Aromatherapy: The Power of Essential Oils, Including Tea Tree & Lavender

Aromatic plant extracts have been used in various civilisations for thousands of years. The current popularity of aromatherapy is a tribute to the very effective healing experiences people have gained from the use of essential oils.

The term aromatherapy comes from the aromatic nature of the natural plant extracts called essential oils, which are the ‘tools’ of aromatherapy. The aromas contribute only part of the healing process; the balance comes from the physical interaction of your body with the essential oils.

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils on both the mind and body to heal in a natural and safe way. It calls on the body’s own healing abilities rather than intervening in the natural process, which could explain the absence of side effects (when diluted/used responsibly).

Aromatherapy is a truly holistic therapy, influencing both our physical and psychological well-being to achieve results.

• Physically, essential oils penetrate the layers of skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Emotionally, their aroma triggers a response due to the direct link between our sense of smell and memory.

The combination of these actions provides a powerful healing force, and it is for this reason that aromatherapy has so many varied uses.

Essential oils are not substances that heal by smell; they are substances that heal and smell as well.

The Three Levels of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy works on three levels—sometimes all at once:

1. Emotionally

When a bottle of essential oil is first opened or used, the user becomes aware of its aroma.

• The aromas of essential oils initiate a nerve impulse that travels via a direct pathway to the brain, invoking an emotional response.
• The degree of the response depends on:
  • The quality and quantity of the essential oil.
  • The emotional state of the person receiving the treatment.

Essential oils have been proven to have significant psychological effects, influencing:
✔ Moods (relaxing, stimulating)
✔ Emotions (anxiety, fear, depression)
✔ States of mind (euphoria, mental clarity)

2. Topically

When applied to the skin, essential oils act at the point of application.

• This is a chemical reaction between the essential oil and the surface of the skin, not related to its aroma.
• Essential oils have been used for skin conditions and skincare for centuries.

They are particularly effective for:
✔ Chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis (dryness and itchiness)
✔ Balancing dry and oily skin conditions
✔ Acne treatment (antiseptic essential oils like Tea Tree)
✔ Minor burns & insect bites (Lavender essential oil)

3. Physically

Essential oils penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.

• The absorption rate varies depending on the oil and the individual’s skin.
• Studies show that Lavender applied to the skin can appear in the bloodstream within 20 minutes.
• Due to their simple organic chemistry, essential oils are metabolized efficiently by the liver.

However, there is limited information on how essential oils interact with the body after absorption.

⚠ Essential oils can have profound physical effects and must always be used with care (refer to contraindications).