How do Essential Oils radiate the body?

In a previous post, I gave you the information on what happens to the essential oils once they enter the cells of the body. But, this month, I’d like to start back at the beginning of the process – essential oil application.

What are the different ways we can administer the oils?

And, how does the application affect our interaction with the oils?

There are two basic forms of application:

Directly on the skin

When the essential oils are placed directly on the skin, and usually through dilution with a carrier oil, they are available to the whole body through the circulation and can affect our tissues and organs. As an oil circulates through the blood, every body tissue and organ gets to choose whether or not to use the oil’s components for its own metabolic process.

Through the nose

When you inhale, through diffusion or directly from the bottle, the scent goes straight to the olfactory nerve and enters into the limbic system where the reptilian brain resides. Sounds like a sci-fi movie, right? The reptilian brain is our primitive brain center that controls our innate behaviors. This is important as inputs here can affect our emotions, desires and the four Fs: Feeding, Fighting, Fleeing, and… Reproduction.

The limbic system is also the hormone-producing system of the brain. It includes the amygdala, hippocampus, pituitary, thalamus, hypothalamus and pineal glands.

And, this is where we get really deep. The pineal gland influences the function of the thymus which is the endocrine gland associated with the heart chakra. As both an endocrine and lymphatic organ, the thymus is responsible for our immunity.

And, another fun fact, when the thymus is “tapped” at the sternum just below the collarbones it is said that one can feel great joy and happiness.

The oils are capable of using the bodies channels to influence tissues, organs and emotions.

This direct connection that essential oils have with our bodies is the reason why oil care and selection is paramount. Nowadays, essential oils can be found in nearly every store but the quality is not always appropriate for our bodies. As Dr. Light Miller explains in her book, “Ayurveda and Aromatherapy,” many essential oils are made with fragrances and alcohol to cut the cost involved in an essential oil’s authentic production. Personally, that isn’t something I’d like to introduce to my reptilian brain.

I use Young Living products because they have been proven to uphold the highest standards for growing, harvesting and distilling the oils.

Now that you know more about how our system receives the oils, let me introduce you to my favorites for stimulating the heart chakra.

Lavender is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing the system. There are over a hundred medicinal uses which have been tested on this plant.

Lavender relaxes, rejuvenates and calms. The aldehydes and esters of this oil are soothing and sedating to the nervous system. The oil has been documented for specific emotional challenges such as: agitation, anger, anxiety, depression, despair, discouragement, frustration and sorrow.

University of Miami researchers found that inhalation of lavender oil lowers beta waves in the brain. This is the area responsible for our parasympathetic nervous system and gives us the ability to rest and restore.

Rose is known as the “queen of the flowers.” It provides a sense of security and spiritual attunement. It keeps your heart open and connected to all things.

Not going to sugar coat it, Rose essential oil is an expensive one. But, there is good reason for that. It takes 2,000 lbs of rose petals to produce 1 lb of rose oil!

Young Living uses the flower Rosa damascena, which is high in citronellol. This component naturally gives a rose its characteristic rose scent. Its fragrance is intoxicating and aphrodisiac-like.

Rose helps bring balance and harmony, allowing one to overcome insecurities. The effect of rose on the heart brings good cheer with calming and a lightness of spirit.

What was said to the rose that made it open was said to me here in my chest.

Whatever put eloquence in language that’s happening here.

The great warehouse doors open; I fill with gratitude.

Rumi

I wish you a heart filled with radiance!

Namasté, Kim 🕉

References:

Dr. Light Miller’s Book: “Ayurveda and Aromatherapy”

Life Sciences: “Essential Oils Desk Reference”