a requirement on behalf of the body to listen, to feel, and to process the information provided by the plant once it has been harnessed, and we are built to do just that. What is


this information that


the plant offers through its aromas?


The early alchemists


and philosophers searched for the “Quintessence” or “Fifth Element,” the highest essence thought to exist in all matter. They believed it to be the most concentrated form of the heavenly bodies, latent in all things. create


the


In the process of trying to “Philosopher’s


Stone,”


they sought to capture the refined volatile substance found in plants, which is its highest function, its purity, and its essence. We now know that certain plants produce a


substance oil. called The essential an essential oil, which is


more water-like than oily, is often considered the so-called essence, soul, or life force of the plant, yet more specifically it is produced by the plant as a by-product of its biological processes, its


ability


to convert sunlight into chemical energy


during concentrated component photosynthesis.


The word “essential” comes from “quintessence,” the most exquisite and


of


substance, also known as the volatile oils or essences. These are distilled by vapor or pressed out of


the fruit peel, and they are “volatile” because, if left uncovered, they evaporate or vaporize without a trace. Understanding the essential oil as the plant’s “essence” is logical


when concentrated in


considering the


essential


that oil


is the plant’s genetic material and ability to communicate with the external world. The plant’s ability to defend itself


against


harmful microorganisms, to attract beneficial insects, and to reproduce is contained within the essential oil as a message. This subtle message is liberated into the air and carried by the breeze, bringing the necessary information to be delivered to the unsuspecting recipient, be it a bee, a dog, or a person, much like a pheromone (see insert). Whereas the pheromone acts as an


external communicator with


the world, projecting a message from one organism to another and affecting a change in the latter, the human body is designed with an internal communication system that has a similar structure.


Our


hormonal system allows the body to communicate with itself, releasing chemical substances into the blood stream


and


to the entire body. pheromones communicate


carrying released


with


The types of by


the the


messages plants


human


body’s hormones, almost as a close relative, creating communication and allowing for changes to take place in corresponding areas. The power of this interaction takes place in the area of the brain known as the “limbic” brain, which controls our emotional life, self-preservation, and connects us to our instinctual responses. According to Paul Mclean, a North American physician and neuroscientist, the part of the brain


consisting of the Reptilian


and Paleo-Mammilian (limbic) brain are the first two that develop in the evolution our species, followed by the Neo-cortex and Pre-frontal lobes of the brain, which is the same pattern of development that follows in each individual human being. The first two phases are important in developing instinctual behavior, sensory-motor skills, and emotional development. The latter two


are involved and analytical with learning,


cognitive decision-


making, and higher attributes such as empathy and compassion.


The


reptilian and limbic portions are of particular interest in relation to the sensory


system, particularly sense of smell, because they contain the structures (see insert) that


are related to developing memory and emotional responses. This is also the primary area of the brain where the nerves for our sense of smell, the olfactory nerve system, are located, indicating the direct relationship


that


memory, emotions, and autonomic responses in the body.


smell has with The sense


of smell, more than any other of our senses, is directly hardwired to the brain. Additionally, it is in this part of the brain where the Pituitary Gland, the “Master gland” in the hormonal system, is located, releasing nine hormones that regulate the body’s homeostasis, and stimulate other organs and glands


to release


hormones. When this part of the brain is activated, as is done by the sense of smell, access is gained to the entire system, and to the body’s most automatic functions and regulatory responses. Our


sensory system receives


information from the world around us, providing nutrition for the body, much like a healthy, balanced diet. When we perceive stimulus from the outside world that nurtures, excites and comforts us, the body responds


with a series of “feel


good” hormones (natural neuro- chemicals), flooding the system with an overall sense of well-being. When we perceive natural aromas,


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