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.