Nothing can be more certain than this: that we are just beginning to learn something of the wonders of the world on which we live and move and have our being.
WILLIAM RAMSAY
We talk a lot, and I mean a lot, about how badass our plant friends are. I use them for everything from helping me through the day, cleaning the house, healing minor ailments, and self-care. There are a number of reasons I love plants. When you get into the plant world you leave the universe of scarcity and step into a world of abundance. When we treat our environment with respect and walk through nature with an attitude of kinship we roll into a cycle of reciprocity with plants. We evolved on this earth with plants. To our ancestors, they were nourishment, shelter, friends, and medicine. We have lost the depth of this relationship. The plants have not changed, we have. Our plant friends are still there for us, we just have to relearn about them and relearn to trust that relationship. Our ancestors used specific plants for specific purposes because they worked. With technology, we can now explain exactly why they work.
What are essential oils?
OK, we really covered this in the Aromatherapy 101 article, but there are a couple of important takeaways for this article's purpose. Essential oils are defined as “a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile chemical compounds from plants.” Thank you, Wikipedia. Essential oils are the essence of the plant. These are what give each plant its unique properties and abilities. This is what gives that plant its scent, insect-fighting abilities, communicative abilities, and healing powers.
Extraction of Essential Oils
There are a variety of ways essential oils are extracted. Most are steam distilled. Citrus plants are cold-pressed. Delicate flowers are often macerated and resin oils are commonly extracted using a solvent. No matter how these oils are extracted, it’s important to note that essential oils are highly concentrated. 250 lbs of lavender plants yield about 16 oz of essential oil. It takes about 8,000 roses to yield 5 ml of rose essential oil and 125,000 jasmine buds to yield .5 oz of essential oil. 50 lbs of eucalyptus make about 16 oz of essential oil. As you can see, the amount of plant material needed to make x amount of essential oil is all over the place. This is why some essential oils are $12 and some are $300.
When you use essential oils, you are not harnessing the power of a plant. You are harnessing the power of hundreds of plants. Using one drop of lavender essential oil is like crushing up .25 lbs of plant material on your skin. Essential oils are powerful. Never use them undiluted on the skin. There’s a good reference for proper dilutions to use for a variety of applications in Aromatherapy 101. So now we get why essential oils are so potent. There’s a lot, sometimes even a ton of plant power behind every drop. Now let’s get into why they are effective.
The Essence Of It All
When you travel through the microscope you see lavender essential oil is not the end of the story. Lavender essential oil is linalool, linalyl acetate, camphor, lavandulyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, lavandulol, 1,8-cineole, camphor, limonene, tannins, and a myriad of other minor phytochemicals. Hundreds of phytochemicals make up each and every essential oil. This is what makes an orange different than cedar, and different than a lemon. Speaking of lemon, there are 93 different components in lemon. Its cousin bergamot contains about 143 components.
When we study essential oils, we really begin to understand how much of a genius Mother Nature is at chemistry. Each plant is her own little potion, refined and brewed for millennia. For all of our science and technology, we cannot create potions as effective as hers. We can tell you what each and every component does, and the effect each should have. We can even isolate, distill, and synthesize each component. When we isolate components, however, we lose the synergy. They are not as effective as when the essential oil is left intact. Keep this in mind as we look at the main phytochemicals that make up each essential oil. Each essential oil is a full bouquet of benefits, each oil subtly different than the one next to it.
Most Common Phytochemicals
There are twelve groups of chemicals that make up 99% of essential oil chemicals. While I won’t go into the number of bonds or specifics of each chemotype, I will go into the effects these components have and what they bring to each oil.
Monoterpenes
There are thousands of different monoterpenes. They are the most prolific component of essential oils. These are your antiseptics and bacteria busters. Monoterpenes are the common denominator that makes both pine and lemon wonderful cleansers. Monoterpenes are also one reason essential oils are so volatile. Monoterpenes are highly susceptible to deterioration.
Properties
Stimulating, antibacterial, analgesic, anti-histaminic, anti-tumor, insecticidal, expectorant, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-viral, hypotensive
Scent
Citrusy and coniferous
Plants
Orange, hyssop, Lemon, Pine, Eucalyptus, Myrtle, Litsea Cubeba, Yarrow
Precautions
Can be irritating to the skin, always use oils high in Monoterpenes diluted.
Monoterpene Hydrocarbon
Plants produce monoterpene hydrocarbons as both a communication system and a defense against viruses. These are what makeup almost 90% of all citrus oils. These are stimulating, drying, decongestant, and unfortunately irritating.
Properties
Stimulating, anti-viral, drying, decongestant
Scent
Citrusy and coniferous
Plants
Grapefruit, orange, cypress, eucalyptus, mandarin, frankincense, juniper berry, pine, neroli, peppermint, niaouli, lemongrass
Precautions
Can cause an allergic reaction when in high concentrations
Monoterpene Alcohols
Microorganisms quail at the presence of monoterpene alcohols. They are antiseptic and antiviral. Monoterpene alcohols can be less irritating than their Monoterpene Hydrocarbon cousins. Many of these components also have a tonic effect. They are also sedatives. Here’s a little cheat. If a component ends in -ol it is likely in this group of phytochemicals.
Properties
Tonic, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory to the gastric system, sedative
Scent
Floral
Plants
Palmarosa, thyme, carrot seed, ylang-ylang, lavender, niaouli, clary sage, rosewood, coriander, geranium, marjoram, tea tree, rose, peppermint, eucalyptus
Precautions
Generally mild and safe to use daily
Phenols
Phenols are the disinfectant powerhouses of the plant kingdom. They are extremely potent and highly stimulating to the immune system. This power does not come without a cost, however. Phenols can be highly irritating to the skin and may be toxic to the liver. In low dilution, however, these plants can still be used for the short term. Phenols are a lot like the alcohols listed above. The main difference is in how long they last, how well they dilute, and the strength of the aroma. Phenols dissolve easier than their alcohol counterparts. They also have a stronger, more durable aroma.
Properties
Warming, stimulating, potently antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-infectious
Scent
Spicy and medicinal
Plants
Anise, clove bud, thyme, cinnamon, ravintsara, nutmeg.
Precautions
Possibly toxic to the liver and highly irritating to the skin.
Esters
Esters are a unicorn, tonic, yet soothing. Esters are good antispasmodic sedatives. These components are also will antibacterial and fungicidal. These are highly aromatic compounds and are commonly used in the food industry to manufacture flavors.
Properties
Tonic, balancing, regulating, Antispasmodic, sedative. Antibacterial and antifungal
Scent
Floral, fruity, sweet
Plants
Birch, wintergreen, roman chamomile, clary sage, immortal, bergamot, lavender, cardamom, spearmint
Precautions
Generally safe
Aldehydes
Aldehydes are movers of the molecular world. They are powerful detoxifiers, pulling toxins out of the systems, while simultaneously pushing in nutrients. As a general rule, these are cooling oils. These oils are on the calming and cooling side. Think anti-inflammatories, and fever reducers. Their potent nature can make them irritating to both the skin and mucus membranes.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, tonic, calming, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, fever reducing
Scent
Spicy and balsamic
Plants
Cassia, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, cumin, cinnamon bark, melissa, citronella
Precautions
These can be irritating on the skin and mucous membranes, so use oils high in Aldehydes in low concentration.
Ketones
Ketones are no joke. They dive fast and deep through the muck. Ketones are your fat-busting complex. They are also the best expectorants in the plant kingdom. Ketones are also your wound healers, expediting the process and providing anti-inflammatory properties. Due to their power, they can also be toxic. Some people fear this group of compounds above all others. While you can and often do use plants that have ketones there are two variables. One, how much of a plant is made of ketones. Two, how often do you use that plant? If you know a plant is useful but high in ketones use it as the exception, not the rule. Example; hyssop. I use this oil when I’m recovering from a respiratory infection. Once I’m over it I stop. I don’t use Hyssop to help me sleep every night. Hyssop is also in our Simbi Anpaka blend. Hyssop makes up less than 5% of the total blend, so even if you use Simbi daily, the dilution of Hyssop is negligently low.
Properties
Calming, antispasmodic, sedative, anti-coagulant, expedites wound healing, dissolves fat, expectorant, potential neurotoxin
Scent
Ketone scents are all over the place. The commonality is they are harsh, fresh, and strong.
Plants
Sage, basil, spearmint, dill seed, peppermint, yarrow, cedarwood atlas, roman chamomile
Precautions
Neurotoxic. So not use it while pregnant, on children, or for the long term. Use in moderation and for the short term. Mugwort, pennyroyal, and thuja are all high ketone-content plants that should not be used. Hyssop, sage, and spike lavender all have moderate amounts and should be used in moderation.
Oxides
Oxides are the BFF of your respiratory system. These bad boys are strong anti-virals, especially in the lungs. These are the ones that will cause a productive cough. They can be irritating to the skin, so be sure to dilute them before use.
Properties
Antiviral, potent expectorant, irritant
Scent
Camphoraceous
Plants
Eucalyptus, thyme, niaouli, hyssop, myrtle, cardamom, sage, German chamomile, tea tree, peppermint
Precautions
Generally Safe
Sesquiterpenes
There are about two thousand different sesquiterpenes found in nature. Sesquiterpenes are heavier than monoterpenes. Oils high in these compounds are heavier, and more vicious, often falling into the base note category. The aroma produced hangs around longer. Many oils high in Sesquiterpenes are used as fixatives in fragrances. These oils are cooling and soothing. Think anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antispasmodic, and sedative. New research says these compounds can also correct cellular memory, bringing the body back into balance.
Properties
Cooling, antispasmodic, aunty-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-bacterial
Scent
Earthy
Plants
Vetiver, black pepper, patchouli, myrrh, cedarwood atlas, ginger
Precautions
None
Sesquiterpene Alcohols
The mint, myrtle, pine, and citrus families produce a lot of sesquiterpene alcohols. These compounds are good for your organs. They stimulate the heart and cleansing to both veins and the lymphatic system. These components also regenerate the liver. As with most other essential oil components they are also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
Properties
Tonic, stimulating, decongests the lymphatic system, anti-allergic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative. Non- irritating
Plants
Sandalwood, carrot seed, cedarwood atlas, roman chamomile, cypress
Precautions
None
Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbon
Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons have the ability to get rid of free radicals, protecting tissues. They are also powerful anti-inflammatories.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic
Plants
German chamomile, black pepper, lemon, ginger, cedarwood, yarrow
Precautions
None
Lactones
You want lactones when you’re getting sick. Anti-inflammatory, fever reducers, that stimulate immunity. There is also research suggesting this chemical component can get rid of tumors. These are the most powerful mucolytics, aka expectorants in the plant kingdom.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory, reduces fever, most yin, most powerful mucolytic.
Plants
Inula, Bay Laurel
Precautions
Photosensitization, cytotoxicity. Use only in brief stents and in very low dilution.
Phenylpropanes
Phenylpropanes are very hostile to bacteria and viruses. More interestingly they help cells communicate better. How that works is way above my pay grade. All I know is they help cells communicate with hormones, neurotransmitters, and peptides more efficiently. This helps our system stay well as a whole.
Cinnanic Aldehyde and Eugenol
These are the most powerful antiseptics in the plant world.
Properties
Stimulating, antibacterial, rebalances the flora in your digestive system.
Plants
Cinnamon, clove
Precautions
These are highly irritating oils and should be used only in very low dilution.
Coumarins
There are 700 coumarins found in nature. This is the component that stimulates the plant to make roots. Its effects on us are also grounding, calming, and sedating.
Properties
Calming, sedating, refreshing, anticoagulant, bactericidal, tonic to the veins
Plants
Dill seed, angelica root, bergamot, lemon, lime, peppermint
Precautions
None
Chemistry begins in the stars. The stars are the source of the chemical elements, which are the building blocks of matter and the core of our subject.
PETER ATKINS
This is a lot of information. As you can see, many plants have more than one major component. This is where you can get into the subtlety of blending essential oils. Say you are suffering from allergies. There are plenty of essential oils that have mucolytic components. Are you also feeling too stimulated to slow down and rest? Choose one that also has a sedative effect. Is it irritating your stomach? Choose one that also eases gastric spasms. The number of combinations in plant chemistry is as limitless as there are plants. There is a solution for everything.
In a Nut Shell
So, now you know why the bane of my existence is to see things like lavender-scented candles for use in aromatherapy for relaxation. True essential oils are made of specific chemical components. True essential oils produce a physiological reaction, not merely a psychological one. The chemical components in each plant are what ease pain, and break up congestion, just as an OTC medication would. In fact, many of our modern medications are derived from the phytochemicals found in plants.
While our ancestors used plants to heal anything and everything, there is a time and a place for modern medicine. We are lucky to have the advances we do now. Our healthcare system is slowly, but surely becoming more holistic. More often we are looking at ways to maintain health through nutrition, and natural remedies rather than just healing with steel. For a long time, Western medicine has ignored balance, lifestyle, and preventative care. Slowly but surely we are correcting the course, easing discomfort before it turns into disease. Natural chemicals are a powerful ally that helps you maintain a healthy balance.
I am not a doctor and nothing here is intended for medical advice. Always consult your physician when using natural remedies. They are powerful, should be respected, and can interfere with medications in a very real way.