THE BETTY BASICS.
THYROID 101: Where is it and what does it do?
Our thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped organ located in our neck. It acts as a primary control center and is responsible for carrying out many important processes within our body. Its major actions include breaking down fats and sugars in our body to support our metabolism, using energy ensuring adequate breathing and warmth while we are resting, protein production, body growth, aiding the development of our nervous system, and elimination of cholesterol from our bodies. In order to execute these essential functions properly, our thyroid produces two hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Hormones are essentially chemical messengers that travel to different organs or tissues within the human body. From there, the organs or tissues may create different responses, depending on the messages that they receive. Before the thyroid hormones could send any messages, they must be activated.There are two enzymes, specifically Deiodinase enzymes, which facilitate in this activation: D1 and D2. An enzyme is a protein within our body that acts as a catalyst to generate a desired chemical reaction. When our body goes through any stressors, physiologically or psychologically, D1 and D2 convert T4 into T3 to “activate” the hormones. Once activated, the hormones can send any needed messages to the other parts of the body by binding to receptors, to which a response is provided. On the other hand, another deiodinase enzyme, D3, works to decrease these messages from being sent. It does this by converting T4 into reverse T3, an inactive form of the hormone T3. It is natural for the body to produce both T3 and reverse T3, but reverse T3 is promptly removed from the body. When the body undergoes stressors, more reverse T3 is formed. When too much of it is produced, it blocks T3 from its receptors. This hinders T3 from sending messages. We seek to create the most supportive internal environment for our thyroid, so that it can function most efficiently. Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the inhalation of plant oils, called essential oils, for improved physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Essential oils are the pure essence of the plant—often referred to as nature's living energy—and can provide both psychological and physical benefits when used correctly. Essential oils can be used on their own for aromatherapy or with complementary natural ingredients, such as vegetable or carrier oils.
Aromatherapy for Improved Health and Wellness. Aromatherapy is one of many ways you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. When practicing aromatherapy it's vital that only pure, undiluted essential oils are used. Synthetic, perfume-grade products lack the necessary level of beneficial constituents and offer little or no positive effect.
The Science of Aromatherapy. When an essential oil is diffused, it's inhaled and processed through the olfactory system, which then sends the therapeutic benefits of the aroma to the brain. Depending on the specific constituents in the oil, you may begin to feel the release of negative emotions, the soothing of undue muscle tension, or experience the cleansing effect of the oils as your body eliminates toxins.
There are two ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy: Inhalation & Topical Application.
1. Inhalation
- When inhaling oils for aromatherapy, here are some commonly used techniques:
- Inhale essential oils directly—simply smell them straight from the bottle.
- Diffuse essential oils using a device that disperses the oil into the air in a micro-fine vapor. Young Living offers a line of essential oil diffusers that effectively spreads the aromatic benefits of essential oils through the air without damaging their important constituents.
- Use essential oils with a humidifier. Sprinkle a few drops of essential oil on a tissue or small cloth and place in front of the escaping steam. Avoid putting the oil directly into your humidifier, as it will float on top of the water instead of dispersing with the water vapor.
- Pour hot water into a bowl and add a few drops of essential oil. Lower your face a few inches over the bowl and cover your head and the bowl with a towel, then breathe deeply and slowly.
2. Topical Application
- Crown of head , temples, behind ears, neck, upper back, abdomen, over vital organs, soles and tops of feet, ankles. Place 2–3 drops of oil in the palm of your hand or directly on the desired area. If placing oil in your hand, rub palms together in a circular motion and then massage oil onto the desired point of application. If applying directly to the desired area, massage the oil into your skin using a circular motion. Repeat as desired.
- Skin -combat damaging free radicals, smooth away blemishes, or quench dry skin. Use oil-infused cleansers, serums, toners, and scrubs renowned for their complexion-enhancing benefits.
- The natural properties found in essential oils produce a soothing, uplifting effect , and have a natural stress and depression relief. EO’s foster a sense of emotional balance and well-being.
Essential Oils for Improved Emotional Wellness
- Smell is the only one of the five senses directly linked to the limbic lobe—the emotional control center—of the brain. From anxiety to depression, fatigue to stress, essential oils have long been appreciated for their uplifting, calming, and clarifying effects on emotional wellness. By diffusing essential oils or applying them topically to targeted areas of the body, therapeutic constituents reestablish balance where stress, depression, or mental discomfort has disrupted healthy emotional function. To bring yourself into a natural state of emotional balance, consider using essential oils for aromatherapy and massage therapy.
Biblical References to Essential Oils
Daily applications of essential oils in Biblical times were extensive, indeed. 36 of the 39 books of the Old Testament and 10/27 books of the New Testament mention essential oils or the plants that produce them. These were the medicine provided by God.
The early Christians held the aromatic oils in very high esteem. Paul chose to compare devout Christians as “sweet savors,” “fragrances,” or “aromas” spreading the Gospel “among the perishing.” In Ephesians 5:2, he admonishes his fellow Christians to be imitators of Christ “who gave himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
God provided these plants and oils to heal our bodies, minds and spirits. They were the original source of healing and that connection is still available to us today. "Healing: God’s Forgotten Gift" is meant to be a guide to help us all to explore and learn what tools God make available to us to help keep us healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually.
CEDARWOOD* steamed distilled from bark. Produced mainly in Morocco, it is the species most closely related to the cedars of Lebanon. Of all essential oils, cedarwood is highest in sesquiterpenes, which are oxygen-delivering molecules capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Scriptures: Leviticus 14:4, 6, 49, 52; Numbers 19:6
Historical uses:
- Diffuse or inhale from bottle to enhance prayer and meditation.
- A drop of oil in your palms and then cup them over your nose and mouth. Inhale, breathing deeply to help with mental clarity.
- Used as an effective insect repellant.
- A drop to a cotton balls and place in drawers to repel insects.
- Egyptians used 1-3 drops rubbed into the scalp may help to inhibithair loss.
- A drop or two rubbed on wounded skin may help to clean, disinfect and protect from infection.
- Rub a drop or two on the chest area to help relieve symptoms of (difficult breathing) bronchitis.
- Applied to help with sleep.
- Can help restore hair loss.
CYPRESS* steam distilled from seeds. The oil of Cypress has been used since ancient times for purification and as incense.
Scriptures: Genesis 6:14; Isaiah 41:19; 44:14; I Kings 9:11; Song of Solomon 1:17
Historical uses:
- Used to help with healing cuts andhealing of scars.
- Used for relieving the pain ofarthritis.
- Apply Cypress neat or diluted on location to ease cramping.
- Apply a drop of Cypress to a minor injury to facilitate healing andprevent infection.
- Used around the nasal area to help control a nosebleed.
- Increases white corpuscle production and enhances immune function.
- Applied as an insect repellant.
- Used to help relieve acute chest discomfort.
FRANKINCENSE* steam distilled from resin. It’s a generational tree that takes forty years to produce its first resin. One of the gifts of the wise men to our Savior, frankincense would have been rubbed all over the body of the baby. Egyptian tradition says that “Frankincense is good for everything from gout to a broken head” or in other words “good from head to toe”. If in doubt, use Frankincense. Other names for frankincense are “olibanum” or “Oil from Lebanon”.
Scriptures: Exodus 30:34; Leviticus 2:1, 5:11, 6:15, 24:7; Numbers 5:15; I Chronicles 9:29; Nehemiah 13:5, 9; Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:6, 14; Isaiah 43:23; 60:6; 66:3; Jeremiah 6:20; 17:26; 41:5; Matthew 2:11; Revelation 18:13
Historical Uses:
- Used on wounds to stop infections.
- It was placed on an insect bite to help reduce swelling and speed healing.
- It was used improve concentration.
- Spiritual oil that enhanced and promoted emotional and spiritual feeling.
- Diffused to elevate mood.
- Often applied on onto each foot at night to help with sore feet.
- Rubbed on shoulders stomach and bottoms of feet to help with low mood induced insomnia.
- Egyptians used it to the abdomen to help remove stretch marks.
- A key ingredient in the holy anointing oils and the oil that stopped Biblical Plagues.
MYRRH* steam distilled from gum/resin and grown in Somalia. Has one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes, a class of compounds that has direct effects on the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdala, the seat of our emotions.
Scriptures: Genesis 37:25; 43:11; Exodus 30:23, 34; Esther 2:12; Psalm 45:8; Proverbs 7:17; Song of Solomon 1:13; 3:6; 4:6, 14; 5:1, 5, 13; Matthew 2:11; Mark 15:23; John 19:39; Revelation 18:13
Historical uses:
- Used in religious rituals.
- Used in embalming.
- Applied to as an oil to soften skin.
- Incensed was burned during childbirth.
- Applied on umbilical cords to prevent infection.
- Applied on wounds to promote healing and prevent infection.
Disclaimers: This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is intended for educational purposes only.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Our products are all natural and utilize certified organic ingredients as indicated, are hypo-allergenic, with a certified shelf-life of 2 years from the date of opening.
No animal testing.
Pregnancy: Contraindicated during pregnancy (list of EO’s)
Third trimester only - peppermint, frankincense, cypress, rosemary, clary sage.
NEVER: carrot seed, geranium, myrrh, juniper, cedarwood, pennyroyal.
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