How aromatherapy works

Aromatherapy is a branch of phytotherapy that uses essential oils for physical well-being, harmonization of moods and the development of human potential. An approach that combines scientific rigor and a holistic vision.

Essential oils interact with our body in many ways, both physically and psychologically: they can, for example, penetrate the circulatory system after being absorbed by the skin. When inhaled, they reach the limbic system through nervous system signals or the bloodstream through the lungs.

There are therefore two ways essential oils are absorbed: olfactorily and topically.
Let's see how:

Olfactory route

When inhaled, the oil molecules dissolve in the nasal mucus, produced by the outer tissue of the nose, which contains millions of receptors.
From there, impulses travel along nerve fibers and reach the cranial cavity, where they converge to form the olfactory bulbs and pathways leading directly to the limbic system.
The limbic system, which is directly stimulated, is one of the evolutionarily oldest areas of the brain, controlling memories, instincts, and vital functions.
This is why olfactory stimuli are so evocative and powerful: any other sensory experience takes a much longer path before being registered, and registration occurs in a much more sophisticated area of the brain. At the same time, the molecules participate in gas exchange between the pulmonary alveoli and capillaries, entering the circulatory system.

Cutaneous route

When properly diluted and massaged into the body in the form of a cream, lotion, or in bathwater, essential oils act on the epidermis locally, then penetrate the dermis, the lower layer of the skin that provides elasticity. The dermis is rich in capillaries, so the tiny molecules of the essential oil penetrate the circulatory system.
Unlike chemical substances such as drugs, essential oils do not remain in the body for more than 3-6 hours.

These are the basic mechanisms by which essential oils, true plant-based active ingredients, are so beneficial to us.
They can stimulate us, relax us, soothe pain, contribute to the proper functioning of organs, and promote well-being by awakening long-dormant sensations.
There are many properties, and each chemotype possesses countless ones.

A little curiosity

The term "aromatherapy" was coined by the French chemist Gattefossé in 1928, who discovered the properties of essential oils (already known to many cultures in ancient times) by accident. While working in a perfumery laboratory, he burned his hand and, instinctively, plunged it into the nearest basin, which contained lavender essential oil. His hand healed rapidly, without scarring. Gattefossé thus realized that the healing properties of lavender oil were far superior to those of the synthetic preparations he was working on, and dedicated his research to essential oils and their physical and aromatherapeutic properties.