Helps With Gastrointestinal Problems
Essential oils not only relieve symptomatic digestive issues, but that they can disinfect the digestive system, relieve gas, relieve nausea, and relieve stomach cramps. Essential oils are also helpful when used for digestive auto-immune disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, supporting the body in repairing and balancing, without causing harm to the liver or other organs of the body.

If you doubt that millions of people suffer from digestive problems of one kind or another, the next time you’re in a drug store, take a look at the shelf space dedicated to OTC remedies for acid stomach and digestive upset.  It may surprise you.

For example, about 10% of the US population—over 30 million people—experiences heartburn at least once a week, and the numbers are rising.  It is estimated that as many as 1 in 3 adult Americans, mostly women, suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and another 2 million Americans have Crohn’s Disease, an inflammatory disease of the bowel.  Thousands more suffer from IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).1

Essential oils have been frequently researched for their effects in the digestive system and have shown very positive results.  One of the characteristics that gives essential oils particularly unique properties in the digestive tract is their ability to be selective in cases that involve bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections: they can stop harmful microbes while leaving beneficial bacteria untouched.

Scientists at Southern Cross University in Australia studied eight different essential oils to determine if they were selective enough to kill intestinal pathogens (such as giardia or candida) without harming the 12 most common beneficial human intestinal bacteria.  Of the oils tested, “the most promising essential oils for the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis are caraway, lavender, ajwain (a parsley-like plant found in Asia), and orange.”  These oils “displayed the greatest degree of selectivity, inhibiting the growth of potential pathogens at concentrations that had no effect on the beneficial bacteria examined.”2

In another study conducted at the University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, another essential oil—basil—was tested against the intestinal parasite Giardia lamblia.  The results showed “that with Giardia lamblia, the essential oil from Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil) and its purified compounds, especially linalool, have a potent antimicrobial activity.”3

And finally, scientists at the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne Switzerland studied the effects of essential oils on Helicobacter pylori.  The H. pylori bacteria was discovered in the early 1980’s by Dr. Barry Marshall and Dr. Robin Warren of Perth, Australia.  They found that these bacteria bore into the mucus lining, causing a variety of digestive problems including gastritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and peptic ulcers.

The bacteria invade the protective inner lining of the stomach so they are protected from stomach acid and from the body’s immune system. The bacteria then kill the cells that they invade. This creates holes in the mucus lining of the stomach, causing the formation of ulcers. Additionally, substances released by the bacteria during the invasion compromise the stomach cells’ ability to absorb calories from food in the stomach.

Over a two-decade period, skeptics gradually became convinced and the scientific community came to acknowledge that H. pylori was, indeed, the cause of most diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including ulcers.  Drs. Marshall and Warren were awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work.4

Once the cause of ulcers was determined to be bacterial rather than because of spicy foods or stress, doctors were able to treat many gastric problems with proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics.  Since essential oils also have antibiotic properties, it was logical to assume that they could be useful in controlling or preventing H. pylori infection.  And since more than half the world’s population is infected with H. pylori it would be a significant breakthrough to find a natural substance that could do this.

Nestle researchers analyzed 60 essential oils against H. pylori and identified 30 of them that inhibited the bacteria in vitro.  Subsequently, they further identified 15 essential oils that showed strong bactericidal activity against H. pylori.  These oils had high concentrations of carvacrol, eugenol, nerol and citral.5  The research team suggested that these essential oils could be an effective food supplement to help eradicate H. pylori infections.

Carvacrol-containing essential oils, such as thyme and oregano have also been investigated for their ability to reduce inflammation from colitis.  One survey substantiating this was done in 2008 at the Anadolu University in Turkey.6  Earlier experiments done in 2007 at the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Slovakia found that a combination of thyme and oregano essential oils was effective in “reducing colitis-induced proinflammatory cytokines, thereby attenuating (reducing) lab-induced colitis in mice.”7

One of the most researched areas regarding essential oils is the potential for peppermint oil to alleviate Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Peppermint, both as an herb and as an essential oil, has a long history of helping to relieve gastro-intestinal upsets.  In a randomized, double-blind crossover study published in 2005 in the journal Phytomedicine, researchers concluded that “taking into account the currently available drug treatments for IBS, Peppermint oil may be the drug of first choice in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and to improve quality of life.”8 Other studies done in Japan and in Iran concluded peppermint oil was “effective and safe as a therapeutic agent in patients with IBS suffering from abdominal pain or discomfort.”9, 10 In 2008, the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital published a review concluding that “peppermint oil is among the most promising alternative therapies” for chronic abdominal pain in children.11

1. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/default.htm
2. Hawrelak, JA, Cattley T, Myers SP. “Essential oils in the treatement of intestinal dysbiosis:  A preliminary in vitro study,” Altern Med Rev, 2009 Dec;14(4):380-4.
3. De Almeida I, et al. “Antigiardial activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil,” Parasitol Res, 2007 Jul;101(2):443-52. Epub 2007 Mar 7.
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicobacter_pylori
5. Bergonzelli, GE, et al. “Essential oils as componenets of a diet-based approach to management of Helicobacter infection.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 2003 Oct;47(10):3240-6.
6. Baser KH. “Biological and pharmacological activities of carvacrol and carvacrol-bearing essential oils,” Curr Pharm Des, 2008, 14(29):3106-19.
7. Bukovska Alexandra, et al. “Effects of a combination of thyme and oregano essential oils on TNBS-induced colitis in mice,” Mediators Inflamm, 2007;2007:23296
8. Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P. “Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome,” Phytomedicine, 2005 Aug;12(8):601-6
9. Inamori M, et al. “Early effects of peppermint oil on gastric emptying: a crossover study using a continuous real-time 13C brath test (BreathID system). J Gastroenterol. 2007 Jul;42(7):539-42. Epub 2007 Jul 25.
10. Merat S, et al. “The Effect of Enteric-Coated, Delayed-Release Peppermint Oil on Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” Dig Dis Sci. 2009 Jun 9 [Eput ahead of print].
11. Banez GA. “Chronic abdominal pain in children: what to do following the medical evaluation,” Curr Opin Pediatr. 2008 Oct;20(5):571-5.

Help With Diabetes
Diabetes is a modern plague that continues to escalate in modern societies.  Nearly 25 million Americans have diabetes and another 57 million have pre-diabetes symptoms.   Diabetes Type 1 is a condition brought about by the pancreas ceasing to produce insulin.  It is considered primarily hereditary.  Diabetes Type 2 has identical symptoms but is caused, not by the lack of insulin production, but rather by the inability of cells to utilize naturally-produced insulin, a condition referred to as insulin resistance.  The net result in both cases, without treatment, is that blood glucose rises to dangerously high levels, which increases oxidation, inflammation and can result in damaged circulation, cardiovascular disease, blindness, and death.

To prevent these conditions, most diabetics take insulin intravenously to help reduce serum glucose.  Some diabetics have been able to reduce or eliminate their insulin intake using careful nutrition. Surprisingly, research is showing that some essential oils have an insulin-like effect when taken internally.

Several experiments on the effect of essential oils on diabetic mice were conducted at the University of Ulster in England during the 1990’s.  In an initial trial, 11 different plants were tested that had a traditional reputation for helping with diabetes.  Of the eleven, only 5 were shown to have any effect in reducing serum glucose.  Among those five were three aromatic plants, commonly distilled for essential oils:  eucalyptus globulus, coriander and juniper berry.  All of these showed the ability to retard the development of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

In two subsequent studies by the same research team, eucalyptus globulus was found to be antihyperglycemic (glucose lowering), and coriander was found to be both antihyperglycemic and insulin-releasing, meaning it stimulated the pancreas to secrete higher levels of insulin.

Similar research was done using coriander seed extract in 2009 in Iran on diabetic rats.  The results also showed that coriander produced a “significant reduction in serum glucose . . . and increased insulin release from the beta cells of the pancreas.”

Dill weed, another aromatic plant, has also been tested for its effect on diabetic rats.  Research was conducted at Devi Ahilya University in India in 2008 which concluded that diabetic rats which received a dill weed extract showed a decrease in serum glucose, a normalization of serum insulin and a decrease in thyroid hormones, all indicating a normalization of glucose metabolism.

Copyright © 2010, VitalScience.org

Unusual Anti-Cancer/Anti-Tumor Properties
Allopathic chemotherapy regimens use highly cytotoxic (cell-killing) drugs that target reproducing cells.  Unfortunately, these drugs are non-discriminatory in their action which leads to severe side effects among normal cells that reproduce rapidly, such as those in the intestines, bone marrow and hair.1

The complexity of essential oils has led many to the conclusion that, unlike classic chemotherapy drugs, their natural constituents—primarily monoterpenes—are capable of working through multiple pathways to act on cancer cells bringing about apoptosis (spontaneous cell death), without causing harm to normal cells.

Dozens of laboratory studies investigating the effects of essential oils on various cancers have been conducted since the early 1990’s.  These have consistently confirmed the fact that essential oils are indeed selective in their action on cancer cells.2,3  Further, essential oil compounds, particularly monoterpenes, have regularly been shown both (1) to protect cell DNA against carcinogens and oxidation, preventing the initial development of cancer cells (chemoprevention),4 and (2) to retard or stop cancer growth, once started, by stimulating apoptosis  and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation.5  Studies done at Purdue University in Indiana concluded that essential oil  monoterpenes “are effective, nontoxic, dietary antitumor agents which act through a variety of mechanisms”6 . . . “in the chemoprevention and chemotherapy of cancer.”7

Monoterpenes which have shown remarkable results in preventing cancer in laboratory experiments include:

• citral (EO of lemongrass) tested on liver, skin and colon cancers 8,9,10

• d-limonene (EOs of orange, lemon, mandarin) tested on liver and skin cancer 11,12  and

• allicin (EO of garlic) tested on ovarian and rectal cancer13,14.

Monoterpenes which have demonstrated their ability to retard and suppress tumor growth include:

• geraniol (EOs of palmarosa, geranium) tested on colon cancer15

• α-bisabolol (EO of German chamomile) tested on glioma (brain cancer)16

• d-limonene (EOs of orange, lemon, mandarin) tested on stomach cancer, liver cancer and lymphoma 17,18,19

• perillyl alcohol (EOs of lavender, peppermint) tested on prostate, breast and colon cancers 20

• eucalyptol (EOs of eucalyptus, cardamom) tested on leukemia 21

In addition to monoterpenes, phenols—particularly carvacrol and thymol (EOs of oregano and thyme)—have been shown to have both preventive and therapeutic anticancer properties.22,23,24,25
Other essential oils which have shown promise in lab tests on a variety of cancers include frankincense26, myrrh27, mellissa28, ginger29, 30, pine31, sandalwood32 and rosemary33.

Copyright © 2010, VitalScience.org

FOOT APPLICATION

Often, the fastest and most effective way to apply essential oils is on the soles of the feet.  Here the skin has maximum absorbability because of extra pores, yet has minimal chance of irritation.  Another benefit is that oils applied to the soles of the feet at the beginning of the day are not detectable by those around you.  1-3 drops of essential oil on each foot is enough to make a real difference in your day.  Select the oils that you enjoy the most.

For a simple start to your day, you may want to use stimulating oils rather than calming or sedative ones.  These include cinnamon, clove bud, coriander, eucalyptus, geranium, ginger, niaouli, peppermint, rosemary, sage, spearmint, tea tree and thyme.  Blends that are stimulating include Defense, Focus, Fysical Thera P, One Vision, and Spice of Life.

For an end-of-day, stress-relieving, calm-inducing application, choose from the sedative oils to bring relaxation and make sleep easier.  These would include most citrus oils, chamomile, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, neroli, sandalwood, spikenard, vetiver and ylang ylang.  Calming blends include Cairo Care, Charity, Delight, Dream Weaver, Grief Relief, Hope, Quiescent, TLC or Transformation

Additionally, because of the extra absorbing capacity on the foot soles, foot baths with essential oils can be very beneficial, especially when an aromatic bath is just not an option.

Evening foot baths are particularly relaxing, and are easily created by mixing 10-12 drops of calming essential oils into ½ cup of Dead Sea salts, and then adding this mixture to 3-4 cups of hot water in a basin and soaking the feet for 15-20 minutes.

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.

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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.