by Caetlyn R Campbell

Created on: November 18, 2007   Last Updated: November 21, 2007

One cannot truly uderstand or appreciate Aromatherapy without some knowledge of the Chemistry of Essential Oils. This is a very simplistic presentation on the science of essential oils and it is the most important ingredient missing in the education of many aromatherapists. I hope that by presenting this article, those who have an interest in aromatherapy and the use of essential oils on the body will be able to read this and understand why oils should never be used directly on the skin without being properly diluted. Understanding the science of aromatherapy will also help one to find interesting and delightfully fragrant ways to blend oils without loading up too heavily on one chemical component.

KETONES

Ketones are the most potentially toxic compounds in essential oils. The effects they produce upon the body's systems are extremely powerful and too much ketone is what makes some oils too dangerous to use in Aromatherapy. They, reportedly, can cause spontaneous abortions, provoke an epileptic fit, or poison the central nervous system.

However, in very small amounts they can be of very valuable use in Aromatherapy. They stimulate the immune system, are anti-fungal etc, BUT safer alternatives usually can be found. Use of these oils should be by a professional Aromatherapist only.

Some oils that contain ketones are Mugwort, Sage, Thuja, they contain the most dangerous ketone of them all called Thujone.

Another ketone called borneone is found in Camphor, Cinnamon, Mugwort, and Spike Lavender.

Carvone (another ketone) is found in caraway, peppermint and many other oils.

In pennyroyal there is pulegone, Hyssop has pinocamphone,

Any ketone (you can tell it's a ketone by the last three letters "one") that is listed high as an active constituent in your essential oils, is ALWAYS to be mixed with a carrier oil and used with caution.

Oils that contain medium amounts of Ketones are as follows:
Roman chamomile, medium amounts of pinocarvone
Hyssop, medium amounts of pinocamphone
Lavandin, medium amounts of camphor
Peppermint, medium amounts of menthone
Sage, medium amounts of thujone

MONOTERPENES (subsection of Terpenes.
Monoterpenes are found in practically all your essential oils. Amongst the effects that they give (although not very strong) are bactericidal, stimulating, expectorant and analgesic and in the air are antiseptic. Please note that monoterpenes can be irritating to the skin and any oil containing a high amount of monoterpenes MUST be used with carrier oil.
All citrus oils

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>