How we absorb essential oils: inhalation
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet”
What happens when we inhale essential oils?
Essential oils involve odours that affect us at different levels both physically and emotionally.
When we inhale, essential oils enter our nasal cavity, where some can quickly be absorbed into our bloodstream.
In the upper part of the nasal cavity essential oils molecules will interact with our olfactory sensory neurons which send messages to the brain to identify, classify and memorises them. This explains why we associate odours with experiential memories. For example the odour of freshly baked bread out of the oven is a completely different experience than the odourless bread purchased in plastic packaging from the supermarket!
Odours we perceive as pleasant, evoke pleasurable memories and make us feel good, but the opposite is true also. We can perceive an odour as unpleasant because we associate it to an unpleasant event, this can make us feel uncomfortable and even distressed. I have a friend here in the Cook Islands who dislikes the fragrance of frangipani because in her childhood it was the traditional flower used at funerals.
Most inhaled essential oil molecules, around 50-70%, travel down through the respiratory tract to be absorbed into our bloodstream through our lungs.
Once absorbed into the bloodstream the molecules travel around to interact with our body systems distributing their constituents. They end up in our liver where they are broken down by enzymes into water soluble substances to then be eliminated through our urine.
So now you can understand that inhalation an effective way of absorbing essential oils into the body.
What methods are used for inhalation?
It really depends on the purpose. For instance, for respiratory concerns there can be steam inhalation and personal inhaler sticks. For boosting one’s focus at work there can be personal inhaler stick or a pressure point roll-on. For relaxing after a stressful day there are preparations for baths and shower. Even during an aromatic massage we inhale essential oil molecules.
Steam inhalation
This involves putting a few drops of essential oils in a bowl of boiled water, covering your head with a towel whilst leaning over the bowl to breathe in the steam.
Certain physical and stress related concerns can benefit from a solubilised preparation of essential oils used in a hot bath or a shower, where the essential oils can be inhaled as well as absorbed through the skin.
Personal inhaler stick
An inhaler stick is a convenient way to inhale essential oils because you can carry it around in your pocket and inhale whenever you feel the need.
Pressure point roll-ons
These are also a popular choice when it’s not possible or convenient to do a steam inhalation. The essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the inside of both wrists. You then raise your wrists up to your face and inhale deeply. Through this method essential oil molecules are equally absorbed through the skin. This allows for broader concerns such as stress, concentration, migraines, sleep and many more.
Aromatherapy jewellery
These are like little lockets that are worn around the neck and contain a piece of cotton, tissue or wick with a drop of essential oil. They are particularly useful for emotional conditions to help uplift and calm.
Diffusion
Diffusers have become mainstream for ambient mood enhancement in personal or public environments. They can also be used to sanitise the air during seasonal ailments. However they have the advantage or disadvantage of affecting everybody present. As we know, not everybody perceives the same odours in the same way and what relaxes one person may indispose another, or exacerbate asthma. Another element to be aware of is that they tend to be left on and forgotten about. This prolonged contact with volatile molecules builds up in the body and eventually can be the cause of adverse reactions such as headaches, nausea, rhinitis and eye irritations. For these reasons diffusers should be used intermittently. I recommend finding a diffuser which provides intermittent functionality.
Massage
As I already mentioned above, although massage is particularly effective for physical conditions where essential oils are absorbed through the skin, they are also inhaled with added benefits to both body and mind.
So these are some of the options which are discussed during a consultation. The choice will depend on the purpose, the expected outcome and what is convenient and best suits your lifestyle and environment.
