Whether you question how or why essential oils work or not, if you’re using them with any regularity, I’m sure you enjoy the aroma and know they can help with our mood and stress levels. I also assume that you’re looking to feel your best and understand that natural plant-based options can be the best alternatives from harsh synthetic over the counter and prescribed meds. Plus, keep in mind this in how you can take a proactive approach with your health by getting to the root cause of your issue(s) and support your entire body.
Many of dōTERRA essential oils, because of the purity, testing and efficacy, are recommend to use aromatically, topically and internally. Regardless of which way you use them, essential oils will enter the bloodstream, reaching all of your body’s systems and organs. In fact, they’ll touch very cell in the body within about 20 minutes. There are eleven major body systems. Let's take a look at what they are.
11 Major Body Systems:
Cardiovascular – maintain blood flow
Digestive – breakdown food into small molecules & controls waste
Endocrine – hormones: mood, growth, metabolism & reproduction
Integumentary – skin, hair & nails: protect body from invasion
Lymphatic – maintain fluid levels & immunity
Muscular – make voluntary & involuntary movement possible
Nervous – communication system
Reproductive – produce & nurture developing babies
Respiratory – absorbs oxygen & cleans gases from blood
Skeletal – support structure, shape & movement
Urinary – filter blood, convert food to energy & eliminate waste
Today we're doing to cover the first 6 in some detail, looking at what the system does and highlight some of the essential oils you can use to support them. None of these statements have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please seek help from a qualified medical professional if you have any serious conditions.
Cardiovascular System - consists of the heart, blood and blood vessels. The heart works as a pump that pushes blood to the organs, tissues, and cells of the body. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removes carbon dioxide and waste products made by these cells. When you apply oils topically, they are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream within 30 seconds! Your oils are able to permeate cells and tissues within the body for targeted support – as I mentioned earlier this happens within 20 minutes.
Digestive System - consists of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, esophagus, and salivary glands all play a role in food coming in and going out. The digestive system works along with the immune system to protect the body from foreign invaders. The digestive system breaks down bacteria and pathogens at various stages keeping the body healthy. There are over 100 million neurons embedded in the gut, often referred to as the “second brain.” Brain-gut interactions are highly connected to emotional health. Essential oils as well a numerous doTERRA supplements (like TerraZyme, DigestZen, Peppermint, and PB Assist+) are phenomenal at soothing tummy issues, helping move and manage movements in the bowels, support the surrounding muscles and more.
Endocrine System - consists of glands that produce and secrete hormones directly to the circulatory system. These hormones are a type of chemical messenger that travel through the bloodstream and interact with cellular targets to regulate their activity. The endocrine system is responsible for cell growth, tissue function, sleep, sexual and reproductive functions, metabolism, blood sugar management, how the body responds to injury and stress, energy, water, and electrolyte balance, and more. I’d say they’re pretty important! Essential oils can help manage our hormones, regulate and regulate mood to name a few.
Integumentary System - consists of the skin, hair, and nails which all act as your first line of defense protecting your internal organs and tissues from external threats. Your skin protects internal organs, guards against infection, regulates temperature and hydration through perspiration, as well as stores water, fat, and glucose. The skin also excretes waste, generates Vitamin D when exposed to UV light, and secretes melanin to protect against sunburn. It can also form new cells to repair cuts and abrasions. You skin is the largest organ in your body, so using essential oils topically on your skin, hair and nails is an incredible, natural, way to support this system.
Lymphatic System - consists of a network of tissues and organs to help the body eliminate waste, toxins and other unwanted materials. There are about 20 liters of plasma that flow through your arteries every day. The Lymphatic system also contains your Immune System which is how your body fights of viruses. Essential oils are well known for the purification and detoxification properties, so it should be no surprise that they can help regulate body waste and strengthen the immune system.
Muscular System – consists of 650 muscles in 3 categories: smooth and cardiac (involuntary) and skeletal (voluntary) muscles. The muscular system is constantly in motion to support other critical body functions. We all know that moving out body (aka exercise) is great for our heart health, but it’s also key in supporting our emotional health. Moving our body daily helps with more than our weight, it also aids in decreasing high blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Plus, it does wonders for reducing stress and improving mental health. Essential oils can work with muscles and connective tissue as well as support muscle function on a cellular level.
Come back next week, as we'll cover the remaining 5: Nervous, Reproductive, Respiratory, Skeletal, and Urinary systems.
Until then...
xoDanette