Page 7 - ESSENTIAL OIL THERAPY MANUAL
P. 7
How do Essential Oils Work
Over the past decade the popularity and use of essential oils has increased dramatically. As a result, more research surrounding how essential oils are absorbed, their therapeutic properties and excretion is available, this topic of study is referred to as pharmacokinetics (Buckle, 2015). As with any form of therapy it is important to ensure that you understand how it works to ensure safe practice. The Canadian Federation of Aromatherapists (2019) defines aromatherapy as the art and science of using naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of body, mind, and spirit.
As previously outlined the chemical constituents of essential oils attribute to their therapeutic properties’ examples include alcohols, esters, aldehydes and ketones (Battaglia, 2003). For the therapeutic effects to be experienced the chemical constituents need to be absorbed by the body (Buckle, 2015). Absorption can occur via two different methods: inhalation or topical application (Buckle, 2015).
Inhalation is the fasted method for essential oil absorption due to the oil being able to quickly reach the lungs and brain (Buckle, 2015). It is also important to note that the lungs have a large surface area and contain alveoli which provide a direct route to circulation and absorption (Buckle, 2015).
The olfactory system is complex and our brain plays a vital role in it. Aromas can influence the release of endorphins and noradrenaline important hormones that assist with pain perception, mood control and concentration (Buckle, 2015). Olfaction (smell) involves a chemical reaction within the brain in response to the chemical constituents within an essential oil (Buckle, 2015). The limbic system is found within the brain and it assists with aromatic memory and associated emotions (Buckle, 2015). When you smell a familiar aroma a negative or positive emotion will be experienced related to the original memory (Buckle, 2015). For example, if your
Page 7 of 37
