Fresh cut grass. Bread baking in the oven. A campfire. Common scents such as these have the potential to provoke an emotional reaction and even take you back in time to a powerful memory depending on your experience with them. Certain aromas even go beyond that to produce definite physical responses. Once you understand their potential, you can use aromas to your benefit for both mind and body care.
Natural essential oils are contained in various structures of the leaves, flowers, roots, seeds, fruits and twigs of plants. By using different forms of extraction, it is not uncommon for a single plant to product several distinct essential oils. This oil is not a single compound but a mixture of several to dozens of chemical compounds. The synergy of all the compounds interacting with each other is what forms an identifiable scent with beneficial properties. It is this intricate, synergistic effect that synthetic oils fail to replicate.
Essential oils retain properties that are beneficial to the human body. Many exhibit antiseptic, anti-inflammatory or anti-microbial properties that aid in the natural healing process. Their effect can also be psychological through their ability to calm, energize, invigorate and refresh our mental state.
How do the psychological effects and memory associations happen? The mechanics of the olfactory process are still somewhat of a mystery, but there are three steps that are recognized in the body's absorption and response to aroma: reception, transmission, and perception. All responses, whether emotional or physical, occur within a fraction of a second. The reception stage is the first detection of an aroma. It is documented that the olfactory receptors can discriminate between individual molecules that make up a scent. Reception occurs when we inhale an aroma molecule and it binds with receptors located in the nasal cavity. The transmission stage deals with the interaction of aroma molecules and reception cells. This interaction initiates nerve impulses that are interpreted and feedback is given. This feedback is transmitted to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that deals with memory and emotion. This is why we associate aromas with positive or negative past experiences and respond to the memory of that aroma. The final stage is perception, when the aroma message is sent to the internal chemistry of the body. A chemical message is released into the bloodstream which activates hormones and regulates body function.
Many natural essential oil have been analyzed and their individual properties documented. Therefor, it is possible for you to use this knowledge in your personal healthcare routine to aid in healing and state of mind. Not only do essential oils smell fantastic, they have wondrous, natural effects on our bodies.
About the
author:
Lisa LeClaire is a certified AVEDA Aromologist, the owner of Fundamental Expressions
Gift Baskets http://www.fegifts.com
and the publisher of The Gift Grapevine E-Zine. Deliver your expression and
leave an impression!
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