AromaTouch

What makes Lavender essential oil so great? One answer could be linalool, a molecule with many scientifically researched benefits. Not only is the powerful constituent potentially soothing, but it also has cleansing properties.

What Is Linalool?
Linalool gives Lavender its floral scent. Like menthol, linalool is a monoterpene alcohol. A monoterpene is a molecule with a backbone made of 10 carbons. An alcohol is an oxygen atom bonded to both a hydrogen atom and a carbon atom in that backbone. (Check out the doTERRA Chemistry Handbook to learn more.) While Lavender essential oil has one of the highest amounts of linalool, you can also find linalool in Coriander, Cilantro, Basil, and Petitgrain essential oils. The next time you need to unwind or want to support your cardiovascular system, try an oil rich in linalool.

Uses:

• Add a few drops of Lavender or Cilantro oil to your DIY all-purpose surface cleaner for added cleansing power and a refreshing scent.
• Put a couple of drops of Cilantro oil in a Veggie Cap or try adding Basil oil to your favorite Italian dishes to support a healthy circulatory system.
• Diffuse Basil or Petitgrain along with lavender oil each morning to help keep you relaxed throughout the day.

Melaleuca (tea tree) is one of the most popular essential oils—and for good reason. It has myriad uses for skin care and in supporting various body systems. While Melaleuca has been used for centuries in Australia, little is understood about its biological activity. However, that is changing due to the work of doTERRA scientists. doTERRA scientists recently published a study in the journal Cogent Biology regarding Melaleuca oil in human skin cells.

In short, the study shows that Melaleuca robustly impacts our genes and the proteins that are part of our cellular makeup. The findings suggest that Melaleuca impacts various processes and functions in human cells, including tissue remodeling and metabolism. The potential for future research and models of use is exciting.

Uses:

• For occasional skin irritations, apply 1–2 drops of Tea Tree essential oil onto affected area.
• Combine 1–2 drops with your facial cleanser for added cleansing properties, or apply to skin after shaving.
• Apply to fingernails and toenails after showering to purify and keep nails looking healthy.
• Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and use on surfaces as a cleansing and purifying agent.

The OnGuard essential oil blend includes oils from Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary. It can be used to protect against environmental threats and support healthy immune function. A recent study by doTERRA scientists evaluated the effects of doTERRA On Guard blend on human cells. Four different white blood cell co-cultures and one skin cell co-culture were exposed to the blend and subsequent changes in cellular activity were measured using biomarker analysis.

The results suggest that the effects of doTERRA On Guard essential oil blend are consistent with the known effects of the single oils included in the blend. The experimental data also suggests that doTERRA On Guard may regulate many important pathways relevant to healthy inflammatory response, wound healing, cellular health, and immune response.

Uses:

• Add two to three drops in a veggie capsule for an immune boost.*
• Add to water for an effective all-purpose surface cleaner.
• Soak sliced apples in water and a few drops for a healthy, immune-boosting snack.*
• Combine a few drops of doTERRA On Guard with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a natural hand cleanser.

Dr. Hill” said that he wished he had the AromaTouch essential oil blend back when he was practicing. It is designed to promote feelings of relaxation and to lessen tension. In order to accomplish these goals, we need to stimulate blood flow in the tissues and the application of this oil blend through the AromaTouch Technique does an excellent job. It utilizes Cypress, Peppermint, Marjoram, Basil, Grapefruit, and Lavender essential oils in such a way that is truly special and highly beneficial.

Uses:

• Apply directly to neck and shoulders or use with a carrier oil for massage to promote feelings of relaxation.
• Massage into the hands of a loved one using the AromaTouch Hand Technique.
• Add to Epsom salts and enjoy soaking in a hot bath.

(Some of the oils and blends have different names in different countries)

Blends, doTERRA Blog, Essential oils, Science / By Klaas-Jan Tressel
Deep Blue essential oil blend is composed of oils of Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Blue Tansy, German Chamomile, Helichrysum, and Osmanthus. In a recent study, DoTERRA researchers examined the effect of the Deep Blue essential oil blend on human skin cells using the BioMAP skin fibroblast system. By adding certain factors to cultured skin cells, the researchers induced a cellular response designed to mimic a cellular inflammatory response in a living person. Some of the pre-infected skin cells were exposed to Deep Blue essential oil blend, while others were left alone.

After exposure to the mixture, the cells were collected and burst open. RNA was extracted from a solution containing the cellular contents and sent for RNA microarray analysis. Microarray results indicated that signaling pathways related to inflammation, immunomodulation, and wound healing were affected in cells exposed to the Deep Blue (Ice Blue) essential oil blend.

The main active components of Deep Blue, including methyl salicylate, menthol, eucalyptol and camphor, are organic molecules that possess beneficial properties and are widely used in various healthcare products. These facts along with experimental results help explain why Deep Blue is soothing after strenuous exercise.
BioMAP® is a registered trademark of DiscoverX Corporation.

Uses:

• Apply on feet and knees before and after exercise.
• Massage Deep Blue with a few drops of carrier oil onto growing kids’ legs before bedtime.
• Rub Deep Blue on lower back muscles after a day of heavy lifting at work or during a move.

In their efforts to continually advance our understanding of the biological activities of essential oils, doTERRA scientists recently published a study examining CPTG® essential oils in the Dermatology section of Cogent Medicine. The study investigated the action of Rosemary and Wild Orange essential oils in the BioMAP® system, which simulates human skin cells in a compromised environment.

The study found that these oils were able to diversely impact proteins and genes in human skin cells. Specifically, Rosemary essential oil strongly impacted processes closely related to cellular health and metabolism. Wild Orange essential oil robustly impacted cellular health, immune response, and metabolism processes. These findings are largely consistent with existing research, supporting the beneficial effects of these essential oils.

This study was the first to evaluate the impact of Rosemary and Wild Orange essential oils on human genome–wide gene expression in human skin cells and will provide important evidence and basis for further research into their biological and physiological mechanisms of action.

Wild Orange possesses stimulating and purifying qualities, making it ideal to support healthy immune system function when used internally.

Uses:

• Use in an all-purpose spray to cleanse and purify surfaces.
• Add a drop to your water every day for a burst of flavour and to promote overall health.
• Diffuse for an uplifting aroma and to freshen the air.
• For an energizing boost, dispense one to two drops in the palm of your hand along with equal parts Peppermint and Frankincense. Rub palms together and inhale deeply from palms, then rub on the back of neck.

Many individuals use essential oils to support their memory and focus, two components of cognitive health. However, scientific research has yet to adequately explain the cellular pathways mediating the positive effects of essential oils on cognition.

A recent study, performed by a collaboration of scientists from the UK and Duke University, set out to fill some of the existing gaps in scientific literature concerning the effects of essential oils on cognitive performance. Using in vitro analysis, they assessed the ability of numerous essential oils to bind to key receptors and enzymes found in the brain, such as GABA and cholinergic receptors, which modulate cognitive performance. Their preliminary testing identified spearmint and peppermint oils as the most promising due to the propensity of these oils to bind to GABA and cholinergic receptors.

To take the experiment further, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial was conducted with 24 healthy individuals as study participants. Study participants were given placebo capsules or capsules containing either 50 μL or 100 μL (approximately 1 or 2 drops respectively) of peppermint/spearmint essential oils. Participants were asked to perform a number of tasks designed to test cognitive function and assessed for mental fatigue.

The researchers found that peppermint essential oil had a positive effect on cognition during the execution of difficult mental tasks. In addition, peppermint essential oil significantly reduced cognitive fatigue. The authors of the study suggested the increased activation of cholinergic receptors by peppermint essential oil as the explanation for the cognitive benefits observed.

Uses:

• Support cognitive or mental function.
• Help reduce and relieve symptoms of mild head tension or headache.
• Reduce and relieve flatulence.
• Reduce/relieve cough