Components of Oils
Components of Essential Oils
Therapeutic properties of the whole oil is the result of synergism: an interaction of all its chemical constituents working harmoniously together and where the blended product becomes more potent then the sum of its parts.
Here is a brief survey of the main chemical components of essential oils.
Therapeutic Properties
The whole oil is the result of synergism: an interaction of the chemical components working harmoniously together, and where the powers of the blended product become more than the sum of the individual parts. Here is a brief survey of the main ingredients of essential oils.
Terpene
A vast group of chemical with widely varying properties so it is impossible to generalize about their therapeutic actions. However, common terpenes include limonene, an anti-viral agent found in 90% of citrus oils, and pinene, an antiseptic found in high concentrations in pine and turpentine oils. Others include chamazulene and farnesol, both of which are found in chamomile essence, possess remarkable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Ester
The most widespread group found in plant essences, which includes linalyl acetate (found in clary sage and lavender), and geranyl acetate (found in sweet marjoram). Esters are fungicidal and sedative, usually with a fruity odor.
Aldehyde
These substances are found notably in lemon-scented essences, such as lemon grass and citronella. Aldehydes generally have a sedative, though uplifting quality.
Ketone
Certain ketones are known to be toxic, so this chemical group is regarded with a degree of caution. However it is misleading to generalize about the toxicity of individual chemical components without knowing the exact ratio of the substance in relation to other chemicals in the whole oils.
Certain essence, however, do contain appreciable quantities of toxic ketones, so should be avoided by lay people. Mugwort, tansy, wormwood and common sage contain the potentially risky thujone, while pennyroyal contains pulegone. Non-toxic ketones include jasmone, found in jasmine, and fenchone in sweet fennel. Ketones ease congestion and aid the flow ofmucus which is why plants and essences containing relatively large quantities of these substances are usually helpful of upper respiratory complaints.
Alcohol
Some of the most common alcohols include linalol (found in abundance in lavender), citronellol (rose, lemon, eucalyptus and geranium) and geranil (geranium and palmarosa). These substances tend to have good antiseptic and anti-viral properties and an uplifting quality.
Phenol
These are bactericidal with a strong, stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Essential oils containing relatively large quantities of certain phenols are potentially irritant to skin and mucous membranes. Common caustic phenols include eugenol (found in close essence), thymol (thyme) and carvacrol (oregano). However, anethole (from fennel) and estragole (tarragon) are not at all caustic.
Oxide
These are found in a wide range of essences, especially those of a camphoraceous nature, such as rosemary, eucalyptus, tea tree and cajuput. Oxides tend to have an expectorant effect, for example, eucalyptol (eucalyptus).
Adulteration of Essential Oils
Unfortunately, adulteration of essential oils is common. They can be diluted with an alcohol or blended with less expensive oils. DPG is a colorless and odorless synthetic chemical that is also used. It is essential to buy your oils from reputable suppliers and companies whose oils carry a recognized certificate of purity.
Simple Skin Test
When using an essential oil for the first time, it is advisable to carry out a skin test, especially if you are sensitive, light haired and skin type and live in a tropical area (exposed to direct sun alot).
Mix one drop of essence in a teaspoonful of almond oil, rub a little of the mixture behind the ears or in the crook of the arm or on the inside of the wrist. Leave uncovered and unwashed for 24 hours, if there is no redness or itching, the oil is safe for you to use. If there is a burning sensation use an enhanced vegetable oil complex to remove any of the remaining oil - do not use water.
Testing Pure-Grade Essential Oils
This is an easy test to do. Take a piece of blotter paper or regular paper apply a drop of oil(s) to the paper. If it is a pure grade essential oil it will absorb into the paper quickly. If it is not pure grade it will lay on top of the paper and is mostly oil based with a couple of drops of essential oils.
Choosing Essential Oils for Therapy
There are various ways to approach the art of blending essential oils, depending on the achievement you need to reach. There are factors to consider, is the person stressed out, anxiety, physical problems, etc. Sometimes you need to look at the small picture and decide how to break it down to achieve your long term goal.
Say someone is having anxiety / stress attacks. You need to calm them down first so they can think clearer and be able to focus in order to move to the next level.
If someone complains about a physical problem but is very stressed you might want to use a blend that will deal with both, but really focusing on the stress level. When the stress level comes down the body will relax and regroup.
When creating signature blends as I call them, I take into consideration what is going on with the client (patient) and adjust my oil therapy. I will even do shorter sessions if need be to slowly get them regrouped.
This type of therapy is very different then regular conventional therapy and all factors must be in consideration focusing on the mind, body and spirit.