CEU Credit Question #2
According to the chart Cost and Origin what is the most common means of deriving essential oils
A. Expression B. Squeezing C. Distillation D. Maceration
Essential oils are broken down by three main categories and these categories are called “notes”. To understand the principle of an essential oils note you must first understand how essential oils work. When an essential oil is introduced to the air, it releases molecules into the air. As these molecules are floating around the room you will inhale them as you are breathing. As we inhale essential oils, they stimulate the olfactory bulb nerve fibers, which send impulses to the limbic region of the brain. This is often referred to as the primitive brain. The limbic system includes the limbic lobe, parts of the cortex, some thalamic and hypothalamic nuclei, as well as parts of the basal ganglia.
Complicated interconnections between the limbic system structures and other parts of the brain mean that our ancient brain actually controls all our basic neuro-vegetative functions, such as: heartbeat, respiration, hormonal balance, digestive function, as well as our emotions, hunger, thirst, ability to sleep, mood, sexual and immune responses. Smell is the only sense with receptor nerve endings in direct contact with the outside world, providing a channel to the brain.
The brain is sheathed and protected by the blood/brain barrier, a lipid-rich membrane through which oxygen and some nutrients can pass, but which is impermeable to large molecules, like those of most therapeutic drugs. Essential oils are, of course, lipid-soluble and when inhaled they affect the central nervous system directly.
Essential oils with high levels of sesquiterpenes— such as frankincense, lavender and sandalwood—increase the oxygen in the limbic system, leading to increased secretion of antibodies, endorphins and neurotransmitters. As a result, we feel happier, livelier, more vibrant and healthy.
The fragrances like Clary, Sage and Grapefruit stimulate the thalamus, which then secrete neurochemicals called enkephalins, natural pain killers that also produce that feeling of well-being.
Aromas that stimulate the endorphin-secreting pituitary gland include the aphrodisiac scents: Jasmine, Rose and Ylang Ylang. Relaxing sedative oils like Patchouli, Cistus and Marjoram stimulate the Raphe nucleus in the brain, which triggers the secretion of serotonin, which induces sound sleep.
The amount of molecules released and the speed at witch they evaporate determines the type of note an essential oil will be. The following is a brief description of each note.
Top Notes
Essential oils that are classified as top notes normally evaporate very fast also have anti-viral properties.