Diana
Hooper
2644 Moonshine Park Road
Logsden, OR 97357
diana@essentialsoflife.net
EssentialsOfLife.net
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Diana
Hooper |
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Science Is Not a Four-Letter WordMention the word "science" and some peoples' brains turn completely off. This may be because of a bad experience in high school. Or, it may be largely due to the fact that science poses a dichotomy, or is in direct opposition to mystery, to the unexplainable. Creative, right-brained people tend to dislike the rigidity of science, or the fact that it does not allow much space for intuition or spirit. Ironically, it is through intuitive contemplation that we have received some of our greatest scientific discoveries. Whether we like science or not does not change the fact that all matter is made of molecules, atoms, protons, neutrons, and electrons. And once you start to study subatomic particles, the known rules of science change. The Newtonian physics that explain the orbital pathway of planets don't work to describe the trail of free-spirited electrons in a benzene ring. These little particles are all over the place, moving at high speeds, and according to quantum physics, vibrate the entire molecule. Vibration, energy, and light-all subjects that right brains appreciate. Essential oils don't seem to follow rigid rules either. Myrrh is a prime example. Furanoid complexes found in myrrh are reported by scientists to increase photosensitivity and cause sunburn if applied to the skin before sun exposure. Yet, the ancient Egyptians used myrrh as a sunscreen to protect them from the severe burning rays of the worshipped desert sun. Myrrh also contains phenols and ketones that are proven skin irritants. Yet, when used in context of a whole, pure essential oil, myrrh offers remarkable soothing qualities to dry, cracked, and wrinkled skin. Obviously, the rules of isolated, individual constituents change when they are combined to form a whole oil. For the sake of communicating with other essential oil users, for sounding a little more authoritative when conversing with our more left-brain associates, and for gaining appreciation of the amazing complexity of essential oils, learning a bit of science may be beneficial. It is essential to use both sides of the brain to keep knowledge in perspective. Too far right and things become ethereal; too far left and things turn rigid. It is keeping both sides of the brain active that brings balance and opens the door to inspiration, the true source of wisdom. Basic Science of Essential OilsCarbon Atoms – Builders of LifeEssential oils, like all matter, are made of a basic structure of molecules. Carbon molecules are the building block for all forms of life, and essential oils are 70-80% carbon. This may explain some of the wonderful qualities of essential oils. For instance, carbon is the best absorber of toxins, heavy metals, allergens, and pathogenic microbes. Having high carbon content offers an explanation of why essential oils are such powerful cleansers and protectants. The Basic Building Blocks of Essential OilsEssential oils start with two basic carbon structures. One is a five-carbon, atom line up chain called an isoprene unit. Isoprene units are basic building blocks from which all living tissue of plants and animals are made, including essential oils. These chains are called "acyclic," or without circles. The other isoprene
unit is made from six carbon atoms arranged in a ring. This configuration
is called a "benzene," or aromatic ring. Ring formations are
called "cyclie." Molecules with one ring are called "monocyclic."
Those with two rings are called "bicyclic,"and three rings "tricyclic,"
etc. 1. Hydrocarbons, made of hydrogen and carbon, include various forms of terpenes such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. The names of a terpene will tell you how many terpene units are in the molecule. A monoterpene has one terpene unit. A terpene unit consists of two isoprene units, or ten carbons. These terpenes may become oxygenated, turning them into different compounds. 2. The second group is called oxygenating compounds. This group includes esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and phenols. All other constituents are derivatives of these. A brief description of each compound follows: Hydrocarbons:
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| Esters | Often
contain a fruity aroma Antispasmodic and calming to the nervous system; antifungal activity Exhibit comforting properties to the skin and inflamed tissue |
| Aldehydes | Tend
to exert powerful aromas Often calming to the emotions Exhibit antiseptic and antimicrobial effects |
| Ketones | Often
found in skin care products; positive effects on scars Some encourage normal cell growth Soothing to cuts, abrasions, and irritated tissue Some thin mucus Sedative activities Analgesic action (for pain) Expectorant qualities |
| Alcohols | Help
to increase blood Decrease blood thickness without being over-thinning Some are irritating to the skin, while others are mild, with floral odors Strongly antimicrobial |
| Phenols | Only
four are found in essential oils: thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, chavicol Most are antiseptic, antimicrobial Uplifting May be irritating to the skin, a few have the opposite effect |
Intuitive ScienceWhile teaching in St Petersburg, Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleyev struggled to uncover some type of order for the chemical elements based on their atomic weights. After hours of intense but unsuccessful focus, the disappointed chemist fell asleep. While sleeping, a dream ensued where all the elements moved into their correct placement. Mendeleyev dreamed, with only one minor change, what later became known as the Periodic Table of Elements. His chart was so correct that it allowed Mendeleyev to predict the existence of three elements that were unknown at the time. All three of these elements were discovered within fifteen years of Mendeleyev’s predictions. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity is credited to a dream that he had as a teenager. Einstein reported that he was riding a sled, which began to increase in speed. He went faster and faster until he approached the speed of light. This dream was his earliest recollection of and the beginning of his world famous theory. Then there is the story of Friederich August von Kekule. He realized that carbon atoms formed chains to which other elements could attach themselves to form different substances. On substance, benzene, did not fit the normal carbon chain structure. Scientists of the day were completely stumped and could not make benzene fit the rules. One evening as Kekule sat by the fire, contemplating the benzene dilemma, he dozed off and began to dream of atoms. One of the configurations that he noticed looked like a snake that had grabbed its own tail in its mouth forming a ring. From this dream Kekule realized that carbon atoms could not only form linear chains, but also circles. The benzene mystery was solved. Most essential oils contain benzene rings, also called aromatic rings. These
stories are three of many that describe situations where the solutions
to problems were dreamed. It is interesting to note that in all
three of the above instances, the left brain, alone, could not find
the desired solutions. All cases needed the balance of both sides
of the brain to successfully solve the mystery. |
Reprinted
with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine
"I
have found it!!!" I have suffered from a skin disease called Rosacea
for
about 10 years. My dermatologist has had me on a topical steroid and 3
different antibiotics over that time period. They have no "cure"
for it and
they don't know exactly what causes it, but they think it might be connected
to hormones. Anyway, I have tried many of the oils in hopes that I could
find something that would help it, but to no avail. I even spent the money
and contacted Dr. DeMarco in Canada and we agreed that I was doing everything
possible with my diet and the oils.
Recently, Young Living came out with a new product called Prenolone, product code #3731. I thought I would give it a try, because I had read so many positive things about it. As soon as I received it, I put it on my face (it's a cream). The next day my face was clear. You have never seen my face when it is real bad, but let me tell you, this is a GODSEND!!!! I have been using it every day since, and my face looks better than I can ever remember it being without taking some kind of drug. It is actually softer and smoother than ever. My husband was even excited about it because he knows how I have struggled with this.
Other things I experienced after applying the Prenolone, was a calming effect and a clearer mental state. I just had to share this with you, as I am NO longer timid about telling anyone about these products! Prenolone has changed my life.
Cris Campbell
Belleville, IL
This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any illness or disease of the human body.
 Diana
Hooper, Independent Distributor of Young Living Essential Oils Member
#378910 |
