The perception of smell consists not only of the sensation of the odors themselves but of the experiences and emotions associated with these sensations. Smells can evoke strong emotional reactions. In surveys on reactions to odors, responses show that many of the likes and dislikes of scents are based purely on emotional associations.
The association of fragrance and emotion is not an invention of poets or perfume-makers. The effect of smell is instant. The olfactory receptors in our noses are directly connected to the limbic system, which is thought to be the seat of emotion. Molecules arrive at receptors in the limbic part of our brain within seconds, triggering off a multitude of complex reactions. Smell sensations are relayed to the cortex, where ‘cognitive’ recognition occurs, only after the deepest parts of our brains have been stimulated. Thus, by the time we correctly name a particular scent as, for example, ‘lemon’ , the scent has already activated the limbic system, triggering more deep-seated emotional responses.
Smell is the only one of the five senses directly linked to the limbic lobe—the emotional control center—of the brain. From anxiety to depression, fatigue to stress, essential oils have long been appreciated for their uplifting, calming, and clarifying effects on emotional wellness. By diffusing essential oils or applying them topically to targeted areas of the body, therapeutic constituents reestablish balance where stress, depression, or mental discomfort has disrupted healthy emotional function.
Here is how it works thanks to Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D who has a wonderful way of putting scientific jargon into layman's terms. I find the human DNA structure so fascinating, and again, the intelligent handiwork of a loving Creator!
1. Essential oils are extracts from the natural juices of plants that circulate through the leaves, stems, roots and flowers their lifeblood.
2. The molecules of essential oils are small enough to circulate through human tissue bringing nutrients to the cells and carrying waste products out of the cells.
3. Essential oils carry electrons and oxygen into human tissue.
4. Essential oils also carry coded information that can be translated by cellular DNA and which can be of great therapeutic benefit to people-physical, mental, and emotional.
5. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different compounds found in essential oil molecules each with an affinity for certain cells of the human body.
6. In addition to the electrical nature of the human body by which it functions, the intracellular communication system of the human body also consists of thousands of compounds (called ligands) manufactured within the cells and sent out as messages and messengers to other cells in other parts of the body.
7. Ligands are composed of amino acids of which there are twenty known. Ligands consist of chains of amino acids. Consider the amino acids as an alphabet of twenty characters that can form and unlimited variety of words (ligands) by which cells send messages between themselves.
8. On the surface of all cells are thousands (even millions) of receptor sites, each designed to accept only certain types of ligands and to reject the rest. This is how a ligand released by one set of cells (say the liver) finds its way to the specific cells of the organ or tissue (say the pancreas) that was intended by cells sending the message.
9. This how a ligand, like insulin, can circulate throughout one’s body and yet only be picked up by the cells that need the information that it carries.
10. In one sense, ligands are like keys that fit only certain locks (specific receptor sites).Ligands of the right shape (molecular structure) are accepted by cells with matching receptor sites(matching locks) while ligands of another shape are rejected ( the key that doesn’t fit).
11. The molecules of essential oils are like enzymes, hormones, vitamins, and ligands.They carry information that is pertinent only to the cells with receptor sites able to accept that specific ligand.
12. Hence, some oil molecules gravitate to muscle tissue, others to nerves, others still to the digestive system, and others to the heart, etc,each administering benefits, including the removal of toxins and the opening of emotionally stored memory in the DNA.
13. Not only can oils help release cellular memories stored anywhere in the body, depending on the oils applied, they also directly stimulate the limbic system or emotional brain, which is in the center of our heads.
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Be well, Jen
As a wellness educator, I believe that promoting "awareness" about a disorder or disease is not enough to make an impact in the healing process. First, belief that healing is actually possible (vs managing symptoms) is the first hurdle. Second, investigation of contributing factors that may indicate the origin of the disorder and disease is key. Then, the faith to take the road less traveled on the quest for restoration of health. Little mainstream research money is spent on drug free methods of healing. So, as we think about autism "awareness", let's dig a little deeper to avoid it becoming a meaningless cultural buzzword that makes society feel better about how little we may really embrace our personal health care responsibilities. Here are some previous Oils For Wellness posts about following the natural path in addressing autism. Be well, Jen 
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Following his vision to distill and research new essential oils, Gary Young began learning about plants from the rain forest which were traditionally used as medicine by the native people of Ecuador. One of these exciting discoveries is Copaiba which I am spotlighting below.
