Inhalation: Another way that essential oils enter the body is inhalation through the nose or mouth.
There are many ways to diffuse oils into the air, but the professionals recommend one
of the 3 Young Living Diffusers for the most beneficial therapeutic effects. These types
of diffusers ensure maximum dispersion of oil into the air and absorption within the lungs.
The first and easiest way to inhale the oils is to just inhale them. Open the bottle and take a gentle sniff.
You can think of waving the aroma of a fine wine near your nose (no snorting please). A gentle waft of scent
is excellent for triggering cell receptor sites to awaken your body and its proper functions.
The next easiest, and far more potent inhalation method is to put a drop of oil on your hands,
rub them together and cup your hands over your nose. The effects of the oils are strong and
immediate. Try this with pure, high quality peppermint and your sinuses will be more clear
than you have ever experienced.
To put oils in the air, we diffuse them. Simple passive diffusion includes putting a drop or
two on a cotton ball and putting it in your sock drawer. I keep a pretty bowl near my desk
with an oil soaked cotton ball so that every now and again I get a lovely whiff (And by the way,
I use a blend called "Abundance" when I'm doing business related tasks!). I put a drop of oil
on a terracotta pendant and I smell the aroma during the day. To sleep, I put a drop of
lavender on a tissue and put it near my pillow.
The Olfactory System
The olfactory system includes all physical organs or cells relating to, or contributing to,
the sense of smell. When we inhale through the nose, airborne molecules interact with the
olfactory organs and, almost immediately, the brain.
Molecules inhaled through the nose or mouth are also carried to the lungs and interact with
the respiratory system. Thus, inhaled essential oils can affect the body through several
systems and pathways.
Interaction with the Limbic System (Emotional Brain)
During inhalation, odor molecules travel through the nose and affect the brain through a variety
of receptor sites, one of which is the limbic system, which is commonly referred to as the "emotional brain."
The limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood
pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance
(Higley & Higley, 1998).
This relationship helps explain why smells often trigger emotions. Knowing this,
we can hypothesize how inhalation of essential oils can have some very profound
physiological and psychological effects!
"Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands
of miles and all the years we have lived." - Helen Keller
The tiny volatile molecules of healing plants are captured in the oils.
These molecules enter our sinus cavities and pass through the membranes,
entering the bloodstream near the brain. Some of these compounds, for
example sesquiterpenes, have been found to cross the blood-brain barrier
and hold promise of bringing healing directly to the brain.
Sesquiterpenes
There are many types of molecular groups found in
essential oils, but give an idea of the complex chemistry and amazing
potential of essential oils, let's just briefly discuss one:
sesquiterpenes.
Sesquiterpenes are a group of molecules with a particular molecular
commonality (three isoprene units per molecule). There are
estimated to be 3000 varieties of sesquiterpenes, so generalizing about
their effects is difficult.
However, sesquiterpenes can generally:
Delete mis-coded DNA information from cells
Increase or facilitate the action of the other ingredients in the oils
Increase blood flow to the capillaries
Tonify the endocrine system
Pass the blood-brain barrier, supporting
blood flow to the brain
Excellent List of Essential Oils and their Use with Inhalation and Diffsing
Chamomile has been used for a long time to soothe children.
It is calming and relaxing and combats depression and stress.
Dream Catcher blend helps open you for creative dreams while inhibiting negative ones. I would try this blend if my sleep was not satisfying. Use Dream Catcher to stimulate creativity while sleeping.
Frankincense is a very ancient oil which has many, many useful therapeutic benefits. In ancient times, it was used for curing just about everything. I think of this oil as having a sacred scent and use it for meditation.
Jasmine is technically an "absolute" and not an essential oil.
Interestingly, the flowers must be picked at night for maximum fragrance.
Jasmine is used for anxiety, depression and insomnia, as well as just
because it smells nice.
Lavender This is one of the first oils I grab for stress and relief of its symptoms.
This oil calms, soothes, and helps with sleep. You can wear a pendant with this oil and besides
feeling better, you will get compliments for smelling good.
Melissa has been used to heal the heart or the emotions.
It is calming and uplifting and balances the emotions. If you can't
sleep because your heart is aching, give Melissa a try.
Valerian - not everyone appreciates the scent of Valerian, but it is excellent for
calming the nervous system. Use it for insomnia, anxiety, indigestion, restlessness, and general tension.
Peace and Calming Blend is a beautiful blend with a light tangerine scent is both
calming and uplifting. I use this as a healthy perfume.
Ylang Ylang is very good for balancing hormones,
which frequently are whacky from high stress (cortisol levels can create hormone imbalances).
I would try Ylang Ylang when your stress increases in rhythm with your cycle.
It balances male-female energies, and combats anger.
Roman chamomile has been used by mothers to calm crying children, so it is excellent when we feel a
"stress tantrum" coming on. It is calming and relaxing, good for depression and insomnia.
Lemon, Tangerine, Bergamot, Grapefruit (the citrus oils)
are very good to clear your head and uplift your spirits.
Think of a freshly cleaned, sunshine-filled house, and that is the happiness of lemon!
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These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
* This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
More information
The first and easiest way to inhale the oils is to just inhale them. Open the bottle and take a gentle sniff.
You can think of waving the aroma of a fine wine near your nose (no snorting please). A gentle waft of scent
is excellent for triggering cell receptor sites to awaken your body and its proper functions.
The next easiest, and far more potent inhalation method is to put a drop of oil on your hands,
rub them together and cup your hands over your nose. The effects of the oils are strong and
immediate. Try this with pure, high quality peppermint and your sinuses will be more clear
than you have ever experienced.
