Essential oils, the limbic system & our bodies
Some of you may or may not have heard of the limbic system, don’t worry I am not about to
ask you to do the limbo. The reason I bring up this wonderful system in our body is because
of its use and benefit in essential oils.
Let’s start from the beginning:
WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL OILS?
For those following me on social media or been into the treatment room recently you will
notice there is a fair bit of activity around these small bottles. Essential oils are liquids
derived from plants, roots, flowers, herbs, trees and fruits. Essential oils are not actually oily
and should not be confused with a fixed oil or carrier oil. It is important to note that essential
oils ARE NOT a fragrance oil and it is so important that any essential oil you use is 100% of
the desired natural origin (check the label, trust me some are not 100%)! All essential oils are
anti-bacterial, hypo-allergenic and many are anti-viral and possess fungicidal properties.
HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK?
There are 3 main ways to work with essential oils. They include:
1. Inhalation through the olfactory system
When essential oils are inhaled either through a diffuser or just purely sniffing the bottle, the
scent rises to the top of your nose and is met with a mucus membrane. This specific lining
has thousands of receptors that identify the smell and send a sensory message through the
olfactory bulb (processing centre for smell), then onto a nerve to the LIMBIC SYSTEM of
your brain. This is an area of your brain that deals with emotions and psychological
responses. Now you may be getting my just as to why the limbic system is so important. The
response that our body creates to the scent of the essential oil is automatic (i.e. we have
absolutely no control over it) and the memories we have associated with this scent and the
specific qualities of the essential oil being used, creates a relaxed response, a stimulating
response, starts the secretion of hormones or regulates body function. The entire process
from the initial inhalation of the oil to corresponding response takes place in a matter of
seconds. Therefore, a simple inhalation can cause changes in the body in a very quick time
span.
2. Absorption through the surface of the skin
Our skin is pretty absorbent and as essential oil molecules are so little when they are applied
to the skin; they are able to pass through the outer layer of the epidermis/skin. From here the
oil molecule passes through dermis, into the capillaries and into the bloodstream. There are
many factors that affect absorption of an oil molecule. Both rate of circulation and the
warmth of the skin increase blood flow to the surface, therefore increasing the skin’s ability
to absorb the oil. Circulation and warmth can be increased by massage. The larger the area of
skin that is covered, the more essential oils will be absorbed. The permeability of the skin is
also a factor. Thinner skin eg: skin behind the ears and the inside of the wrists are very
permeable. The palms of the hands and feet, armpits and scalp will more readily absorb oil
molecules than the arms, legs, belly, back etc.
3. Taken internally (not recommended)
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.
Safety Issues. With all of these applications, it’s important to research into proper use for
each essential oil, especially for children and pregnant and nursing mothers.
The quality of the oils will impact their function and potency. Quality is indicated by how
pure the oils are, their grade and integrity.
I personally use essential oils daily and find that they have truly made the biggest impact
physically, emotionally and for my mind. I just wanted to let you all in on the secret as to
why I love them so much!
If you are unsure on how to use essential oils or need greater clarification the best thing you
can do is consult an aromatherapist or an expert on these products.