AROMATHERAPY The olfactory nerve, the part of our brain associated with smell is closely connected to the limbic system. It is concerned with our most subtle responses like emotion, memory, sex-drive and intuition. Aromatherapy is believed to stimulate the immune system, reduce stress, relieve pain, and help heal physical and emotional disorders. This healing art, centuries old, dates back to ancient Egypt, where aromatics were used for beauty, healing rituals, massage and embalmment. The Greeks perfumed their food, wine and their bodies. They burnt sweet incense in temples, city squares and at special altars, hoping this would appease the gods. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, believed a daily aromatic bath and massage prolonged life; he also encouraged physicians to disinfect clothing and hands with a mixture of sandalwood, camphor and rosewater. In the early 1900's a French chemist, named Rene Gattefosse, laid the foundation for modern aromatherapy. He burnt his hand, plunged it into a nearby vat of lavender essence and was amazed to see how fast the burn healed. Dr. Jean Valnet, a French ex-army surgeon,used essential oils to treat wounds and burns. Today many physicians prescribe aromatherapy for its therapeutic and healing properties. All essential oils are antiseptic, and many possess antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To scent a room, put a few drops of oil on a ceramic scent ring on top of a light bulb.(Never put the oil directly on the bulb.) An electric diffuser, vaporizer or micromister can be used. Aromatic baths with a few drops of essential oil added directly to the bathwater creates well-being, and stimulating or relaxing. Private research, funded by Young Living Essential Oils. Inc. at Weber State University, successfully demonstrated specific essential oils diffused in a closed chamber killed every virus tested within minutes. Of 74 single oils tested, lemongrass,roman chamomile, cinnamon, rose, valerian and yarrow scored the highest kill rates. Aside from promoting relaxation, the use of essential oils activates immune activity, lowers blood pressure, stimulates digestive processes and causes the release of endorphins ('feel good chemicals"). There are over 300 essential oils. Between 50 and 100 have health-giving properties and are used in aromatherapy. Essential distillation, contain from fifty to two hundred chemical components. Essential oils,never taken internally, should be used cautiously. (People with skin problems, allergies, asthma, epilepsy and certain other medical conditions.) To avoid irritation, keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Children under five,pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using essential oils.They can be toxic to the developing fetus or young child. WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS? They are subtle, therapeutic-grade oils distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. They are oxygenating and help transport nutrients to the cells of our body. Without oxygen, nutrients cannot be assimilated; therefore, the oxygenating essential oils can help us maintain our health. • Is one of the world's leaders in the cultivation, distillation, and production of organically grown, guaranteed pure essential oils. • Founded by D. Gary Young in 1993, Young Living Essential Oils is world renowned for exceptionally high-quality essential oils. • Uses a proprietary low-pressure, low-temperature stainless steel steam distillation system designed by Gary Young to preserve the high quality of essential oils. • Owns more than 1,800 acres of organic farmland in Utah and Idaho, with over 70,000 square feet of greenhouse space. • Annually harvests and distills over 2,000 acres of wild herbs and vegetation. • Participates in joint-venture research farms in Provence, France, and Seville, Spain. • Cultivates over 15 different herbs and botanicals, including organic peppermint, spearmint, basil, clary sage, lavender, rosemary, thyme, melissa, and wolfberry. • Conducts ongoing university research on the antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal attributes of essential oils. Some of this research has been published in such scientific journals as the Journal of Essential Oil Research. Suggested Reading: THE ART OF AROMATHERAPY The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs by Robert B. Tisserand Healing Arts Press One Park Street Rochester, Vermont 05767 THE PRACTICE OF AROMATHERAPY A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and the Healing Properties by Jean Valnet, MD Healing Arts Press One Park Street Rochester, Vermont 05767 AROMATHERAPY The Essential Beginning by D. Gary Young N.D. Essential Press Publishing P.O. Box 9282 Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 Skin Damage Screening Natural Skin Care Products

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