How Essential Oils Take Effect

Essential oils can affect psychological and physiological changes. The potential of these precious aromas are amazing. The ability to smell provides pleasurable sensations, evoke memories of the past and provides us protective mechanisms for the body. Think of the many ways our sense of smell affects our lives?

Essential oils work in two main ways: the nervous system and our body chemistry.

The nervous system

• Essential oils can have a healing effect both mentally and emotionally. The psychological benefits are usually obtained when the oils are inhaled.
• Our sense of smell is governed by the olfactory organ at the top of our nose. Tiny cilia and receptor cells have direct access to the brain. The aroma sends an immediate signal to the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system is the center of memory and emotion.
• The oils can exert a powerful effect on mind, mood and emotions.

Our body chemistry

• When the oils are absorbed through the skin, the oils are directly working through our body chemistry effecting systems of the body. Each plant extract has chemical properties that are distinctive. Antiviral, antiseptic, anti inflammatory etc.
• Tiny molecules of essential oils are easily absorbed by the membranes of the lungs and through the skin by pores, hair follicles and skin surfaces.
• The chemical constituents/properties of the oils are carried in the bloodstream to all areas of the body. Essential oils bring on gentle physiological changes

It can take about 15 minutes to several hours for oils to be absorbed into the body. After some hours, the oils leave the body mostly through exhalation via the lungs or through the normal excretory system including perspiration.