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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. Terpineol: A Monoterpenol that is a major
component of pine oils but also present in smaller quantities in other essential
oils.
Terpineol is antibacterial and antiviral, an immune system stimulant, a good
general tonic. In Essential Oils it is warming and uplifting. 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. 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. Pinene: Commonly found in Oil of Turpentine extracted from Pinus
specie trees, pinene (alpha-pinene and beta-pinene) is also widely distributed
in other plants. It is used for Rheumatism as a liniment but is best known by
Aromatherapists and a tonic of the mucus membranes of the respiratory system.
Pinene is also important for its pleasant fragrance and is believed to have
diuretic properties by many. 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. 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. | 