What is aromatherapy and how does it work?

Aromatherapy is thought to work by stimulating smell receptors in the nose, which then send messages through the nervous system to the limbic system — the part of the brain that controls emotions. Many essential oils have been shown to be safe when used as directed.

How do essential oils enter the body?

Essential oils enter our bodies either through absorption through the skin, or inhalation via the nose.

How long does it take for aromatherapy to work?

When applied topically, it takes 2 – 3 minutes for an oil to reach the bloodstream, 20 minutes to affect every cell in the body, then metabolized within 2 ½ hours. Did you read that? They metabolize out of the body within 2 1/2 hours, so they need to be applied more often. I usually apply my oils every 2 to 3 hours.

What are the benefits of aromatherapy oils?

Aromatherapy benefits

• manage pain.
• improve sleep quality.
• reduce stress, agitation, and anxiety.
• soothe sore joints.
• treat headaches and migraines.
• alleviate side effects of chemotherapy.
• ease discomforts of labor.
• fight bacteria, virus, or fungus.

How does aromatherapy affect the brain?

In short—essential oils are thought to have therapeutic effects by stimulating the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system in the brain—the part of the brain which controls functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.

How fast do essential oils enter the body?

The majority of essential oils and their components pass through the skin and the organism (Valette 1945) and can be detected in exhaled air within 20–60 minutes (Katz 1947).

Are essential oils safe to inhale?

In general, however, essential oils are safe when used externally (not ingested) in low concentrations. For skin applications, that usually means concentrations no higher than 5\%. For inhalation, use intermittent exposure (not more than 15 minutes in an hour).