PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHCOLOGICAL PATHWAYS OF ESSENTIAL OILS

Amygdala - These almond shaped fingernail sized structures are located within the temporal lobes on each side of the brain. Its principal task is to filter and interpret incoming sensory information regarding our emotional or affective behaviors and feelings (e.g. fear, anger)

Hypothalamus - A gland that contains neurosecretions which are important in the control of certain metabolic activities, such as water balance, sugar and fat metabolism, regulation of body temperature and secretion of releasing and inhibiting hormones.

Pituitary Gland - Endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It stores and/or secretes many hormones of importance to body function, including growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulation hormone, etc.

Endocrine Gland - Glands that secrete their contents directly into the blood or interstitial fluid (fluid surrounding cells).

Adrenal Glands - Glands located adjacent to kidneys involved in the secretion of several important hormones including corticosterone, cortisol, aldosterone and epinehrine.

Corticosteroid - Steroid hormones produced by the cortex of the adrenal gland. They elevate blood sugar, increase fat and protein breakdown, and exert anti-inflammatory effect on conditions such as arthritis and dermatitis.

Cortisol - corticosteroid hormone

Aldosterone - A hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex; important in the regulation of sodium and potassium levels and, in turn, in retaining water within the body.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline) - A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands; it acts to increase blood sugar levels and blood pressure and to accelerate the heart rate.

Lymphatic System - A system of vessels and nodes throughout the body, which carry lymph fluid and help to remove toxins from the body.

Chart Credit: Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche by Peter & Kate Damian, published by Healing Arts Press, an imprint of Inner Traditions International, Rochester, VT 05767 Copyright © 1995 by Peter Damian and Kate Damian