Essential oils enter the body in two ways.

• via inhalation

• via topical application

Inhalation

Inhalation is the fastest route for essential oils to enter the mind, body, and spirit. When we inhale an aroma, it will pass through the nasal cavity, pass behind the eyes into the olfactory nerve which then passes into the olfactory bulb where our sense of smell is created. From there the aroma passes into the limbic system in the brain where memories and emotions are formed. The limbic system comprises a set of structures within the brain that are regarded by scientists as playing a major role in controlling mood, memory, behaviour,and emotion. It is often regarded as being the old, or primitive, part of the brain, because these same structures were present within the brains of the very first mammals. Knowing this helps us to understand why smell plays such an important role in memory, mood, and emotion.

Our sense of smell can affect how we feel and remind us of memories. Inhalation of essential oils can trigger a sense of calm, lightness, cheerfulness and encourage a meditative state of mind.