The Science of Aromatherapy

Question 1

The effects of scent on humans

Answer 1

• The primary olfactory cortex forms a direct link with several structures (amygdale and hippocampus) of the brain’s limbic system.
• Because of the direct connection odors have to the limbic system, it’s easy to understand why aromatherapy can impact memory and mood as well as behaviors such as appetite and sexual attraction. The structures of the limbic system are also responsible for the release of different neurotransmitters.
• Essential oils have been shown to act on these structures of the brain to promote the production and release of various neurotransmitters which impact the nervous system

Question 2

Methods of Essential Oil Application

Answer 2

Inhalation and topical application

Question 3

Inhalation of Essential OIls

Answer 3

• Can be accomplished via a variety of diffusers including electronic, candle heated, light bulb heated, hot water or simply applying an oil to a surface and breathing it up from that. Even more basic would be to simply breathe it right out of a bottle!
• Though the tendency might be to think that more is better, the opposite has been shown to be true. Oils need only be breathed in very small amounts. In direct inhalation in a small space, like covering your face to breath in heated steam, one drop should be sufficient for most oils.

Question 4

Topical Application of Essential Oils

Answer 4

• Even though your skin is a protective layer, oils can be incorporated into your blood system through it.
  
  • One interesting study with lavender oil, applied via a stomach massage, showed that its key constituents were measurable in the blood within 20 minutes, and they stayed in the blood system for up to 90 minutes. Their ability to circulate throughout your body systems makes essential oils especially effective and efficient.
• Always make sure essential oils are properly diluted in a carrier oil or water before skin application
• Some parts of your body absorb oils better than others. The ideal areas include your armpits, soles and palms, writsts, behind the ears, the insides of the elbows and areas where you have a small amount of hair.
• Factors that can easily improve your ability to absorb oils via the skin include moisture, body temperature, the use of surfactants like soap, covering the skin with cloth after oil application and the use of easily absorbed carrier oils.
  
  • Baths are great for essential oil application as they allow you to breathe in the oils, your body temperature goes up and your skin moisture level goes up.
  • Exercise also raises body temperature and skin moisture and thus enhances absorption. A warm room is much more conducive to absorption than a cold room.

Question 5

Essential Oil Application Methods that are not Recomended

Answer 5

• Though not common in the United States essential oils are sometimes absorbed vaginally and rectally. Some companies in the U.S. and many in Europe sell essential oil suppositories. (One of the most common is tea tree oil.) Because these oils are absorbed more rapidly and in much higher levels than in other methods, and the areas are so sensitive, we don’t recommend this method of application.
• Oral administration is more commonly practiced in Europe than in the U.S. We also do not recommend oral consumption. Virtually all serious cases of essential oil poisoning occurred from oral consumption. Even small amounts of some oils can be dangerous, and they can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Some oils have constituents that must be processed via the liver and the end result may be damage to the liver.
  
  • It should be noted that many oils can be safely gargled (if properly diluted) or otherwise used for oral hygiene if not swallowed.