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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Essential Oils	Joe	Thursday, January 19, 2017
Question: I lead a Catholic adult education group. One of the attendees has asked if we can diffuse essential oils (Sacred Frankincense and Joy) during the sessions. I know nothing about these oils but my intuition (Holy Spirit) tells me to be cautious. Is this practice of the occult?
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), CCL, LTh, DD, LNDC Dear Joe: Essential oils are most often used in Aromatherapy. This form of "therapy" is the treatment or prevention of disease by use of essential oils. It also claims at pain and anxiety reduction, enhancement of energy and short-term memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention, and reduction of eczema-induced itching. There is no scientific evidence that aromatherapy or essential oils has any effect at all as treatment for anything. There can even be harmful effects of the use of these essential oils. It is true, however, that the fragrance of the oils, as can also be in incense, provide a soothing sense of well-being and thus help with relaxation. Occultists and New Agers use aromatherapy and essential oils for their own purposes that relate to issues inconsistent with Christianity. You need to ask this person what the she believes is the purpose, usefulness, and effects of the essential oils. Why does she wish to use them at these meetings. Without that information it is hard to tell what is going on. I would be cautious. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below: Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum. Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Essential Oils

Joe

Thursday, January 19, 2017

Question:

I lead a Catholic adult education group. One of the attendees has asked if we can diffuse essential oils (Sacred Frankincense and Joy) during the sessions.

I know nothing about these oils but my intuition (Holy Spirit) tells me to be cautious.

Is this practice of the occult?

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), CCL, LTh, DD, LNDC

Dear Joe:

Essential oils are most often used in Aromatherapy. This form of "therapy" is the treatment or prevention of disease by use of essential oils. It also claims at pain and anxiety reduction, enhancement of energy and short-term memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention, and reduction of eczema-induced itching. There is no scientific evidence that aromatherapy or essential oils has any effect at all as treatment for anything. There can even be harmful effects of the use of these essential oils.

It is true, however, that the fragrance of the oils, as can also be in incense, provide a soothing sense of well-being and thus help with relaxation.

Occultists and New Agers use aromatherapy and essential oils for their own purposes that relate to issues inconsistent with Christianity. You need to ask this person what the she believes is the purpose, usefulness, and effects of the essential oils. Why does she wish to use them at these meetings. Without that information it is hard to tell what is going on. I would be cautious.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

Footer Notes: This forum is for general questions on the faith. See specific Topic Forums below:
Spiritual Warfare, demons, the occult go to our Spiritul Warfare Q&S Forum.
Liturgy Questions go to our Liturgy and Liturgical Law Q&A Forum
Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) Questions go to our Divine Office Q&A Forum
Defenfing the Faith Questions go to our Defending the Faith Q&A Forum
Church History Questions go to our Church History Q&A Forum