Essential Oils

For as far back as archeologists can determine, man has been fascinated by the seemingly magical potency of aroma. Our ancestors depended upon their sense of smell for survival, using their highly developed sense of smell not only to avoid danger, but also to select culinary and medicinal plants.

Aromatic plants, herbs and resins were used throughout the ancient world for their mood altering properties to either uplift or relax. The most precious of these created euphoria, leading to mystical states of consciousness. Records dating back to 4500 BC describe the use of aromatic plants for religious rituals and medicinal applications. The essential oils of frankincense, myrrh, lotus, sandalwood and cedarwood were used in ancient Egyptian purification and embalming rituals. Judeo-Christian religious texts and records indicate that essential oils were used to treat virtually every ailment then known to man. Oils of cinnamon, lemon and clove were used as antiseptics long before our modern day synthetic products. At least 30% of todayÕs prescription drugs are based on plant derived compounds.

So What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are aromatic, volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. The term essential oil is derived from the medieval Latin phrase coined by Paracelsus in the 16th century - quinta essentia - the quintessence of the plant. The oils, like the blood flowing through our veins, are the essence of the plant. When properly distilled and preserved, they have their own energy-force and vibrational quality and are among the most powerful therapeutic agents known to man.

Essential oils are complex substances, often containing between 80-300 or more separate chemical constituents that work synergistically to produce their therapeutic and mood enhancing effects. Over 1,000 different compounds have been isolated from essential oils, but there are still a great many components which have yet to be isolated, named and understood. The oils are non-reductionist in that when the active constituents are separated, their therapeutic effects are actually diminished due to the synergistic way that nature has constructed them, and they cannot be synthesised in the laboratory.

The therapeutic value of an essential oil lies in the quality of the plant, where it is grown, how it is harvested in addition to its distillation, packaging, storage and shipping process. It is the distillation process that makes an essential oil highly concentrated- from 100 to 10,000 times more potent than the plant itself because often an entire plant is used to extract just one drop of distilled essential oil. Oils extracted on the first distillation are naturally more potent than those extracted on the second or third attempts. High temperatures and pressure during the extraction process can also cause the fragile aromatic molecules to fracture, thus reducing their therapeutic potency.

Many poor quality essential oils marketed today are adulterated, engineered or 'extended' with the use of synthetic chemicals to make them smell and look good. However, these oils can only be identified by state-of-the-art gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance and not by an unsuspecting and untrained consumerÕs nose!

There are two main bodies that regulate the chemical profile and principal constituents of therapeutic grade essential oils. These are AFNOR (Association French Normalisation Organisation Regulation) and ISO (International Standards Organization).

At Learning Discoveries, we only use and recommend therapeutic grade essential oils that comply with AFNOR standards.

Application of Essential Oils

There are three therapeutic frameworks for the application of essential oils- English, French and German.

The English model favours using a blend of essential oils for massage to relieve stress and increase relaxation. The oils are diluted in a base or carrier oil compatible with therapeutic needs. Dilution does not alter the penetrative power of essential oils because they are lipid (fat) soluble and pass through cellular membranes easily. This quick absorption through the skin rapidly disperses the oil throughout the body within minutes and its effects on internal organs and at the emotional and spiritual levels creates a feeling of wellness of spirit. Unlike mineral oils, essential oils and vegetable oils enter and leave the body quite readily, leaving behind no toxins.

The French model advocates the ingestion and neat (undiluted) topical application of therapeutic grade essential oil. French practitioners have found the ingestion of oils to be particularly beneficial. A common method of internal use is to add a few drops of essential oil to a piece of bread, honey, stevia or blue agave nectar.

For topical application, it is highly recommended to test a drop of the oil on a small patch of skin on the underside of the forearm before applying it in bigger quantities to larger areas. Certain oils have their specific applications and contra-indications. Before using an essential oil for the first time, always ensure that a patch test is undertaken to rule out any allergenic reactions - we are all unique beings and have unique reactions.

The German model of application focuses on the inhalation of essential oils either directly or through a cold-air diffuser. The compelling power of aroma has long been recognized and depends upon its chemical composition. At the molecular level, the vibratory rate of the essential oils can compliment that of the human energy field or aura, enhancing, extending and in effect, energising it.

As with the other senses (hearing, sight, touch and taste), there are widespread differences in sensitivity to smells throughout the population. In general, women appear to be more sensitive to the sense of smell (in absolute terms), and more responsive to its various aromas (in terms of self-reports and other behaviour).

The powerful and rapid healing effects of essential oils are due in part to the interconnection of the olfactory and limbic systems.

The Olfactory System

(Diagram from Nutrition Care Bulletin , Vol. 10, Issue 4, May 2002)

The olfactory system is more sensitive in discriminating different smells than our sense of taste. We have about 10 million smell receptors with which to receive odours and fragrance. Airborne molecules that can be dissolved in either water or oil are likely candidates for sensation by our olfactory system.

The olfactory system is one of the first nerve systems to completely develop in utero. During the seventh week of gestation, the embryo develops remarkably. It is during this period of growth that the telencephalon (the most forward part of the embryonic brain) develops the olfactory lobes which ultimately produce the riencephalon (the limbic lobes which process our olfactory sense). The riencephalon is the oldest part of the brain phylogenetically, and is that part of the brain that is the seat of our emotional selves.

It is through this intimate connection between the olfactory system and our emotions that it is possible for a particular odour or fragrance to stimulate the instantaneous recall of emotionally-charged memories.

Airborne scent molecules are drawn up and into the nose by the force of a person's inhalation. They then pass up through the nasal cavity to a point below and behind the eyes, where they encounter the olfactory epithelium in the nasal mucosa (membranes that secrete protective mucous). It is here that the scent molecules encounter the receptor cells that detect smells and initiate transduction. These receptor cells are notable in that they are one of the few kinds of neurons capable of regeneration in adult mammals.

The axons of the receptor cells penetrate directly into the skull and combine to form the two separate olfactory nerves which terminate in the corresponding olfactory bulbs.

From the olfactory bulbs, smell impulses bypass the thalamus (unlike other sensory neurons) and travel directly to the olfactory cortex in the temporal lobe or to the limbic system (especially the hypothalamus). These centres may be involved in why we accept or reject food based on its smell.

The Limbic System

The limbic system consists of a group of cellular structures located between the brainstem and the cortex. It is often referred to as the emotional brain.

Functions of the limbic system:-

• Maintaining homeostasis - body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugar levels
• Controls appetite and sleep cycles
• Strongly linked to emotional reactions that have to do with survival
• Sets the emotional tone of the mind
• Filters external events to internal states (creates emotional colouring)
• Ear marks events as internally important
• Stores highly charged emotional memories
• Modulates motivation
• Promotes bonding
• Directly processes the sense of smell (which is why essential oils can be so effective)
• Modulates libido

The limbic system has two key components - the hypothalamus (below the thalamus) and the pituitary gland.

The hypothalamus (hormone control centre of the body) regulates eating, drinking, sleeping, waking, body temperature, balance and many other functions. Through a combination of electrical and chemical messages, it directs the pituitary gland - the master gland of the body.

Problems with the limbic system include:

• Moodiness, irritability and clinical depression
• Increased negative thinking
• Negative perceptions of events
• Decreased motivation
• Appetite and sleep problems
• Increased or decreased sexual responsiveness
• Social isolation

Many of today's diseases and ailments can be attributed to limbic system dysfunction. Research has shown that the molecular composition of essential oils can have powerful effects on the brain- especially on the hypothalamus which controls the subjective response from memories, feelings and moods, triggering the limbic system to signal the release of neurotransmitters.

Essential oils that are high in sesquiterpenes can dramatically increase oxygenation and activity in the brain. Scent molecules of a specific vibrational frequency enter through the olfactory nerve and the characteristic vibration frequency of the molecule specifically affects the receptors by disrupting particular chemical bonds (Wright 1977 & 1982). These then transduce into a characteristic pattern of electrochemical activity which the brain interprets as specific odours. Cortical mapping studies by Kolb and Whitshaw in 1990 suggest that smell information seems to fit an association with social and sexual behaviour.

Gattefose, a French chemist, in the early part of the twentieth century, documented the psychological and neurological effects of the essential oils and foreshadowed today's wholistic approach to treating people.

For what conditions can Essential Oils be used?

Essential oils can impact both physical and mental conditions. On the physiological level essential oils have been used to stimulate immune function, improve digestion, manage pain and regenerate damaged tissue. Certain oils have also been known to combat infectious diseases by killing viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.

On a psychological level, the oils can have a stimulating or calming and sedative effect. The essential oils have been used successfully as an adjunctive therapy with victims of trauma and adults with self esteem and motivation issues. Based upon the known neuroendocrine dynamics of essential oils, they can help alter and regulate the neurological and hormonal functions of several cerebral centres. For example, by stimulation of several endocrine pivots, essential oils promote the production and release of specific neurotransmitters and hormones that help counteract the neuro-endocrine homeostatic imbalance so often involved in depression and anxiety disorders, and aid to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system.

Benefits of Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are unique because they impact both the body and mind.

Versatile to use (inhalation, topical application or ingestion).

With regular use, essential oils have a balancing effect on the body and prevents the development of disharmony and disease in the body.

A gentle and sensitive alternative to the dangers of synthetic drugs, which have caused an increasing number of adverse side-effects, allergic reactions, drug-dependence and addictions in many people.

Can complement allopathic medicine and other forms of natural therapy including counselling, nutritional supplementation, herbal medicine and neurofeedback or other forms of intervention.

Can be used by all ages.

Summary

Essential oils have a very wide range of medicinal and therapeutic properties, and there are many ailments which can be aided by these most natural of all plant medicines. The subtle healing properties of essential oils operate on a higher plane than chemical drugs, having a powerful effect on the body, psyche and the emotions.

At Learning Discoveries, we work with you as an individual within a wholistic framework. We only use and recommend therapeutic grade essential oils that comply with AFNOR standards. Essential oils truly are the missing link in health care today and a most wonderful and pleasant path to health and well being in healing the mind, body and the spirit.

To order your Essential Oils please CLICK HERE

Disclaimer - The information contained in this article is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Any person on medication or with a condition requiring medical attention should consult a suitably qualified practitioner or therapist before using essential oils.

Article References:

Essential Science Publication (2007): "Essential Oils Desk Reference" www.essentialscience.net

David Stewart (2007), The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple www.essentialscience.net

Wright, R.H. (1977), Odour and Molecular Vibration: Neural Coding of Olfactory Information. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 64, 473-502.

Wright, R.H. (1982), The sense of Smell. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida.

Sternberg, R.J., (1994), In Search of The Human Mind. Harcort Brace Publishers, New York, NY.

Kolb, B., and Whitshaw, I.Q., (1990), Fundamentals of Human Psychology (3rd ed.) Freeman Publishers. New York, NY.

Bardeau, F., (1976), La Medicine Aromatique, Robert Laffont, Paris.

Grieves, M., (1979) A Modern Herbal, Jonathan Cape, London.

Worwood, V.A., (1990), The Fragrant Pharmacy, Macmillan Ltd, London, UK.

Worwood, V.A., (1997), The Fragrant Mind - Bantam, London, UK.

Worwood, V.A., (1999), The Fragrant Heavens - Transworld Publishers, London.