Essential Oils have been used since 18,000 B.C.E. in different countries such as Egypt, China, India and many others. Natural plants were turned into Essential Oils through a distillation process. The oils were used in various ways such as religious practices to help treat various disease and sickness. Ayur Veda was used in Egypt to replace failed antibiotics during the challenge of the Bubonic Plague. In Greece, the ointment of Myrrh was found in the pack of soldiers to counter infections.
Today, Essential Oils are still being used all over the world and are still used to help with diseases and sickness. Let's take a look into how essential oils work.
Essential Oils have potential to effect both our bodies and minds. Our sense of smell is estimated to be sensitive to 10,000 different compounds and once smells are registered are recorded faster to the brain than sight or sound.
According to The Essential Oil Desk Reference (4th Edition), when we inhale the fragrance of an essential oil, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they’re registered by the nerves of the olfactory membranes in the nose lining. The odor molecules stimulate this lining of nerve cells and trigger electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The olfactory bulb then transmits the impulses to the amygdala - where emotional memories are stored - and to other parts of the limbic system of the brain.
Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils have the potential to have physiological and psychological effect. Olfactory responses to odors induce the brain to stimulate the release of hormones and neurochemicals that in turn alter the body’s physiology and behavior.
By incorporating essential oils into our everyday lives we have the ability naturally kill of bacteria and different viruses that can attack the body's immune system. By indulging in essential oils you are strengthening resistance to any future attacks.
Some essential oils increase the circulation and help with the efficient elimination of toxins, others promote new cell growth and encourage the body's natural ability to heal itself. Each essential oil has its own character and aroma, having a varying number of properties and benefits which are unique to itself, since no two essential oils are quite the same.
Essential oils have such a powerful effect on our moods and general state of mind. Different oils are linked to help with certain moods, sicknesses and states of mind. Welcoming Essential Oils into my life is one of the best decisions I made. I see a difference in how my body reacts with the oils. They have taught me to take better care of myself and have helped me understand my body better.
Below I have attached a basic chart for beginner users. Experiment and pay close attention to how your body reacts to the new adventure of aromatherapy!
