How Essential Oils Work

About Aromatherapy--More than Just Aroma
Essential oil therapy, or Aromatherapy, is a holistic treatment which involves the therapeutic use of plant derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical, psychological, and emotional well being.

The chemical components in an essential oil are what give it its therapeutic quality, and extends beyond mere ‘aroma’ and into the world of chemistry.

How Essential Oils Work

The chemical substances contained within an essential oil work in two ways:
1. by stimulating the olfactory bulb and neurons which then stimulate the limbic system of the brain and influence an emotional response,
2. or by entering the bloodstream via absorption through the skin or inhalation where the active biological components of an oil trigger specific pharmacological effects (such as anti inflammatory actions), by interacting with hormones and cells much as a medicinal herb might if taken orally.

Are Aromatherapy Oils Safe?
Aromatherapy has proven to be a very safe and gentle method of complimentary therapy for a variety of uses such as reducing inflammation in the joints and tissues, relieving headache, reducing muscular pain, and increasing circulation to the skin and tissues.

While most oils are safe there are a few that should be used only in very minute quantities. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid the use of certain essential oils though there are still many essential oils considered to be safe for the pregnant or nursing mother.

Allergic Reactions to Essential Oils
Since essential oils are purely plant derived essences and do not contain perfume or other artificial ingredients or fragrances, allergic reactions to essential oils are rare.

Carrier Oils
With the exception of only a few oils, almost all essential oils must be diluted in what is called a "carrier oil" such as almond, olive, or other vegetable oil, before being applied directly to the skin.

Essential Oil Toxicity
Excessive use of essential oils may lead to essential oil toxicity and result in rash or other disruptions to the area of the skin where they are applied. Again this occurs only rarely and primarily with prolonged use of oils that are not properly diluted with a carrier oil prior to use. The occurrence is usually self limiting and will clear up within a few days of discontinuing the use of the offending agent.

Home Use of Essential Oils
Aromatherapy oils are a wonderful tool to easily incorporate the healing properties of plants into your daily life. From their addition to skin care products, to massage oils and beyond, it is a fun adventure to learn and use these wonderful gifts from nature in your quest for health and balance.

I hope you will be inspired to learn about aromatherapy and its uses in many aspects of your life from stress reduction to alleviating muscular pain, the applications of their use is extensive. Happy experimenting!

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