Essential oils and aromatherapy - Why it really works

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Essential oils, oil or} {Insert name of the plant are the most concentrated and pure "essence" of the plant. This essence is most often the aroma or taste of the plant, such as cinnamon oil used for cooking oil, lavender or used in aromatherapy - essential oil captures a form other than a characteristic of certain plants, and depending on the plant can be a versatile solution for different applications

Extraction of essential oils rnThere are different methods by which essential oils are obtained. The most common is known as "distillation." In this technique, the origin of oil (flower petals, fruit skin, etc.) is steamed at high temperatures. The high temperatures release the oil, which then evaporates or is mixed with steam. The vapor is collected, condensed and essential oil separates. Another common method is called "cold pressing" of the plant. This is the same way you get the olive oil, and is most often used to extract the oils of citrus.

Aromatherapy rnAromatherapy is the application of essential oils and other aromatic compounds to alter a person's mind, mood, cognitive status, or health. The olfactory (smell) is a more powerful influence on the brain. Just as certain smells can make a person nauseous, trigger vivid memories, or introduce a greater sense of awareness, but also have a powerful influence on mood and mental state - especially stress. We all know that mental stress takes a toll on us, but many people are unaware of how stress can be harmful in the body. A study by UCLA scientists made a strong physical connection between emotions and stress with the health of a person. "When the body is under stress, which increases production of cortisol to support a" fight or flight "response. If the hormone remains elevated in the bloodstream for long periods of time, however, wears out the immune system. "- Rita Effros, author of the study People who constantly live a lifestyle of high stress tend to develop a greater number and severity of disease. But to find ways to block or control stress tend to live happier lives and healthier.

Therein lies the potential of aromatherapy - treat underlying cause or factor improvement of a disease instead of symptoms. The main mechanism that links the emotions to physical health is the limbic system, a component of central nervous system that controls many hormones and neurotransmitters released into the body. The limbic system is also the point of reception of olfactory cues from the nose. This explains the relationship between aromas, attitudes and health.