Essential Oil Active Ingredients

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. Monoterpenes, for instance, are stimulating, and Esters are sedative, so oils rich in these chemicals have these properties. Active ingredients sometimes act in combination to increase the oil's therapeutic action or balance one another out. Citral in Lemon oil is an irritant for example, but limonene in the same oil is a quencher, cancelling out Citral's harmful actions. 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.



Alcohols
Alcohols are very uplifting and have antiseptic and antiviral properties. They have the suffix *-ol*, for example, Citronellol. Cleansing oils such as Eucalyptus are high in alcohols.

Ketones
Ketones are sedative and pain-relieving. The Ketone 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* for example, *Geranyl Acetate*. Relaxing oils such as Chamomile are high in Esters.

Aldehydes
Aldehydes are cooling and calming. They tend to end in *al*, for example, 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 aid 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.




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 SKINS - Avoid OXIDES, PHENOLS AND ALDHYDES

HEALTH CONDITIONS - People with EPILEPSY or HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE should NOT USE OILS THAT STIMULATE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OR CIRCULATION.

By taking the time to learn which active Ingredients are responsible for which therapeutic properties, you will be able to choose the best oil for your needs.

Anti-inflammatory Oils
The anti-inflammatory actions of some oils are due to the presence of:
Esters
These reduce inflammation, for example, the *Linalyl Acetate* in Chamomile eases swelling casued by sunburn, stings and sprains.
Sequiterpenes
These are strongly anti-inflammatory, for example, *Farnasene* in Rose Oil. Carrier bases such as Aloe Vera cream or lotion are also Anti-Inflammatory. Aloe Vera contains *Anthraquinone*, which is effective in reducing inflammation when used alongside essential oils such as Lavender or Chamomile.


Decongestant Oils
Many spice and tree oils are effective against colds and flu. They contain:
Ketones
These act as expectorants and releive congestion, for example, *Camphor*, found in Sage and Rosemary, or *Menthone*, found in Peppermint oil.
Oxides
These are also decongestants, for example, *Linalool Oxide*, found in Eucalyptus and Rosemary or *Eucalyptol*, found in Eucalyptus and Cajeput, amongst others.


Antiseptic Oils
Many oils have valuable antiseptic properties due to the presence of:
Phenols
These chemical are powerful antiseptic but can irrate the skin, so they are best used in a vapouriser or room fumigant.
Alcohols
More gentle then Phenols, Alcohols are still strongly antiseptic, for example, *Antiviral Terpineol* in Eucalyptus, *Antibacterial Sanatol* in Sandalwood and the *Farnesol* in Rose oil.


Invigorating Oils
Invigorating oils that stimulate the mind and body are rich in the following chemicals:
Monoterpenes
These impart a feeling of health and well-being, lifting the spirits and reviving the body, for example, *Limonene* found in Citrus oils such as Lemon, Lime and Orange.
Phenols
Many spice oils are uplifting due to the presence of Phenols, for example, *Eugenol* in Cinnamon and Clove. These oils lift mental fatigue but because of their potency, they should only be used in low concentrations.

Alcohols
Alcohols are invigorating - for example, *Menthol* in Peppermint oil, which has a refreshing action - but high doses can become sedative.

Relaxing Oils
Relaxing oils are usually rich in Esters, but Ketones also contribute to many oils' soothing effects.
Esters
These are soothing to the nervous system and ease tension. The most sedative oils are Roman Chamomile, Jasmine, Petitgrain and Benzoin; some comprise more than 70% Esters.
Ketones
The Ketones found in some essential oils, such as *Cis-Jasmone* in Jasmine, work in conjunction with Esters to help you relax.


Warming Oils
Many oils that come from spices such as Black Pepper, Cinnamon and Ginger are warming becasue they stimulate the circulation to the extremities of the body. Oils that make great additions to massage blends contain:

Phenols
Phenols such as *Eugenol* and *Myristol* are stimulating and warming to the mind and body. Both are found in Black Pepper oil, making it an ideal addition to a muscular rub.
Alcohols
These have a warming effect on the body as they open blood vessels, bringing more body heat to the skin. *Linalool*, for example, in Coriander Oil and *Terpineol* in Eucalyptus oil.