To begin to use essential oils, it is safest to use methods of inhalation only. Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils, is a unique method of plant use because these intense smelling essential oils affect the brain through the nose. The olfactory nerve stimulates reactions in specific areas of the brain, including the limbic system, which in turn creates reactions and changes to the nervous, endocrine and immune systems of the body. This makes it easier to understand how aromatherapy can assist in establishing a healthy balance in the mind as well as the body. Herbs generally affect the physical body but are not limited to that type of action.
Herbs speed up the body s natural healing processes.
I like to think of herbs as helping the cells to remember how to act more normally. One of the beauties of herbal medicine is that your body selectively uses the actions of an herb that it needs and seems to ignore the actions it doesn t require. Some herbs are considered tonics which means they can regulate a particular body system either direction. One herb, for example, can help in both high and low blood pressure conditions. The herb helps the body to regain a normal balance.