body through seven primary energy centers. (Some systems identify as many as thirteen.) These energy centers, called chakras, act like portals for the prana to flow into the body and nourish it. Each chakra is associated with a corresponding endocrine gland and related mental, emotional, or spiritual issue. For example, if we are having difficulty speaking up for ourselves, the throat chakra will close slightly, thus reducing the flow of energy to the thyroid gland. Thyroid problems such as low energy, thinning hair and obesity may be experienced as a result. As we learn from our life experiences and resolve these issues, this increases the flow of energy into the chakras, creating healing on all levels of the bodymind.

In order to better understand the tremendous influence our hormones have on our emotional and physical health, let’s look at a few of the various players in the endocrine dance of life.

Perhaps the most mysterious of all the glands is the pineal gland. Located in the center of the brain, the pineal gland has been referred to by mystics as the "third eye" and "the seat of the mind." It is linked to the crown chakra, our energetic connection with spirit and spiritual purpose. Shaped like an eye with a crystalline lens-like structure for receiving light, the pineal gland functions as the body’s internal biological clock, telling us when it is time to sleep, when to develop sexually, and how to adapt to seasonal changes. The pineal gland regulates these circadian rhythms by secreting the hormone melatonin as sunlight begins to fade, peaking during the darkest time of night. The pineal gland also secretes the hormone seratonin, which promotes emotional warmth, calmness and inner peace.

It has long been known that women who spend much of their time outside under the natural luminaries will regulate their menses according to the moon cycle. Native American women would honor their connection to "Grandmother Moon" by gathering together in moon lodges during their bleeding time, which would usually occur at the new moon. They knew that this was their most powerful time for psychic receptivity.

Natural light is an important nutrient for health, and a deficiency causes an alteration in the hormones secreted by the pineal gland. Studies have shown that a lack of natural light and prolonged exposure to artificial light can lead to insomnia, anxiety, depression, aggression and degenerative disease.

Animal instinct is preserved in the pineal gland, though due to its comparative smaller size in humans, it is not as highly developed in us. Apparently, however, this may not have always been true. There may have been a time when, like the animals, we were more in tune with our intuition and nature. It has been said that while once our pineal gland was about the size of a quarter, now it is the size of a pea. There are many theories on how, in our ancient past, the pineal gland may have been more actively used to bring about higher states of consciousness. Some believe that the sarcophagus in the King’s Chamber of the Great Pyramid was strategically located so that if an initiate was lying in it, a spiral of white light would go directly through the pineal gland, allowing the initiate to travel to other dimensions. It has been reputed that when archaeologists first opened the sarcophagus they found an unusual white crystalline powder, which is now in the British Museum. Some sources claim that when in a particular state of deep meditation, humans excrete a certain chemical from the pituitary gland, which crystallizes into a fine white powder.

The mystery of the pineal gland and its true purpose is still unknown. In modern times it has been observed that some yogis who have practiced deep, intensive meditation developed larger than average pineal glands. Perhaps as we learn more about the pineal, pituitary, and hypothalamus we can access the keys to our inheritance and once again reach the levels of consciousness our ancestors did.

It could be said that in today’s world, the adrenal glands are the most over-worked of all the glands. The adrenals produce more than three dozen hormones that perform many functions such as controlling mineral balance and blood sugar levels. However, it is in our response to stress that the adrenals play a major role, and are instrumental in how our body responds to fear and anger. It is no longer the saber-toothed tiger that elicits the adrenaline rush of fight or flight, but the numerous stresses of daily life (traffic jams, deadlines, arguments, unpaid bills). Even so, the hormones that are released in response to these mundane stresses prepare our body for fight or flight. The flood of adrenaline causes the blood to be shunted away from the vital internal organs into the muscles, increasing the heart rate, and raising the blood sugar for increased energy.
Over time this severely depletes the entire system. Some researchers of brain longevity believe that the constant stress-induced secretion of adrenal hormones depletes the neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to poor memory and even Alzheimer’s disease.

The adrenal glands also produce important steroid hormones such as DHEA, and even some amounts of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. However, when we are under pressure, the adrenals’ priority is to concentrate its efforts on the production of adrenaline and cortisols instead. The continuous demands of stress, therefore, can adversely affect our sexual response and reproductive health.

Lifestyle changes are definitely in order for those with severely stressed adrenals. Regular massage, aromatherapy baths, moderate exercise and breathwork will also help to relieve built up physical and emotional tension. Some health practitioners recommend up to one full year of rest for adrenal burn-out.

It is the popular notion that as we age we lose the ability to produce many of our vital hormones, resulting in a myriad of symptoms. These may include impotency, loss of muscle mass, poor memory, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, obesity, hot flashes, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Society’s answer to this dilemma is the proliferation and marketing of a multitude of "superhormones" such as estrogen, DHEA, pregnenalone, melatonin, thyroid hormone, testosterone, and human growth hormone. Many of these hormones are synthetically produced and carry serious side effects, some of which are the very symptoms these hormones promise to reduce. The dance of the hormones is carefully choreographed, and artificial supplementation of one hormone can affect many others. One must be extremely careful with these potent supplements that have powerful effects on the body, many of which are still unknown.

Women in particular have been targeted by the medical profession and pharmaceutical companies for
hormone supplementation for birth control and menopause. These prescribed hormones are synthetic in nature, and after many years of use have proven to be quite dangerous to women’s health. Synthetic
estrogen, because it is unlike natural estrogen in molecular structure, has many side effects including painful breasts, mood swings, acne, inability to concentrate, weight gain, excessive menstrual bleeding and increased incidence of breast, cervical and uterine cancer.

*With permission from Terri L. Saunders who is an Herbalist and Certified Natural Health Professional in Charlottesville, Virginia. She can be reached at Sunrise Herb Shoppe: 804-984-2665, or visit  www.sunherb.com , or e-mail her: sunherb@sunherb.com.

MIKAEL's 10 favorite oils

Balsam Fir: purifies the atmosphere, combat chills, sinus, bronchitis
Black Spruce: antiviral, antibacterial, nervous & immune systems
Canadian Tsuga: antibacterial, antiviral, reduces fears, anxiety
Chamomile: anti-inflammation, depression, allergy, relaxant,
Eucalyptus: decongestant, antiviral, antibacterial, stimulant
Geranium: balancing to mind and body, anti-fungal,
Lavender: overall first aid oil; antiviral and antibacterial, boosts immunity, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic
Peppermint: digestive, clears sinus, headache, antiseptic, stimulant
Rosemary: relieves pain, decongestant, improves circulation
Ravensara: anti-infectious (flu), fatigue, joint pain.

WORKSHOPS:

Mikael Zayat, Alchemist, Professor and President of Quebec Essential Oils Producers’ Alliance,

will give his 2nd workshop in Va September 8-10 We will create oils, floral sprays, bubble bath, study some oils and be in touch with the evergreen mostly used.
He will answer all your questions about oils!

AROMATHERAPY ALL YOU EVER WANTED
TO KNOW ABOUT  ESSENTIAL OILS

Mikael will talk at the New Life Expo in New York:
October 22, 2000 around noon
and will give a workshop all day Sunday in New York:
October 23rd 2000.

Among the subjects covered: The main use and properties of 10 major oils; How to distinguish a good Essential Oil from a synthetic one.

For more information, contact: Marie Allizon in Washington Tel. 703-847-6147

To order through this website click here. Or, for more information,
contact Marie Allizon in Washington Tel. 703-847-6147.

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