Essential Oils

Below is a speech I wrote for a COMM 101 class. It was my ticket into the BSU Speech Showcase.
Citation was added later... if interested, though, all of the info came from a book mentioned in the intro paragraph.

Topic: Essential Oils
Type of Speech: Informative Speech
General Purpose: To inform audience about Essential Oils
Specific Purpose: To make listeners aware that they can heal themselves.
Thesis Statement: Essential Oils are and have been a powerful healing tool.
Organization: Star Pattern

Introduction:

Picture yourself in Egypt, long ago. You are a robber, in King Tut's tomb looking for valuables. Piles of precious metals like Gold, and mounds of beautiful jewels are at your grasp. Pushing these objects out of the way, you head for a set of 50 alabaster jars filled about 350 liters of oil. After transferring the oils from the original heavy containers into lighter bottles, you and your comrades excitedly leave with your mother-load of valuable oils-- oils that are worth more than all of the ancient pharaoh's riches combined. What kind of oil would be worth more than that much gold, you might be wondering? Well, today, we are here to inform you about this. These oils are modernly known as Essential Oils. The ancients used and cherished them and so can you and I. Through Reading the beginning of Gary Young's reference book Essential Oils: Integrative Medical Guide, we have come to better understand what essential oils are, the history of essential oils, and how essential oils should be used. Because we found this book to be full of extremely interesting information, we thought we'd share what we learned with you. All of the following information comes from the afore mentioned book, which means that if you have any questions, along with asking us you can find answers on your own!

Body:

First, what exactly are essential oils? Essential oils are liquid substances distilled from different types of plants. Enfluerage is the name of the oldest form of this process. Along with Enfluerage (which is just the smashing of plants and then mixing the ground bits with olive oil or animal fat) there are many ways of extracting oil from plants. Other ways of distilling oils are soaking plant parts in boiling water or alcohol, and steam distillation (which is the process in which steam goes through plant material and when the steam is condensed the oil separates out). These may seem easy enough, but sometimes it may take a whole shrub just to make one drop of oil! Each oil has its own extreme chemical make-up. Because of this, each has a unique purpose. Some oils like lavender smell good and can have calming effects. Other oils like peppermint and balsam fir can give nourishment and oxygen to cells. Some like lemon, frankincense, and oregano are good at killing bacteria/viruses, and etc. And, also, several oils, like citronella and geranium repel insects. Basically essential oils are substances that can be used by applying to the skin, by taking with food and drink, and/or by breathing in their aromas. They are substances that can better a persons emotional and physical state.

Moving on, we will now talk about the history of Essential Oils. Essential Oils have been around for a long time. In fact, there are records from about 4500 B.C. that talk about oils being used for religious rituals (like embalming) and healing. There are many examples of civilizations that have used essential oils. Along with using oils in the usual religious and healing ways, Egypt (one of the first known civilizations to have produced and used oils) also used them to make cosmetics (eyeliners, eye shadows, perfumes, and etc). Other examples of oils throughout history are as follows:

1. Napoleon is said to have loved cologne that was made of neroli (among other oils). He liked it so much that he ordered 162 bottles of the stuff!

2. After the crusades, oils and essences made of oil were popular substances that were brought back from Jerusalem to Europe.

3. Hildegard of Bingen, a famous nun from the 12 century, wrote a book about how she used herbs and oils for healing in her convent.

4. There are more than 200 references to oils in the Bible (which is used as a historical reference for this speech). Here are a few instances:

1. The three wise men brought gifts to the Savior like Frankincense and Myrrh (both of which are essential oils).

2. In Exodus, God told Moses to blend certain amounts of different oils (i.e. myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil) to create a particular holy anointing oil.

3. Also, in the 12^th chapter and the 3^rd verse of John, oils are mentioned. It reads: "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."

Oils were rediscovered in th late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. In 1907, a group of scientists, including Dr. Rene'-Maurice Gattefosse' (the father of modern aromatherapy), started studying oils. Gattefosse' later wrote a book about the studies he had conducted and in his book he told a narrative about how he had burned himself in a lab explosion. He said that described his experience with applying lavender oil to his burns. In doing so he said he was able to increase his body's healing process. Eventually knowledge about Essential Oils spread and in WWI hospitals used essential oils because of their cleaning/healing abilities.

The study of essential oils has continued and today scientists are working on finding cures for HIV, AIDS, Ebola, and etc.

Continuing on to our final topic, we will now discuss how to use essential oils properly. Though Essential Oils aren't very popular here in the United States, they are commonly used in places like the Middle East, the Orient, and Europe. Aromatherapy (or the study of essential oils) is even a class taught in school. How do one know if one needs an oil or not? There is a simple test that we'll call an aura test. This test can also be sued with other substances like the food we eat or medication we take. First, a person must chose a bottle of oil (or whatever it is that you want to test). Second, that individual must place the bottle in both hands and hold it in front of his or her stomach. The stomach/naval of the body is thought to be the center of the body where the body's aura is located. If an individual holds an object next to his or her aura and asks his or her body whether or not he or she needs the object the body is supposed to respond. If the body needs the substance, then the body will move towards it. On the other hand, though, if the body doesn't need the substance, the body will move backwards and away from the object. And if the body pulls sideways, the body doesn't really care one way or the other. Once you've established whether or not you need the oil, you should skin test yourself. Though your body says you need an oil it is better to be safe than sorry. You never know; your skin might be allergic to an oil. Once you have determined the oils that work for you, you can then use the oils. There are several ways to use oils. Massages, treatments of acupuncture and acupressure, warm and cold packs, and baths and showers can all be enhanced with a few drops of a desired oil. Even the nutrition of food can be increased, if the cook adds a few drops of oil, while dish is being prepared.
According to the book, applying different oils to different places of the body can help different issues. As you can see with our visual aid, if you rub different oils into various parts of the foot, you can help various parts of the body. The same thing is true about our ears—rubbing oils onto different parts of the ear can assist healing with different parts of our bodies and with different emotional issues.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Essential Oils or oils made from plants and used for healing have been around for a long time. People have benefited from them since before the reign of pharaohs in Ancient Egypt. Through the different forms of application (externally and internally) each oil can be used to help in its own unique way. Now that we have quickly taken you through the basics of Essential oils, we hope you more fully understand what they are, how they fit into history, and how we can properly use them today, in our daily lives.

An Up to Date...ish

An excerpt from a recent email to friend is below to fill you in on the recent happenings of my life (Reader's Digest Version.... haha).

I've loved almost every moment of Christmas Break. I'm sad to see it coming to an end. I know, I know... I should be glad for the lengthy amount of time that I had off (especially when [blogging to people] who [have probably had] less time than me) and I am, but it is just that school is not the most pleasant of thoughts after such a glorious vacation! Do you now what I mean?

I read, spent time with buddies and family, slept, and filled the Brookometer back to full. Oh, and guess what?!?!?! Patrick and Christine are going to have a baby!!! I'm going to have another niece or nephew by August. [My family] is getting bigger everyday!

During the past few weeks, I've done a lot of buying and selling books on half.com. * $$$* It has been as fun as selling and buying books can be. I've been needing to get rid of my old textbooks. They were beginning to take over my closet and book shelves. It feels good to have a few of them out of my hands and to have space for the new-comers that are assigned with this semester's slew of classes. I'm signed up for 12 credits (the bare minimum that I need in order to have financial aid). I'm hoping that cutting down my load will help me do better in my classes. I've had some not lovely past semesters and want this one to be all about the good grades.

I'm still teaching piano/violin lessons and love it!!!!! I'm trying to plan a recital for February, but we'll see if I can organize one with all of the varying schedules that I have to deal with. Haha. It should be fun! I'm also still working for E.N.C.O.R.E by playing for musicals. I've accompanied "Sleeping Beauty" and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and am lined up for "Seussical the Musical" in the spring. I can't wait! I love being able to use music in my life and jobs. Good times, let me tell you!

Of Good Choices and Great Opportunities

Being in a singles' branch, I am reminded constantly of the importance of dating and getting married. I know that marriage should be the ultimate goal of an individual attending a branch of this type, but-- in my case (at least originally)-- the singles' branch was simply an opportunity to socialize with people who were and are in similar circumstances of life and learning as me.

My choice to associate with singles, like all choices, has been accompanied by consequences. It has been wonderful to be able to make friends and feel like, for the first time in my life, that I fit in! And yet, I also feel like I am growing up too fast. Being in college and surrounded by older single adults has given me experience that would have been shielded from me, had I stayed in high school for the usual amount of time.

I have dated all sorts of men (hey, I've even had a few marriage proposals!) and I've been attending a singles ward, institute, and college for three years now. All of this should be new to me, since I am only an 18-year-old girl, but it is not. I am used to all of it. In fact, I am starting to get tired of it all.

People often ask me, "Brooke, if you could go back in time, would you decided to stay in high school?" My reply is always the same, " No. The choice to go to college has given me some hard consequences, but it has been the best decision of my life. If I had the chance to go back in time, even with the knowledge that I have about how it would all turn out, I would choose college over high school, any day." And I would, too! After all, I prayed about that decision and felt like attending college was what I needed to do. As hard as it may be, at times, I still feel comforted in my choice.

With that said, I return to the idea of growing myself up too fast. I have one more year until I graduate with a BA, when a normal girl my age would be barely starting off at a new school as a Freshman-- the world of college being new, fresh, and exciting. It is insane to think about! I am excited to think of how far ahead I am in the world in comparison to that little freshman girl, though.

I have the advantage of a few years of experience. I'll be able to graduate, before I marry (that is, if I ever marry). I'll be able to get a nice, stable job and start really supporting myself (hopefully, anyhow... haha). I'll also probably be able to go to Graduate school. There is so much I can do with my life! Thousands of doors are wide open for me-- each one filled with a dozen fabulous opportunities. I am one lucky girl! I just hope that I can make the most of it.

I haven't done my best, in the past, but today is a new day and a bright future can be mine, if I give it my all and always rely upon the Lord to make up for the difference.

I know...

[If there are any questions about the below please ask me, check out http://www.mormon.org/, http://www.lds.net/, http://www.lds.org/, or talk with your friendly neighborhood LDS missionaries. :) ]

I am a woman with strong christian beliefs, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (in other words... I'm Mormon), and I know that by the power of prayer anyone can obtain a knowledge of loving heavenly parents and a brother, the Savior, Jesus Christ. How do I know this? Well, let me tell you my story...

I was born into an LDS (Latter-day Saint) family and raised in the church. I remember going to church every week. Sundays were very special.

I loved getting up early and having my mom and grandma (we lived with my grandparents for the first five years of my life) help me curl my long blonde hair and put on a pretty dress. My Grandma would sometimes make us breakfast and she would turn on reverent music (usually the Mormon Tabernacle Choir) as she cooked and finished getting ready for the day. This would set such a peaceful mood.

Primary was amazing! Being with other little kids, to sing songs and learn about the gospel was a very sweet experience. To this day, primary songs have a tender spot in my heart.

When I turned eight-years-old, I was old enough to make my own decision as to whether or not I wanted to be baptized. Looking back on it, I'm not sure that I fully understood the hugeness of the covenants that I was undertaking, but I knew enough. I knew that I wanted to be good and to choose the right. I knew that Christ was baptized and, since he was the perfect example, I knew that I should be baptized, as well.

At my baptism, I remember that, once I had come back out of the water, I felt clean. It was like I was shining from head to toe. I felt warm and cozy-- as if I had received the best hug ever! The next Sunday, I was confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift has been a major comfort and guide in my life. I have continued to grow and it has helped me make wise decisions and be comforted when things get tough.

The years went by and, eventually, I turned twelve. At this age girls and boys graduated from primary and moved into Young Men's and Young Women's (otherwise known as Youth Group or Mutual). Activities, leaders, and friends were there to help and support me.

The summer after I turned 13, I found a Book of Mormon with my older brother's testimony in the back of it. He first read the whole thing, cover to cover, at the age of 12. Seeing this, I decided to read the Book of Mormon, too. I'd heard some of its stories in Sunday School classes and Sacrament meeting talks.

At first, that was all it was to me-- stories. I read nonchalantly until I reached the book of Enos. That day, my mom and I were driving around and running errands when my progress with reading became the topic of conversation. I told her how much I'd read and she responded with a question that changed everything.

"So... Do you know it's true, yet?" she asked.

At this, I was hit with a realization. "No," I admitted. I had no idea whether or not it was true. I'd heard it was true from family members and church leaders, but I-- for the first time in my life-- didn't want to blindly rely on their words. I wanted to know for myself! After all, if the Book of Mormon wasn't true, then that meant that Joseph Smith didn't translate it correctly. For all I knew, he could have made up the whole thing! If this was the case, then he must not have been an inspired man of God; and if he wasn't a prophet, then the whole church that was supposedly restored through him would have to not be true, as well. This would mean that everything I had been taught throughout my whole life (concerning religion) would have to be wrong. With this train of thought, I began to doubt and question everything. If none of this was true, then I needed to find out for myself so that I could move on with my life. I didn't want to continue "wasting my time" with an untrue church. That would have been pointless.

Reading the Book of Mormon, from that day on, became a quest for knowledge and truth. I prayed to know, without a doubt, whether or not its writings were true, whether or not all of its doctrines were true, and if the prophets and church leaders were are all called of God. I needed to know! Not knowing was driving me insane.

This process of searching for an answer took time. My life consisted of nothing else but reading, praying and searching for answers. Finally, one day, I came across a scripture in Moroni that promised that through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, a person could know and understand all things. Moroni states:

Behold, I exort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been to the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:3-5)

When I read this, my resolve to discover the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and everything having to do with the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was strengthened for a final push. I was in the concluding chapter of the book and my faith was beginning to wane. I needed to know, I yearned to know.

At church, during the sacrament hymn, I tried focusing on the words as the congregation sang about the Savior. The words pounded into my head-- words about a man who had supposedly suffered the Atonement for me and for everyone. My mind turned to my recent readings about the Savior. In the book of 3 Nephi, in The Book of Mormon, he comes to visit the people on the American continent after his resurrection. They were the lost sheep that he spoke of in The New Testament. It all made sense. It had to be true, but I wasn't sure, yet. I wanted to be sure so that if anyone asked me if I knew, I could honestly answer them. I closed my eyes and silently offered up one more prayer. I pled with God to know-- to know so that I couldn't question!

All of the sudden, I was filled with warmth. It was as if a light bulb had gone off in my head and in my heart. The clouds of uncertainty lifted and I just knew. The Book of Mormon is true! Jesus is the Christ! God is my father in Heaven! Joseph Smith was a prophet! Gordon B. Hinckley was the president of the church, then, and he was a true prophet, too! Everything came together in a rush of knowledge. The Holy Ghost spoke to my heart of the truthfulness of all of it and my chest burned with emotion. I was crying because the experience was so overpowering. I felt such joy and gratitude for a Heavenly Father who listened to my many prayers and answered every single one. It was amazing!

I gained my own testimony that day and am glad to say that I do know, now. I carried this knowledge with me through the remainder of my jr. high and high school years. It has gone with me to college and I am constantly reminded of the sweetness and truth of the gospel through my studies, prayers, and attendance in my singles' ward and institute classes. I pray to always remember this knowledge and to have the courage to share it with others so that they might come to know, as well.

I know...

I know that Jesus was born to Mary about 2000 years ago. I know that he lived a perfect life, suffered the Atonement, bled from every pore, was crucified, and was resurrected for me and for every person who ever lived and who ever will live. He knows and loves me. He suffered through all of my pains and has atoned for all of my sins so that I might not be alone through the trials of this life and so that I can repent and be clean again. Oh, how I love the Savior!!!!

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet. Before that, though, he was a young boy who lived at a time of great religious excitement. He questioned truth and had the faith to ask, in prayer, about which of the churches he should join. In a grove of trees, he knelt in prayer. His prayer was answered! Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared to him and told him to join none of them.
It was through this young boy's faith, that the gospel was restored upon the earth in all of its fullness. Through the authority/keys of the Priesthood, the church of Christ and the ordinances, doctrines, revelations, scriptures, and etc. are once again upon the earth!

I know that the Book of Mormon is true scripture. I have read it and have felt the beautiful promptings of the Holy ghost while doing so. It, alongside the Bible, is another testament of Christ. It is a record of a people who lived on the American continent-- their dealings with God, the Savior, and each other. It was translated by Joseph Smith with the assistance of the Urim and Thummim. Though it be a record of ancient inhabitants, its writings have the ability to change lives for the better, comfort hearts, and inspire those who read it, today.

I know that temples are holy places, houses of the Lord. I know that the ordinances done in temples (for the living and dead) make it possible for families to be together forever.

I know that God loves me, that I am his daughter, and that he wants me to be happy. He listens to my prayers and answers each and everyone of them. Prayer is powerful! Miracles happen everyday because of simple prayers. I know that "with God, nothing is impossible" (Luke 1:37).

I know that anyone can come to this knowledge and find answers to any question through careful study and earnest prayer.

I know these things and so much more.... It is so wonderful!!!!! and I thank my God for all of it!

I testify of these things and close this blog entry in Jesus Christ's sacred name. Amen. :)