AROMATHERAPY
The art and science of using botanical scent to support mind, body, and mood.
What Is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of botanical extracts to support emotional and physical wellbeing through scent. These extracts, known as essential oils, are derived from flowers, leaves, woods, roots, resins, peels, and seeds.
Scent works directly through the olfactory system, influencing mood, memory, and the nervous system. Aromatherapy is one of the fastest, non-toxic ways to elevate mood, calm the mind, and ease muscular discomfort.
INHALATION
When inhaled, aromatic vapors travel through the nasal passages and stimulate the olfactory system. Signals are then sent to the limbic system, the area of the brain linked to emotion, memory, learning, and mood.
Because smell has a direct pathway to the brain, aroma can create an immediate shift in state.
It may take as little as 22 seconds to reach the brain.
TOPICAL APPLICATION
When applied to the skin, essential oils are absorbed through the dermal layers and dispersed throughout the body.
Because they are small on a molecular level, they can enter the bloodstream, cross the blood-brain barrier, and penetrate the cell membrane.
Topically: It may take 2–3 minutes to reach the bloodstream, 20 minutes to affect every cell in the body, and 30 minutes to fully metabolize.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils exist in certain parts of aromatic plants, where they are distilled or otherwise extracted. They are highly concentrated, volatile aromatic extracts derived from flowers, fruits and peels, grasses, leaves, needles, twigs, resins, roots, seeds, and woods. Each essential oil contains 2–200+ natural chemical components working in synergy to offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
These active compounds give plants their distinct aromas — citrusy, woody, minty, floral, or spicy — and are produced to attract pollinators or defend against insects, bacteria, and fungi. These same compounds also contribute to the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties of many essential oils.
How are they extracted?
Essential oils are produced by one of two primary methods of extraction: steam-distillation or cold pressing, (a process unique to citrus peel or rind oils). The plant’s aromatic features (leaves, flowers, roots, etc.) go through a steam distillation process to extract the oil. The liquid that distills off is considered the plant’s essence, while the smaller amount of liquid that remains is the essential oil.
The end product is a highly concentrated, volatile, therapeutic-grade essential oil that harnesses the maximum potency and health benefits. Since essential oils are so highly concentrated, they need to be diluted in order to be safe and effective on the skin. By contrast, lower grade essential oils, (which unfortunately make up the market today) are often extracted through chemical processes or with solvents to increase yield and profit.
Essential oil benefits
Some of the areas essential oils work on:
Psyche & Emotion
Anxiety, stress, low mood, fear, insomnia, nervous system support
Muscular
Aches and pains, arthritis, inflammation, joint discomfort
Detox & Circulation
Digestion, lymphatic flow, circulation, natural cleansing support
Immune Support
Antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, wound support, seasonal wellness
Ayurveda
Supports balance of the doshas: vata, pitta, kapha
Skin & Anti-Aging
Antioxidant, soothing, nourishing, hydrating, natural glow from within
A Natural Prescription
Essential oils can support the body, balance the nervous system, regulate sleep, and promote overall wellbeing. They offer a natural approach to everyday ailments without simply masking discomfort or the side effects often associated with drugs.
Many essential oils are naturally anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and adaptogenic, helping the body respond to stress and restore balance.
As modern life pulls us further toward technology, many of us have become increasingly disconnected from nature. By reaffirming that connection and utilizing the power of botanicals, our path to wellbeing can be deeply supported.