How Aromatherapy Works...

Most people do not realize that essential oils which are the basis of aromatherapy enter the blood stream of the body via skin absorption or inhalation and act as catalysts to create balance in the cells and organs.

This is a simplified journey with a molecule of essential oil through the body:

• To begin, the molecules of oil are small due to the distillation process. Their small size and the polarity determine how fast the oil molecule will penetrate through the outer layer of skin, the epidermis. They often go through via a hair follicle or sweat gland. The oil molecule then travels to the dermis and enters the blood capillaries there. Eventually it passes to the arteries and veins throughout the body. As the oil molecule moves through the blood stream, it finds the right cell receptor for binding. For example, a molecule of Rosemary travels to cell receptors on the liver. Finding the right cell receptor, it acts to regenerate and balance this vital organ. The oil molecule will leave the body in 4 to 24 hours. Usually, it is processed by the liver to become water-soluble. It then moves out of the body through the kidneys into the urine. This is an amazing gift from God that we have been bestowed. To imagine and realize that essential oils are so smart in frequency that they can find the correct cell receptor that needs its qualities of healing surpasses any lab created medicine.

Skin absorption factors:

• Skin Hydration - A hot bath or shower can increase the absorption of essential oils.
• Occlusions - Covering the skin with clothes, bandages etc. will increase the temperature and absorption of essential oils
• Temperature - Warmth of air or water increases blood capillary circulation and absorption of essential oils. Heat due to exercise increases absorption also.

Olfactory: the inhalation of Essential oils:

The other main path for essential oils to enter the body is through the olfactory system. As a person inhales the essential oil, the molecule of oil goes up into the back of each nostril to the postage size Epithelium patch. The molecules attach to receptors on the cilia hairs in the nose space. They turn into nerves on the other side of the mucous patch, which sends the odor info on to the olfactory bulb. This means the essential oil itself is not sent to the brain, but instead a neural translation of the complex essential oils. The millions of nerves enter through the bone to the olfactory bulb and merge into two large nerves that go back to the limbic brain in the inner center of the head. The right nerve goes back to the Amygdala, a center for emotions in the limbic system. There the aromatic info is connected to the emotions of the situation.

Because the limbic system is directly connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, scents can have physiological and psychological effects.

Essential oils are also absorbed through the skin when directly applied, such as with massage. They then travel into the lymphatic system, which circulates them into the blood stream, where again they can have physiological effects.

For example, a person smells a bouquet of fragrant roses and suddenly receives traumatic news; they will always have an uneasy feeling about the smell of these flowers. The opposite effect is true as well, if one were expressing fresh squeezed orange juice and surprised by their partner with acts of affection, they will smile inwardly every time they smell oranges.

The nerve information is sent on from the Amygdala to the Hippocampus, a center for short term memory in the Limbic system. So, right away, the smell, emotion, and memory are commingled, as they are stored in the Limbic system. Then this information goes on to the Hypothalamus for long-term memory. It is passed on to the Pituitary or master gland and eventually the whole endocrine system.

I hope this informative was able to guide you gently into the realms of natural health and wellness through Aromatherapy.


Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist serving as the Master Aromatherapist at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Charleston, SC. Heather also teaches aromatherapy to health practitioners, professionals in the medical field, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners throughout United States.

In her private practice, Heather assists her clients in addressing issues and obtaining wellness and prevention through the natural medicine of essential oils. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling. Aroma Pharmica is located on James Island, SC. 843.330.5941 On-line at http//:www.aroma-pharmica.com

Healing through Nature, with Nature, by Nature, Naturally!

Is it a phase or fad, something that only “those people” use? The answer is No. The art of Aromatherapy has been used for tens of thousands of years; it is not new to this world. The ancestry of this practice is entrenched in history as the earliest people discovered by chance that some of the leaves, berries, roots and flowers gathered for food actually made sick people feel better, while the juices from some of these plants made wounds heal faster. The art and science of using plant oil in treatment is a brief definition of aromatherapy. It is a truly holistic therapy that takes into account and heals three vital aspects of a person: mind, body and spirit.

Many do not realize that by simply walking in nature has aromatherapeutic effects, inherently our daily lives are inundated with the presence of aromatherapy. The feeling that occurs when one smells a rose happens to be an aromatherapeutic experience, it is a gentle but potent antidepressant, instantly bringing a feeling of calm into their world. If one were to rub a petal in between their fingers, a slight amount of oil would be released and absorbed through the skin, creating a mind, body, spirit encounter. Another fine example of common occurrence would be when twigs from certain bushes or trees are thrown onto a fire for fuel. The smoke and aromas they give off have changed the emotional states of people such as feelings of happiness, security, drowsiness and so on. Also when one cooks with fresh herbs, aromatic molecules are released and inhaled thus healing oneself naturally through nature.

Essential oils are the base in which aromatherapy is applied to heal, repair and shift perception. One of the best ways to effectively receive the benefits of essential oils is to use skincare products blended with pure unadulterated oils. There are essential oils that have constituents for anti-aging, rejuvenating, cleansing, toning, soothing and balancing the skin. Facial products that offer essential oils in the mix give the user added advantages as their skin will receive complementary benefits and their mind and spirit will also gain vast healing by nature.

Essential oils are part of nature’s handiwork. One can not expect to change the world, yet one can change their immediate environment, however; the actions that are put into play create a wave of energy or vibration that extends out into the world, thus creating change or awareness. In the aspect of healing through nature, with nature, by nature, naturally, an awareness is being created that one can truly live a life based on the knowledge that one can use an array of holistic methods to maintain and promote a healthy lifestyle while contributing to the greater good of our planet.

For centuries, people have been committed to healing themselves and others through the power of flowers, leaves, berries, roots and bark in the simple practice of aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is simply a fragrant lens which provides physical healing to the body, a window to spiritual nature and balance to the human emotions. Experience the insight and wisdom of true holistic aromatherapy from certified practitioners and let nature be an intricate part of daily life.

Heather A. Howell is a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist serving as the Master Aromatherapist at Aroma Pharmica, an Organic Skincare Company and Seeking Indigo, a Holistic Wellness Oasis in Charleston, SC. Heather also teaches aromatherapy to health practitioners, professionals in the medical field, massage therapists and other healing modality practitioners throughout United States. In her private practice, Heather assists her clients in addressing issues and obtaining wellness and prevention through the natural medicine of essential oils. Life with 3 incredible children based on holistic living and nature is rewarding and fulfilling. Aroma Pharmica is located on James Island, SC. 843.330.5941 On-line at http//:www.aroma-pharmica.com

May Chang :: Litsea cubeba and how it made its way to me

Okay, so I am a blending temptress of essential oils today in the studio. Ipod blasting in my ear, dancing and receiving healing energy from these oils. I love when the heavens open and I am blessed with breakthroughs and aha moments for my clients and especially myself.

As I began working on a blend for a client who is suffering from PTSD, I am given a gift of healing. Research done, essential oil components done, blending begins. When I am finished, I realized that this blend is not for my client, but for myself. You see, I am reading "Summer's Path" by Scott Blum. This story allowed me to rediscover that we as human beings store our negative emotions in our cells and organs. To make a long story short, Essential oils have the power to erase receptor sites and cells clean, fresh, new. With this ability, we have to be ready to release these emotions and traumas of yesteryear. I had an aha moment when this blend was created and now another healing journey begins for me.

So later in the day, I am formulated for another client who wants to love themselves and wants to embrace who they really are. With this case, May Chang came onto the radar, along with Jasmine, Helichrysum, Angelica, Blue Tansy, and a few more.

May Chang is refreshing and rejuvenating. Stimulating and balancing. Its aroma inspires and brings fresh energy; clears the mind. May Chang says, stop allowing yourself to be overlooked. It stimulates your will which creates the power to rise above your circumstance. Only you can create change, the change that you so want for yourself.

So I then decided that my family could use a little May Chang in our lives, so I blended it into a kitchen dish and hand liquid soap. There will be no "poor me" or "why me" mentality in my household. We are here to be the best us we can be. When life gives me lemons, I make the best dang lemonade this side of the tracks. I'll keep you posted on the results. You are always welcome to visit the store and learn more about nature's healing medicine.

Until then, sweet kisses and aromatic wishes...