There is so much more to the art and science of aromatherapy than a pleasant smell, in fact sometimes it’s not so pleasant. Essential oils have many medicinal purposes that we can benefit from through inhalation and skin absorption.
So how can smelling something be medicinal? A part of our brain called the limbic system is affected by aromatic molecules through our olfactory system (sense of smell). The limbic system controls our emotions, automatic functions such as blood pressure, and affects our hormones. Two great examples of inhalation benefits from essential oils would be peppermint and lavender. Peppermint can relieve headaches, and lavender brings an extremely calming feeling throughout the body.
The absorption of essential oils through the skin enters the blood stream without much difficulty. The oils are ideal for skin absorption because they have a small molecular size and are lipophilic (fat-soluble), and therefore can penetrate the barrier of the outermost layer of skin. The best absorption areas are those that are rich in hair and sweat glands because they act as shortcuts to bypass the outermost layer of skin.
What’s most important is finding a PURE essential oil. Many oils on the market are diluted with perfumes or have no botanicals in them at all. All pure essential oils are made out of plants, or the skin such as lemon and orange. When looking on the back of a bottle you should see the botanical names of the plants included in the oil. For example when buying lavender the botanical names should read: Lavendula Angustifolia, L. Vera, L. latifolia, or L. Officinals.
You should always store your oils in a cool dark place.
Now here’s a list of some essential oils and their therapeutic effects!
Lavender: L. Angustifolia, L. latifolia, L. Vera, L. Officinals
- Analgesic
- Antidepressant
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Sedative
- Detoxifier
- Expectorant
Peppermint: Mentha x piperita
- Analgesic and anesthetic
- Antipruritic (itching) and cooling
- Stimulant
Eucalyptus: There are over 450 botanical names, most easily available for oils is Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Radiata
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Antitussive (cough suppressant)
- Antiviral
- Expectorant
Lemon: Citrus Limon
- Antibacterial
- Antidepressant
- Antiviral
- Astringent
- Immunostimulant
- Stimulant
Tee Tree: Melaleuca Alternifolia
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Immunostimulant
Turmeric: Curcuma Longa
- Antifungal
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Expectorant
Lemongrass: Cymbopogon Citratus
- Analgesic
- Antidepressant
- Astringent
- Antimicrobial
- Antipyretic (reduces fever)
- Nervous System Sedative
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