Scents that heal...
.... and can also kill!
I’ve dabbled with essential oils for many years. I’ve learned which oils blend well and which blends help with which health issues or symptoms.
Only very recently did I read the science behind essential oils in Jodi Cohen’s book “Essential Oils To Boost the Brain and Heal the Body”.
These oils are volatile because their molecules are so super small and light. Thus they float in the air and into our nostrils when we breathe. There we detect them as smell.
It is our olfactory membrane in the nasal cavity that detects smells. This is where the miniscule molecules of essential oils are able to access the brain via the olfactory channel.
The blood/brain barrier is thinnest here and these tiny fat soluble molecules have the ability to cross this protective barrier and bring about healing effects in the brain. For example rosemary oil breathed in to bring about focus. Peppermint to dispel a headache.
Essential oil molecules can also enter the brain indirectly via the blood after they are inhaled into the lungs and penetrate lung tissue. Think eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water to help de-congestion.
And who doesn’t love the relaxing effects of a good aromatherapy massage. The stress relieving properties of chamomile, lavender or ylang ylang come about indirectly via transdermal absorption and inhalation. I’ve calmed a gripey tummy with a rub of lavender oil.
Nature is marvellous… and dangerous!
Recently there was a case in the UK where a dog died from the owner’s use of essential oils in a diffuser. Google will bring up several documented cases of canine poisoning from the use of oils in homes shared with pets.
For every scent receptor a human has, a dog has 50
There are 8 or more known oils toxic to dogs and 21 that are toxic to cats. Cats do not have the enzyme required for the liver to break down the compounds.
When ingested or absorbed through the skin these oils are even more toxic to our furry friends.
The following must be used with extreme caution when you share your home with pets:- scented candles, oil diffusers, incense and room misters.
Take the following precautions:
use your oils passively,
keep them out of reach of your pets,
mop up any spills immediately,
wash your hands well after handling oils,
investigate which are safe to use for the particular pets you have.
Live well and find the happy,
Merryl @ GreenSmoothie.com
P.S. As a pet sitter I need to be aware of the oils I use around my charges.
Did a friend give you this? To receive your own Free newsletters and ebooks to support your healing journey…
Disclaimers: required by US FDA (Food + Drug Administration) and US FTC (Federal Trade Commission): This newsletter is for information only and is not medical advice. Commission may be earned on product links if a purchase is made. Thank you for your support!