TRUessence ESSENTIAL OILS & DETOXIFICATION

DETOXIFICATION AID

Detoxification refers to the elimination of toxins from the body.  We are constantly exposed to toxic substances through air, water, food and as a result of normal metabolic processes.  The body has systems to neutralize most of these exposures.  However, in cases of severe exposure or severe imbalance in food intake, water intake or breathing, normal detoxification systems become compromised and/or the toxic load becomes too severe.  If these conditions persist and worsen, serious disease and even death can result.

There are five basic organ systems that perform detoxification processes in good health.  They are:

1. Respiratory:  lungs, bronchial tubes, throat, sinuses and nose
2. Gastrointestinal:  stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder
3. Urinary:  kidneys, bladder, urethra
4. Dermal (Skin):  sweat and sebaceous glands and tears
5. Lymphatic :  lymph channels and lymph nodes

Each of these systems works to constantly filter the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, substances absorbed through the skin, lymph and blood, to insure that toxins are eliminated before they create congestion, inflammation, pain and disease.  These systems work to isolate the toxic substances and then transform them chemically or eliminate them from the body.  Providing support to any of the organs in the above five detoxification systems enhances the process.

Essential oils contain biochemicals that are known to produce helpful detoxification responses in all five of these five systems.  Typically they help in reducing congestion and inflammation while speeding the elimination of the toxins through intestines, urinary tract, exhaling and sweating.

In the respiratory system, for example, oils which are mucolytic or expectorant, such as eucalyptus, niaouli and peppermint can help break down and help eliminate mucous in congested airways.

In the gastrointestinal system, oils which are antispasmodic (basil, peppermint and geranium) and laxative (fennel, ginger, and marjoram) help to relax tense muscles and organs and encourage peristalsis to facilitate bowel elimination

In the urinary system, oils which are diuretic, such as juniper berry, grapefruit and lemon, can help eliminate excess water and increase urine flow (and toxin release) through the kidneys and bladder.

Diaphoretic and sudorific oils, such as black pepper, chamomile, and cypress, stimulate the release of toxins through the skin via sweating.

Essential oils which support the lymph system by helping to increase the production and flow of lymph include, first and foremost, bay laurel, and also geranium, ginger and cedarwood.

Additionally, some citrus oils, such as mandarin and tangerine, and also birch and sage, are considered depurative, meaning they enhance the body’s ability—through a variety of mechanisms—to eliminate toxins from the circulating body fluids, blood and lymph.

Copyright © March, 2010 VitalScience.org