Module Four Essential Oils Basic Chemistry Transformational Arts

Aromatherapy Certification Course: Module Four

Essential Oils Basic Chemistry

Transformational Arts College

Sandy Powell

Nascent Naturals

ESSENTIAL OILS BASIC CHEMISTRY

Following is a general overview of the chemical constituents and compounds found in most commonly used essential oils. It is becoming more important to understand the composition of these essential oils, particularly since the increased interest of government and pharmaceutical agencies. This is coupled with a much wider availability of the information thanks to chemical analysis conducted by independent labs dedicated to aromatherapy research and contributions from the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. It is important to note however, that using essential oils based on individual chemicals is ignoring the power of the whole plant in its synergistic state, as well as the vibrational and spiritual effects, which cannot be measured or understood except in traditional use. Although there are literally thousands of chemical constituents found in essential oils, I have narrowed it down to some of the most commonly known, useful and abundant. popular groupings and useful oils within them.

Alcohols

These constituents tend to have strong anti-viral, antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, which makes oils high in these constituents very useful for many physical ailments, especially those involving the immune system. Generally regarded as safe and non-irritating. Mostly uplifting in effects on the mind General Properties: anti-fungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, anti-viral, bactericidal, decongestant, circulation, general uplifting properties, hepatic, immuno-stimulant, nerve tonic, toning, vasoconstrictor, warming Common Constituents: Benzyl alcohol, borneol, citronellol, farnesol, geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, menthol, neroli, nerolidol, phenyl ethyl alcohol, terpineol, thymol Oils with significant alcohols: coriander, lavender, rose, lemon, eucalyptus, geranium, palmarosa, peppermint

Phenols

Still classed as an alcohol but are categorized differently due to extremely high levels of anti-microbial activity, toxicity and potential irritation to human tissue. These constituents are known to have some of the most highly antibacterial antiseptic properties known to man. Many are used extensively in cleaning products. Also known to have a very stimulating effect on the Central Nervous System. These chemicals are very irritating to the mucous membranes and are sometimes labelled as caustic in their isolated form. Use caution when applying these oils to the skin or with deep inhalations. Caustic constituents: Carvacrol & thymol (thyme), eugenol (clove), methyl salicate (wintergreen). Other constituents: Anethole, apiol, asarone, chavicol, estragole, eugenol, myristicin, safrole, thymol. Oils with significant Phenols: camphor, clove, fennel, sage, thyme.

Aldehydes

Found primarily in citrus based oils. Known to have antidepressant qualities, and are calming yet uplifting. Usually split into two classes: Aromatic & Terpenic. Generally, have very strong dominant aromas and are anti-inflammatory (powerful), anti-viral, calming (CNS), hypotensive, tonic. Some, such as citral are known to irritate the skin. General Properties: Antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, sedative, calming effect when inhaled. Common constituents: Acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, cinnamic aldehyde, citral, citronellal. Oils with significant aldehydes: cinnamon, citronella, lemongrass, melissa, orange.

Terpenes (a.k.a hydrocarbons)

This is the widest and most functional group of chemical constituents which are used in everything from paint thinners to burn remedies, cleaning products and many medicines. The properties are so varied that narrowing down into categories is almost impossible. General properties: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral. Common constituents: Aromadendrene, bisabolene, cadinene camphene, carene, carophyllene, cedrene, copaene, cymene, dipente, elemene, farnesene,heerabolene, humulene, limonene, myrcene, ocimene, phellandrene, pinene, sabinene, selinene, terpinene, terpinolene, thujene. Oils high in terpenes: Citrus oils from the peel except bergamot, (could contain as high as 90% limonenes), black pepper, lavender (officinalis), pine.

Esters

Created when an alcohol reacts and bonds with an acid. They tend to be highly odorific with a fruity note or undertone. Essential oils which are dominant in esters tend to be widely used by the food (flavour) and perfume industry. Usually quite safe and gentle to the skin (an exception would be methyl salicylate found in birch, and wintergreen). General properties: Anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, fungicidal, calming, balancing, sedative. Common Constituents: Benzyl Acetate, Bornyl Acetate , Eugenyl Acetate, Geranyl Acetate, isobutyl angelate, Lavandulyl Acetate, Linalyl Acetate, Methyl Acetate, Menthyl anthranilate, Methyl salicylate, Neryl acetate, Sabinyl acetate, Terpinyl acetate, vetiveryl Acetate. Oils with significant levels of esters: clary sage, roman chamomile, helichrysum (immortelle), jasmine, lavender, rose, sweet marjoram.

Ketones

Useful in respiratory conditions, having expectorant and decongestant properties. Also, a some what stimulating effect on lungs. Use oils which are high in ketones with great caution since some chemicals are considered toxic or have been known to trigger severe asthma attacks or epileptic seizures. Some components are considered toxic while others are not (See below). Some oils may contain toxic ketones, but not in significant levels. *Avoid ingesting essential oils high in ketones, since the liver has difficulty breaking down and assimilating them, causing a tremendous burden on liver and other eliminatory organs. Some of the highest concentrations are found in common food additives such as aniseed, caraway, hyssop, pennyroyal, sage. Common properties: Antispasmodic, antiphlogistic, cytophylactic, lipolytic, mucolytic. Toxic ketones: Pulejone, thujone. Safe ketones: Fenchone, jasmone, accetophenone, camphone, carvone, menthone, pinocamphone. Oils with significant ketones: Camphor, *peppermint, dill, fennel, rosemary, spearmint. *Ketones within this oil are considered safe