INTRODUCTION

Meaning of Essential oil

Essential oils are natural oils that are harvested from plant material such as root, leaves, barks, grasses, flowers, stems, fruit, wood, Twigs, needles, gum resins, branches, buds, trees, seeds or whole plant. These oils are more concentrated with different botanical molecules, and can be obtained from the plant materials through various methods like steam distillation, expression, solvent extraction, hypercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction, maceration, turbo distillation, and hydro diffusion of parts of plants.

Meaning of Inhalation

Inhalation is the act of inhaling air from the environment and entering the body using the nose as the main agent in that process. The air that enters the body using nose it can also be mixed with various substances such as molecules, particles, elements, and other alike substances.

SENSE OF SMELL

But let us note that, the nose as a nose is not an organ of identifying the smell, but the nose itself is used as a tool to collect and modify the temperature and humidity of anything in the air that can be inhaled through the air.

The agency that God has trusted to perform the function of sense and to smell is the first cranial nerve (olfactory) which also has the responsibility of caring for receptor cells so that they can fulfill their responsibilities effectively within the body.

TYPES OF INHALATION PATHS

 When the volatile oils molecule air is absorbed into the body through

 the nasal cavity, it splits into two main paths. The first group is

molecules in the mucous membrane, and the second group is molecules

 in the electro-chemical signal system.

a) Mucous membrane

Volatile oil molecules after passing through the mucous membrane go

 directly to circulation and are used in the human body depending on

the potential of the compounds contained in the respective oils.

 Inhalation in mucous membrane

 It is quite clear that when we inhale any air including the vapor in the

 air, certain molecules accompany the air to the lungs. Sometimes

these molecules can be beneficial to the body, but they can also affect

 the respiratory system and cause difficulty in the whole respiratory

exercise.

 For example, if you inhale fresh air like lavender, jasmine, etc., you

will surely enjoy the aroma. But if you come across a bad odor, a

strong odor like that of rotten soap water, you will surely hate that

 day and the street that you passed in.

 The same is true to the molecules contained in essential oils, which in

 this process of air inhalation can travel to the circulation of lungs

where they fulfill their responsibility to repair and improve the entire

 respiratory system, including the removal of tension in mucous

membrane. But it also improves blood that circulating the lungs.

Clinically and as the aromatherapist explains that, essential oils that

can do the clinical job are those that have not been diluted i.e. pure

essential oils that have not been diluted in any way.

Position of Lungs after Inhalation

In circulation there is a liver that is one of the most important organs

 that can perform two functions at the same time, a function that other

 organs cannot.

Liver can extract molecules from it and transfer them to other organs of

kidneys, stomach and lungs. At the same time the liver is able to receive

 molecules from those organs that I have mentioned.

b) Electrochemical digestive signal

 In the case of molecules in the Electro-Chemical Signal system, these

go directly to the Limbic System, where they are then divided into two

 main components. One is the Cortex and the second is the Amygdale

Hippocampus.

As the molecules that move along the Cortex continue to travel to the

 Hypothalamus, where they are divided into two parts, there are those

 that go to perform their functions in the Endocrine System and those

that go to perform functions in the Autonomic Nervous System.

In the case of the molecules in the Amygdale Hippocampus they carry

 out their duties in the same place and there is no further journey.

Some Explanations of the Terms Used to Describe the Part (B)

 Elecro-Chemical Digestive Signals

i) Electro-Chemical Signal

It is a form of communication that involves electrical signal

(electrical information) and chemical signal (chemical information)

 that is used by cells of the nervous system (neurons) to transmit

information from one cell to another. In short electro-chemical signals

 are information that exists in electronic or chemical form.

Let's take an example of this electricity we use in our homes. Where

 the neuron is the electrical wire, and what passes through the wire i.e.

 electricity itself is the electrical signal, and the chemical signal is the

light itself (i.e. the end result of neuron action potential).

ii) Limbic System

This is the center of the brain that is responsible for all aspects of

emotional and behavior responds in human life.

iii) Cortex

It is the outer layer of the organ structure that is inside the human body.

For example, brain, kidney, or bone. This section has only one major

responsibility for ensuring good and smooth coordination between

sensory and motor information.

iv) Amygdale Hippocampus

It is a part of the brain that involves two areas in the brain (Amygdale

 and Hippocampus) that work in dependence to store memories of

anything that arises from emotional reaction results. Amygdale is

tasked with receiving and processing emotions, while Hippocampus is

 tasked with keeping a record of any event that has been processed by

Amygdale.

v) Hypothalamus

It is one of the most important glands found in the brain. This gland is

responsible for controlling the release of hormones in the brain, but also

 for transmitting the hormone to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland

 itself is responsible for the distribution of hormones to various organs

in the body such as the adrenals, ovaries, thyroid, and testicles.

The hormonal system in the human body performs its functions by

relying more heavily on the feedbacks that are  in the signals system

 that come from various organs. These signals are the ones that tell

the Hypothalamus to produce more hormones or stop production

depending on the need that arises.

In addition to regulating the level of hormone distribution in the body,

 Hypothalamus also performs many functions like promoting sexual

function, emotional and behavioral change. These important functions

 have the great roles in different biological outcomes like weight loss

and weight gain, body temperature maintenance, sleep and wake-

up cycle, hunger emotion, balancing salt and water, breast milk

production, childbirth, and so many other biological issues .

vi) Endocrine System

It is a communication system that enables cells to communicate and

provide timely feedback by using hormones as the main means of

 transporting information.

Without a good endocrine system in the body, then expect to experience

 various problems such as diseases that can be developed by your body

 itself due to lack of communication among body cells.

vii) Autonomic Nervous System

This is part of the peripheral nerve system that plays a key role in

regulating all non-voluntary biological actions (biological actions

that you are unable to do when they occur) such as respiration,

 heartbeat or heart rate, digestion process, sexual appetite, and

blood pressure.

CATEGORIES OF INHALATION METHODS

Essential oils enter the body via inhalation in three categories of ways

 named direct inhalation, indirect inhalation (Vaporization / diffusion)

and Steam inhalation.

Inhalation through the nose can be done through a variety of means, such

 as paper handkerchiefs (tissue), kitchen towels, hands, cotton ball,

vaporization and steam. Without wasting time let's go through these

categories so we can learn more and more.

1: DIRECT INHALATION

In aromatherapy context, direct inhalation takes place if the patient

touches or smells essential oils direct to the nose or to the sense of

smell organ. This can be done using the hands (fingers and palm) or

by using anything such as a cloth, cotton or tissue.

Agency of Direct Inhalation

a) Cotton ball

Cotton ball is a very good agency in this inhalation therapy as it has a

great ability to retain moisture of essential oils and make it last a little

 longer during treatment.

Through the cotton agency apply essential oils to the cotton ball. 1 drop

 of essential oils for children, the elderly and pregnant women. In the

case of the remaining groups apply 3 drops of essential oils. Then take a

cotton ball and apply it to your nose and inhale the air from the cotton

ball that contains essential oils. Do this until you are satisfied that you

have received changes in your respiratory system including experiencing

 deep breathing. For better results do it three times, and each breath you

should wait until 10 minutes.

b) Paper tissue and Handkerchiefs

Tissue is a piece of soft paper, while a handkerchief is a piece of cloth.

 Both are largely used to clean the nose, or hands by absorbing fluid

and moisture from the body, especially after eating or washing hands.

Inhalation in this way is done by placing several essential oils on the

 tissue and then squeezing the tissue into the areas of your chest closest

 to the nose. These accessories can be tucked into a shirt, blouse or

nightwear.

Further three drops are recommended for the treatment of children,

the elderly and pregnant women. In the case of the remaining groups

5 to 6 drops of essential oils are recommended.

As you continue to inhale oxygen containing essential oils, the

 molecules of essential oils continue to travel to the lungs or brain

system and fulfill their medical responsibilities.

It is reported that handkerchiefs have a greater ability to stay with

aromas of essential oils than paper tissue. So even I suggest that,

if possible use more Handkerchiefs. But this depends on the

environment in which you are, but also your personal practices of

 these products, as there are those who are accustomed to using

paper tissues! And there are many more who are accustomed to

using handkerchiefs.

c) Hands

Through the hands, the patient should place 1 drop of essential oils

 (or a mixture of essential oils and one carrier such as olive oil) in

one of his palms, then rubbing the oil with both hands. After that,

apply the ointment to your nose area so that aroma air and

molecules of essential oils can be absorbed and transported to the

 desired location.

NOTE

Make sure that the areas around the eyes are not completely exposed

to these essential oils. And this medical care should especially be given

 to patients with respiratory problems (difficulty breathing, or chest

tightness) and those with stress conditions.

d) Baths

Baths are a very simple method that you can use to ensure that

inhalation take place. In this method the patient mixes a few drops of

essential oils with the bath water, especially in a bathtub, so that when

 bathing the skin and nose will all be involved in absorbing essential

 oil molecules from the oil into the body through inhalation and skin

absorption.

In this way the patient can also benefit twice as much, that is, treat skin

 diseases if the essential oil used contains the relevant disease molecules.

 But it also treated respiratory problems and stress through inhalation.

Not only that, through the skin also essential oil molecules can penetrate

 deeper and travel up into circulation and then be used according to the

 functions of the respective molecules.

2: INDIRECT INHALATION (VAPORIZATION / DIFFUSION)

It is an indirect method as it largely uses air and vapor products as the

 main agency for inhalation to take place. That air-vapor agencies are

like diffuser, perfume and somehow diffuser jewelry.

Indirect inhalation is otherwise used as a means of freshening the room

 air and ensuring mild emotional support

Agency of Indirect Inhalation

a) Air Spray

Air spray is any liquid that can be sprayed on certain areas such as

indoors and converts the air into it and brings refreshing air with

 good aroma.

Using air spry, put 250 ml of clean water in the sprayer then applies

10-12 drops of essential oils in it, and there are after shaking well the

mixture before using them by spraying your room.

This method produces better results when using antiseptic essential

oils such as oils from peppermint, cloves, eucalyptus (gully ash),

scots pine, thyme, and more other chemotypes plants. Also health

challenges like gangrene and bed sores can be treated using this

method.

b) Vaporization

One way to use steam is to clean the air in a room that is polluted by smoke from burning incense.

Vaporization take place by taking some drops of essential oils and mixing them with water placed in a copper bowl or small pot, and then immersed in any heat source such as a charcoal stove, gas stove, electric stove, candle, microdiffusers, etc .

As the temperature rises in the pan the boiling point increases and eventually the water evaporates and to become a vapor.

Essential oils that are most suitable for this method include lemongrass and citronella which bring good results in terms of removing insects in the room, but also to clean bad air from smoke such as cigarette smoke.

By inhaling vapor derived from a mixture of water and essential oils, you will have already allowed the essential oil molecule to enter the body. But also to bring about a medical change in your health and to make you more effective against invaders who have harmed your health.

NOTE

Make sure that every device you use is kept in a safe place, away from the reach of children. Because children can drink water mixed with essential oils, which is very dangerous to use essential oils internally without regard to professional procedures.

3: STEAM INHALATION

This method of fumigation is done by placing hot water in a container and then placing a few drops of essential oils in the hot water. When you do the process you are covering yourself with a heavy cloth or heavy sheets such as a blanket that cannot pass through the air.

This method is not highly recommended as if you are not careful you can cause yourself other health problems such as eye problems especially for those with learning burdens. The eyes are a very important organ in the body that does not need to be exposed to radiation or steam.

Due to the sensitivity of this method, it is recommended by aromatherapists to use 1-2 drops in 250 ml of water on the part of children, the elderly and pregnant women. For young people use 3-4 drops of essential oils in 250 ml of water during this treatment.

This method brings the best results in terms of treatment of the respiratory system such as cold and flu. The patient recovers quickly as hot water evaporates faster the essential oils molecules to be inhaled.

CAUTIONS

Consider the following when performing steam inhalation treatment;

1. Do not use a plastic device in this exercise, as pure essential oils

can damage the plastic material products.

2. Make sure you close your eyes while you are on treatment, but

also be careful in identifying various reactions such as coughing

 and choking that are most likely to occur if you do not follow the

 measurements you put a high amount of essential oils in the water.

3. Use a standard and approved standard by aromatherapists, or

your medical doctors, because a 1 drop of essential oil have more

power in steam inhalation because of the fastest of the vapor

evaporation.

FURTHER READING

what-to-know-about-hypothalamus

2. Brody, B (2021) The Endocrine System and Glands of the Human Body. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/endocrine-system-facts

3. Elsevier Ltd (2007) Aromatherapy for Health Professionals

4.Georgia Tech Biological Sciences: Neurons and Glial Cells. https://organismalbio.biosci.gatech.edu/chemical-and-electrical-signals/neurons/

5.Halcón, L.L ( ) Mainstreaming Essential Oils and Clinical Aromatherapy

6.Joshua A. et al (2021) Anatomy, Autonomic Nervous System https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539845/

7. Lawless, J (2013) The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils; The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. Canada

8.Merriam Webster (2022) Definition of cortex https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cortex

9.Merriam Webster (2022) Definition of cerebral cortex https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cerebral%20cortex

10.Mother Earth Living (2022) Essential Oils Inhalation: Direct vs. Indirect https://www.motherearthliving.com/health-and-wellness/mind-and-body/inhalation-direct-vs-indirect-zb0z1907zwoo/

11.The University of Queensland (2019) The limbic system. https://qbi.uq.edu.au/brain/brain-anatomy/limbic-system

12.White, G.L (2013) Essential Oils and Aromatherapy How to Use Essential Oils for Beauty, Health, and Spirituality

13. Yang,Y & Wang,J.Z (2017) From Structure to Behavior in Basolateral Amygdala-HippocampusCircuits. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncir.2017.00086/full

Essential Oil Diary

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

How Essential Oils Enter the Body via Inhalation?