Expert Insight: "Back to Basics" with Essential Oils

Ms. Anne Vermilye, MSAT, CCHT, CMT has a complementary medical practice in Mill Valley and Sonoma, California for 17 years. She uses essential oils along with hypnotherapy and various types of massage therapy.Anne is the product formulator and founder of Bio Excel, LLC^®,essential oil importers, retailers and wholesalers.She shares some of her knowledge of this subject with our readers in this interview.

Dr. Ronald Klatz:What is an essential oil, what makes essential plant oils effective, how do they work?

Ms. Anne Vermilye: Essential oils are derived from all parts of the plant-roots, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds and bark.Essential oils are extracted and collected through different processes of distillation.They are effective therapeutically for three reasons, namely:

1) Small molecules allowing them to enter the bodys’ tissues, organs and fluids, even crossing the blood/brain barrier easily; 2) Essential oils are simply and naturally the original pharmacy with the biochemical structures left whole, like they are intended to be used, they are at full strength.Using the oils therapeutically is just getting “back to the basics”; and

3) Essential oils have hundreds of different types of molecules, having effects in multiple areas of the body at the same time.Each essential oil often gives numerous benefits.

RK: The majority of our readers associate aromatherapy with the relaxation response, yet you have scientific evidence as to the potent infection-fighting potential of essential oils.Please tell us about some research study findings.

AV:Infectious diseases are on the rise in every part of the world and many strains are

rapidly, even hourly, becoming resistant to standard antibiotics and first line drug treatments.So far, when certain essential oils have been laboratory and clinically tested on some of the antibiotic strains of infections they seem to be very effective against them. In a study performed by University of California (Irvine, California USA) researchers, and published in the Summer 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Nutriceutical Association, the report titled "Antimicrobial Effects of Plant-Derived Essential Oil Formulations on Pathogenic Bacteria" explains how two plant-derived proprietary essential oil blends were tested for their antibacterial activity against five common strains of pathogenic bacteria. An essential oil formulation intended for topical use in the mouth (Dental Delight) inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MRSA (Staphylococcus aureus); a second formulation, for inhalation use, (Breathe Great) inhibited the growth of all five test bacteria strains, with its inhibition activity demonstrated to be significantly greater than that reported for standard antibiotics.

In a National Institutes of Health Research Report on "Essential Plant Oil Blends versus SARS," published in February 2004, researchers deemed that administration for 48 weeks of a formulation composed of essential oils of cinnamon, tea tree, lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus r., thyme and peppermint, used internally (under the guidance of a trained Aroma/Essential Oil Therapist), is 100% non-toxic and a well tolerated choice for infection (as compared to treatment with interferon). Proves that the Viraid blend kills the SARS virus.

RK:What are the common ways to use essential oils?

AV:Inhalation, dermal application, baths, oral care, ingestion, rectal and vaginal suppositories are efficient ways to use essential oils.Some methods are better than others depending on what effect is desired and where in the body you want to reach.Essential oils are composed of very small molecules that, when applied to the skin, are readily absorbed. Inhalation introduces essential oils into the body via breathing the vapors as they evaporate and are released into the air. Inhaling the aromatic vapors directly and seemingly instantly enter the brain.The internal use of essential oils should only be explored after consulting with a knowledgeable Aroma/Essential Oil Therapist, as some oils can irritate sensitive tissue and organs.

RK:What are some do's and don'ts about using essential oils?

AV:First, take care if you have allergies, especially to needle trees, and secondly, know your oils.Do not put irritating oils undilluted on the skin or into bath water.In addition, more does not mean better; a little goes a long way.Women who are pregnant should be careful in using essential oils: there are some super oils to use during pregnancy and the birthing process, but some oils are toxic to fetuses (for example the high ketone containing oils, such as sage and juniper).Do not put into your eyes and keep away from children.Seek out some education if you are using the essential oils for medicinal reasons.Use common sense and moderation.

RK:What about using essentials oils in a healthcare setting?

AV:Healthcare practitioners who use essential oils are positively effected on many levels and feel they have added protection from the germs brought into the office.For patient care, essential oils have been used successfully to treat antibiotic resistant infections, wounds, ulcers, respiratory and digestion issues, pain management, chronic internal bleeding, edema and depression.Essential oils work, holistically, and would be a great adjunct to any integrative healthcare facility, geriatric care settings and certainly in schools and locker rooms.