Preferences vs. Convictions: Aromatherapy Is Not A Sin

I'm going to start this post with the short version of a story that may seem to have no connection at all to where I'm going, but stay with me.  My grandfather was a minister and often asked to speak at different churches for Missions' Conferences, etc.  One such church told him if it weren't for who he was (he was a well-known minister and, later, evangelist) they wouldn't have allowed him to even be on the platform, let alone speak to the church.  You see, Grandpa had a full beard going on at the time and this church "didn't allow men with facial hair onto their platform."  0,o*  Whaaat?  But, but, what about your eyebrows?  Did they require their men to shave their eyebrows?  Because that's facial hair! 

My point with this story is that preference is not conviction.  Preference is a greater liking for one thing over another - i.e. clean shaven vs. beards.  Conviction is a firmly held belief and ought to be based on facts.  In the case of a Christian, it ought to be based on Biblical principles.  As for beards, as far as I can tell, there is no Biblical precedent against them, it would have to be preference.

The same can be said of aromatherapy and holistic remedies.  There is no Biblical precedent against them, and God said in Ezekial 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, ....and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine."  So, we know that God intended plants to be beneficial to our health.  And I'm sure we'd find the word "oil" to be an interesting word study in the Bible.  The choice to use aromatherapy or holistic remedies is a personal choice for each individual and should not be frowned upon or condemned by others as non-biblical or immoral.  Simply be aware that some practitioners of these ancient methods don't follow Christian principles.  They want to attach some Great Goombah "spiritual" hocus-bogus to what they do.  Two things; 1) educate yourself first before you choose the holistic or aromatheraputic paths and, 2) if they want to share the "spirituality" of their chosen path with you, simply smile, thank them for their product and leave quietly.  You don't have to accept their philosophies to make use of their skills.  Aromatherapy and holistic remedies are not, of themselves, "spiritual" in any way.  Things and circumstances are what we make of them, according to what we choose to believe.

With that in mind, I am publishing the following interview I had with Judith Fitzsimmons, co-author of the book "Aromatherapy Through the Seasons" and author of "Aromatherapy Answers". Remembering both that God intended plants for medicinal use and that He also gave us physicians (the book of Luke in the New Testament was written by a doctor!), I want to show that aromatherapy and holistic remedies can work in conjunction with modern medicines (remembering, too, that some things just do not mix well with prescribed medications, always check!). Judith Fitzsimmons is a certified aromatherapist and has been working in the aromatherapy field for more than 19 years. She has conducted educational programs about essential oils and aromatherapy at the local, regional, and national levels. Judith discovered aromatherapy first on a personal level and, after noticing its positive impact on the health of herself and her family, pursued certification as an aromatherapist and began sharing her knowledge with others.

Judi, I'll start with my previously made statement; do you believe that aromatherapy and/or holistic remedies can work hand-in-hand with modern medicine?

Absolutely, let me start by saying that my definition of aromatherapy is "the use of the chemical components of essential oils to treat physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual issues." The key word to focus on right now is chemical; keep in mind that all essential oils contain nutrients, chemicals, hormones and the greatest gift of all, essential oils are the largest natural producers of oxygen. Let me sidetrack just for a moment and tell you that I started using essential oils specifically for their oxygen-producing capabilities; disease cannot live in an oxygen-rich environment, so if I could do anything to increase the oxygen in my internal body to ward off disease, why wouldn't I? So that was how I started with essential oils, but what really made me choose to invest my time in learning more about essential oils was the fact that they contain natural chemicals. So when you think about the fact that modern medicine frequently relies on synthetic chemicals to achieve a desired result, it would seem that natural chemicals could do the same; what I have found over the past 19 years, is that is true. Whenever I work with clients, the first thing I ask them is if they have consulted a physician; I believe that physicians and the tools that they have at their disposal, make them great diagnosticians. You can't treat something until you know what it is, so the first thing I suggest that people do is work with a physician; one who is willing to take the time, listen carefully, ask questions, and explore the condition that the patient came to them to determine not only what the symptoms are, but what could possible be the source of the problem.

Would you recommend to someone that they keep their physician apprised of their herbs and their therapist of their medications?
Yes

Why?
Please know that I do not claim to have any knowledge when it comes to herbs or supplements, but regarding essential oils, I do tell my clients to keep their physician informed because we are both introducing chemicals into the person's body and we want these chemicals to work together as well as possible. Even though the prescribed medications contain synthetic chemicals and the essential oils contain natural chemicals, chemicals are chemicals and we want to create an internal environment for a person that best supports their health. Now I will say that many physicians get a glazed look in their eyes or even roll their eyes when a client tells them about essential oils that they are using, but when I provide the chemicals that these essential oils contain, the physician typically does pay attention.

Understanding that, as individuals, we have the freedom to make choices that both positively and adversely affect our health, what would you tell someone who wanted to completely replace prescribed medication (such as those for high blood pressure, heart troubles or diabetes) with a strictly holistic approach? Especially if they chose to do so without their doctor's knowledge?
First of all, NEVER make the choice without their doctor's knowledge. Your health is not some game of hide and seek that we are playing, it is the most important thing that you have and you must call upon all resources to ensure you stay as healthy as possible. Can you completely replace prescribed medications with a strictly holistic approach? I personally believe that the answer is yes, but let me be clear, I am NOT saying that you can completely replace prescribed medication with essential oils only, but with an entire holistic approach, yes.  I have seen it done many times with high blood pressure and high cholesterol especially. However, most people have no idea what an entire holistic approach is and I am not trying to be mean here, I don't think I fully understand what an entire holistic approach is but I know that nutrition, exercise, food choices, mental health activities, spiritual health support are just some of the things that people would have to educate themselves about before they undertook an effort to change their current course of action.

How would you respond if someone made the statement "I heard the natural way is better than synthetic medicine" or "I've heard the all-natural route will cure what modern medicine can not"?
What does natural mean? It means from nature, that is all. So I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "the natural way." Would I choose essential oil chemicals over synthetic chemicals? If there was a complete match between the two then yes I would, but let's be clear on one thing, essential oil chemicals cannot cure something that synthetic chemicals does not cure. And let's also be cautious about the word "cure" because to me that word means that the infringing condition is no longer in your body; so the management of symptoms to me is not a cure.

I knew someone who had been told by a self-proclaimed holistic practitioner/healer that she (the healer) could detect ovarian cancer before modern doctors and that the medical tests for this cancer not only couldn't detect it (it was at too early a stage) but the tests themselves would "cause the cancer to spread like a wild-fire", that only her teas, tisanes and herbal concoctions (which were quite expensive) could keep this cancer at bay. What advice would you give about this type of holistic practitioner?
Run, hold onto your wallet, and run. People need to understand that healers of all kinds are driven to help people heal; that includes "conventional" doctors as well as certified aromatherapists, as well as the whole entourage of people who are committed to healing. When someone makes outlandish claims, we have to question their focus; are they focused on your health and helping you find solutions that are right for you? People today are beginning to understand that they are responsible for their health and wellness. They must use all available resources to seek solutions that best meet their needs. I hope the days are gone when a person blindly walks into a doctor's office and walks out with too many questions and too much medication.

How can aromatherapy and holistic remedies benefit someone suffering from: physical problems, age related problems or emotional problems?
I don't want to lump all of the answers together in one response, but simply speaking, essential oils contain chemicals that provide support for all those conditions you mention. Again I am not going to speak about holistic remedies in general because I am not a holistic healer, I am a certified aromatherapist, but when you apply essential oils through the skin to the site of a physical ailment you are allowing the natural chemicals to go directly to the problem, without having to travel through the stomach, kidneys, or liver before they get there. Where I think essential oils are extremely beneficial is with emotional problems. Let me give you an example, a woman whose husband passed away came to me because her physician put her on an antidepressant and she was feeling that her emotional health was not improving. Well it might make sense to the physician that she was depressed; her husband just died. But after taking time to speak with her, it became quite clear that her predominant emotional health issue was fear; fear of paying the mortgage, fear of being alone; and so much more that she was afraid of. We were able to create a custom blend that dealt with fear and she was able to wean off the antidepressants and gain emotional strength. Regarding age-related problems, honey child, that list is long - I would need you to be more specific about whether you are talking about hormonal changes, appearance changes, or what.

How would it benefit someone as healthy and fit as a pro-athlete?
I always wanted to give my Tendonitis blend to some tennis players who are suffering from tennis elbow. By applying the chemicals directly to the impacted area, you are getting a full-strength of chemicals right where you need it. Athletes push their bodies and their minds to excel; just that idea of pushing means you are going to overdo at times. Essential oils assist an athlete to keep their bodies healthy.

Is there an age range within which you recommend aromatherapy?
There are over 400 essential oils so we have a wide variety to choose from. However, there are only a limited number of oils that are recommended for infants, there are a limited number of essential oils that are safe to use during pregnancy, and you always have to make sure that the essential oil chemicals are not going to counteract or intefere with the synthetic chemicals you are taking. And as with prescribed medications where dosages vary on weight or age, I do factor those into the amount of the essential oil I use for children and the very aged.

Is there a time where you would not recommend its use?
Never use essential oils if they interfere with your synthetic chemicals. Never use essential oils if they have not be recommended by a certified aromatherapist. I can't tell you how many clients have come to me and said, "I read this in blah blah magazine, or I saw this on the Internet, and when I used it, I got a bad reaction." Again I don't mean to sound nasty but would you take a prescribed medicine if you saw it in the magazine or on the Internet?" Deal with a professional, that does not mean just blindly do what they tell you, but people who DIY when it comes to chemicals are asking for trouble.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like the largest number of people willing to try aromatherapy or holistic remedies are women. Since, obviously, this is not a Women Only club, what are some areas that would benefit our male counterparts and how would you suggest they approach it in a way that would be comfortable for them?
Most of my male clients came to me as "a last resort" which is fine with me. The largest percentage of my male clients come to me for lower back pain (due to yard work or golf), tendonitis or carpal tunnel, and other physical ailments. Once they see the benefits they receive in treating these physical conditions, they are more receptive to discuss their emotional and mental health needs as well.

Last question: as was mentioned at the start of this, I'm writing from a Christian perspective. I believe a lot of Christians look at these natural remedies as New Age-ism and to be avoided at all costs! How would you answer that and what suggestions would you give?
I often tell people that there are over 180 references to essential oils in the Bible not only to acknowledge that essential oils have a solid Christian foundation but also from a chronological perspective so that people see that essential oils have been around since the beginning of time. Keep in mind that all essential oils come from plants so prior to synthetic chemicals we really only had plants with which to treat ourselves. You remember your grandmother taking a peppermint leaf or grinding some Ginger root and putting it into hot water to drink to soothe her stomach aches, well guess what, that is the precursor to essential oils. In fact, many pharmaceutical products are plant-based, so not only do essential oils have a solid Christian base, they have also been used for centuries. And let's not forget that two out of the three gifts given to the child Jesus were essential oils; not bad!

You can learn more about Judith and find out about her products at:
http://www.aromatherapysolutions.com/index.html

For those of you who are either athletes or go to the gym and exercise regularly, here is another one of Judith's aromatherapy recipes.  This one is for achy muscles and I used it frequently on the hockey players I worked for and on.  Believe me, they loved it!

MUSCLE STRAIN REMEMDY
10 drops Eucalyptus
10 drops Peppermint
10 drops Rosemary

Mix all oils together. Use in any of these ways:

• ~ Put 10 drops into 2 tablespoons of *vegetable oil and massage the affected area.  The ideal time to  do this is after a warm bath and before bedtime.
• ~ Put 8 drops into a bath. Relax your cares away while you soak the strain from your muscles.

*(vegetable oil, like the canola oil that can be found at any supermarket, is best because it absorbs easily into the skin and it won't cause a reaction if you have nut allergies)

The E-Scent-tials of Life! Mentha X Piperita:

Oh, wondrous mentha x piperita, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!!!

Okay, okay, I'll dial it down.... 1/2 a notch.... maybe! Essential oil of peppermint, how-some-ever, should be in EVERYone's medicine cabinet. Allow me to explain (and I'll try not to dramatize too much). I am learning about, and coming to love, essential oils. That is, the oil that is extracted from such plants as roses, lavender and, yes, peppermint to name just a (very) few.

About four or five years ago, I discovered this wonderful book called "Aromatherapy Through The Seasons" by Judith Fitzsimmons and Paula Bousquet. It's a terrific book with a list of quite a number of essential oils along with recipes for their various mixtures and uses. I will, from time to time, bring up various oils and have been given permission by Ms. Fitzsimmons to reproduce some of her recipes. If you want them all, well, you'll just have to buy the book yourself. Trust me, it's well worth the money!

The main reason I decided to buy this book was because I am a certified massage therapist and, at the time, was working for a minor league hockey team. I needed good oil recipes for the care of these men's abused muscles. I found those recipes in Aromatherapy and learned a good bit for my personal use in the process.

From time to time, I suffer from migraines. Well, I suffer from them if I don't catch them early enough or, occasionally, if they're so bad catching them early enough merely means being able to keep the pain to a semi-tolerable level. On those particular days, I resort to a trick I learned from reading Ms. Fitzsimmons' book. Mentha x piperita. Peppermint oil. A drop (just 1) on the finger tip and massage it into my aching temples, across my forehead at the hairline and even up the back up of my neck. Peppermint has properties that cause a capillary reaction; they warm from the oil (which is a conundrum because peppermint is cooling oil... but it really does warm!) and expand allowing increased blood flow which, in turn, allows the meds to reach where they're most needed. The warming action is also a distraction to your nerves. Instead of busily throbbing from the pain, they think "Oh. Look. Heat. Let's pay attention here!"

A piece of advice when using this oil in this manner? Make sure you have nowhere to drive yourself. Something about the fumes from the oil can make your eyes feel like they'd rather stay closed. Indulge them. Lie back and let the oil and meds, do the work. Also, if your headaches and/or migraines make you sensitive to smells, you might not want to try this. The Squirt absolutely can NOT stand strong smells when she gets a migraine. Which, unfortunately, means she can’t use this oil to reduce her pain. If you're desperate enough to try it anyway, try it in smaaaaaaall doses. Peppermint oil really is very strong. I would suggest diluting it in a small bottle of canola oil (yes, canola cooking oil can be rubbed into the skin and it will absorb. I used it on my hockey players all the time.). One drop in about 2 tablespoons should do it. If it's still too strong for you, dilute it with one more tablespoon of oil. If that doesn't work, you may be one of the unlucky few like the Squirt.

(aside)
Another headache reliever is Lavender oil. It's a milder scent than peppermint and also very good at relieving tension headaches. In this case, don't rub it into the skin. Put a few drops on a cotton ball or tissue and keep it near your nose. As the scent soothes and relaxes you, the pain should also subside.

(back to the story)
Another thing about peppermint oil, it's good for an upset stomach. I'd actually recommend drinking peppermint tea rather than the oil, but I know Europeans will put a drop or two in a glass of warmish-hot water and drink it. I tried that. Not a pleasant taste (tho' it did work). Go with the tea. Honestly. Or, as an alternative if you don't have tea, peppermint gum. Of course, now you're diluted with sugars, etc., but it can help a bit to calm the tummy and when you're hurting... any port in a storm, eh?

Now, for the treat. A couple of Ms. Fitzsimmons recipes using that wonderful oil, mentha x piperita.  We've all pushed ourselves a little too far, or turned at just the wrong moment in just the right/wrong way and BAM! we've pulled or sprained a muscle. I've used the following recipe to great effect on both athletes and non-athletes alike. If you want to make up more than just a couple of tablespoons worth of this mix, be sure to put it in a dark brown or blue bottle and keep it stored in a dry, dark place (like your pantry... just label it well so someone doesn't mistake it for some sort of exotic cooking oil!)

Muscle Sprain Remedy:
10 drops Eucalyptus oil
10 drops Peppermint oil
10 drops Rosemary oil
Mix the oils into 2 tablespoons of vegetable (or canola) oil. Cool sprain with ice pack for 20 minutes, then massage with blend. (Warning: do not use rosemary oil if you are pregnant or epileptic. It is not recommended to use rosemary oil on infants as it is rather strong for them.)

This still feels good if you don't have a sprain, just stiff, tired muscles. Rosemary and peppermint are very good for getting the circulation going.

And for those of you who can't use an alcohol-based mouthwash, this next (and last for tonight) recipe is for you.

Mouthwash:
4 drops Lemon oil
2 drops Peppermint oil
Mix the oils into 2 cups of distilled water (or water you have boiled and allowed to cool). Don't knock it until you've tried it. The flavoring differences between peppermint and lemon make a refreshing, effective and tasty brew. [just be sure to shake well before each use.... oil and water and all that]

Now, lest any of you think I would just pull an idea or recipe out of my hat and throw it at you, rest assured that I will not post anything on this site for which I haven't already done empirical testing. In other words, I've already tried it and it's worked. This is also not to say the things that work for me will have the same effect for you. If you even suspect you are having a reaction to something, cease all usage immediately and, if it doesn't clear up, see your doctor. Better safe than sorry.

That said, I also want it understood that, while I like essential oils and think aromatherapy is a good and relaxing thing, I do not think these things take the place of medications your doctor may have prescribed for you. If you are already on medications, please check with your physician to be sure none of your medications will react badly to any essential oils.

However, I do think essential oils have their place in our arsenal against headaches, germs, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, tummy troubles, etc. After all, God created the plants these oils came from and He said in Ezekiel 47:12 "And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side on and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat....: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." God wanted us healthy. He wanted us happy. He invented herbs, oils and, more recently, what we call "modern" medications for us. Trying the "natural route" is fine and to be encouraged, but don't abandon your doctor all together. Learn to mix the two harmoniously.

One final note, a legitimate, caring herbalist or aroma-therapist will be more than happy to deal with your doctor as needed.  If you find someone who tries the line "I can help you where your doctor cannot. And he will not be able to find out about this illness without causing it to spread too rapidly to cure...." is a snake oil salesman.  Pure and simple.  The same way "beautiful oriental women to massage you" parlors give legitimate massage therapists a bad name, so do these snake oil salesmen give legitimate herbalist and aroma-therapists a bad name.  RUN. FROM. THEM!  You can find someone legitimate by asking around.  And by questioning the herbalist or aroma-therapist about their willingness to give details to your doctor.

 Okay, okay one more "One Final Note", this one from Ms. Fitzsimmons' website (which is listed below):
Leave It to the Pros:

Just because [plants/oils are] found in nature, that doesn't mean you don't need to exercise care when using essential oils. Essential oils are potent and concentrated extracts and are approximately 75-100 times more concentrated than a dried plant. Pure essential oils from plants must appear in the product in quantities considered therapeutic and should ideally be of the finest quality.

A trained aromatherapist understands the therapeutic properties of each plant that offer natural healing actions and knows the appropriate use of each essential oil, including how to blend oils properly. This allows them to create safe and effective aromatherapy solutions.  
 
This is not to say you can't use the recipes provided.  These are recipes Ms. Fitzsimmons has specifically created and printed for your use and enjoyment.

And don't be afraid to educate yourself!   http://www.aromatherapysolutions.com/