May 2009

FOOD PREPARATION
Since essential oils are distilled from aromatic plants, it stands to reason that most of them are used as spices or flavorings in some way.  Spice plants we use every day are distilled into the most commonly used essential oils, such as basil, cinnamon, clove, coriander, dill, ginger, lemon, orange, rosemary, oregano, and thyme, just to name  few.  In fact, it is the aromatic molecules so concentrated in essential oils that give spices their flavor and aroma.  So essential oils can be used much the same way as dried spices in food preparation. . .with some important provisions.  Essential oils, because they are so concentrated, can be used in much smaller quantities than dried spices.  A drop of essential oil is typically the equivalent of a whole teaspoon of dried spice.  Because of the volatile nature of essential oils, they should be added, where possible, only after cooking rather than before.

The FDA has published a list of 50 different essential oils that are approved as either GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) for Food Additives when used to flavor or scent food (see list below).  The important thing is that whenever essential oils are used in food preparation—or in any internal use—they must be completely pure, without synthetic additives or extenders.  Most essential oil available for commercial purchase have been adulterated in some way, so extra care must be taken to find and use only those oils that are completely pure and natural.

Here are just a few of the hundreds of ideas for using essential oils in foods.

They add a healthy extra flavor to sauces, dressings, marinades, soups or frostings, for example:

· Oregano, thyme, marjoram or basil to tomato sauce for pizza, lasagna or ravioli

· Spice of Life blend or cinnamon bark oil added to ginger cookies or pumpkin pie

· Peppermint oil added to frosting, chocolate or brownies

· Orange oil added to chocolate or a bundt cake

· Lemon oil added to salad dressing or drinking water

· Sage or rosemary oil added to pot roast

· Lemon, oregano or black pepper oils added to cooked fresh vegetables

· Lemon, lavender or peppermint added to fruit drinks or lemonade

INTERNALLY
One of the most important essential oil applications—and one of the most often overlooked—is the internal use of essential oils.  Basically this means putting diluted essential oils in veggie capsules and swallowing them as nutritional supplements.  Some amazing and beneficial results have occurred through this application, which brings the full antimicrobial and anti-oxidant properties of essential oils directly into the digestive system.

The vegetarian capsules are the capsules of choice from a health standpoint.  Typically, empty capsules can be purchased at a health food store in two sizes:  ‘00’ which is the larger size, and ‘0’ which is half the size of the ‘00’ size capsule.  These directions apply to the ‘00’ size gel caps.

To prepare an essential oil capsule, (1) separate the two halves of the capsule, then (2) using a medicine dropper, (or very carefully ‘eyeballing’ it) add the desired number of drops of essential oils to one of the halves.  Typically, this amount is 3-5 drops, but never more than 8 drops.  Essential oils are very concentrated and should be used in very small amounts when taken internally.  Again using a dropper, or carefully ‘eyeballing’ it, (3) fill the remainder of the capsule with Message Grapeseed oil.  (Message oil comes in two varieties, Grapeseed and Jojoba.  Both can be used for topical applications, but Grapeseed is preferred for internal application.) Lastly, (4) cover the filled capsule half with the other half and store in the refrigerator.

Essential oil capsules prepared in this way can usually be stored in a refrigerated environment for 2-3 days.  Take one or two capsules per meal or day, with food as needed.

Here are some ways we use essential oils internally

• Spice of Life blend capsules once or twice a day to control H. pylori infections which lead to ulcers.
• Capsules prepared from peppermint, ginger or Ease blend to provide relief from digestive discomfort or intestinal pain
• Lemon, peppermint and carrot seed or Hepatox blend capsules which support liver health and liver detoxification
• Juniper berry oil capsules to support the kidneys and bladder
• Spice of Life and Defense blend capsules boost the immune system when fighting throat and lung infections, or any kind of infection.
• Capsules of coriander, dill and fennel oils have been shown to help regulate blood glucose, much the same was as insulin
• Orange oil capsules provide a rich supply of d-limonene, which has been identified in many studies as a powerfully effective anti-oxidant and cancer preventive

BATH
Since the days of Hippocrates, aromatic baths have been recognized as good for the body and good for the soul.  The difference between a plain bath and an aromatic bath has to be experienced to be appreciated.

In an aromatic bath, essential oils are mixed first into salt, ideally, highly mineralized Dead Sea salt.

A basic recipe for an aromatic bath is to mix 10-20 drops of essential oils into ½ to ¾  cup of Dead Sea salts, and then add this mixture into a warm bath.

Essential oils mix with salt crystals in a way that allows them to disperse in bath water. If the essential oils were simply added directly to bath water, without being added to the bath salts, they would simply float on top of the water, and wouldn’t have their full beneficial effect.

When mixed first in bath salts, the oils will then disperse in the bath water as the salt dissolves.  When Dead Sea salt is used, there is the added benefit to your body of the beneficial minerals in the salt.  The oils and the minerals absorb into the skin during the bath, supporting health as well as providing ultimate relaxation.

It is best not to use regular soaps in an aromatic bath because it will compromise the benefits of the salt and essential oils.

Careful selection of essential oils for the bath can determine any number of desired outcomes.  For example:

• For a sedative, soothing, bed-time bath, use lavender or neroli oils, or Cairo Care, Charity, Quiescent or Dream Weaver blends.
• For an invigorating, stimulating morning bath, use lemongrass or peppermint oils, or Joy & Abundance, Focus or Passion blends
• For a relaxing and hormone-balancing bath, use Sun blend (men) or Moon blend (women), lavender and chamomile.
• For an immune-boosting bath, use ravensara or thyme ct linalool oils (NOT thyme ct thymol), or Guardian, Defense or Exchange blends.
• For a sensual bath experience use jasmine or rose oils, or Delight, Charity or Passion blends
• There are many other options – the sky is the limit with nurturing, soothing baths!

ROOM FRESHENER/MISTING SPRAY
Even though essential oils are oil-based and do not mix well with water, they can be suspended in water and sprayed into the environment, both to provide pleasant aromas and to cleanse and clear breathing air.  This is done by putting several drops of a selected essential oil in a spray bottle filled with a few ounces of pure distilled water.

A general guideline for creating a misting spray is 10 to 20 drops of essential oil in 4 ounces of water.  Mix the oil and water in a glass spray bottle and shake well before spraying.

The room scents that can be created with essential oils are far richer and more pleasant – and definitely far less toxic – than commercial room fresheners.  Unlike commercial room fresheners, essential oils sprays contain only natural molecules that are not toxic to sensitive mucous membranes in the airways.  Plus, essential oil misting sprays can have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal benefits that commercial sprays do not.

Here are some of our most popular oils for use in misting sprays:

• Use One Vision blend for a clean, fresh conifer forest aroma
• Use Delight blend for a sweet, uplifting citrus aroma
• Use lavender or mandarin oils, Quiescent blend or Charity blend for a soothing environment
• Use Cherished Space to disperse negative energy
• Use Transformation to create an environment of mental openness
• Use peppermint, Focus blend or E-motion blend to create a stimulating, confident environment

ON LOCATION
When we say ‘on location’ it means applying essential oils directly to the skin at the location of the pain, injury or discomfort.  We call this ‘topical’ application.

Dilution:
Many essential oils are gentle and can be applied directly to the skin without dilution in a carrier oil (TRUessence Message Oil.)  These would include carrot seed, cedarwood, chamomile, fennel, frankincense, helichrysum, jasmine, lavender, lemon, myrrh, orange, neroli, patchouli, petitgrain, ravensara, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, spikenard, vetiver and ylang ylang.

All but two of the TRUessence blends—Defense and Spice of Life—have been formulated so they are safe to use directly on the skin. In the case of use of Defense blend or Spice of Life blend, we recommend applying them to the bottom of the feet, where the skin is ‘tougher’ and will readily absorb the oils.

In general, anytime more than 5 drops is being applied at once on a specific location, it is advisable to dilute with carrier oil.

Some of the classic topical applications that yield amazing results are:

• A few drops of lavender on a burn/sunburn will often heal the burn overnight.
• A drop of peppermint on the temples and back of the neck can stop a tension headache in seconds.
• A few drops of Cairo Care blend, massaged along the spine will release lower back tension.
• A few drops of Fysical Thera P blend, massaged into joints can bring quick relief from arthritic pain.
• A few drops of Defense blend or Spice of Life blend, applied to the lung reflex points on the feet can help relieve bronchitis symptoms.
• A few drops of Exchange blend or Eucalyptus radiata rubbed on the chest and throat can help relieve lung and sinus congestion by opening mucous membranes.
• A drop or two of Quiescent blend on the temples, forehead and back of neck can help reduce ADD symptoms, provide mental calm assist in combating insomnia.
• A few drops of Pink Grapefruit massaged into tissues on a regular basis is said to help dissolve cellulite.
• A drop or two of Jasmine, Rose, Neroli or Ylang Ylang can help chase away discouragement, and often provides aphrodisiac benefits.

There are a few essential oils that we strongly suggest should be diluted, in order to apply them topically.  TRUessence oils that should be diluted before topical application (anywhere other than the soles of the feet) include oregano in particular, and also thyme ct thymol, cinnamon, clove.

This suggestion also applies to two TRUessence blends—Defense and Spice of Life—both of which are very strong anti-microbial blends.  As a general rule, strong oils that should be diluted, should be diluted to at least 20%, meaning they should be blended at a rate of 1 part essential oil to 4 (or more) parts Message (carrier) Oil.

Fortunately, there is one location where even strong oils can be applied, where irritation is least likely to occur:  it is on the soles of the feet.  Anytime there is a question of whether an essential oil is too strong to be used comfortably, it should be applied to the soles of the feet.  The soles of the feet contain more skin pores than other parts of the body.   Conveniently, the soles of the feet also contain reflex points for all the organs of the body and these points can be used to enhance the impact of the oil.

All other TRUessence essential oils can be used without dilution, but should be diluted if more than 8 – 10  drops are being applied.  A general rule for these oils is to dilute them at least 50% (1 part essential oil to 1 part Message Oil), for topical application.

Photosensitivity:

Citrus oils can cause the skin to become photosensitive.  This means that the skin is much more prone to burning and pigment changes if exposed to sunlight or UV rays.  For this reason, when using citrus oils, make sure the skin where these oils are applied is protected from exposure to sun and UV for at least 48 hours.

Photosensitivity is also a characteristic of many medications, including naproxen-based NSAIDS (Aleve), some antibiotics, and drugs used for diabetics and for cancer chemotherapy.⁵

Reactions:
Because essential oils are powerful detoxifiers and skin purifiers, and because they rapidly penetrate skin cell walls, mild reactions can occur if the skin contains residues from toxic cosmetic, cleaning or commercial chemicals.  Although we might assume that the skin blocks such chemicals from entering our body system, it is true that the skin absorbs—to a small degree—the materials to which it is exposed.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long term exposure to toxins will result in an accumulation of toxic residues in the skin, and internal organs and can even result in eczema, psoriasis, allergies or even skin cancer.  Essential oils can help protect the skin from these toxins and their damaging effects, but must be used carefully on skin that has had repeated toxic exposure.  Start essential oil usage slowly and use Message oil to dilute the essential oils if there is any indication of a skin reaction, a ‘tingling’ feeling, or a burning sensation.

COMPRESS
A compress, whether warm or cold, can be a very effective way of accelerating the impact of topical essential oil application by driving the oils deep into the underlying tissue.  A compress uses water to ‘push’ the oils rapidly into tissue.

To use a compress, several drops of essential oils are

(1) applied topically to a skin area, for example, peppermint oil might be applied on the abdomen to help with digestive discomfort or nausea.  After the oils are gently massaged into the skin,

(2) the area is covered with a warm, moist towel (soaked in hot water and then wrung out).  (In cases of muscle or joint pain, accompanied by inflammation, a cold moist towel is usually used.)  Then,

(3) a second, dry towel is used to cover the moist towel.  Occasionally, especially with a warm compress,

(4) clear plastic wrap is wrapped over the whole compress to preserve warmth and insure contact.

The moisture in the compress repels the essential oils, pushing them into the underlying tissue.  The action of a compress takes about 10-15 minutes, by which time the essential oils have penetrated deep below the skin.

Never use ‘hot’ oils (oregano, thyme, cinnamon) with a warm compress.  The extra heat can trigger skin irritation and/or burning sensations.

Oils that would be ideal for compress applications include the Cairo Care and Fysical Thera P blends as well as marjoram, balsam fir, Scotch pine, lavender, cedarwood, cypress and rosemary.

One very effective use of a compress is done with Ease blend over the abdomen to alleviate stomach distress or digestive discomfort.

MASSAGE/BODY RUB
One of the most rewarding and rejuvenating of all applications of essential oils is through massage using an aromatic massage oil.

The purpose of an aromatic massage oil is to provide lubrication, skin nourishment and aromatic molecules to stimulate and soothe skin, muscles and nerves.

A general rule for preparing massage oil is to mix 10 to 15 drops of essential oils per tablespoon of Message Oil (carrier oil).  (Very strong oils, such as oregano, thyme ct thymol, cinnamon, and clove should be diluted even more—perhaps 5 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil.)

This dilution rate is quite high, as is common in English style aromatherapy, but nonetheless fully sufficient to provide the aromatic energy needed for a wonderful massage.  This is not primarily a case of fighting infection, but of energy release and balancing.  In such a situation, the essential oils have an almost ‘homeopathic’ like action, where very small amounts of aromatic molecules can actually trigger the greatest muskoskeletal and central nervous system response.

Depending on the dryness of the skin and the duration of the massage, one could expect to use 1 to 2 tablespoons of aromatic massage oil during a single treatment.   Massage of the spine, in particular, can not only help relax sore back muscles, but also provide support to the immune system in keeping latent viruses and bacteria, which often lodge in the spinal cord, under complete control.  Essential oils commonly used in massage to bring about balance and alignment of body systems, include:

• Marjoram and balsam fir oils and Cairo Care or TLC blends, particularly for sore muscles
• Birch, peppermint, and lemongrass oils and Fysical Thera P blend,  particularly for painful or stiff joints
• Lemon, lavender, neroli, cedarwood and jasmine oils and Quiescent blend for a calming, stress-relieving massage at the end of the day.
• Rosemary, eucalyptus, niaouli and sage oils and Focus blend or One Vision blend for a stimulating, invigorating massage for beginning a day.

DIFFUSION
Diffusion is accomplished with a cold air, nebulizing diffuser.  This is a device which uses a stream of air to nebulize or ‘break up’ the oil into micro fine droplets that become a mist.

This is done by blowing the oil inside a glass nebulizer.  As the oil droplets hit the baffles in the nebulizer, only the tiniest droplets rise to the top and escape as a fine mist.  Because of the volatility of essential oil, when they are released in such a fine mist, aromatic molecules spread very rapidly into the surrounding air.

Typically nebulizing diffusers will cost about $100 and are capable of filling a room with aromatic molecules within a few minutes.  The aromatic molecules not only scent the air, but also kill air-borne germs and other microbes, creating a healthier breathing environment.  Suspended aromatic molecules are also inhaled (see INHALATION) taking them antiseptic properties into sinus and lung cavities, and also into the limbic system, where they can stimulate or calm the brain and its functions.

Diffusion can be a very helpful application at night for children suffering from cold or cough congestion, as it can work while they sleep.

The aromatic molecules that they breathe in during the night help to calm a cough, reduce throat irritation and heal the infection.

Diffusion is also useful in maintaining a desired aromatic environment in a room or workspace.  It also is the most effective way of maintaining a constantly purified breathing environment.

Diffusion is very helpful in preventing the spread of a disease within the same family in the same household.  It is also the most effective way of combating mold infestations, but must be used with very strong oils when no one is in the environment that has been contaminated.

Classic diffusion applications include:

• Eucalyptus oil, Tea Tree oil and, especially, Exchange blend at night (and during the day) for coughs and colds
• Ravensara to fight air-borne viruses and to purify air
• TLC blend as a more pleasant-smelling air purifier
• Delight blend for a wonderfully uplifting environment
• Lemon and Rosemary for mental stimulation
• Rose,  Lavender or Quiescent blend for mental calming

INHALATION
Inhalation of essential oils is possible because they are volatile (evaporative) compounds.  Many are surprised to find that the aromas from essential oils that they inhale are familiar to them, because essential oil compounds are used in common cough and cold remedies.

Inhaling essential oil vapors, in effect, pulls aromatic molecules suspended in the air into the internal nasal, bronchial and lung cavities, where they can directly work on soothing and loosening irritated mucous membranes and fighting bacteria and viruses.

Inhalation is similar to Diffusion, except that diffusion involves the use of a nebulizing, cold air diffuser.  Inhalation, as we define it here, refers to inhaling vapors directly from a bottle or from essential oil that is on a tissue or on the hands.

The basic approach to inhaling essential oil vapors is to

(1) place 2-3 drops of oil on the palm of one hand,

(2) rub the palms of both hands together,

(3) cup the hands around the nose and mouth without touching the face, and then

(4) inhale deeply as the aromatic molecules expand from the palms.

This is a fairly concentrated way of getting aromatic molecules into the respiratory system in one quick dose.  It may need to be repeated regularly throughout the day to bring relief and promote healing.  Using anti-microbial oils, it is an excellent method for supporting the lungs and sinuses against infection while traveling or when away from home.  Alternatively, using certain flower oils and mentally stimulating blends, it works well to re-focus the mind, dispel discouragement and stimulate creativity.

Alternate ways of inhaling oils include putting a few drops on a tissue or handkerchief and holding it near the nose while inhaling, putting a few drops on a pillow at bed time, or just holding the essential oil bottle under the nose.  These methods are less concentrated than using the hands.

Anti-microbial oils which lend themselves very well to this application method include all of the eucalyptus oils, ravensara, palmarosa and Exchange blend.

Mentally stimulating oils to use this way include bergamot, jasmine, frankincense, neroli, peppermint, Focus blend and One Vision blend.

Calming and soothing essential oils might include lavender, Quiescent blend, chamomile.

There are many others, we suggest the above lists, for the sake of example.