GC/MS Essential Oils Training and Education
Masge Oil Theapeutic Blens
Skin Car Hydrosl
Notes From Elizabeth
How Aromatherapy Works
The sense of smell is the most sensitive, immediate, and dynamic system in the human body. When molecules
of aromatic material trigger the receptor cells housed in the nose, the message is sent immediately along the
olfactory nerves to the limbic brain where any feelings or memories associated with the smell are released into
consciousness too. Smell gives you an immediate hit of rich experience!
The brain is deeply affected by essential oils due to their complex chemical makeup. For example, Lavender
(Lavendula officinalis) oil that has a main chemical constituent of linalyl acetate, an ester that has a calming and
balancing effect on the central nervous system, is used by Aromatherapists in France to help hyperactive
children relax. Lavender even triggers the neural transmitter, Serotonin in the brain that brings a sense of well
being.
In Lavender, the ester linalyl acetate, is made from linalool which is a terpene alcohol. Terpenes are a chemical
category of cyclic molecules with ten carbons. The structures of the terpene molecule along with its functional
groups (i.e. esters or alcohols) determine how it is used by the body. There are many variations of the terpene
molecule in essential oils and terpenes are just one class of constituents in essential oils. The knowledge of the
chemical constituents of an essential oil are an important aspect of how it works.
Essential oils work on the physical body due to their lipophilic quality that allows them to penetrate fatty material,
such as skin. By rubbing a garlic clove on your foot, you can detect garlic on your breath in a few minutes,
meaning the pungent oil penetrated the skin, entered the bloodstream and traveled to the mouth areas, all in a
matter of minutes. In the bath, notice how a few drops or oil, such as Frankincense will immediately cling to
your skin. The oils are not water soluble, but are attracted to lipophilic matter like you! This is how the oils enter
the bloodstream and have such healing effects on certain organs like the kidneys, heart, or stomach, and on
bodily systems such as the endocrine, lymphatic, and central nervous system. Their ability to fight infection has
been known and researched by the European scientific community since 1880. Some oils such as Eucalyptus
(Eucalyptus globulus) fights bacteria by strengthening the leukocytes, white blood cells of the immune system,
and by the cutting off the oxygen or breathing mechanism of bacteria. Other oils like Tea Tree have an anti-viral
ability due to the 4-terpeneol (a powerful alcohol), a main chemical constituent. Some oils are also anti-fungal
like Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens) oil due to its synergy of esters.
The lipophilic nature of essential oils explains the easy passage through the blood-brain barrier. Their affinity
with lipid-rich tissues like that of the central nervous system and brain create and immediate exchange of
fragrance molecules from blood into the brain. So by receiving a massage or applying the essential oils onto the
skin (often in a protective vegetable base), the oils will enter the blood stream and create healing actions on
both body and brain. Each essence has an affinity with certain parts of the body and emotional states of mind.
Often the scent a person finds most pleasing will prove to have the healing action that person needs.
The essential oils remain in the body for 4-6 hours and then are eliminated through the lungs and kidneys. They
are catalysts for healing that remains after the substance has left the body. There is not toxic buildup of oils or
resistance to strains of bacteria. They have no side effects like so many modern pharmaceutical drugs.
Aromatherapy is a truly holistic healing art that affects the whole person on all levels, physical to spiritual. It is
part of a new direction for medicine to take, at keeping the mind and body in balance so disease can be
prevented. The essential oils are gifts from Nature that ancient Egyptians used and we are now rediscovering
st
as we seek more stress reduction and joy of living in the 21 century.
P.O. Box 7542 * Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831-425-8218 ext. # 104 * Toll Free: 1-800-710-7759 * Fax: 831-425-8258
Rev2006a
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