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E.O. - What Are They?

ESSENTIAL OILS –– PART 1, WHAT ARE THEY?
Essential oils are frequently referred to as the ""life force"" of plants. Unlike fatty oils, these ""essential"" oils are volatile, highly concentrated, substances extracted from flowers, leaves, stems, roots, seeds, bark, resin or fruit rinds. The amount of essential oils found in these plants can be anywhere from 0.01 percent to 10 percent of the total. That''s why tons of plant material are required for just a few hundred pounds of oil. Beware of imitations. Essential oils cannot be substituted with synthetics. Only pure oils contain a full spectrum of compounds that cheap imitations simply cannot duplicate.

Essential oils have unique properties that have been prized worldwide for thousands of years. Because of the enormous amount of raw product used to make wholly natural essential oils, lots of products on the market have been polluted with lower quality, commercial-grade oils or contain other chemical substances to reduce the cost or increase the profit margin - a fact not usually revealed on the label. Since ancient times essential oils have been used to help mankind. Often the secrets of plant aromas were reserved for kings or other favored elite. For hundreds of years, extensive trade routes became established to transport perfumed ointments, resins, oils and spices throughout the ancient world.

You can be sure that Nature''s Sunshine Products (NSP) has analyzed its complete line of essential oil products. Using high-tech Gas Chromatography (GC) and Mass Spectrometer analysis (MS), NSP tests each lot of essential oil it receives to ensure it''s 100% pure, free from contaminants and measures up to our strict quality standards. Because an oil''s aroma is just as important as its chemical fingerprint, all oils also undergo strict olfactory (smell) evaluation.

Overall oil quality is measured by a number of factors: GC/MS analysis, olfactory analysis, country of origin, method of extraction and plant species. All of our essential oils are either steam distilled or cold pressed.

What is Aromatherapy?
It is the use of aromatic essential oils to benefit the body - in emotional and physical health and beauty. Science has discovered that our sense of smell plays a significant role in our overall health. Early in the 20th century a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, began studying what he called ""aromatherapy."" After severely burning his arm in a laboratory accident, he thrust the arm into the nearest liquid, which happened to be a tub of Lavender Oil.

Surprised by the quick healing that followed, Dr. Gattefosse spent the remainder of his life researching the value of essential oils. His success made aromatherapy popular, and it became well-known in Europe.

An essential oil is inhaled and directed by the olfactory system to the limbic system of the brain. In turn, the brain responds to the particular scent affecting our emotions and chemical balance. Essential oils are also absorbed by the skin and carried throughout the body via the circulatory system to reach all internal organs.


By carefully choosing one or more oils, you can experience beneficial effects promoting overall health - and even specific targets. Benefits depend upon the unique nature of each person''s response to an aromatic stimulus.
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What They Are Used For - Part 2

· Bergamot (organic Citrus Bergamia) ––
Sweet, citrus aroma, uplifting, benefits the nervous and digestive systems
· Chamomile, Roman (Chameamelum nobile) - Soothing, sweet and tart, can be used externally for digestive system; nervous system benefits also; popular in skin care products
· Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) - Relaxing, sweet scent, traditionally used for its toning and sedative properties; appreciated by those with digestive and glandular problems, particularly for women
· Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) - Powerful and penetrating, traditionally used by dentists for toothache, also wonderful aid to immune system; useful to repel ants (Not use for children under 5)
· Eucalyptus (organic Eucalyptus globulus) ––
Pungent, camphor-like oil is famous as traditional aid to expel mucus and fortify the respiratory system, but also benefits the skin (Do not use with children under 5 or with asthmatics)
· Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) ––
Comforting, centering, and elevating; long associated with spirituality; antiseptic and astringent properties make it useful for the skin, especially mature or dry skin
· Geranium (Pelagronium graveolens) ––
Rose-sweet, used for glandular system, especially reproductive organs; benefits the nervous system, widely used by skin care specialists in restoring balance between oily and dry skin and hair
· Grapefruit, Pink (organic Citrus paradisi) ––
Warm, light aromatic that''s especially helpful for the urinary system, particularly for those on weight management program; also benefits nervous system during situations of excessive stress
· Lavender Fine AOC (Lavandula angustifolia) - Lavender Oil is a must in most herbalist''s medicine chests. You can make an excellent rub for sprains, strains and sore muscles using a few drops of Lavender in a carrier oil. It goes well with Tea Tree Oil for cuts and abrasions and is excellent to use undiluted on burns. First cool the burn in cold water and then sprinkle liberally with Lavender Oil. It can be taken internally (1-3 drops in a cup of water) for headache pain, even migraines. If you''ve lost your voice, make a gargle with Lavender Oil.
· Lemon (organic Citrus limonum) - Stimulating sunshine-bright aroma benefits the immune, lymphatic, circulatory and digestive systems; has antiseptic properties for anti-bacterial and disinfectant uses
· Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) - Emotionally strengthening and empowering; prized since ancient times; antiseptic, anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory; has traditionally been used for aging skin (not for use during pregnancy)
· Oregano, Wild (Origanum campactum) - Stimulating and warming; contains antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral compounds; useful for skin conditions (Not for use on children under 5 or during pregnancy)
· Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) - Warm, earthy scent with history of benefiting the nervous and glandular systems for men and women
· Peppermint (Mentha piperita) - Familiar aroma has both warming and cooling properties; friendly to the digestive system and sinuses; useful for muscular system, especially for women during monthly cycles or menopause
· Pine Needle (Pinus sylvestris) - Clean, fresh smell seems to promote alertness and mental focus; benefits the respiratory and urinary system also (Not for use on children under 5; can be a strong skin irritant)
· Rose, Bulgarian (Rosa dasmescena) - Earthy and sweet, queen of oils for women''s concerns, encourages a feeling of order out of chaos, and harmony throughout body during life''s ups and downs; also used for circulation and skin care
· Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) - Strong, camphor-type aroma, has wide range of uses, especially for the circulatory, nervous, and muscular systems; used for centuries for skin and hair (Not to be used with high blood pressure or epilepsy)
· Sandalwood (Santalum album) - Warm, woody, and oriental aroma; balancing action for the skin, traditionally used for urinary and respiratory systems
· Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) - Sharp, strong aroma; famous for its beneficial effects on immune system and long used topically for antiseptic properties; added to spritzers for countertop disinfectants and cleaners; Tea tree oil has been highly praised for a wide variety of healing uses. Some people find the oil irritating when used full strength and need to dilute it with oil, but many people use it straight on athlete''s foot, insect bites, arthritis pain, burns, cuts, nail fungus warts and sprains. Test for sensitivity by putting a drop on the inside of the elbow and leaving it for 24 hours to see if a rash develops. If a rash appears, always dilute tea tree oil with a small amount of olive or other carrier oil before using. This makes a great bug repellent also.
· Thyme Linalol (Sweet Thyme, organic Thymus vulgaris) - Sharp and woody aroma, helps improve circulatory, immune, skeletal, respiratory and nervous systems; Anti-microbial use for infections and disinfectant use; dilute with water to clean and disinfect surfaces; especially good to use in a sickroom; makes a good massage oil as it stimulates circulation and can be used to clean burns and wounds; inhaled, it aids in asthma attacks and is a good choice if you are recovering from pneumonia
· Ylang Ylang Complete (organic Cananga odorata) - Heavy, sweet fragrance encourages the nervous system to balance and also affects the glandular system; good for skin and hair; stimulates the adrenal glands and can be used for insomnia and pain; can be taken daily for frigidity, impotence or intestinal infections; inhaling Ylang Ylang is said to ease depression; taken internally it''s used to treat PMS and is said to lower blood pressure (Use cautiously because it can cause headaches in some people)
· Massage or Carrier Oil Nature''s Sunshine Massage Oil is a light, non-greasy massage and body oil. Ingredients are: Unscented apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, hazel nut oil, borage oil, vitamin E, and grapefruit seed extract. This Massage Oil is high in essential fatty acids making it nourishing to the skin and body. Use it alone or as a carrier oil for Nature''s Sunshine 100% Pure Essential Oils. I also like to use Aloe Gel as a base for essential oils since it''s not oily and I can even use it in the summer when it''s refreshing and not ‘‘smothering'' to my skin like oil would be.
Nature''s Sunshine Line of 100% Pure Essential Oil Blends
· Breathe Free - Refreshing and clarifying, this blend of niaouli, rosemary, geranium and peppermint oils can be applied to the forehead, behind the ears and the neck when needed (Not for use by those with high blood pressure or epilepsy)
· Cellu-Tone - Juniper, pink grapefruit, thyme linalol, rosemary and niaouli stimulate the circulatory system and the toning properties of geranium, cypress and vetiver provide powerful healing properties for the skin that helps with cellulite
· Cycles - Especially soothing for women before their menses and mature women adjusting to menopause. Apply on lower abdomen and lower back. Contains the essential oils of Clary sage, Bulgarian rose, geranium and nutmeg
· Deep Relief - Clove, ginger and nutmeg for muscles and joints; great to use with a massage, or apply it to ankles, knees and arms (Not for use by children under 5)
Focus - A combination of pink grapefruit, rosemary, basil and lavender oils encourages mental prowess; apply to forehead, behind the ears, back of neck and on temples (but away from eyes); diffuse in your office and home
· Guardian - Tea tree, ravener, lavender and Roman chamomile helps boost the immune system and guard against colds and flu; apply to chest, back and feet daily; diffuse throughout household or enjoy in a bath
· Inner Peace - Lovely aroma of Bulgarian rose combined with the uplifting effects of manda
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How To Use Them-Part 3

Great benefits from essential oils can be realized when they are diffused into the air or applied in diluted form to the skin. Certain precautions for these concentrates are advised:
· Do not get essential oils in your eyes.
· Keep essential oils away from children.
· Essential oils should be diluted before using topically (with exception for lavender and tea tree). (Editors Note: This is a matter of opinion)
· Keep essential oils away from heat, light, dampness and electromagnetic frequencies (near TV or microwave).
· Do a ""patch test"" if you are sensitive.
· Avoid strong sunlight or tanning beds after applying essential oils.
· Do not apply immediately after perspiring, i.e. sauna
· Take the necessary precautions during pregnancy, terminal illness and with children as shown.
By following these simple precautions and carefully reading the label directions for each individual product, you''re free to experiment without worry. Single oils can be used alone or combined with other single oils. Nature''s Sunshine''s synergistic pre-blend essential oils provide targeted benefits.
Here is a list of other ways to benefit from essential oils:
· Mix 7 drops of essential oil with 1T. of Massage Oil or Herbal Trim Skin Treatment and apply topically via massage.
· Place a minimum of 25 drops of undiluted single or pre-blended essential oil in a diffuser.
· Add 10 drops to your bath water. Agitate water in a figure 8 motion. Soak in it for 15 minutes minimum.
· Try a sitz bath with just enough water to cover lower body and add 5 drops of essential oil.
· Put 1 or 2 drops of essential oil on wash cloth and rub your body with it while showering.
· Place 6-8 drops of selected essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Place a towel over your head and inhale for 5 minutes. Be careful - essential oils may irritate the eyes - keep them closed.
· Inhale the oils directly from the bottle.
· For vaporizer or humidifier, place 10 drops of essential oil or a blend undiluted in the unit.
· Add the number of recommended drops of oil to distilled water. Shake well before applying to affected area.
· Add 3 drops of essential oil to 1 t. of water, mix and gargle.
· Use 10 drops of essential oil or preferred blend in hot tubs.
· Essential oils are great for disinfectants for natural, non-chemical household cleaners. Used with Sunshine Concentrate you can eliminate many chemical cleaning supplies.
-Georgiana Duncan