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This is a a bit of a long-winded article with some tall claims. If anybody cares to look it over and voice their opinion please feel free. I aplogize for exceeding the 4 paragragh limit but considering the nature of the topic it might be worth it.
Therapeutic-grade essential oils are some of nature?s greatest gifts to us for use in coping with the onslaught of deadly viruses, bacteria and devastating chronic diseases of today. With new pandemics such as ?bird flu? in the news, and reports that vaccines and antibiotics are ineffective against them, it is especially reassuring to know that nature has provided us with plants and herbs with such powerful protection. With the Bird Flu deaths in Indonesia, a mysterious but dangerous encephalitis in Nepal and India, and a rare Streptococcussuis Type II ?pig disease? spreading to humans in China, the news can be scary. Experts are worried about a world-wide medical emergency, a "pandemic" of similar proportions to the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918, which killed millions. The number of possible deaths that are being projected are unbelievable. People are being warned that governments are not adequately prepared to cope with the potential emergency. Given what we saw during Hurricane Katrina, with people dying and stranded without food and water for days, we surely are believers that horrible things do happen and will continue to happen. Essential Oil Users are not Afraid Dr. Gene Hummel of Ohio, has said that this winter will be a very harsh one for the flu and all other respiratory illnesses. "The unusual weather?s been a factor," "There?s been lots of rain, lots of stuff in the air." Through the years, we have not only come to completely believe that essential oils allow our bodies to strengthen the immune system, but that they bring relief from the symptoms when you experience respiratory issues. For those who did not know, viruses and bacteria cannot live in the presence of certain essential oils. The reason: for this is that essential oils are highly concentrated, complex but natural compounds, with hundreds of chemical constituents. These constituents account for the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties of therapeutic quality essential oils. Essential oils are effective in the treatment of infections and respiratory conditions, for improving the immune response, and for balancing the nervous system. And, most essential oils (citrus oils are an exception) have an almost indefinite shelf life when stored under proper conditions. Most people understand essential oils as having something to do with the sense of smell. Therefore, they look for an oil that smells strongly, a perfume grade oil. Unfortunately, unscrupulous or unknowledgeable re-sellers sometimes propagate this misinformation. Perfume oils are not therapeutic grade oils, of which the aroma itself is secondary to the therapeutic effect. Therapeutic essential oils are unaltered, whole, single species, pure, raw, genuine, and obviously free from any added substances (natural or chemical). If the oils are not as close to their natural state as possible, they are not as effective for treatment. Lesser-quality oils, such as perfume-grade oils sold in most health-food stores, pharmacies and bath and body stores, though relatively inexpensive, they simply do not support the range of healing properties contained in oils produced with healing in mind, and in some cases, can do more harm than good. When buying quality, therapeutic essential oils look for those whose purpose is for healing, and that contain the full range of natural chemical constituents nature intended. When you find them, you will have found powerful allies in maintaining and improving your health in these challenging times. Keep your therapeutic essential oil emergency disaster first-aid kit ready Everyone should be using their essential oil emergency kit during the cold and flu season and especially this year with the additional concerns. The therapeutic essential oils that we recommend to be in your kit are: Healthy Blend a combination of therapeutic oils combined to help boost the immune system and encourage the body to stay strong. Blend of Thyme Serpolet, lemon, grapefruit, cinnamon, clove, ginger root, elemi, lavender and peppermint. Respire Blend is designed for colds and congestion. Tea tree, Scotch pine, and eucalyptus have been carefully selected for their ability to help maintain the functioning of the respiratory and immune systems. Peppermint essential oil which can be used for headaches, nausea, shock, and mental fatigue. It?s very balancing to the body. Soothes the digestive system while stimulating the immune system, respiratory and nervous system. Peppermint essential oil as a massage oil over the abdomen relaxes the muscles to help in the digestion of heavy meals and relieves flatulence, cramping, nausea, and specific disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. It is a warming oil, so it's found in most liniments to relieve painful muscle spasms and arthritic conditions. Peppermint essential oil relieves the itching of ringworm, herpes blisters, scabies, and poison oak and ivy and stimulates oil production in dry skin and hair. Many bacterial, fungal, and viral infections are destroyed by it and when inhaled or when a vapor balm is rubbed on the chest. It clears sinus and lung congestion. The scent is energizing, and historically, it was said to be an aphrodisiac. Tea Tree is for sunburns, cuts and scrapes, and to disinfect our mouth and breath. It will also help us breath better, assisting to clearing sinus congestion. The essential oil is an all-purpose antiseptic whose use is supported by medical studies. It's effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including those that cause flu, colds, herpes blisters, shingles, candida, thrush, and chicken pox. As a bonus, it stimulates the immune system and increases the production of white blood cells. It is mostly used to treat mouth, urinary tract, and vaginal infections, but it hastens the healing of wounds, diaper rash, acne, and insect bites. It protects the skin from radiation burns, encourages the regeneration of scar tissue, and reduces swelling. The presence of blood and pus from infection increase its antiseptic properties. Use it in compresses, salves, massage oil, and aromatherapy washes. Lavender essential oil can be helpful as a muscle relaxant, skin conditioner and astringent and can encourage feelings of exhilaration and relaxation, Among the safest of all essential oils, lavender is also one of the most antiseptic. This antiviral and antifungal oil treats lung, sinus, vaginal, and skin infections and reduces inflammation and relieves muscle pain and headaches. It is suitable for all complexion types and hastens the healing of skin cells, so it's used on burns, sun-damaged skin, wounds, and rashes. It also relieves the pain of injuries by numbing nerve endings. Lavender can be used to treat oily skin and acne and prevents scarring and stretch marks and reputedly slows the development of wrinkles. A lavender massage oil or bath improves digestion and boosts immunity. Of several fragrances tested by aromatherapy researchers, lavender was most effective at relaxing brain waves and reducing stress. It also eliminated almost one-quarter of computer errors made by office workers. Eucalyptus essential oil can be diffused to support the respiratory and immune systems. Eucalyptus essential oil is highly antiseptic but also very inexpensive, so it's used liberally in aftershaves, colognes, mouthwashes, and household cleansers. Researches found that the scent provides a real wake-up call; so using these products should help you get through the day. The essential oil of eucalyptus, or its main component eucalyptol, is used in many drugstore products as a liniment for sore muscles, in vapor rubs for lung and sinus congestion, in skin blemishes / oily complexion lotions and creams, and in shampoo for oily hair. Many people use either eucalyptus leaves or the essential oil in steam baths and saunas by placing a few drops on the hot rocks so that the scent fills the room. Eucalyptus is also one of the strongest essential oils to fight viral infections like flu, herpes, blisters, chicken pox and helps boost the body's immune system. Lemon essential oil ? can be diffused to help purify the air and stimulate the immune system. It may benefit the skeletal and digestive systems and the skin. Lemon is best known medicinally throughout the world as a remedy that relieves fevers, sore throat, coughs, and indigestion. Studies show that the essential oil counters a wide range of viral and bacterial infections and increases immune system activity by stimulating the production of the white corpuscles that fight infection. It is most often used in massage oil or as an aromatherapy steam. The massage oil also relieves lymph glands congested from infection and reduces bloating, and some say that it promotes weight loss. It also reduces inflammation and works particularly well at relaxing stiff muscles. Incorporated into cosmetics, lemon is best used on oily complexions and skin blemishes. It also regulates oily hair. After being researched, the scent is diffused through the air systems of some Japanese offices and factories to increase worker's concentration, ability to memorize, and cut the number of mistakes they make by half. One way it does so is to relax brain waves, inhaling the scent also slightly lowers blood pressure and can be used as an antidepressant.
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