Young Living vs. Perfume

By definition a perfume must always smell exactly the same from bottle to bottle, year to year. It would be considered very bad business if the users of Chanel No 5 never knew exactly what Chanel No 5 smelled like. In fact, how could it be called Chanel No 5 if the smell wasn’t consistent from bottle to bottle. The problem is that true essential oils smell slightly different from batch to batch. They are like a fine wine with properties that vary depending on soil conditions, weather, season length, time of harvest, geographic location and an infinite amount of other factors. (This is another reason viruses and bad bacteria can’t develop resistance to essential oils--there is nothing to mutate to--essential oils are a moving target.) So the perfume makers analyze the chemical composition of a particular batch of essential oils and create a synthetic chemical soup that will bring the chemical composition to the required preciseness.

In fact, most perfumes today don’t even begin with essential oils which only complicate matters. It’s much more straight-forward and less expensive to simply start from scratch with a precise set of synthetic chemicals, most of which are originally derived from a barrel of crude oil.

Chemists use the same methods to manipulate the sense of taste. Enjoy your artificial flavoring! If you are inspired to read ingredients, consider that there is no regulation for the phrase “natural flavor.” The only way to know whether or not you are eating crude oil is to consider the company that makes it. For example, I know that the term “natural flavor” in the ingredients of Juicy Fruit gum is referring to synthetic ingredients made to taste like natural fruit. On the other hand, I fully trust that the “natural flavor” that appears on the ingredient list of Berry Young Juice is truly derived from things in nature that are good for me to eat.

Consider the quality of essential oils used by the perfume industry. Therapeutic value is of no concern. Price is a very high concern. Consequently, it is more than okay for the original plant fields to be sprayed with pesticides and insecticides, to be harvested at a convenient time of year--rather than at a precise time to ensure maximum therapeutic value which can vary from hour to hour, and for the cut plants to lay in the field for a day or two until they are gathered for distillation. It is standard practice for the plants to be distilled with high-pressure and high-temperature which destroys the therapeutic value in order to achieve maximum output at maximum speed, to be distilled with water that contains chemicals--both to increase output and make the cleaning of equipment easier, and to be stored and shipped in plastic or aluminum containers.

In the end, if this batch of essential oil is high or low in particular chemical constituents that most of the perfume industry expects, the distiller or distributor simply adds synthetic ingredients to even things out.

It is under these conditions that the British model of aromatherapy was established. It was very, very rare for British aromatherapists to have access to true therapeutic-grade essential oils, so the whole body of thought was built around the use of perfume-grade oils. Therefore the British model insists that an essential oil should never be applied to the skin without first being diluted with a fatty-type vegetable oil.

Since there was no translation needed, this is the school of thought that was adopted by early U.S. aromatherapists. Hence, when you meet a so-called aromatherapist who tries to convince you that it is dangerous, even deadly, to apply an essential oil neet (undiluted), their oil and their “therapy” should be considered of little value. You can be assured they are using perfume-grade oils. You don’t want this stuff on your skin.

Ninety-eight percent of essential oils produced today are used in the perfume and cosmetic industry. Only 2 percent are produced for therapeutic and medicinal applications. [Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, Second Printing, p. 8]

Yet this perfume-grade essential oil is almost at a virginal state when compared to an actual perfume which only contains a small fraction of essential oil, if any. Now we are back to the very craftily combined set of crude oil chemicals in a fancy glass bottle with a seductive label.

Incidentally, if there EVER were essential oils inside that fancy bottle, they lost any value long ago because the bottle is clear and essential oils are destroyed by light. But why even carry things that far? We also know that essential oils react with petrochemicals--so they disappeared (changed forms) when first put in the mixing vat.

(As a side note, consider the poor shmuck who buys a clear bottle of frankincense or myrrh oil at a religious book store or receives one as a “thank you” gift for donating to a ministry. Also consider what it says about our religious institutions when these people are so ignorant/oblivious about essential oils despite there being over 500 references to them in the Bible. Should not the “church” uphold some societal standards for health rather than dying of the same diseases as the “unenlightened”? Should not the “church” be the “keepers” of essential oils?)

While I am tempted to mention the health effects of perfumes absorbing through the skin, there will be plenty of opportunity for that in the future. I will instead focus on the effects of the odor to the mind and emotions. After all, when perfumes are applied, there is no thought given to the effects on health. If there were, fewer of them would be applied. The primary purpose is emotional in nature...to feel good about oneself or to appeal to others.

When a fragrance is inhaled, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they are trapped by olfactory membranes. Each odor molecule fits like a little puzzle piece into specific receptor sites which trigger electric impulses that are sent eventually to the amygdala (where emotions are stored) and other parts of the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance. Fragrances can have profound physiological and psychological effects.

THE SENSE OF SMELL IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE FIVE SENSES DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE LIMBIC LOBE OF THE BRAIN, THE EMOTIONAL CONTROL CENTER. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all emanate from this region. [Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, Second Printing, p. 9]

What kind of puzzle pieces do you want to send to those receptor sites? You can choose synthetic ones (not natural to this world) that the body cannot recognize and therefore has a tremendously hard time processing, breaking down, and converting for either food or elimination. It often gives up and stores them in fatty tissues throughout the body (the liver has the highest fat content of any organ). Or you can choose natural substances distilled from the same plants that surrounded Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. These substances have the highest frequencies known among any material found in nature.

Which environment do you choose to create for yourself and for those around you? One that sends true information to the brain or one that sends false, misleading information meant to trick the brain? One that is full of life or one that is dead?

Have a great week!
Caleb Eaton
Young Living Independent Distributor #110712
www.eatonessentials.com

I AM NOT A DOCTOR and therefore have no interest in the maintenance of sickness. I DO have a passion for learning about health and wellness and, understanding that teaching a subject is the best way to learn it, am thankful that you’ve joined with me on this adventure.

The information shared herein is given by faith in a higher power over that of man.

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DISCUSSION ON ESSENTIAL OILS AS PERFUMES

Date: Mon, 02 Dec 2002
From: Elisabeth Freise-Mick
Subject: Re: perfume

Dear Jacke,
Besides Joy, I love to use Harmony and Release as a perfume. Humility and Sacred Mountain might also be possibilities. Actually I think most of the oils in the Feelings and 7th Heaven kits are nice perfumes. I would check, which scents/tones you resonate with. For me apparently, I like the ones which have Geranium, Ylang Ylang, and Rose.
Blessings,
Elisabeth

Date: Thu, 8 May 2003 HL
From: Ok2rlax
Subject: Perfume oils

Hello
Someone on the Joy list suggested mixing Jasmine and clove together for a perfume and, though I never thought it would work, it is delicious and now the perfume I use. It is intoxicating and I get lots of comments on it!
Be well
Julie Chertow

Date: Thu, 08 May 2003 HL
From: Joyce Shotwell
Subject: Re: Perfume

This month I am enjoying Release or White Angelica as perfume, and Oh how good they make me feel!
Joyce

Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2003 JOY
From: Oregon Breezes
Subject: Re: oils for personal use

Michelle and all,
My personal fragrance as a "perfume" type of oil as of this past week, is Highest Potential. The fragrance is an intriguing blend of some high tones but also some deeper notes along side. About the time I think I have it figured out, I begin again!!! Believe and Valor would be my next choices.
Happy choosing,
Cynthia
"In the Beginning...God"

Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2003 JOY
From: redspiralstudioz
Subject: favorite perfume oils

Dear Michelle and Joyful Friends

I love when this question comes up--JoyGroup has provided so many wonderful answers to "what oils do you wear as perfume?"

I have not used commercial perfumes in YEARS--since I found Young Living Essential Oils. And folks always ask "what are you wearing? You smell so good!"

My personal "perfume-use" favorites from Young Living blends are:
Joy
Harmony
White Angelica
Awaken
Peace and Calming
Abundance (in cooler weather)

These oils not only smell wonderful to me and others who smell them, but besides the delicious fragrance, they have their extra "special" effects--both for me and for whomever is around me. I use these not only for smelling good and my own balance--but to create the appropriate ambiance for whatever I am doing that day.

For example: I recently had to part professional ways with a friend who was taking advantage of our friendship, making business very difficult and awkward. I combined White Angelica on my shoulders (to protect me from the negativity of the situation) and Gratitude ALL OVER. This not only helped me to be in a grateful vibe while severing the professional relationship but also helped my difficult friend (who was benefiting from the oils on me during our meeting) to remember what we had done for each other that was good.

I have worn Harmony or Joy or Peace and Calming to business or civic meetings where folks needed to come to agreements and tempers were likely to flare. Sometimes I use Clarity or Gathering. I tend to wear these oils to trade shows when I am a buyer, and also Abundance when we are working a table.

I have worn Inner Child or Trauma Life when visiting someone who I sense needs help in emotional turmoil or grief. Into the Future and Live with Passion are also on my list of "must-have's."

Yes, I DO use my personal fragrance as a kind of "secret weapon" and it works! Keep your intentions pure and you'll be surprised at how easily you can positively affect a situation by your own scent!

Once I did an event where 110 models for 11 designers had to wait in an un-air conditioned hall in a heat wave. Eeek! I came prepared with some 2" by 5" silk scraps that I had impregnated (just a drop or two each) with Harmony oil. Carried them to the show in a ziplock bag. I had 5 teams of volunteers walking around discreetly waving these little scraps of silk. It was the most mellow backstage scene you could imagine! No one could believe it--no arguments, no catfights, and folks stayed calm thru the glitches!

My favorite "own" blends:
a mixture of equal parts of Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang---mmmmmm!
And Jasmine with a few drops of Clove.

The Jasmine/Clove blend came from a Joy member a couple of years ago--can't recall who-- but THANK YOU! It is quite delicious and has become one of my signature fragrances. I fill a small bottle with mixing oil--sometimes I use an empty Jasmine bottle. Add 12 drops of Jasmine and 4-6 drops of Clove. (Experiment to your own taste.) Shake to blend. If I let it sit for a week or two, I find the fragrance has permeated to oil completely and just a few drops have everyone asking about the exotic blend that makes me smell so incredible.

A note: I usually dislike most Patchouly oils--but I find I LOVE Young Living's. I encourage folks to try it.  I promise you will not smell like a Grateful Dead concert (my initial fear). It was a surprise to me--I got it originally to combat moths and now sometimes wear it as fragrance. It blends nicely with things like Cedarwood, Rosewood, Sandalwood...just experiment, putting a drop or two together and find what really feels "right" to you!

I grew up playing with all kinds of essential oils, and making my own blends. Gary Young is really a very talented "mixologist" and Young Living offers so many wonderful blends...one can easily find a few blends that can become your "signature fragrances." But it sure is fun to play and put together your own!

Be creative, have fun!
Let us know what you come up with!
Best,
Z

Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2003 JOY
From: Ladybug Julie
Subject: Oil as perfume

Hi Michelle,

My all-time all-around favorite is Sandalwood. To me, it is a rich, woodsy, deep fragrance that seems to lift me to a whole new sphere. It is spiritually uplifting to me more than any other oil. I also have used it on my skin when I break out. It seems to stop pimples in their tracks. I have also used it on my cats: I fill a large bowl with warm water, drop about 10-15 drops of Sandalwood in it, swish a washcloth around in the water for a few minutes to blend oil & water and pick it up on the cloth, wring it out, then rub it on my cats to clean the daily dirt off. It is not a wet bath, but a "damp mop" type of wash. Their coats smell wonderful afterwards, and it has a remarkable affect on the softness.

The other oil I use a lot of is Harmony. I have had employees tell me that a whiff of Harmony makes me look like I've been smoking marijuana (which I've never done), but I do feel relaxed--like nothing can bother me. (And this was when I worked for the Post Office!)

Julie

Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2003 JOY
From: PAULA NUGENT
Subject: Re: Oil as perfume

Hello everyone,

Over the years, probably since I've been with Young Living, '97, I have completely stopped wearing "perfume." For lack of a better word, it just plain, stinks!!

One of my clients, came in last week and she brought some oils for me to use on her. When I picked up the oil of 'Sara,' I said, "Oh, I've never bought Sara, do you mind if I smell it." She of course, said yes.

WOW!! What a awesome fragrance!!! I said, "This smells the way perfume should smell." I really could not get over how wonderful this smelled.

Needless to say, this will be on my next Young Living order. Girls, if you're looking to attract a husband, this is guaranteed to send them your way.

Warm blessings,
Paula Nugent

Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2003 JOY
From: Kiki Bakshi
Subject: Re: oil for perfume (SARA)

Hi All,
SARA ... as a 'male attractor'! ... Hmmmmm! And why not? As a part of the Feelings Kit, this particular oil heals the issues of female sexuality (and/or, helps victims of abuse) and the best things happen when one is healed enough to be comfortable in one's own skin!
Go for it, ladies! :-),
Kiki

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THE PROBLEM WITH CHANEL NO 5
(just the tip of the ice burg)

Top perfumes linked to cancer scare chemical
London Times 11/24/02: Lois Rogers
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-490674,00.html

SCIENTISTS have found high levels of a chemical blamed for causing infertility in some of the best-known perfumes and cosmetics.

Chanel No 5, Christian Dior's Poison, Eternity from Calvin Klein, and Trésor by Lancôme, were among 34 toiletries found by a Swedish study to contain di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) or other phthalates.

The European commission is proposing a ban on the use in cosmetics of two of the most potent forms of phthalates amid fears they are responsible for genital abnormalities affecting up to 4% of male babies.

These genital abnormalities - which can include undescended testicles and malformation of the urinary tract - are blamed for soaring levels of testicular cancer in young men. Cases of the disease have risen tenfold in the past century. About 1,900 British males, some as young as 15, are diagnosed every year. Nine out of 10 cases are cured, but doctors are worried by the trend.

Scientists believe the phthalates could be absorbed into women's bloodstreams through the skin or inhalation.

The Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association condemned the report as inaccurate and misleading.

It said: "Consumer safety is the first priority for the cosmetic industry and consumers can have complete confidence in the cosmetic products they use and in the regulatory framework which ensures cosmetic safety."

Numerous studies on rats and mice have shown phthalate exposure causes genital abnormality. US research published two years ago, showed that by-products of phthalates were found in the urine of women aged 20 to 40 at levels many times higher than men.

The latest research was conducted by a Swedish government-accredited laboratory for Healthcare Without Harm, an American-based organisation representing 300 consumer pressure groups around the world.

Researchers at the Analycen laboratory analysed 34 leading brands of cosmetics and found more than three-quarters contained phthalates. The chemicals are used as emulsifiers to help prevent loss of fragrance.

Among the products tested were hair mousse and hair spray from the Boots Essentials range. Boots has denied that one of the phthalates found is used in its manufacturing process, but said: "We are investigating this reported presence, and if confirmed we will take all necessary steps to remove it."

A spokesman said the company was confident DEHP was not used in the making of products stocked by Boots.

However, the investigation found other forms of the chemical in Tommy Girl perfume, Impulse Body Spray, Nivea Deo Compact, Sure Ultra deodorant, Shockwaves hair mousse and four hairsprays, including Elnett Satin, Pantene Pro-V extra hold and Vidal Sassoon.

Professor Richard Sharpe of the Medical Research Council's Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh said: "If you wanted to produce a list of environmental causes of the reproductive health problems in boys, phthalates would be pretty near the top of the list."

Julia Sawalha, who played Saffy in Absolutely Fabulous, supports the Women's Environmental Network, a backer of the Swedish research. "Chemicals that pose a risk to fertility do not belong in cosmetics, and manufacturers should be made to list ingredients," she said.