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anam_cara2011-02-18 01:35 pm
sakurablossom) wrote in anam_cara2011-02-18 01:35 pm
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Essential oil - active ingredients
The healing properties and fragrance of an essential oil are determined by its "active ingredients" -- the chemicals it contains.
A single essential oil can contain several hundred different chemicals that together are responsible for its individual character, aroma and therapeutic action. The relative amount of each chemical in an oil can be a guide to its effect.
Chemical combinations
Monoterpenes tend to be stimulating, and esters are sedative, so oils rich in these chemicals generally have these properties.
Active ingredients often act in combination to increase the oil's therapeutic action or balance one another out. Citral in lemon oil, for example, is an irritant, but limonene in the same oil is a "quencher," canceling out citral's harmful actions.
Changing properties
Adaptogens are essential oils that can be either sedative or stimulating, depending on the individual. Some oil ingredients have been made synthetically for medicinal use, but these are not always as effective as they are in their natural state.
Main chemical groups of essential oils
* Alcohols
Alcohols are very uplifting and have antiseptic and antiviral properties. They have the suffix "-ol," e.g. citronellol. Cleansing oils such as eucalyptus are high in alcohols.
* Ketones
Ketones are sedative and pain-relieving. The ketones in plants such as jasmine can help you drift off into a peaceful sleep.
* Esters
Esters are soothing and anti-inflammatory. They have the suffix "-ate," e.g. geranyl acetate. Relaxing oils such as chamomile are high in esters.
* Aldehydes
Aldehydes are cooling and calming. They tend to end in "-al," e.g. citronellal. Aldehydes are often responsible for the strong smell of plants such as citronella and lavender.
* Phenols
Phenols stimulate the immune and nervous systems. Phenol-rich oils such as thyme and healing.
* Terpenes
Terpenes are a vast family of chemicals ending in "-ene," for example pinene. Monoterpenes are found in citrus oils such as lime and are analgesic and antiseptic. Sequisterpenes are calming and balancing.
Warning!
* During pregnancy
Avoid oils that contain ketones.
* Children
Phenolic ethers such as those found in fennel are not safe for children.
* In the sun
Citrus oils can make you more prone to sunburn.
* Sensitive skin
Avoid oxides, phenols and aldehydes.
* Health conditions
People with epilepsy or high blood pressure should not use oils that stimulate the nervous system or circulation.
A single essential oil can contain several hundred different chemicals that together are responsible for its individual character, aroma and therapeutic action. The relative amount of each chemical in an oil can be a guide to its effect.
Chemical combinations
Monoterpenes tend to be stimulating, and esters are sedative, so oils rich in these chemicals generally have these properties.
Active ingredients often act in combination to increase the oil's therapeutic action or balance one another out. Citral in lemon oil, for example, is an irritant, but limonene in the same oil is a "quencher," canceling out citral's harmful actions.
Changing properties
Adaptogens are essential oils that can be either sedative or stimulating, depending on the individual. Some oil ingredients have been made synthetically for medicinal use, but these are not always as effective as they are in their natural state.
Main chemical groups of essential oils
* Alcohols
Alcohols are very uplifting and have antiseptic and antiviral properties. They have the suffix "-ol," e.g. citronellol. Cleansing oils such as eucalyptus are high in alcohols.
* Ketones
Ketones are sedative and pain-relieving. The ketones in plants such as jasmine can help you drift off into a peaceful sleep.
* Esters
Esters are soothing and anti-inflammatory. They have the suffix "-ate," e.g. geranyl acetate. Relaxing oils such as chamomile are high in esters.
* Aldehydes
Aldehydes are cooling and calming. They tend to end in "-al," e.g. citronellal. Aldehydes are often responsible for the strong smell of plants such as citronella and lavender.
* Phenols
Phenols stimulate the immune and nervous systems. Phenol-rich oils such as thyme and healing.
* Terpenes
Terpenes are a vast family of chemicals ending in "-ene," for example pinene. Monoterpenes are found in citrus oils such as lime and are analgesic and antiseptic. Sequisterpenes are calming and balancing.
Warning!
* During pregnancy
Avoid oils that contain ketones.
* Children
Phenolic ethers such as those found in fennel are not safe for children.
* In the sun
Citrus oils can make you more prone to sunburn.
* Sensitive skin
Avoid oxides, phenols and aldehydes.
* Health conditions
People with epilepsy or high blood pressure should not use oils that stimulate the nervous system or circulation.