Hello again, and welcome to this edition of Young Living’s audio education series. I’m Scott Johnson, Young Living’s Director of Global Education and U.S. Sales. Today we have the opportunity to discuss two single oils that have been extensively used to support the wellbeing of countless individuals throughout history. We are discussing the many benefits of Myrrh and Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil.
Myrrh’s use dates back thousands of years where it was used as both an incense and a therapeutic compound. Myrrh is referenced throughout the Bible and was one of the gifts given to the Christ child. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to manage a variety of skin complaints and to support oral health. Interestingly, myrrh is still widely used in oral hygiene products today. The Arabian people and Greeks used myrrh for similar reasons, applying it to stressed skin. Ayurvedic medicine also used myrrh, using it to support the circulatory, nervous and musculoskeletal systems. In addition, myrrh has a long history of use among a number of religions where it was used as incense, an embalming compound, to enhance meditation and for purification. Myrrh has a rich, smoky, balsamic aroma that is uplifting, restorative and revitalizing. Its aroma is used by many to encourage spiritual awareness. It contains sesquiterpenes, which are small molecules that are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, delivering oxygen to the brain. Sesquiterpenes also influence the limbic system which helps balance emotions, and helps maintain memory. Myrrh is a great choice for diffusing if you need to balance your mood or if you’re seeking inspiration. As mentioned earlier, myrrh is a common ingredient in oral hygiene products. This is for several reasons. Myrrh possesses astringent properties, meaning it causes tissues to draw together or constrict. This action may help strengthen the gums’ hold on the teeth. It is a great choice to soothe sore gums or an achy mouth. It also helps eliminate germs in the mouth that are associated with bad breath. Myrrh is supportive of the immune system by helping to create an environment on the skin that is unfriendly to germs. It is great to apply topically on stressed skin. Its astringent action is beneficial to the skin to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In ancient times, myrrh was applied to the skin to protect it from sun damage. Myrrh encourages the elimination of excess mucous and phlegm., which may aid breathing. Moreover, it helps relieve excess gas. It is also a good choice to relieve occasional sore, achy muscles and joints, particularly when combined with frankincense. Simply rub a few drops on areas that need comfort.
The warm, spicy aroma of cinnamon is often associated with scented pine cones, warm cinnamon rolls or maybe even cinnamon bears; but cinnamon is more than a pleasing aroma and food flavoring. I personally enjoy diffusing cinnamon because it fills my home with a warm, inviting aroma. Cinnamon’s therapeutic benefits have been highly valued throughout the ages. It was a widely traded and precious commodity among the early Arabian people who traded cinnamon with the Greeks and Romans. The Egyptians used it for embalming and as incense. Ancient ayurvedic medicine used cinnamon to support the immune and respiratory systems. Research suggests that cinnamon has a blood thinning effect which may improve circulation, supports normal blood pressure, and aids the body’s own production of nitric oxide, all of which supports the cardiovascular system. In fact, nitric oxide increases blood flow, supports the elasticity of the blood vessel walls, and helps maintain the width of the arteries. Good blood circulation is essential to transport oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and may have a secondary benefit of reducing discomfort. Adding cinnamon to V6 oil and massaging it onto the body can be very soothing and relaxing. Cinnamon also supports normal blood sugar, and as we have discussed in previous trainings, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is critical to overall well being. Emerging research suggests that rapid spikes in blood sugar following a meal can cause tissue damage, increased oxidative stress, reduced coronary blood flow and endothelial function and may even thwart eye health. Researchers at Wheeling Jesuit University discovered that the aroma of cinnamon supports brain activity. Specifically, when people were exposed to the scent of cinnamon, they experienced improved memory and attention span, and achieved better scores on cognitive activities. Recently, scientists have become more interested in the benefits of cinnamon in regard to age related cognitive decline. Cinnamon has a long history of use as a digestive aid, and is considered a digestive tonic. It helps eliminate excess gas; and many users report that it is a great remedy for occasional heartburn, nausea, indigestion and stomach cramps. In addition, it is relaxing to the intestinal muscles. Cinnamon aids the immune system by supporting the body’s natural defenses and modulating immune system responses. This is why cinnamon is an integral part of our very popular Thieves Blend. Research suggests that cinnamon not only helps neutralize free radicals, but it also aids the normal cell cycle, and helps the body eliminate damaged cells. Applied topically, cinnamon helps eliminate germs that may result in more irritation. Now cinnamon is a very warm oil, and so dilution with V6 is highly recommended when applying topically. Also, please remember purity is of utmost importance. Only Young Living has a standard process called Seed to Seal that insures your oils are pure and authentic. So avoid the risk of synthetics or diluted oils, and purchase only Young Living Essential Oils.
There you have it. Two great oils that hundreds of thousands of people throughout history have relied upon to enhance their wellbeing. We have discussed just some of the uses of these versatile oils, and look forward to hearing how you use them. We invite you to share how you use them in the comments fields.
Until next time, we wish you abundant health and a wonderful day.