How Does Aromatherapy Work?

The effects of aromatherapy on the human system... essential oils and their uses

To answer these questions, let's start by taking a look at Essential Oils, which are the heart and soul of aromatherapy.

What Exactly Are Essential Oils?

Simply speaking, essential oils contain the distilled essence of the plant.

Their tiny size makes it very easy for our skin and our lungs to absorb them. That's why the effects of aromatherapy are so powerful.

How Does Aromatherapy Work its Way into My System?

Once the oils are circulating in the blood, they really get to work, reducing inflammation, fixing imbalances, fighting infection and so on.

Even when you simply inhale an essential oil, such as with a diffuser, the oil is absorbed through the mucous membranes of your respiratory tract and lungs. From there, it's transferred into the bloodstream to work its healing magic.

How Does Aromatherapy Work On My Body?

Terpenes do a lot of work in our bodies.

1. They create an environment unfriendly to viruses, bacteria and fungi. This is why they're called "antiseptic" (which basically means germ killing.)

   Some powerful antiseptic essential oils are Lemon, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Pine and Lavender. That's why you see them in home cleaning products!



2. They help reduce inflammation. Symptoms of inflammation include pain, redness and swelling. Some good anti-inflammatory essential oils are Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood and Benzoin.


3. They reprogram our cells so they function and replicate properly. For example, essential oils such as Basil, Pine and Rosemary restore function to the adrenal glands.


4. They're sedative. They relax our nervous system and our muscles, which helps ease pain, tension, cramps and muscle spasms. Sedative essential oils include Lavender, Clary Sage, Geranium and Ylang Ylang.

How Does Aromatherapy Work on My Emotions?

The limbic system controls heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory and hormone production. When the limbic system receives signals from the olfactory nerves, it triggers an emotional, physiological and endocrine (hormone) response.

For example, when you smell Lavender essential oil, its microscopic chemicals immediately trigger your emotional brain to calm your nervous system and relax your muscles. These combined effects of aromatherapy reduce your stress and help you sleep.

How Can I Use Aromatherapy to Feel Better?

You can also use essential oils to clear up acne, revitalize your hair or relieve your aching muscles.

It's surprisingly easy (and a lot of fun) to make your own bath, body and massage oils, bath salts and body lotions. Even make your own aromatherapy candles! You simply need a little knowledge and a few basic ingredients.

Try it! I promise you'll have fun, save money and smell fabulous!

What Next?