Why Essential Oils Are So Powerful
One drop of essential oil contains 40 million-trillion molecules. Numerically that is a 4 with 19 zeros after it: 40,000,000,000,000,000,000. We have 100 trillion cells in our bodies, but one drop of essential oil contains enough molecules to cover every cell in our bodies with 40,000 molecules (Dr. David Stuart, 2007). Oxygen is a vital component of life and about 90% of the body’s regeneration and maintenance are dependent on oxygen. Without it, nutrients cannot be assimilated into the human body, leaving it nutritionally depleted (Kat King, 2000). For proper metabolism, enough oxygen must permeate the cell walls, carrying nutrients into the cell and removing toxins from the cell.
Essential oil molecules are extremely small and lipid soluble. Molecules such as these are called "transdermal" because they actually pass through your skin and then transfer easily through cells’ phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and body cells and between blood and air during breathing influences the absorption of nutrients and the excretion of wastes by body cells (Tortora – Grabowski 1996, p. 58). Oxygen-bearing essential oils can affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes and are then metabolized like other nutrients (Higley 1999, p. 3). The molecules can even cross the blood-brain barrier. They differ from fatty oil (like those in vegetables or nuts) that come from large molecules and cannot readily penetrate your cells and are not therapeutic in the same manner. For instance, most vegetable oils will stay on your skin and may even clog your pores because they are not small enough to get into your system. Essential oils will soak right into your skin.
Essential oil molecules are extremely small and lipid soluble. Molecules such as these are called "transdermal" because they actually pass through your skin and then transfer easily through cells’ phospholipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. The movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood and body cells and between blood and air during breathing influences the absorption of nutrients and the excretion of wastes by body cells (Tortora – Grabowski 1996, p. 58). Oxygen-bearing essential oils can affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes and are then metabolized like other nutrients (Higley 1999, p. 3). The molecules can even cross the blood-brain barrier. They differ from fatty oil (like those in vegetables or nuts) that come from large molecules and cannot readily penetrate your cells and are not therapeutic in the same manner. For instance, most vegetable oils will stay on your skin and may even clog your pores because they are not small enough to get into your system. Essential oils will soak right into your skin.
Your Olfactory System
Because of the incredible ability of essential oils to travel through the body and air even diusing essential oils can have great health benefits. Think about how powerful the scent of these oils are. An example would be if you had peppermint leaves in your kitchen. Could you smell them from 10 feet away? Probably not. But if you are diffusing peppermint, cinnamon or oregano essential oils you can smell them throughout most of your home! That’s because the volatile compounds in essential oils can pass from the air into your olfactory system. Your olfactory system, which is your sense of smell, is connected directly to your brain and what you smell can go into your cells and your blood stream within seconds. This is why if you or your child's immune system is worn down, you can simply diffuse essential oils of clove and frankincense in the air and be to keep your family from getting sick in the first place. Once in your system, essential oil compounds have the ability to protect and help your body in various way. Therapeutic treatments through your olfactory system is why using essential oils have been referred to as aromatherapy. Oils can also be applied topically, on the bottom of the feet or at the location of discomfort. Also, many oils have been approved by the FDA to be taken internally as dietary supplements as well.
