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antibacterial, and has an awakening effect on the mind. Because the action happens in the respiratory system eucalyptol works both with inhalation and direct application.

Odors are inhaled and scent molecules travel through the nose and land on specific chemical receptors. This action is commonly compared to fitting a key into a lock. Once a molecule is attached to the proper receptor a signal is transmitted telling the brain what action to take and/or triggers a memory associated with the scent. Our sense of smell directly accesses the limbic system or the emotional brain. The limbic system basically influences our hormones and autonomic nervous system, and connects mind to body and emotion to memory. Stimulus of the limbic system may activate the hypothalamus, which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to produce hormones that trigger changes in our physical and emotional state. When one inhales Eucalyptus all of its functions are triggered at once. The lungs open, there is protection from bacteria, and the mind becomes more alert and awake. One essential oil, one application, multiple results, that's the beauty of Aromatherapy.

Essential Oil Quality and Safety

If you are interested in Aromatherapy it's a good idea to do some independent learning. Look for non-commercial sources of information and scientific research. Gather information and make the choices that are right for you. When you're ready to buy essential oils keep in mind there are varying degrees of quality. The lowest quality oils are generally those found in health food stores or anything that is widely mass produced. It's important to know that you should use only 100% pure essential oils. However, unless you witness every step of the harvest, distillation, and storage process there are no purity guarantees. Independent testing is the only way to know for sure and that isn't practical for the home user of essential oils. There are companies that label their oils therapeutic' or medicinal' grade. This is just marketing. There is no industry wide grading system for oils sold to consumers. A label isn't as important as the reputation of the supplier, and your own quality testing. Time and experience will help you become a better judge of essential oil quality.

Health food stores tend to have lower quality oils but these are fine for home use when starting in Aromatherapy. Cheap oils still smell better than fragrance oils and you will still get results. Aromatherapy is an expensive hobby. Like

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