Tiny molecules of essential oils are taken into the body in two ways – by osmosis (through the skin) and by olfaction (breathing them in).
Essential oils and osmosis (external application)
When essential oils (dissolved in a carrier oil) are applied externally via massage, the tiny molecules are absorbed through the skin and reach small blood vessels. They are then carried to the muscle tissue and joint via the blood stream to reach all the tissues and organs. The oils are then excreted through the kidneys and bladder, skin, and exhaled through the lungs.
Essential oils and olfaction (inhalation)
When essential oils are inhaled, the molecules are absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the lungs, which affects the entire respiratory system, and are absorbed by the olfactory nerves through the nose, where they travel directly to the limbic system that deals with integration and expression of feelings, learning, memory, emotions and physical drives. Once they reach the limbic system, they trigger the release of neuro-chemicals which may be sedative, relaxing, stimulating or euphoric in effect.
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