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 soles of the feet or elsewhere, essential oils can travel throughout the body in a matter of minutes.

Essential oils have their own individual character or “blueprint” – an absolutely unique identity. They are very potent and can be used in small quantity for beneficial and effective results. Each oil has an ingredient list that reads like a laboratory report. Using the sun’s energy, plus soil, air and water, a perfectly balanced blend of complex chemicals is born. It is this combination of elements that gives each oil its individual fragrance along with its particular beneficial and healing properties. It is impossible to synthetically produce an essential oil in its exact form.

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."

There are four basic ways to take essential oils: through the lungs (inhalation), through the skin (massage), through the digestive tract (by mouth) and through the absorbent tissues of the body orifices (suppositories or orally absorbed—not swallowed). Holding oils in the mouth allows them to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Swallowing the oils results in a major portion being destroyed by the stomach acids, so a greater amount of oil is required when swallowed than when simply held in the mouth. But since some oils are too strong to be held comfortably in the mouth, and when internal usage is desired, swallowing oils in a capsule is an effective alternative. The choice of the usage should best fit the need.

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 in our Health Care Testimonial section. If you ever have a testimony to share, please send it our way so we can share it with others.

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.

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 this page.)

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 remember that they are highly concentrated, and a little will go a long way.

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.

Commonly used "hot" essential oils that are known to have the potential to cause skin irritation include:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Birch (Betula lenta)

Black pepper (Piper nigrum)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Clove (Eugenia aromatica)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Expressed (cold pressed from peel) oils of Lime, Lemon, Orange and Grapefruit (Citrus limetta, limonum, sinensis and paradisi) Our Lime oil is distilled, not expressed

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates)

Oregano (Origanum compactum)

Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Siberian, Balsam or Silver fir (Abies siberica, alba, balsamea)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

For very sensitive skin this list may also include:
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata)

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

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 believe that it's possible that what got this oil on the "restricted use list" was that the offending oil was of inferior quality and not 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 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.)

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.

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.

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.

For information about our diffusers, click on "Diffusers" found on the side bar.

Are pure, distilled essential oils potential allergens? Allergens are usually composed of proteins and polypeptides, which are relatively large molecules. (Poison ivy, oak and sumac are exceptions.) There are no proteins or polypeptides in essential oils which are very small molecules. If they were large molecules, they would not be volatile or aromatic.

Dr. David Stewart writes in The Chemistry of Essential Oils, that there has never been a documented instance of an antigen-antibody response 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.

Oils that are not distilled, such as citrus oils and absolutes, may be potential allergens. Fatty oils, because of their larger molecules, can be allergens as well. This would be your carrier oils such as Olive, Almond, Sesame oils and so on.

While it is "impossible for an essential oil to cause an allergy," sometimes people do have allergy-like reactions when using essential oils, but these reactions are not allergenic in nature. They are detox reactions that are easily confused with allergic reactions.

Premium grade (pure and high quality) essential oils are detoxifying to the body, which is a good thing. We are exposed to many products in our environment today that accumulate in our bodies. Pharmaceuticals are also toxins to the body. Thankfully, pure essential oils are cleansers of foreign substances. They can "bind" with substances that are not necessarily soluble in water and make them soluble so they can be ushered out of the body through the blood and lymphatic system and eventually through the bowels, kidneys and sweat glands.

Essential oils are a good choice when one seeks a way to cleanse the body from a buildup of medications. But be warned: the more medications one takes, the greater the buildup and the more likely oils will bring them to the surface in a reaction.

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.

Dr. Stewart suggests that when detox happens, stop using the oils for a while or reduce the frequency and/or quantity in use, which will to slow down the release of toxins. Focus on cleansing procedures with lots of water, fiber and fresh foods. Fasting also helps to flush out the toxins. Gradually use the oils again and proceed slowly to observe how your body handles them. Eventually the offending 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.

In every case we know of, when a person complains that the smell of a pure essential oil gives them a headache, once the person balances their pH, the offending aroma is no longer a problem, and in most cases, the person comes to like the aroma that once caused them grief.

Here's a headache/pH testimony from Brenda:
Having just recently purchased my first diffuser I was excited to start trying different oil blends. I purchased Peaceful as my first "non illness" blend. I plugged it in but was really turned off by the smell. I developed a headache within minutes. After turning it off and wondering why on earth I had bought it, I emailed Linda with my issue. She emailed me back stating what a popular blend this was and wondering if my reaction might be due to my body being too acidic. I have run acidic in the past, so I spent the next few days trying to balance myself. I then tried the diffuser again and thoroughly enjoyed it. I realized that it had a strong citrus base that I had not been able to detect the first time. Not only will I be able to enjoy this blend, but I will now be able to use it as an indicator that my body is running acidic.

Heritage Essential Oils insists on using only the finest quality, therapeutic-grade, pure essential oils available. We select Certified Organic, Organic (same as certified organic except not certified), Wild Crafted (self-propagating, uncultivated, grown and harvested by hand in the wild), and ethically farmed essential oils. All of Heritage Essential Oils are GC/MS analyzed and certified to be pesticide free. Our essential oils far exceed AFNOR and ISO quality standards and are subjected to rigorous mass spectrometry and gas chromatography testing to ensure exact composition and activity. We believe our oils are among the safest and most beneficial essential oils available.

All our essential oils are GC/MS analyzed for quality assurance and meet strict aroma and analytical requirements before they are accepted for purchase. Analysis of Gas Chromatographs (GC) provides valuable information about the nature of the pure essential oils that we purchase from around the world. GC's usually vary from batch to batch due to climate conditions and location in which the plant was grown and harvested. While we recognize that conditions and GC's may vary, there is a standard of value that each oil must meet in order to pass the "test" of highest quality and effectiveness.