How do essential oils work?
Through dermal application, inhalation, oral, rectal and vaginal administration. For the purpose of home use let’s examine dermal application and inhalation. For oral, rectal or vaginal use of essential oils, you should consult a qualified aromatherapist or aromatic medicine practitioner for your personal prescription. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin when using massage techniques, bathing or using compresses and poultices containing essential oils. They actually enter the blood stream via the fine hair follicles and sweat glands all over the body. Attached to each hair and gland is a tiny vein, which in turn leads to larger veins and eventually the heart – lung – heart and metabolized through the system. The inhaled essential oils reach the blood stream through deep rapid breathing via the lungs. Most of us have used a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil on a tissue when we’ve had a blocked nose and noticed how quickly we are relieved of the congestion.
On a physical level, essential oils are the most potent form of herbal energy. They are antiseptic and immune system stimulants. They are also excellent for daily first aid (coughs, colds, bites, itches, etc.). On an emotional level, essential oils stimulate memories (both consciously and subconsciously), basic drives and hormones. They can combat depression, grief, and stress related disorders. On an “energy” level, essential oils can be used on acupuncture meridians, chakras and subtle energy points. On a cellular level, essential oils are good for wound healing, scar repairing, tissue stimulating and barrier regulating (between the inside and outside world). They help maintain the optimum moisture level in skin and protect it from infection. Geranium and lavender are examples of oils that work on this cellular level. On a spiritual or reflective level, essential oils have been used by every major culture and society for over 10,000 years. They have been used for ritual, prayer, puri
Essential oils enter the body by two methods. When inhaled they enter the body via the olfactory system, which has a direct connection to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system is known as the primitive brain and it encircles the top of the brain stem and forms a border linking cortical and midbrain areas with lower centers that control automatic, internal body functions. It comprises the hippocampus, amygdala, septal area and several regions of the cerebrum. It is associated with feelings such as hunger, thirst, anger, sadness, sexual arousal and pleasure. It is also associated with creativity, learning and memory. This is one of the reasons why so often something that we smell will trigger a memory or remind us of something or someone. This can be both pleasant and unpleasant. The sense of smell is very sensitive and in fact we do not even have to be able to consciously smell something for it to have an effect on us. When diluted and applied externally, some of the essenti
Essential oils enter the body through two routes. When inhaled they enter the body via the olfactory system, which has a direct connection to the limbic system in the brain. The limbic system is known as the primitive brain and it encircles the top of the brain stem and forms a border linking cortical and midbrain areas with lower centers that control automatic, internal body functions. It comprises the hippocampus, amygdala, septal area and several regions of the cerebrum. It is associated with feelings such as hunger, thirst, anger, sadness, sexual arousal and pleasure. It is also associated with creativity, learning and memory. This is one of the reasons why so often something that we smell will trigger a memory or remind us of something or someone. This can be both pleasant and unpleasant. The sense of smell is very sensitive and in fact we do not even have to be able to consciously smell something for it to have an effect on us. When diluted and applied externally, some of the ess
