When essential oils enter the bloodstream, they have an effect on the whole body.

The oils
circulate through the bloodstream and interact with tissues and cells throughout the body.

Eventually the circulating oils must pass through the liver, which is an organ situated in the
lower-right side of the thorax, below the ribcage. The liver is thought to be the primary site of
essential oil metabolism within the body. Metabolism is a term that refers to the life-sustaining
chemical reactions occurring within living cells that provide for growth, reproduction, resiliency,
and response to the environment. When the essential oil moves into the liver, specialized
enzymes work to break down individual compounds into metabolites. These metabolites
continue to circulate within the body before being eliminated, primarily in urine1. Some essential
oil metabolites may also be eliminated in the feces, through the skin, or exhaled from the
lungs2.

Many essential oil metabolites have been found to be biologically active and contribute their
own favorable effects. For example, one study explored how limonene, the primary constituent
in many citrus oils, is changed by the body to produce perillic acid as its primary metabolite3.
Although limonene itself is highly efficacious, perillic acid mimics the effects of limonene and
can even demonstrate a stronger effect4,6.

Another example is linalyl acetate, which is present in high amounts in lavender, clary sage, and
bergamot essential oils. Enzymes in the body metabolize linalyl acetate to linalool2,7. Linalool is
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thought to promote relaxation in the body8. Interestingly, there is evidence suggesting that when
linalyl acetate is administered by itself, it can also promote relaxation9. Presumably this occurs
because linalyl acetate is converted to linalool.

Essential oil metabolism is an exhaustively researched subject2. Understanding how the body
metabolizes essential oils helps users to better appreciate their wellness-promoting power.

Bibliography

Learn about essential oil cellular activity.

Read about the bioactivity of essential oils.

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