• What Are Essential Oils?
• Quality Matters
  
• Usage
• Ouch!
• Internal Use
• Topical Use
• Diffusing
• Negative Ions
• Allergic Reaction?



WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
Essential oils are the volatile liquids that are distilled from various parts of plants, including seeds, bark, leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruit. They are highly concentrated and far more potent than dried herbs. The essential oils of the plant and human blood share several common properties: They fight infection, contain hormone-like compounds and initiate regeneration. Working as the chemical defense mechanism of the plant, essential oils possess potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. They are vital for a plant to grow, live and adapt to its surroundings. Referred to as the essence of the plant, pure essential oils not only protect the plant but also determine its aroma. The molecules of essential oils are also relatively small, giving them the ability to easily penetrate the cells, and some oils have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. When topically applied to the feet or elsewhere, essential oils can travel throughout the body in a matter of minutes.

Dating as far back as 4500 B.C., essential oils have been used throughout history, and modern research shows that pure essential oils can provide similar benefits to humans and animals that they give to plants. Scientists today are rediscovering their unique ability to fight infection. Unfortunately, despite the historical record and modern testimonies, claims to the efficacy of any non-FDA approved substance are subject to regulation, and therefore the claims have become increasingly vague to stay within the regulation. The disclaimer on our website is part of that "package."

We are very enthusiastic about the use of essential oils because we’ve seen how incredibly they have worked in our lives and for our family members and close friends. Our desire is to share what we know and have experienced, and to help others as we have been helped. Of particular interest will be the numerous testimonies provided for you when you click on the name of an essential oil or blend listed in our Price Guide. If you ever have a testimony to share, please send it our way so we can share it with others.

QUALITY MATTERS
If you think of how precious the blood is to the body, consider how precious the oil is to the plant, and when producing these oils, we want to be sure that at every step the utmost care is taken to ensure that the quality of the oil is not compromised. Many oils on the market shelves today are produced using chemicals and high heat because the fragrance industry is interested in quantity and aroma, not quality and medicinal value. It is imperative to only use high-quality essential oils distilled at low heat and without chemicals. Fragrance oils or chemical components of essential oils produced in a lab bring disappointing results and may even be toxic.

Our personal commitment to quality
I have personally witnessed an amazing difference between using commonplace aromatic oils and using high-quality, “therapeutic-grade” essential oils. Heritage Essential Oils use only the highest quality oils available anywhere. All our oils are 100% pure and pesticide free. Before purchasing each oil, I verify its quality and will not purchase an inferior-rated oil in lieu of the highest rated, even if the highest rated is currently out-of-stock until the next harvest. I choose oils based on their "therapeutic" value in that I consider that every oil and blend may be administered or applied for reasons of health. I feel in awe of what the Lord has given us in these oils, and a great deal of respect for the call I feel to help others learn about using them. I’ve been privileged to witness some amazing results of using the oils guided by the Lord through prayer. (For more detail on quality, see our Statement of Quality at the bottom of the Home Page.)

USAGE
There are differing "schools of thought" regarding the proper usage of essential oils. We feel, and our experience has borne out, that if the oil is high grade, chemical- and pesticide-free, then generally the oil is safe topically (although some oils are very strong and "hot," and dilution with a massage oil like emu, coconut or jojoba may be in order). Many oils are safe internally, and most all essential oils are safe to diffuse. Please be responsible to know how to use the essential oils. While I've never known someone to be harmed by their usage, especially parents should be aware of an essential oil's properties and actions before using them on children. If you are new to using essential oils, start slowly and let common sense guide you.

OUCH!
If you use oils often, no matter how careful you may be, eventually you or someone close to you will probably get some oil in their eye -- usually by rubbing an eye after applying an oil. Water is not a good choice for flushing the eye because the oils tend to float on water. Use a vegetable oil or massage oil, which will dilute the essential oil and bring quick relief. Although essential oils cause a burning sensation in an eye or on delicate, tender tissue, I'm not aware of a case of permanent damage.

INTERNAL USE
Compared to the vast number of essential oils available, there are relatively few that are not recommended to be taken internally, and there is "controversy" over that list. When oils have produced negative reactions, we can't be certain that the offending oil was of the highest quality and pure, and the negative reaction may have been a result of low quality or chemicals present in the oil. In any case, I'll list oils that are on the "not for internal list": Eucalyptus Dives, Eucalyptus Polybractea, Idaho Tansy, Jasmine, Ledum, Melaleuca Ericfolia, Onycha, Ravensara, Western Red Cedar and Wintergreen. Notice that although Wintergreen is listed, you find it added to toothpaste, mints, gum and so on. I encourage you to practice common sense and moderation in the usage of all essential oils, and, most importantly, insist on only using oils that are pure and high quality.

Suggested methods for internal use:

1. Add several drops of oil to an empty capsule (consider diluting).
   
2. Add several drops to a glass of water (never plastic or styrofoam).
   
3. A drop or two on a piece of bread is a good way to get the oils into a child.
4. Put a drop or two in a teaspoon, add a bit of honey or agave and swallow.
5. Drop directly onto the tongue and hold tongue to roof of mouth for quick absorption. (Use caution and common sense with this method.)

TOPICAL USE
We have found that the bottoms of feet are usually tough enough for most oils to be applied without discomfort, and through the feet the powerful effect of the oil is in the bloodstream in minutes. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., essential oils can affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes and are then metabolized like other nutrients. There is only one oil that I'm aware of that is not recommended topically: Western Red Cedar. There are some oils that lend themselves to diluting with a carrier oil such as Emu, Coconut, Jojoba and so on: Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Birch/Wintergreen. Given this precautionary warning, the only oils I personally always dilute are Oregano and Thyme. Again, start slowly and use common sense to find the best way to enjoy the benefits of using these wonderful oils.

Suggested points of application are:
Crown of head
Forehead
Temples
Behind ears
Neck
Upper back
Abdomen
Over vital organs
Ankles
Bottoms of feet
Top of feet
Toes

Since essential oils are very potent and some may be irritating to the skin, when using an oil for the first time, take precaution and test a drop on your wrist. If you ever experience irritation (redness or uncomfortable stinging) simply apply any pure vegetable or nut oil to dilute. Some people are more sensitive than others, so use the general guidelines on the bottle label as simply that: guidelines. Ultimately the user must be responsible to take precautions necessary to avoid misusing the oils or experiencing discomfort. Use special caution when applying the oils on children who may not be able to adequately communicate discomfort.

DIFFUSING
Other than simply inhaling the oils, the easiest and simplest way of putting essential oils into the air for inhalation is to use an aromatic diffuser. A cold air diffuser uses room-temperature air to blow the oil up through some kind of nebulizer. This breaks the oils up into a micro-fine mist that is then dispersed into the air. The oils, with their oxygenating molecules, will then remain suspended for several hours to freshen and improve the quality of the air. The anti-viral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties of the oils kill bacteria and help reduce fungus and mold. Essential oils, when diffused, have been found to reduce the amount of airborne chemicals and metallics. Many essential oils, such as Lemongrass, Lemon, our blends of Purify, Citrus Blessing, and Plague Defense are highly antibacterial and are extremely effective for eliminating and destroying airborne germs and bacteria.

Unlike candles or aroma lamps, cold-air diffusers disperse oils without heating or burning, which can render the oil therapeutically less beneficial and possibly create toxic compounds. Burned oils may become carcinogenic. Research (from Essential Oil Desk Reference by Essential Science Publishing, Third Edition) shows that cold air diffusing certain oils may:

• Reduce and/or eliminate bacteria, fungus, mold and unpleasant odors

• Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity

• Relax the mind and body, relieve tension and clear the mind

• Stimulate neurotransmitters

• Stimulate secretion of endorphins

• Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity

• Digest petrochemicals on the receptor sites

• Improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida

• Improve digestive function

• Improve hormonal balance

• Relieve headaches

• Dispel odors

Cinnamon bark, Oregano, and the oils found in our Plague Defense blend were all tested by Weber State University and shown to kill 100% of the airborne bacteria present when diffused into the atmosphere.

If you have a humidifier, you may be able to secure a cotton cloth sprinkled with a few drops of oil in front of the escaping mist. Keep in mind that essential oils dissolve plastic and may damage your humidifier if put inside with the water, and the cloth with the oils on it may “etch” into the plastic case, so you’ll need to be careful how you attach this cloth.

NEGATIVE IONS are produced naturally by wind and rain. They help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls rest, relaxation, digestion and sleep. If you live in a stressful environment, or an environment full of electronic equipment (which produce positive ions), the diffusion of negatively ionizing oils can help balance the ions in the air and produce a more stress-free environment.

Oils that ionize negatively when diffused include: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Citronella, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Grapefruit, Lavandin, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Mandarin, Orange, Patchouli and Sandalwood.

We sell diffusers, which I'll simply describe as a motor (similar to a fish tank pump with about that much noise associated with it) that blows air into a delicate, glass nebulizer into which we put about 20 drops of essential oil. The air blows past the essential oil, thereby gently blowing essential oil molecules into the air. We discovered that by adding a programmable timer to the diffuser, we save a lot of oil. We usually cycle the diffuser on for fifteen minutes and off for forty-five. Both our diffusers and timers are listed at the bottom of our Price Guide.


ALLERGIC REACTION?
From The Chemistry of Essential Oils by David Stewart, Ph.D., D.N.M.

Are pure, distilled essential oils potential allergens? Allergens are almost always composed of proteins and polypeptides, which are relatively large molecules. There are no proteins or polypeptides in essential oils.

Allergens are composed of large molecules, and there are no large molecules in volatile or aromatic essential oils, otherwise they would neither be volatile nor aromatic.

There has never been a documented instance of an antigen-antibody response (i.e. sensitization) to an essential oil. Essential oil antibodies have never been found or detected in anyone. Essential oils are not and cannot be allergens. There is no such thing as an essential oil allergy.

Sometimes people do have allergy-like reactions when using essential oils, but these reactions are not allergenic in nature. They are detox reactions. Therapeutic grade (pure and high quality) essential oils are detoxifying to the body, which is a good thing. When detoxification takes place at a rate greater than can be eliminated through our kidneys, colon and respiration, then allergy-like symptoms can occur. Given enough time, accompanied by a cleansing regimen, detox reactions to oils will cease and the oils that had caused a reaction initially will no longer do so. This is an indication that cleansing is complete and proof that the reaction was no allergy.

When detox happens, stop using the oils for a while or reduce the frequency and/or quantity in use in order to slow down the release of toxins. Focus on cleansing procedures with lots of water, fiber and fresh foods and perhaps some fasting to flush out the toxins. Gradually use the oils again, and eventually the toxins will be gone and you won't have the unpleasant reactions to the oils any more. As a practical tip, people who are more acidic (low pH) are more prone to adverse detox reactions, such as skin rashes, than those with a more alkaline (and healthy) body chemistry. Eliminate as many toxic exposures as you can, such as synthetic compounds and petrochemicals found in most personal care products and many household cleaners.

COPYRIGHT
Permission is granted to electronically copy and to print in hard copy portions of this website. It is our desire that any information shared will help bring healing and encouragement to others.

DISCLAIMER
All information, content and product descriptions contained within this site is for reference purposes and is not intended to substitute advice given by a pharmacist, physician, or other licensed health-care professional. You should not use this information for treating a health problem or disease or to make a self-diagnosis. Actual product packaging and materials may contain different information than that shown on this website. Contact your Health Care provider immediately if you suspect that you have a medical problem. Information and statements regarding Heritage Essential Oils products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition or disease. The choice of the process used in application of our essential oil products is the sole responsibility of the user.