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.

Rhianna Bridgett