When a fragrance is inhaled, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they are trapped by olfactory membranes. The essential oil odor molecules trigger electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb of the brain. Impulses are sent to gustatory, (taste sensation perceived) amygdala, (emotions are stored) and other parts of the limbic system of the brain. Because the limbic system is directly connected to parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, hormone balance, essential oils can have a profound physiological and psychological effects.
The sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, the emotional control center. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all emanate from the region.
Special fragrance can evoke memories and emotions.
The limbic lobe can also directly activate the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the brain, acting as our hormonal control center. The production of growth hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin are all governed by the hypothalamus or master gland.
Essential oils through fragrance and molecular structure can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and hypothalamus. Inhalation of essential oils may be used to combat stress emotional trauma, and hormones. (Content donated by Essential Oils Desk Reference).

Essential oils are highly aromatic; therefore, many of the benefits can be obtained by simply inhaling them.
One of the most simple ways to inhale an essential oil is to use an aromatic diffuser.
Young Living has many different types of diffusers to fit your needs. Some vaporize the water and oil to disperse into the air, others nebulize only the oil and disperse the oil molecules into the air.
Essential oils, when diffused, can be the best air filtration system in the world.
They will:
* Purify by removing metallic particles and toxins from the air.
* Increase atmospheric oxygen.
* Increase ozone and negative ions in the house, which inhibit bacteria growth.
* Destroy odors such as cigarettes and animals.
* Fill the air with a fresh, herbal aromatic scent. (Aromatic means to diffuse, breathe, or inhale. Also put on skin.)
For the person they may:
* Relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind.
* Help weight management.
* Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity.
* Stimulate neurotransmitters.
* Stimulate secretion of endorphins.
* Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity.
* Improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida.
* Improve digestion function.
* Improve hormonal balance.
* Relieve headaches.

Start diffusing 15-30 minutes a day. Increase as you become accustomed to the oils and recognize their effects.

Place the diffuser high in a room so that the oil mist falls through the air.

Do not mix essential oil BLENDS. This may alter the smell and the therapeutic benefit of a certain blend you may chose. A single essential oil can be added to an essential oil blend when diffusing. I love adding the citrus oils to the essential oil blends when I diffuse. They are refreshing, uplifting and give an overall sense of well being.

Some of my favorite blends are:
Clarity, Release, Thieves, Stress Away, Peace & Calming, Mister, Abundance, Believe, Christmas Spirit, Evergreen Essence, JuvaFlex, Joy, R.C., Harmony.

I will add any one of the citrus oils to these essential oil blends. I especially love lime.
Another favorite of mine to add is Patchouli.
During the cold and flu season it feels good to add Eucalyptus.
If I feel like I need a wake up call I throw in a few drops of Peppermint.
Elemi is a reasonably priced oil to use as a single that is from the same family as Frankincense and Myrrh.

I will also blend 2-4 single oils on my own that I love. Usually always making one of them a citrus oil.
* Lavender-Geranium-Lime
* Eucalyptus-Hinoki-Lemon-IdahoBlueSpruce

* Clove-Lemon-Lime

* Basil-Lemon-Grapefruit

* Frankincense-Lavender-Patchouli-CitruFresh

* Patchouli-YlangYlang-Grapefruit-Lime

* White Pine-Lime-YlangYlang-Geranium

* IdahoBalsamFir-Bergamot-Tangerine

Create your own aromatic frenzy and you may find yourself joyous, happy, laughing, full of light and love in a healthy home.

This information is not intended to take the place of medical advice.