The digestive system:
The digestive action of essential oils is due to their sense of smell.
Stimulation of the olfactory organ results in increased secretion of digestive juices and thus increased absorption and assimilation of food
Several essences like camphor, cinnamon, fennel, marjoram, and rosemary have a laxative effect and thus relieve constipation. They strengthen intestinal contractions.
The lymphatic system:
It plays an important role in fighting infection. It stimulates leucocytosis, an increase in number of white blood corpuscles.
Oils have strong phagocytic power that is engulfing of foreign microbes and bacteria. Bergamot, lemon and lavender are effective. They should be inhaled and must not be taken orally. They are powerful antiseptics and they have the ability to stimulate the natural defence of body against infection. They help to prevent infection in case of epidemic. They can also be used as air purifiers
The reproductive system:
Essential oils like bergamot and sandalwood effectively control venereal disease owing to their anti-bacterial action.
Jasmine and juniper applied in compresses to the lower abdomen or massaged on the lower back stimulate uterine contractions and help in a fast and painless labour.
Amenorrhoea: This is the absence of menstruation. Sage and juniper are helpful in restoring a balance.
Heavy periods: Rose and lemon are good regulators of menstrual cycle.
Dysmenorrhoea: Some women experience a degree of discomfort at the beginning of their menstrual flow. It takes the form of headaches, abdominal cramps and backaches. A few drops of lavender mixed with a tablespoon of almond oil massaged on the stomach and lower back give relief.
The nervous system:
Essential oils simulates the nervous system directly.
Camomile, peppermint and lavender have a sedative effect. They are useful in controlling hysteria, insomnia and states of nervousness. cedarwood, cinnamon, fennel, lemon and ylang ylang have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and are good for depression. Rosemary and bhrami (gotu kota ) are good for improving the memory.
Cardio-vascular system:
Oils like calamus cause an increased dilation of splenic vessels which is an important factor in regulating blood pressure. To stimulate circulation and to raise body temperature, benzoin, camphor, cinnamon, juniper, sage is used. The neroli is useful in palpitations and heart spasms.
Camphor oil is a cardiac stimulant and vasco constrictor and it helps to raise the low blood pressure.
Respiratory system:
Some oils have an antispasmodic effect resulting in a increase of respiratory volume and decrease in blood pressure.
Camphor oil is a respiratory stimulant and is good for treating asthma. Eucalyptus and lemon oil have an expectorant action during breathless fits. Bergamot oil is effective against diphtheria. Garlic oil and camphor oil are useful in treating pneumonia. Cinnamon, eucalyptus or black pepper fights influenza effectively. Treatment is through inhalation and aromatic baths.
Endocrine system:
Two ways in which essential oils work on endocrine system are:
They act as quasi-hormones
They can stimulate glands, regulating hormonal imbalance.
The plant hormones known as phytohormones are safer and more effective than animal hormones in natural cosmetic preparations. Excessive use of animal hormone causes puffiness of skin.
Phytohormones are contained in the essential oils of plants and in pollen extracts.
Posted in: Aromatherapy,Essential oils