HOW ESSENTIAL OILS AFFECT THE BRAIN

Aside from the nice aroma, the inhalation of essential oils is a practice used by many for the physical and psychological benefits that essential oils can provide when they interact with interconnected systems in the body. Aromas can trigger memory recall. Do you remember smelling something that brought back a vivid memory from your childhood or even just an emotional response that you couldn’t quite understand? Essential oils are thought to have therapeutic effects by stimulating the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system in the brain. This is the part of the brain which controls functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.

The olfactory system is the structure of the body responsible for our sense of smell.

It starts in the nose and continues into the brain, where smells are processed and can influence mood and behavior.

When you smell an essential oil the aromas work their way through the olfactory system all the way to the brain, via chemical processes.

There are millions of chemical receptors located in the nose that detect odors and send signals to olfactory bulbs, where those signals are sent along olfactory tracts to the olfactory cortex of the brain

The olfactory cortex in the temporal lobe of the brain is where the processing of these aromas happens and it’s also part of the limbic system, which is responsible for the processing of our emotions, survival instincts and memory formation.

The limbic system contains the hippocampus, hypothalamus and amygdala. The structures in the brain responsible for forming emotional responses and memories, indexing and storing memories, and regulating emotional responses.

Inhaling essential oils for aroatherapy is thought to be able to influence emotions and memories due to the direct connection that the olfactory system has to the limbic system.

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS CAN DO FOR YOU?

We are so excited that you may be interested in our OILS AND SO community! You can become an OILS AND SO member when you purchase the Starters Kits through our shop.

The benefit of joining the OILS AND SO community is that you can share your experiences, ask questions and if desired, start your Young Living business with our support.

You will also receive a handmade gift with any Starter Kit regardless of whether you decide to open a personal or brand partner account. Also, you will enjoy a lifelong 10% discount in our shop.

We would love to welcome you and help you on your oil journey!

Feel free to send us a message or visit our shop to start with your first starterkit!