Essential oils have been around for centuries; dating back to the days of the Romans and the Egyptians and has been used throughout the world by different cultures. Its therapeutic benefits have endured the test of time.
The website titled Aromatic Sciences publishes many different articles that discuss the research behind essential oils. It is a great resource for learning about the science behind these powerful natural therapies.
The aromatic effect of essential oils, or aromatherapy, works due to the direct effect that the sense of smell has on the brain and nervous system. We have all experienced this at some point in our lives. That’s why when we smell chocolate chip cookies baking, we can immediately be reminded of those great childhood days at Grandma’s house. That’s why we can smell a cheap cologne and immediately go back to the memories of our first boyfriend. This is also why essential oils and aromatherapy can have such a powerful effect on the brain. Because the nerve responsible for smell, called the Olfactory Nerve, runs directly from the nose to the front part of the brain, called the limbic system. This part of the brain is a big part of our nervous system and who we are as people. In addition to smell/smell, the limbic part of the brain is also responsible for emotions, mood, behavior, long-term memory, and responses to stress. In a nutshell, emotional responses are driven by the limbic system and the memories that accompany the emotions. Therefore, because we activate the olfactory nerve with the aromatic scents of essential oils, we can directly affect the emotional brain, stress responses, and memory. Very powerful stuff!
One of the aromas that I find most powerful is that of grapefruit essential oil. I have used grapefruit daily in water for many months along with its scent due to the effect it has on appetite suppression. Research shows that grapefruit oil increases the activity of sympathetic nerves that innervate fat cells, the adrenal glands (stress), and the kidneys. It also decreased the activity of the nerve to the stomach in rats and mice under investigation. This leads to a decreased appetite and slows down the stomach. Therefore, the effects of grapefruit oil increase the breakdown of fats, increase metabolism and blood pressure, while decreasing the desire to eat food (1). I have noticed this with daily use of grapefruit oil. When I am hungry, I can smell the oil and find that it will help to suppress my appetite. Also, if I drink water with just 1-2 drops of grapefruit essential oil before eating, I eat significantly less. Now I know why!
Source: 1. Olfactory stimulation with grapefruit and lavender oils changes autonomic nerve activity and physiological function. Nagai, Katsuya et al. Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical, Volume 185, 29 – 35
