Essential oils are distilled from the leaves, flowers, roots, fruits and seeds of aromatic plants. They are used in aromatherapy massages, baths, perfumes, skin care products, and beauty products and treatments. So how do essential oils work and what are their benefits?

The Olfactory System

Each essential oil has its own chemical constituents and can be used for different purposes. Some oils have a physical effect and can relieve muscle pains and aches, improve circulation, relieve nausea or heal bacterial infections and fungal infections. Some oils have an emotional effect and can relieve stress, promote relaxation and lift the mood. Some oils work both emotionally and physically. For example Lavender essential oil has a relaxing effect on the muscles, but it also has a calming effect on the mind and the emotions. It is also used for healing skin infections, burns and sun burns.
It is not completely certain how aromatherapy works, but its effects are linked to the olfactory system. The olfactory system is in charge of the sense of smell. When you inhale an essential oil, either smelling it from the bottle or using it in a burner or an aroma diffuser, the olfactory system becomes involved. The olfactory nerves in the nose are connected to the limbic area in the brain that is responsible for storing memories and emotions. It is also connected to parts of the brain that control breathing, stress levels, hormones and heart rate. Through the olfactory system and the limbic area the oil molecules affect many body functions, but especially the emotions. Inhaling or smelling essential oils is the fastest way to benefit from their relaxing or uplifting effect on the emotions.

Massages and Baths

Another way essential oils are absorbed into the body is through the skin. When oils are massaged into the skin or used in baths, their small molecules are easily absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Essential oils can also be used topically for treating bacterial and fungal infections or skin problems, such as dermatitis or acne. They are also blended into skin care products to treat different skin types.
When using essential oils on the skin, you should always dilute them with a carrier oil. Good carrier oils include sweet almond, avocado, jojoba, sunflower and many other cold-pressed vegetable oils. Essential oils can also be used in baths, diffusers, burners and in skin care products. If you are pregnant or if you have any serious health conditions you should talk to a healthcare professional or a licensed aromatherapist before using essential oils.