Even when Essential oils are inhaled only, say in form of a steam inhalation for a cold or as a fumigator for a background “psychological” effect, oils will be absorbed across mucous membranes of Respiratory Tract and lungs into blood stream, where once again, they can travel around body very rapidly.

If Essential Oils are taken orally, their absorption through Mucosa of stomach and into blood is very rapid. Very few essential oils are actually ‘digested’, which is fortunate as their Therapeutic principles may well be altered if this were case.

The reason why Essential Oils behave in this manner in body is because molecules of which they are composed are organic molecules and very small indeed. Below are some of more common Therapeutic Properties which can be obtained by using Essential Oils.

SOME THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF ESSENTIAL OILS

1. ANTISEPTIC All essential oils are to a greater or lesser extent ANTISEPTIC. This is one of their most important and valuable properties. This broad description of ANTISEPSIS includes anti viral, antifungal, anti-bacterial and general anti-microbial activity which is found in such oils as: Lemon, Thyme, Tea Tree, Garlic, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon, Pine, Lavender and Sandalwood.

2. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Oils with this property help to ease inflammation. The symptoms of inflammation are typified by pain, redness, swelling, and partial or total loss of function of tissue involved. Examples of oils with this property are Chamomile, Rose, Lavender, Sandalwood, Myrrh and Benzoin.

3. CYTOPHYLACTIC Restoration of tissue function and regeneration of cells is another outstanding property of essential oils. Oils such as Pine, Basil and Rosemary are known to restore function to adrenal glands, Jasmine, Cypress, and Ylang Ylang restore function of reproductive endocrine glands, lavender and chamomile stimulate cell regeneration in skin.

4. SEDATIVE Essential oils may also have a pronounced effect on nervous system by producing relaxation, pain relief and relieving muscle spasm. Oils with these properties include Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Geranium and Ylang Ylang.

However, most outstanding property possessed by essential oils is their antiseptic/antigenetic properly.

This is well documented in Dr Jean Valnet's book, "The Practice of Aromatherapy" and he discusses at length effects of specific oils in relation to control of extremely virulent microbes like Meningitis bacteria, Golden Staphylococcus bacteria and typhoid bacteria.

In your Reading for Week One, in Chapter entitled "The Healing Power of Plants", from Valnet's book, there are extensive references to many ways in which essential oils can affect physical body.

It is critical to your full understanding and appreciation of Essential Oil Therapy that you appreciate ways in which essential oils can have both a healing and preventive role in diseases involving invasion of body by microbes.

With Olfactory Nerve there is no relay station - stimuli goes straight to part of Central Nervous System called LIMBIC SYSTEM, and response is instant. Furthermore, message cannot be blocked by conscious mind.

The interesting and exciting aspect of this use of Essential Oil Therapy is that different essential oils produce different responses. Some affect higher thought processes in Cerebral Cortex by altering electrical activity of different Cortical areas, and some affect Hormone Producing cells in Limbic System. These ‘Brain Hormones’ will then either effect mental and emotional responses of Brain itself, or will be released into blood stream from where they may be carried to distant organs to produce desired effect on body chemistry.

AROMATHERAPY & THE MIND

ANXIETY: Benzoin, Chamomile, Cypress, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang.

DEPRESSION: Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Frankincense, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Patchouli, peppermint, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang.

ANGER: Chamomile, Melissa, Rose, Ylang-Ylang.

APATHY: Jasmine, Juniper, Patchouli, Rosemary.

CONFUSION: Basil, Cypress, Frankincense, Peppermint, Patchouli.

DWELLING ON THE PAST: Benzoin, Frankincense.

FEAR: Basil, Clary, Jasmine, Juniper.

GRIEF: Hyssop, Marjoram, Rose.

HYPERSENSITIVE: Chamomile, Jasmine, Melissa,

IMPATIENCE/IRRITABILITY: Chamomile, Camphor, Marjoram, Frankincense.

JEALOUSY : Rose, Ylang Ylang.

PANIC: Chamomile, Clary, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Neroli, ylang-ylang.

SHOCK: Camphor, Melissa, Neroli.

SUSPICION: Lavender, Rose

EUPHORICS These oils stimulate secretion of ENKEPHALINS from THALAMUS to produce a euphoric effect and to lift or enhance mood.Clary Sage, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Rose Otto.

APHRODISIACS These oils stimulate secretion of ENDORPHINS from PITUITARY GLAND to produce emotional warmth, and sex hormone activity. Clary Sage, Jasmine, Patchouli, Ylang-Ylang. REGULATORS These oils stimulate secretion of VARIOUS HORMONAL SUBSTANCES from HYPOTHALAMUS to regulate 'moods' and hormonal secretions. Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Rosewood.

MEMORY/MENTAL STIMULANTS These oils stimulate AMYGDALA AND HIPPOCAMPUS in brain which are associated with 'higher' brain functions, of thought and memory. Black Pepper, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary.

SEDATIVES These oils aid sleep, relax and lower hyperfunction in body by stimulating secretion of SERATONIN from RAPHE NUCLEUS in brain. Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram, Orange Blossom.

INVIGORATORS These oils increase energy and body functions by stimulating secretion of NORADRENALINE from LOCUS CERULEUS of brain Cardamom, Juniper, Lemongrass, Rosemary.