subject: Aromatherapy and the Immune System [print this page] Author: Dee Reyes Author: Dee Reyes
Stress, pollutants in the environment and our own negative emotions can lead to diseases. Boosting the immune system is the best insurance against contracting such diseases. Aromatheraphy, or the the use of aromatic/essential plant oils to uplift psychological and physical wellbeing, is one way of building the body's natural resistance. Our noses are powerful organs that can distinguish around 10,000 different scents. Smells and scents have subtle ways of affecting our mind and emotions. As scents are inhaled, the smell travels across the olfactory nerves located inside the nose and then up into the part of the brain that controls our moods, our memories and our ability to learn. This area is called the Limbic System and when stimulated it releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other 'feel-good' chemicals. The different smells (aromas), and the chemical constituents of the oils, can produce different emotional and physiological reactions as they reach the brain through the nasal passages that eventually leads to healing. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, added to bath water or vaporized in an oil burner. Lavender, lemon, bergamot, thyme, chamomile, pine, sandalwood, myrrh and vetiver are especially effective in boosting the immune system. Lemon is particularly beneficial for detoxification and cleansing. These essential oils stimulate the production of infection-fighting white corpuscles. As with any natural healing methods, essential oils should not be solely relied upon in cases of serious illnesses. However, they may be integrated into any therapeutic program. Furthermore, aromatic plant oils should be handled with care, they should never be swallowed or applied undiluted to the skin.About the Author:
