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Eucalyptol: One of the two most important Monoterpene Oxides,
the other is Ascaridole, Eucalyptol, more widely known as Cineol is one of the
most widely distributed constituents amongst plants as an oxidised product of
monoterpenes. Eucalyptol 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.
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. |
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. 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. p-Cymene: A
volatile hydrocarbon that occurs in anise, coriander, cumin, mace, oregano and
eucalyptus.
p-Cymene is used in flavoring of beverages, cakes and
confectionery as well as in fragrances.
P-Cymene could be an irritant to the skin and in higher
concentrations can cause blistering. If ingested in significant concentrations
it can cause nausea, a burning sensation in the mouth and skin of the throat,
headaches and giddiness, and in extreme cases loss of consciousness or coma. | 