I am not a YL person, nor do I speak with them or put stock in what they say. In fact, our discussion group doesn't allow their input (although some may belong they cannot promote their group, and the scientists and chemists are very quick to discredit anything they see written that is wrong). In fact, most of the group is either chemists or scientists, with some professors, physicians and nurses in the fringe, as well as some holistic practitioners. We have had this discussion a few times over the years. So maybe I do not know about the seconds, that is what I recall read in at least two of the abstracts, but maybe I am off by a few seconds either way. But I sure do know that the skin is penetrable by chemicals, otherwise there would be no transdermal medication applications, and there are plenty. Certainly there are a lot of factors that impact the permeability, including, but not limited to age, general health, hydration (which also goes to general health), and the molecular structure of the compound. Irena is right, we do not drown soaking in water. But many things do. Lotion is absorbed by the skin, medication are absorbed, salves are absorbed and with those, some of the ingredients contained in those products are absorbed. Robert is right too, emulsions seem to make penetration easier. The scientists and chemists in our group discussion had some very intricate and detailed abstracts detailing several studies and tests they had done. The next time we meet I will try to see if the ones who are there can provide me the info again. The ones I read were not yl, they were scientific abstracts. I do not peruse the internet for eo info because there is so much propaganda out there, and even so many of the books are written by misinformed authors. I stick to medical publications and my group info, as well as a few trusted and experienced people on LinkedIn. Like I said, I may be incorrect about the exact number of 26 seconds, but I know I read "seconds", and I know we were discussing how certain essential oils were absorbed and which carrier oils performed in shorter time frames. Believe as you will, certainly that is everyone's right, but I know that essential oils and herbs are absorbed through the skin and do perform in a variety of medicinal ways, not the least of which is repelling insects. I have seen the benefits with my own eyes, and a large part of those benefits could not have been related to the placebo effect. Trust me, it took a LOT to convince me of some of this, as I tend to be sceptical at heart. But there is scientific proof to back up the fact that some herbs, some foods, and some essential oils improve certain health aspects, and I am not referring solely to aromatherapy. In fact, that is the one aspect that I had a harder time with than any other, because it can be very subjective. But studies do back up the effects are real. There definitely needs to be more studies, but since it is not really in the best interest of drug companies and the like, the funding is not there. The University of Minnesota does do a lot though, and many published scientific papers that I have seen come from them. It is a subject well worth studying further for sure.
_________________ Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.
Tammy
|