The Sensorial Effect of Aromatherapy on the Brain
By: Julianna Ancmon
Aromatherapy Explained
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to improve mental, physical, and emotional health. It is a type of natural health care and a holistic approach to overall wellness. Recently, aromatherapy has become popular amongst individuals seeking a natural lifestyle. It is a practice that involves using essential oils aromatically, topically, and sometimes internally. Research suggests that aromatherapy may help to improve ailments such as pain management, digestive issues, improve mood, boost relaxation, and so much more.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are living amongst us and are found within nature. According to WebMD, “Essential oils are made from flower, herb, and tree parts, like bark, roots, peels, and petals. The cells that give a plant its fragrant smell are its ‘essence.’ When an essence is extracted from a plant, it becomes an essential oil.” Essential oils smell beautiful however, some individuals turn to essential oils as an alternative approach to health care maintenance. It takes a lot of plant material to create an essential oil. Oil is only considered 100% pure if nothing else is blended in with it. For example, it may take up to 200 pounds of lavender to make one pound of oil. dōTERRA Essential Oils explains how essential oils are made, “They are distilled from the plant and isolated in a pure yield using various collection methods (steam distillation, cold pressing, solvent extractions, etc.).”
How to Use Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used in many ways. Some of the most popular ways to use essential oils are aromatically, topically, and sometimes internally (check with your healthcare provider). Healthline.com suggests…
Aromatherapy works through the sense of smell and skin absorption using products such as these:
- diffusers
- aromatic spritzers
- inhalers
- bathing salts
- body oils, creams, or lotions for massage or topical application
- facial steamers
- hot and cold compresses
- clay masks
You can use these alone or in any combination.
Sensorial Effect on the Brain
The most popularly common way to use essential oils is by using a diffuser. An essential oil diffuser combines water with any selected oil. Lifestyle Packaging explains, “An electric, ultrasonic, diffuser dispenses essential oils into the air through vibrations of a plate which causes ultrasonic waves, creating microscopic particles of oils which disperse into the air.” As ultrasonic waves and microscopic particles flood the air, the human olfactory senses kick into action. According to the National Library of Medicine, Timothy K.H. Fung explains,
“The olfactory system is unique among the sensory systems for having direct anatomical and functional links with the limbic system. Thus, olfactory stimuli can have a strong effect on mood. The second putative mechanism of action is direct penetration of EO molecules via the olfactory nerve into connected brain areas and the induction of cellular and molecular events. The third potential pathway is the alveolar absorption of EO molecules into the blood circulation, crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to interact with specific brain regions.”
Therefore, essential oils have a significant impact on the function of the brain and how it regulates the limbic system. This sheds light on why some individuals choose to use essential oils as an alternative approach to health care, skincare, and overall wellness. Sight may be our number one sense, but smell certainly plays a huge role in directing and orchestrating the functions of the brain. Just imagine, soothing lavender essential oil particles resting in the crevices of your brain. Demonstrating the fact that essential oils are used as an alternative and holistic approach to modern medical practices. Afterall, the brain is the main center of our entire human existence. By using essential oils, individuals can enhance their moods, sleep patterns, emotions and more.
What are the Best Essential Oils on the Market?
When shopping for essential oils, it is important to research how a company collects, tests and packages their oils. Unfortunately, a lot of essential oil companies adulterate essential oils by adding alcohols, diluents, perfumes, water and more… Below is a list of the best rated essential oil companies according to the Tech Edvocate Organization,
To help guide you, here is our list of the 13 best essential oil brands:
1. doTERRA
doTERRA is a well-known brand that offers high-quality essential oils. They source their oils from plants grown in their native environments and follow strict quality control methods.
2. Young Living
Young Living is another popular essential oil brand that prioritizes quality and sustainability. They have a unique Seed to Seal process that helps ensure the production of high-quality oils.
3. Plant Therapy
Plant Therapy offers a vast selection of pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils that are rigorously tested for quality. They are also committed to educating consumers about the safe use of essential oils.
4. Aura Cacia
Aura Cacia is known for providing natural and organic essential oils that are ethically sourced and tested for purity. With a focus on sustainability, this brand is an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.
5. Rocky Mountain Oils
Rocky Mountain Oils strives to create high-quality essential oils by carefully selecting plant materials and using proper extraction methods. They also offer blends specifically designed for various wellness needs.
6. Edens Garden
Edens Garden boasts a wide variety of essential oils made from hand-selected, organically grown plants. Their dedication to quality is evident in their commitment to third-party testing and environmental responsibility.
7. NOW Foods
NOW Foods has been a trusted brand in the natural products industry for decades, offering affordable yet high-quality essential oils that have been thoroughly tested for purity and potency.
8. Mountain Rose Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs sources their organic essential oils from ethical trade partnerships and small family farms. With a commitment to environmental conservation and fair-trade practices, this brand is an excellent choice for those looking for ethically produced oils.
9. Art Naturals
Art Naturals offers a wide selection of essential oils sourced from sustainable farms and rigorously tested for quality. Their commitment to plant-based remedies makes their oils a great option for natural wellness enthusiasts.
10. Aromatics International
Aromatics International carries a range of essential oils sourced from small, artisan distillers. They prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, making them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
11. Florihana
Florihana is a French brand known for their high-quality essential oils made using unique, cold-press extraction techniques. They are committed to sustainable farming practices and provide detailed information on each oil’s origin.
12. REVIVE Essential Oils
REVIVE offers pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils that are third-party tested and responsibly sourced. With affordable pricing and a strong dedication to quality, REVIVE is a popular choice among essential oil enthusiasts.
13. Ananda Apothecary
Ananda Apothecary sources their pure essential oils from artisan distillers around the world. They employ rigorous testing methods to ensure the highest quality possible and offer an extensive selection of unique and rare oils.
Essential Oil Safety
If you are looking for an alternative to health care, skin care options or just overall wellbeing, essential oils may be just what you are looking for! It is extremely important that you consult your primary care provider if you are curious about essential oils for your own health care concerns. The above list is just a suggestion of the top-rated essential oils on the current market. When approaching life with a holistic outlook, make sure you research the essential oil company you are considering purchasing from. The best essential oils come from companies that require rigorous testing and regulations before they hit the market. Regardless of an essential oils scent, it is essential to understand whether the oil is 100% pure or if it has been altered.
Works Cited:
[1] https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/aromatherapy-overview
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-aromatherapy#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
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