My Collection of Essential Oils (Part 1 – RC, Myrtle, Thieves)

In this post, I am going to talk about the uses and function of these essentials from my collection and why I choose them.

As mentioned, I have a 34 month boy at home who is frequently down with running nose and cough with phlegm almost every month. So these are the oils that I have chose for him. I will talk about what I know about them and what information I found when i google-ed them.

CAUTION: Whatever discussed here are solely meant for Young Living’s Therapeutic Oils. The application methods do not apply for other oils that are in the market as we do not know what is their ingredients.

1) RC (which represents Respiratory Congestion)

R.C.™ contains powerful therapeutic-grade essential oils that are invigorating when applied, especially to the chest and throat area. R.C. is a wonderful blend to diffuse during winter.

What I know: RC is used to open up the airway. So when you are having blocked nose or running nose, RC is the blend for you. You will find that it’s function is similar to vick (however vick is petroleum based, any oil-based medication shouldn’t be used under or inside the nose, inside the mouth or swallowed. Any oil-based product can get into the lungs if used improperly)

How I use it: For children, we will need to dilute them. As for my 34 month boy, the dilution ratio is 1:1 with V6 veg oil and then apply it to his chest and back. And I will ask him to inhale the oil that is left on my hand. 

What I google-ed and found useful:

(source: http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/rc-essential-oil.html)

What is in RC essential oil? There are nine different essential oils in RC Blend. They are listed below along with a brief description of each oil.

• Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil – has mucolytic, antiviral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is a strong antimicrobial germ killer. It reduces any throat infection!
• Eucalyptus radiata Essential Oil (Black Peppermint Oil) is anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and an expectorant. It combats bronchitis and sinusitis.
• Eucalyptus citriodora Essential Oil (Lemon Eucalyptus) has anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and antispasmodic properties. It decongests and disinfects lungs and sinuses.
• Myrtle Essential Oil (Myrtus communis) has antiseptic, antibacterial and decongesting properties. It oxygenates and expels mucus from the respiratory system.
• Pine Essential Oil (Pinus sylvestris) has antiseptic, antibacterial antimicrobial antiviral and expectorant properties. Dilates and opens up the respiratory system, particularly the bronchial tract.
• Marjoram Essential Oil (Origanum majorana) has antibacterial and anti-spasmodic properties. It reduces spasms and is relaxing to the body.
• Lavender Essential Oil (Lavandula angustifolia) has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties. It helps relief stress, sore muscles, menstrual cramps and nervous tension in the body.
• Cypress Essential Oil (Cupresus sepmervirens) strengthens the vascular system. It increases circulation and supports detoxification of the lymphatic system.
• Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha piperita) has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and pain blocking properties. It is soothing, cooling and dilating the respiratory system.

What are the Documented Uses for RC Essential Oil? Bronchitis, allergies, colds, cold sores, pneumonia, sinusitis, sore throat, mucus, respiratory inflammation and congestion, decongestant, expectorant, lung infection, sleep apnea, snoring, bone spurs (dissolves), acne, bacterial and viral infections, chronic inflammation of the mucus membranes, breathing, coughs, deodorant, emphysema, fungus, Lyme disease, mononucleosis, lymphatic congestion, nose polyps, pancreas, pimples, tuberculosis and typhoid.

What Body Systems are Affected? Respiratory System

What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind? Uplifting and energizing.

What is the Spiritual Influence? RC essential oil opens the solar plexus and heart chakras. It helps us to express our self better in the world better by releasing congestion of the lungs and lymphatic system and embracing joy and hope.

Those who feel depleted and are holding deep sadness and grief in the heart and lungs can see relief with this oil.

How do I use it?

Use diluted – 50:50 dilution (one part essential oil: one part of vegetable oil). Then,

• Apply several drops (2-4) on ears, wrists, neck, forehead, temples or feet
• Apply to chakras/vitaflex points
• Directly inhale, or
• Diffuse.

2) Myrtle 

What I know: In the case of cough, we usually would use eucalytpus. However, eucalyptus is not suitable for children below 3 years old due to its strong menthol ingredient. Hence, myrtle is a replacement for younger children with cough to help them dissolves phlegm. I later on found out that is also very good for ladies as it helps to prevent thyroid problems.

How I use it: I use myrtle together with RC using the layering method. To layer means to apply one oil, wait 1-2 minutes for the oil to absorb and then apply the second. With 2 benefits of both oils, they help to battle the cough, the runny nose and the phlegm.

What I Google-ed and found useful:

(Source: http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/myrtle-oil.html)

What are the Documented Uses and Benefits of Myrtle? Bronchitis, coughs, flu, hypothyroidism, insomnia, infection (throat, lung, sinus, respiratory, ureter), prostate conditions, hormone balancing, skin conditions (acne, blemishes, bruises, oily skin, psoriasis,) cancer (prostate and breast) and muscle spasms.

What is the Aromatic Affect on the Mind? It is uplifting and euphoric. Has a sweet, slightly camphorous aroma with a light floral overtone.

What is the Spiritual Influence? Myrtle oil helps balance the male and female energies of the body by releasing anger and inner conflict. It will help those who feel suppressed or confused by life as well.

Balancing the male and female energies is important to becoming whole in our spiritual evolution. Often times we are taught to be one sided and avoid masculine or feminine traits. This creates unbalance in our body and is often manifested in our lungs/heart (respiratory conditions) or the endocrine system (thyroid, hormonal imbalance).

3) Thieves

What I know: Thieves is comes from the story of 4 thieves who stole dead bodies for profit but didn’t get infected. When questioned, they revealed that they rubbed a combination of oils on them to protect them. This is how thieves came about. Thieves is the only essential oil that is able to kill air-borne bacteria when diffused.

How I use it: A drop on the sole for my boy every morning before he goes to child care and at night before bedtime. Keeps him protected from germs, bacteria and virus in school. Lowers his risk of getting infected by other children and also the risk of HFMD. During this period, everyone in the family was down with cough. I diffuse Thieves every night as we all sleep in an air-conditioned room and I didn’t want my virus or my hubby’s virus to spread to my boy.

Caution: Thieves is a hot oil, always dilute when applying on the body. I tried to applied on my hubby’s sore throat and he said it was very hot. My boy accidentally took the cap of the bottle to sniff and rubbed some oil on his nose and upper lips then he was crying in pain. Luckily I had a bottle of v6 to help him dilute the pain.

 

Benefits, Dos and Dont’s and Common Misconception of Therapeutic Oils

This post would be about the questions that I have once asked myself and found answers and information that was passed down from friends who have taught me about essential oils, and from what I learnt from the YL workshops. ( I will add on to the list as time goes on and have more to share)

Why essential Oils? How good are they?

Essential oils are the essence of the aromatic plants which help them to survive and fight with diseases etc. I would say it is like the “blood” of the plants and very similar to human blood. They both help fight infection and form a significant part of the immune system. They both have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

The aroma of the oils you like will help to strengthen you. If you are neutral about the aroma of the oil, means you probably don’t need it. the aroma that you don’t like shows that your body is lacking it and rejects it, meaning that you need that oil.

Benefits of Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils

1) They can quickly penetrate the tissues of the skin, lipid-soluble and are capable of penetrating cell membranes.

2) They stimulate blood flow, which increases oxygen and nutrient delivery.

3) Detoxify the cells and blood in the body.

4) Promote emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.

5) Powerful antioxidants as determined by the ORAC test developed by Tufts University. Antioxidants are know to slow down aging process.

6) Contains antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic properties

 

Dos

1) always store your essential oils in dark colored bottles. Light can damage your essential oils.  That’s why you never see do put in clear bottled.

2) always store your essential oils in a cool and dark place away from light if possible to enhance the lifespan of the eo. An essential oil doesnt have an expiry date if kept well.

3) always dilute “hot” oils with a carrier oil such as v6 vegetable oil. Hot oils are Thieves, Peppermint, Oregano, Thyme, Lemongrass, Clove.

4) always test a the essential oil on a small area first before your first use especially for those with sensitive skin.

5) essential oils help to detox our body, hence plenty of water is important!

Dont’s

1) never let your essential oils touch plastic.. there are people who drop essential oils and put in aircon vent and burned their plastic. because yl eo are very concentrated. they eat away the chemicals found in plastic.

2) never use  the essential oil with heat. For example, do not use an oil burner. Heat will cause the essential oils to lose their therapeutic effect, although you will still get the fragrance.

3) Always apply essential oils on a clean skin. Do not apply the essential oil after you have applied any lotions or creams, because the oils will push these synthetic materials into the skin. Similarly, you cannot use water to wash away these oils because water and oil do not mix and the water will help push the oils into your skin. Therefore, when oils irritates you, always dilute with a carrier oil. Or if you do not have any, any cooking oil at home will also help.

4) If you are drinking essential oils with water. Never use a plastic cup to drink essential oil, use a glass one.

5) Do not mix essential oils when using in diffuser or applying topically. When applying topically, use the layering method. Apply the first oil, wait 1-2 minutes till the oil is absorbed then apply the second oil. If layering with peppermint, always layer it last. Peppermint has the ability to drive the oils in.

Common Misconceptions. (FAQ answered here)

This is the first impression most people have when I try to share to them about essential oils.

1) Sorry, not interested in aromatherapy. (especially men)

Young living oil is not aromatherapy. It is more than that.  Aromatherapy uses fragrance oils or perfume grade oils. Young living oils are therapeutic grades, they are safe to ingest and do not add any synthetic materials, unlike fragrance oils are usually diluted with ethanol/alcohol.

2) I don’t like the lavender smell from yl, I prefer those I buy outside which smells better.

Young living oils are 100% pure without adding any synthetic material. Other oils, they try to make the oils smell nice (being a fragrance oil, the smell is important right?) by adding other stuff in it.. It may write pure essential oils but they may not be 100% pure.

“You are what you eat”. What you apply on your skin, abosrbed by your skin (creams, lotions etc) should also be safe to be ingested. If it isn’t safe, that is because it contains synthetic materials which is harmful to your body. Young Living oils are safe to ingest because is 100% Pure without adding any synthetic stuff in it”

3) I don’t have a diffuser, and I don’t wish to spend money to buy one.

As mentioned, yl oils are not fragrance oil, you do not need a diffuser in order to enjoy the goodness. Depending on the area of concern, we can apply or ingest the oils as well. For example, if you are having a congestive cough, you can apply RC onto your chest. If you are having a stomach discomfort, you can rub peppermint onto your tummy. You can even drop 1 drop of peppermint into your tea (1 drop of peppermint eo = 25 cups of peppermint goodness). You can also apply thieves, one drop onto the sole of your children daily to keep them protected from germs.

4) I already have a water air purifier at home, can I drop YL oils in the purifier?

Unless you are very sure that the purifier is made up of quality plastic (high grades of 6 and above), then do not take the risk, as it may damage your purifier, plus who knows some melted material might have dissolved in it.

5) Young Living oils are so expensive!

Many people do not understand why the high price. YL oils are therapeutic because they are from the first distillation. So what if it is first? many people don’t understand how that affects the price. Here is a good example, when you brew a herbal chinese medication, the first brew is the most potent and most concentrated. When you brew again the second time, the medication is lighted and more diluted. Young Living oils are from the first distillation only, making it them very concentrated and have therapeutic effects. Unlike other companies who just wish to maximise their quantity and to meet demands of the market, they will distill it a few times and then mix everything together. Also they may add synthetic material as well.

Young Living do not compromise on the quality of their oil and they a batch of oils are did not meet their standards, they will be discarded. They grow they crops organically and do not rush the growth of their plants (like chickens, we inject hormones to make them grow fatter), that is why sometimes we run out of stock on certain oils.

6) I applied Young Living oils and started to see rashes.

Young Living Essential Oils help our body to detox and pushes out these toxic out of our body. Like all other detox program, water is very crucial to help remove these toxic out of our body. When there isn’t enough water, these toxic will try to escape from your skin. There was a member who used the oil and started to have phlegm, this is because the body is trying to remove the toxic that was accumulated before. Perhaps this member has taken many medications that has suppressed the phlegm in the body in the past and the oil is helping to push it out.

7) Can I use the oils on infants or children?

Yes of course! There are some oils blends specially formulated for infants or children. For example, Gentle Baby, Peace and Calming. Other oils can also be used with proper dilution with V6 oil. There are also oils for older children who needs to improve on concentration, for example Peppermint, Brain Power.

“A 2002 research study at Wheeling Jesuit University by Bryan Radudenbush and colleagues found that peppermint improved clerical productivity”