How They Work

Plant’s volatile essential oils serve several purposes: the main ones being; to attract insects for pollination and reproduction; to deter for defense by repelling it’s predators (even through it’s roots,  plants can deter other plant growth around it’s territory), and to protect it against fungus, mold, bacteria and other disease. The oils can be extracted from the plants fruit, leaves, flowers, bark, stems, roots, and berries, using several methods, steam extraction being the most common. Humans and animals depend on plants. Some animals will instinctively seek to eat certain plants when they have an upset stomach, are waking from hibernation, or injured by other animals. The therapeutic value of essential oils is attributed to the natural chemical occurrence in plant life. Plants are “chemical factories” drawing their synergies from the sun, soil and air. Each essential oil therefore has a unique blueprint depending heavily upon the species of plant and conditions in which it grows. Therapeutic grade essential oils are sourced for these qualities and growing conditions from all over the world. Aromatherapy works mainly through our Olfactory System. We first smell the scent of the Essential Oil and the limbic part of our brain releases neuro-chemicals and endorphins which can affect our stress level, hormones, memory, heart rate, psyche (our thoughts, behavior & personality), appetite, metabolism, body temperature, and insulin production. A scent can therefore stimulate, relax, sedate, and restore emotional or hormonal balance. This is also why a scent can trigger a memory, cause a sense of euphoria, or aid in learning retention. Use of essential oils goes back, deep into history. The Japanese, the French, Indians and many other cultures use essential oils regularly. In France, an Aromatherapist must be a doctor; some essential oils are prescribed and paid for by insurance companies. In Japan, aromatherapy is commonly used in the workplace decreasing illness, while increasing production, efficiencies, and workplace satisfaction. Using plants for their medicinal purposes is a rich part of Indian culture. Aromatherapy is most effective in treating infectious illness and is also quite effective for nervous, psyche and hormonal issues. Aromatherapy is not a be all or end all, but can be especially helpful as a compliment to traditional care. Because of their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties essential oils are also great in homemade cleaning and beauty products. Whether you use them simply for their great scents, cosmetically, or therapeutically: Using essential oils in your everyday life can be very rewarding, seek first to educate yourself, always consult your physician when prudent, be safe and enjoy!