How does skin application work?
Essential oils can be applied topically to the skin. Common examples include applying a blend that contains black pepper (Piper nigrum) or ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) essential oil to reduce arthritis pain and improve flexibility or applying German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) essential oil to treat eczema. How does this work? Our skin is somewhat permeable. The active chemicals in essential oils are absorbed just like the ingredients in common pharmaceuticals, such as hormone replacement therapy creams and nicotine patches.
Factors that increase skin absorption
Different factors can affect the absorption of essential oils through the skin. If we massage the area first, it will increase circulation to that area, thereby causing an increase in the absorption of essential oils. Heat will likewise increase circulation and thus enhance absorption.
Some researchers report that essential oils may be more readily absorbed from skin locations with greater concentrations of sweat glands and hair follicles, such as the genitals, head, soles, palms, and armpits (Battaglia, 2003).
How do we inhale essential oils?
Another way essential oils enter the body is through inhalation through the nose or mouth. Common examples include inhaling eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globules, E. radiate, or E. smithii) essential oil when you cough or inhaling peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil to reduce fatigue or nausea. Essential oils are put into a diffuser for inhalation. How Do We Choose and Use Essential Oils? Essential Oils and Carrier oils inspire to manifest the life of living. The scents that are the most beneficial for us are the ones we like. Choose any scents we are captured with, which helps us feel grounded and calm. Read further below.
The olfactory system
The olfactory system includes all physical organs or cells relating to or contributing to the sense of smell. When we inhale through the nose, airborne molecules interact with the olfactory organs and, almost immediately, the brain.
Molecules inhaled through the nose or mouth are also carried to the lungs and interact with the respiratory system. Thus, inhaled essential oils can affect the body through several systems and pathways.
Interaction with the limbic system (emotional brain)
During inhalation, odour molecules travel through the nose and affect the brain through various receptor sites, one of which is the limbic system, commonly referred to as the "emotional brain." 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 (Higley & Higley, 1998). This relationship helps explain why smells often trigger emotions. Knowing this, we can hypothesize how inhalation of essential oils can have some very profound physiological and psychological effects!
Do people ingest essential oils?
The third way essential oils enter the body is by ingestion (swallowing).
Oral ingestion of essential oils is NOT recommended for the general public because a great deal of essential oils knowledge and expertise is necessary for safe practice.
The ingestion of essential oils is not common practice.
Some essential oils can be toxic to the liver or kidneys when ingested.
The chemical breakdown of essential oils during gastric processing can change the effects.
There could be potential drug interactions. (Tisserand and Balacs, 1995; Schnaubelt, 1999)
"Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles, and all the years we have lived." Helen Keller
Popular Essential Oils
There are more than 100 types of essential oils, each with its unique smell and potential health benefits. Here are some popular essential oils and the health research associated with them:
Peppermint: known to be to boost energy and support memory. Peppermint oil is anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antimicrobial, eases headaches, fights fatigue, lifts mood, and supports digestion.
Frankincense oil: is known as the "king of oils" and can help with inflammation, mood and sleep. Studies have shown that it can also improve asthma and might prevent gum disease.
Lavender: used to relieve stress.
Sandalwood: used to calm nerves and help with focus
Bergamot: is known to reduce stress and anxiety, lift mood and improve skin conditions like eczema.
Rose: used to improve mood and reduce anxiety
Chamomile: used to improve mood and relaxation
Ylang-Ylang: used to treat headaches, nausea, and skin conditions
Tea Tree: used to fight infections and boost immunity
Jasmine: used to help with depression, childbirth, and libido
Lemon: used to aid digestion, mood, headaches, and more
Lemongrass oil: is known to reduce anxiety and depression, reduce pain, ease nausea and kill bacteria. A study also states that aromatherapy of essential oils like lemon oil might improve the cognitive function of people with Alzheimer's disease.
Cedarwood oil: use cedarwood oil to help with sleep and anxiety.
Rosemary oil: is used for additional benefits like improving brain function, promoting hair growth, reducing pain and stress, lifting the mood and reducing joint inflammation.
Orange oil: is known to kill bacteria, reduce anxiety and reduce pain
Eucalyptus oil: Eucalyptus is a great essential oil on hand during the cold season. It soothes a stuffed-up nose by opening the nasal passages so it can breathe easier. (Peppermint oil can also help with this.)
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