What Are Essential Oils and How Do They Work

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain the natural aroma and flavor of the plant from which they are extracted. They are typically obtained through distillation, which involves steaming or pressing the plant material to release the oils. Essential oils have a wide range of uses, including aromatherapy, massage, skincare, and cleaning products. They are also used in traditional medicine and are known to have therapeutic properties.

 

How do essential oils work?

Essential oils contain a complex mixture of natural chemical compounds, including terpenes, esters, alcohols, and other volatile compounds. These compounds interact with the body in various ways, including by influencing hormones and neurotransmitters, and by impacting the immune system and inflammation response.

One of the primary ways that essential oils work with our bodies is via our 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. In this way inhaled essential oils can affect the body through several systems and pathways.

Essential oils also interact with the limbic system, which is commonly referred to as the "emotional brain". When we inhale an essential oil the odor molecules travel through the nose and affect the brain through a variety of receptor sites, one of which is the limbic system.

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. This relationship helps explain why smells often trigger emotions. Knowing this, we can see how inhalation of essential oils can have some very profound physiological and psychological effects.

 

Why Should I use Essential Oils and not modern medicine?

Many of the medicines that we take for daily ailments, such as inflammation, hay fever, congestion, sleep issues, digestive issues, mild stress and anxiety to name but a few have side effects on our bodies. 

Essential oils offer a real alternative to these and have no side effects. They consist of naturally occurring compounds and chemicals that our bodies recognize, absorb and interact with.

For example, the linalool in Lavender interacts with our Limbic system in our brain and helps us to relax, calm down and aids with peaceful sleep. The dominant compound found in Copaiba essential oil, beta-caryophyllene,  has the ability to bind with CB2 receptors in our bodies therefore the oils has potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It is known to help relieve anxiety and pain.

 

What can essential oils be used for?

Essential oils have a wide range of uses, and different oils can be used for different purposes. Some common uses of essential oils include:

• Therapeutic: Essential oils are used for a huge number of therapeutic benefits, addressing and assisting in a myriad of health concerns and afflictions.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils can be used for their pleasing scents and are often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Massage: Essential oils can be mixed with a carrier oil and used for massage to help promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.
• Skincare: Essential oils can be used in skincare products to help moisturize and protect the skin, as well as to help treat certain skin conditions.
• Cleaning: Some essential oils have antimicrobial properties and can be used as a natural cleaning agent.

 

How do I use essential Oils?

There are several ways to use essential oils, depending on the oil and the intended use. Some common methods include:

• Aromatherapy: Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy by adding a few drops to a diffuser or humidifier to disperse the scent into the air. You can also put a drop or two on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale directly.
• Topical application: Essential oils can be applied topically (on the skin) after being diluted with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. Dilution is important as some oils can be irritating to skin and can cause allergic reactions. The dilution rate is usually 5-10% for adults, but it can vary depending on the oil and the individual.
• Ingestion: Only a few essential oils can be used internally, and only under the guidance of a professional or certified aromatherapist. Internal use of essential oils can be dangerous if not done correctly.
• Bath: Adding a few drops of essential oils to your bath water can help create a relaxing and aromatic experience.
• Massage: Mixing a few drops of essential oils with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and using it for massage can help promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.

 

Can I ingest essential oils?

Ingesting essential oils can be dangerous and should be avoided, except under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner or a certified aromatherapist who is trained in the safe use of essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts and can cause harm if not used properly.

Ingesting essential oils can lead to nausea, vomiting, and other side effects. In some cases, it can even be fatal. Also, not all oils are safe for ingestion, some should never be consumed under any circumstances.

Ingesting essential oils should be done in small doses, with a carrier oil and under the guidance of a professional. Some oils can be used for flavoring food or drinks but again, it's important to ensure that you are using a food grade essential oil and following the recommended guidelines.

If you are looking to incorporate essential oils into your wellness routine, it's best to stick to topical application or aromatherapy. These methods of use are generally considered safe when done correctly and with proper dilution.