ESSENTIAL OILS AFFECT YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM- BUT HOW?
The secretion of essential oils is a response to the defense mechanisms of aromatic plants.
is the result of the reaction. The chemical composition of essential oils, the conditions of the aromatic part of the plant,
depending on many factors such as geographical location, extraction method and duration.
may change.
Numerous studies have been conducted on the antidepressant effect of these oils, improving attention and cognition, memory
confirmed its effects on mental health, such as improving ''The essential oils
system. Most
time may hang in the air as it is not fully understood how this effect works. Academic
In publications, it is explained through numerous intertwined scientific terms. Our body,
Our systems, even each of our cells, are quite complex. All our organs, our hormones,
our receptors, the chemicals we secrete… they work in harmony and interaction with each other.
Therefore, passing an essential oil through these pathways is a complex and intertwined process.
Today, by simplifying as much as possible what happens to you after inhaling an essential oil and
I will try to explain all the links of the chain. (Resources for more detailed information)
You can review.)
In mammals, the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is the hypothalamus of the brain.
region; It is responsible for the vagus nerve and the central nervous system's response to stress. ACTH
is a hormone produced by the body in response to stress. In the face of stress factors, this
The secretion of the hormone also triggers the release of cortisol (glucocorticoids) in humans.
Secreted cortisol together with some hormones (acetylcholine secreted by the vagus nerve)
After certain cellular events, it shows anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover
In situations such as acute stress resulting from a traumatic event, cortisol and serotonin are restored.
increases uptake. Serotonin affects our mood and makes us feel good. Normal
Under these conditions, it is released during neurotransmission and then reabsorbed by the cell. Serotonin and
While other neurotransmitters are produced naturally in the brain, this amount is increased in psychiatric disorders.
decreases considerably and our mood is negatively affected by it. of antidepressants
The working principle is basically to prevent the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters. In this way
serotonin and others remain outside the cell. naturally by the brain
Preventing reabsorption in the process of low production makes the person feel good. Request
cortisols also act like antidepressants at this point.
The central nervous system consists of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves. Activation of stressors
Another element that it does is the response of the sympathetic nervous system. As a result of this reaction, respectively, adrenaline
and noradrenaline is released. Adrenaline is a hormone and it directly enters the veins, the blood stream.
secreted, allowing certain signals to be made. Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter and
it does not mix with the blood, it does its signaling task through neurons. both adrenaline and
activates the release of noradrenaline cytokines. Cytokines are the result of cells communicating with each other.
responsible proteins. These cytokines stimulate the vagus nerve (vagus nerve information about mood).
to the brain) by stimulating or by means of active molecules, they reach the brain and cross the blood-brain barrier.
may show its effects. This effect is associated with some disorders whose dysregulation is associated with depression.
It changes the metabolism of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine). Therefore, cytokinin
Activation leads to emotional and behavioral changes that can result in depression.
Essential oils trigger the central nervous system to give some response to stress. For example,
essential oils with a calming effect regulate cortisol release and as described above
It affects the HPA axis.
In recent years, the increase in experiments examining the pharmacology of essential oils, the effect
revealed that there are a wide variety of neural pathways in their mechanisms. Inhalation of these oils
It has been observed that it causes changes in cortisol levels and brain waves. It
We have discussed the biological interpretation of the changes above. Individuals commented on the participants.
they do it as relaxation, satisfaction, and vitality. In addition, the researchers of this study
According to him, essential oils act on the nervous system without causing side effects, unlike synthetic drugs.
they do. This is due to the fact that essential oils are associated with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and dementia.
shows that it is a potential alternative for the treatment of diseases. But still fly
more for the development of essential oil-based drugs due to the synergistic effects of the oils.
They say clinical research is needed.
SOURCE
https://evrimagaci.org/antidepresanlarin-calisma-mekanizmasi-3719
https://evrimagaci.org/adrenalin-epinephrin-ve-noradrenaline-norepinephrin-nedir-aralarindanasil-
there is-a-relation-3844
Effects of essential oils on central nervous system: Focus on mental health, Lorena R.
Lizarraga-Valderrama, 2020