Aromatherapy Theory

Aromatherapy theory is based on the premise that essential oils containing natural chemical components can affect the body.

Chemical Components

• The main chemical components in essential oils are terpenes (naturally occurring organic compounds in plants) and other molecules based on terpenes and phenylpropane derivatives. These components are responsible for the various effects of aromatherapy: relaxation, pain relief or as an anti-fungal remedy.

Smell

• When your body processes smell, signals go directly to the brain's limbic system. Aromatherapy's effects on the body occur because the limbic system is connected to areas of the brain that control blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.

Topical Application

• When you apply essential oils to the skin, they are absorbed into the lymphatic system, which gets them into the bloodstream where they can affect the body.

Active Ingredients

• The quality of an essential oil is based on its content of active ingredients (chemical components). In some parts of the aromatherapy industry, adulteration or dilution of essential oils is common, making them less effective.

Considerations

• Aromatherapy theory is being refined as more research is conducted to learn how essential oils work.