| Volatile
oil containing: Linanool: Linalool one of the terpene alcohols is widely
distributed in the plant kingdom. Linalool has strong effects on the nervous
system and is therefore widely used by aroma therapists and herbologists as a
sedative, spasmolytic and local anaesthetic. It is also used against many skin
complaints, mostly in the form of tea tree oil. Methyl Chavicol: A phenolic ether also called
Estragole. There is some evidence that in large doses Methyl Chavicol is
carcinogenic. This applies to the essential oil too as it will be absorbed
through the skin. Cineole: One of the two most important Monoterpene Oxides, the
other is Ascaridole, Cineole is one of the most widely distributed constituents
amongst plants as an oxidised product of monoterpenes. Cineole is often also
called Eucalyptol, named so because it is the major component of Eucalyptus oil. Cineole
is a expectorant widely used in commercial cough lozenges. It has a reputation
as a skin irritant amongst many practitioners but recent tests have failed to
confirm this. Caryophyllene - C15H24:
A
natural bicyclic Sesquiterpene with a strong
spicy woody odour that is responsible for the distinctive flavour of black
pepper..
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Sesquiterpenes: When sesquiterpenes occur in essential oils it
is mostly in combination with monoterpenes. Sesquiterpenes have a higher melting
point than monoterpenes. Sesquiterpenes are anaesthetic, antifungal,
antiseptic and antibacterial. |
Borneol: One of the terpene alcohols, found most abundantly in
rosemary oil, has many of the properties of other terpene alcohols. It is used
as a skin tonic, a local anaesthetic, sedative and antispasmodic.
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Terpene Alcohol: Valued for their fragrance,
gentle reaction on the skin and membranes and healing properties Terpene
Alcohols have earned the name of "Friendly Molecules". Alcohols are amongst the
strongest antimicrobial compounds in essential oils but lack the irritant
properties of other antimicrobial constituents like phenols. |
Eugenol: Anaesthetic, antimicrobal, disinfecting, stimulant,
aromatic and anticonvulsant. Eugenol is a Phenylpropanoid in the Phenols group.
Eugenol is widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Potentially irritant.
Sensitivity should be tested before using this substance or oil on the skin. Geraniol: A terpene alcohol. Fragrant and regarded as highly
valued oil in aromatherapy and the perfume industry. Terpene alcohols are
antimicrobial but are a lot gentler on the skin than the phenols. Anethol: A phenolic ether found in Fennel, Aniseed and
star anise. Anethol, or anethole is widely used in mouth washes and toothpaste
as a flavouring agent. Anethol is unstable in sunlight or other strong light and
can irritate skin and mucous membrane to the extent that it can cause
blistering.
Phenolic Ethers: Phenolic ethers on their own are irritant and
toxic Phenylpropane derivatives. Where Phenolic Ethers are present in essential
oils these oils must be used with care and extreme dilutions as even small
amounts of phenolic ethers are toxic.
Limonene: Limonene has been studied for the anti-tumour effect
noticed in mice. Herbalists often prescribe herbs with this constituent as an
antioxidant and cancer or tumour inhibitor although there is evidence that these
properties are volatile and may be lost as a result of processing of the herb.
Limonene also has antiviral properties. Myrcene: A monoterpene found in essential oil
of basil.
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Monoterpenes: One of the many terpenes, monoterpenes (the
smallest of the terpenes, although one of the most widely occurring) are mostly
found in essential or volatile oils. Aromatherapists use monoterpenes as a mucus
membrane tonic as decongestants and to ease nasal and other mucus membrane
discomfort. Monoterpenes evaporate easily and have a low boiling point.
Monoterpenes are mostly colorless and odorless, prone to oxidation. Oxidants
from monoterpenes could be irritant. Monoterpenes are antiseptic,
antiviral and bactericidal. |
Sabinene: No current data available Camphor: Camphor is a Carvone, one of the Ketones. In the +
isometric form is found in the oil of Caraway seed, in
the - isometric form it is found in feverfew and some lavender subspecies. In
the - form -Carvone is the major constituent in Oil of Spearmint (Mentha
Spicata).
Camphor is commercially extracted in the + isometric form from the wood of Cinammomum Camphora,
the Camphor Laurel Camphor
is antipruritic, mucolytic and expectorant. Camphor is also toxic in significant
doses and can cause contact dermatitis.
In the cosmetic and beauty therapy industry Camphor is widely used for its
preservative properties in creams, hair products, after shave lotions and other
skin products as it has the added benefit of giving a cool refreshing feeling to
the skin. Pure camphor oil has been used through the centuries as a moth
repellent and an ingredient in liniments. The FDA has banned Camphor as a
liniment as it is readily absorbed through the skin and is toxic in larger doses
even when applied topically. In Lavender Essential oil although present Camphor is regarded as
an undesirable constituent thereby increasing the price of Lavandin, Lavender
and even Lavender-Spike (in which higher levels of Camphor is expected) where
the aroma lacks the distinct Camphor smell.
Ketones: Monoterpenoid Ketones are stable molecules formed by
oxidation of alcohols. Monocyclic Ketones like Pulegone and Thujone are toxic
and should be avoided in any significant volumes in any treatment. Ketones are
expectorant and a respiratory tonic. |
Ocimene: A monoterpene found in essential oil
of basil.
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Monoterpenes: One of the many terpenes, monoterpenes (the
smallest of the terpenes, although one of the most widely occurring) are mostly
found in essential or volatile oils. Aromatherapists use monoterpenes as a mucus
membrane tonic as decongestants and to ease nasal and other mucus membrane
discomfort. Monoterpenes evaporate easily and have a low boiling point.
Monoterpenes are mostly colorless and odorless, prone to oxidation. Oxidants
from monoterpenes could be irritant. Monoterpenes are antiseptic,
antiviral and bactericidal. |
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