During inhalation, stimulation from the essence particles is transferred to the first
cranial nerve from the nasal epithelium. Tiny cilia on each olfactory receptor are
stimulated by the fragrance and pass the information via the olfactory bulb to the central
nervous system where nerve impulses are sent to the olfactory centre. This causes the
release of neuro-chemicals that have sedative, relaxing, stimulating or euphoric effects.
Other messages get into other areas of the body where the physical effects of the plant
essences can be felt. The fragrance particles also pass via the trachea into the lungs.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THE SKIN
If dissolved in an excipient and rubbed into the skin or dissolved in water tiny molecules
of the essential oil will quite easily "absorbed". They invade the finest blood capillaries
through the pores and hair follicles. Having reached the blood stream they are circulated
through the whole body and can pass to individual cells and other body fluids. Even the
mucosa absorbs the essential oils quite easily.