Essential Oils
Courtesy of: Supreme Master Television Healthy living encompasses body, mind and spirit. If our minds and bodies are healthy, our spirits can soar above the earthly confines of the physical world. Therefore, keeping ourselves healthy in all ways is of vital importance. Join leading experts and discussions on innovative research, as we seek to provide some fun, practical and simple approaches to address your health on all levels. Welcome to the world of Healthy Living! Hallo, gentle viewers! On today’s show, we invite you to explore the world of essential oils, which are truly gifts from nature Nature provides us with abundant resources for our wellbeing. The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, the father of Western Medicine, said: "There is a remedy for every illness to be found in nature." He believed that many plants and herbs have healing properties, and that the oils extracted from them could stimulate the body's own healing mechanism. Hippocrates, who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries B.C., was the first person to engage in a systematic study of the medicinal properties of plants. But archaeological evidence suggests that flowers, herbs, and their essential oils have been used since 18,000 B.C. Essential oils are obtained from a wide assortment of plants. And many parts of a plant can supply them, including the flower, fruit, bark, and roots. The most ancient civilizations employed plant essences in their pharmacopoeias. In Egypt, China, and India they have been used for healing, relaxation and stimulation for at least 6000 years. Ancient Egyptians used the method of infusion to extract the oils from aromatic plants. They used the oils for medicinal and cosmetic purposes as well as embalming. In ancient China, Shen Nong's Cannon of Herbs is the oldest surviving medical book, dating from about 2,700 B.C.. It contains information on more than 300 plants. The Indian medical tradition known as Ayurveda has been practiced for more than 3000 years. One of its main branches concerns the art and science of aromatic massage using essential oils. The ancient Greeks and Romans were also fond of scented baths and massages with aromatic oils. In these ancient traditions, aromatic plants and essential oils also played important roles in spiritual life, being employed in religious rituals to worship the Most High. In the early eleventh century, the Persian physician Avicenna produced a steam-distilled essential oil of the Rosa gallica. This is known as “attar of roses” and remains probably the most commonly used ingredient in perfumes. In 1910, French chemist and scholar Rene-Maurice Gattefosse accidentally burned his hand during an experiment in his perfume laboratory. He immersed the burn in lavender oil and was impressed by how quickly it healed. Soon after, he began his research into the healing power of essential oils. He published his many discoveries in books and started an oil producing business which raised essential oils to new heights of popularity. Gattefosse is also known as the father of modern aromatherapy. Aromatherapy, a term which Gattefosse coined, is a branch of herbal medicine which uses aromatic substances from plants, fruits and flowers to improve health by enhancing the body’s natural, self-regulating, healing activities. When we come back, we will learn about the many virtues of essential oils. Please stay tuned to Healthy Living on Supreme Master Television * * * Today’s program focuses on the amazing, natural healing properties of essential oils. Essential oils contain powerful chemical compounds such as phytohormones and antibiotics. Their biological function is to nourish, energize, and protect the living plant. By extracting essential oils from plants we can harness their healing qualities and apply them to the human body. Long ago, scientific research established the effectiveness of some essential oils as antibacterial and antiviral agents. In the 1970s, German scientists found extracts of more than 90 species of the Lamiaceae or mint family, to have anti-viral properties. In 1980, the French surgeon, Dr. Jean Valnet, reported his clinical success in treating serious cases of shingles and influenza with a mixture of essential oils including pine, thyme, and lemon. During the 1990's Dr. Pierre Franchomme and Dr. Daniel Peneol also reported clinical benefits in the use of essential oils against viral infections. These European discoveries prompted great interest in the anti-viral properties of essential oils. More research was conducted and more evidence of their benefits discovered. essential oils have been found to relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, improve skin health, reduce edema or swelling, and relieve headaches, congestion, cough, and tension. The scientific consensus is that, when used correctly, essential oils can effectively remedy specific physiological conditions. In addition to these important medical applications, plant essences have the ability to create an inviting, relaxed atmosphere that is a comfort to the mind. This is especially important nowadays, as the pace of modern, urban life keeps us busy throughout the day. We need a means of reconnecting to the natural world. Botanical essences are like a rainbow bridge, helping us to feel connected with the Creator, and bringing the serenity of trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers— our friends and companions for thousands of years— into our office or home. Essential oils are obtained from flowers, fruit, bark and roots by way of two processes: steam distillation and cold-press. While they are no substitute for professional medical care, plant essences can provide a natural means of relief from many common ailments. Essential oils are usually administered through massage, baths, compresses, or inhalation. When used in massage and bathing, essential oils are absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. When inhaled into the lungs, the oil molecules stimulate scent receptors in the brain which, in turn, trigger changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. One of the most pleasant places to use aromatic oils is in the bath. Add the oil while running the water. And don’t forget to close the door to the bathroom so the vapours won’t escape. Soak for at least 10 minutes, relaxing and breathing deeply. It’s a great way to unwind after a stressful day! When Healthy Living returns after these brief messages, we will learn how to use essential oils at home. Please stay tuned to Supreme Master Television. Today’s program is on special qualities found in essential oils which make them efficacious, natural healing alternatives. With professional instruction, essential oils can be blended together for specific therapeutic action or to provide a particularly pleasing aroma. A synergistic blend of botanical essences in proper proportions is considered to be of greater benefit than separate oils working independently would be. Before they are used, essential oils must be mixed with a carrier oil, which can be almost any type of vegetable oil. It can be mixed in glass, porcelain, or aluminium bottles, but not plastic as the oil may react with this material. Each plant essence has its own healing properties. For example, lavender speeds the healing of wounds and reduces scarring. Its fragrance is also pleasantly relaxing, and can be used to reduce stress in a variety of situations. Undiluted lavender oil is often applied to the soles of the feet of patients recovering from almost any ailment. A few drops of lavender oil on a pillow or in a therapeutic bath bring on a good sleep. Tea Tree oil is derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to New South Wales on the northeast coast of Australia. It has an extremely broad range of antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties which have been confirmed by modern scientific research. It is often applied directly to small wounds, such as cuts, minor infections, insect bites, and other skin problems. Tea tree oil is also found in oral hygiene preparations. The following ten essential oils form a basic home-care kit that will provide effective and often pleasant treatments for you and your family: lavender, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, geranium, rosemary, thyme, lemon, and clove. Plant essences bought from a health food store often come with a pamphlet explaining the best ways to employ their various healing properties. And more information is available on the internet, at your local library, or from an aromatherapist in your area. To conclude today’s Healthy Living, we give thanks to Nature for providing us with the aromatic gift of botanical essences. They bring comfort to our body and mind and awaken our latent healing ability. Most importantly, they transport us to a realm of peace making us feel at one with all Creation. It’s been a great pleasure to have you join us today for Healthy Living, airing every Monday on Supreme Master Television. May God bless you with a most beauteous day filled with love and peace.
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