Naturally pure essential oils and their ingredients
The composition of naturally pure essential oils in their ingredients is complex.
Some compositions of these natural products have not yet been fully deciphered even with today's modern analytical methods. In addition to the main active ingredients, such z. B. Monoterpenes, Ketones, Contain essential oils, a variety of other ingredients, z. B. Cinnamaldehyde or Eugenol, which decisively determine the effectiveness and thus the possible applications.
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1. Main active ingredients - Terpenes
Monoterpenes: e.g.B. Aldehydes, Esters, Ketones, Phenols, Oxides...
Sesquiterpenes: Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, Alcohols, Lactones...
2. Side Active Ingredients - Aromatic Compounds
Phenylpropanes: e.g.B. Eugenol, Saffrol, Cinnamaldehyd...
These are two completely different groups of molecules, the formation of which take place in different biosynthetic processes within the plant cell at different points.
The so-called terpenes and the molecules based on them represent the largest amount and therefore the most important components of a naturally pure essential oil. Their relationship to the hormones explains their strong influence on our body.
Phenylpropanes, on the other hand, are of great importance for protein synthesis. They include components such z. B. Coumarin or Vanillin.
1. What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are molecules that, due to their very small size, depend on the presence of a so-called "Functional group" in order to achieve their respective effect.
Therefore, they are categorized into the following terpene groups:
Monoterpenes: Aldehydes, Alcohols (Monoterpene alcohols), Esters, Ketones, Phenols and Oxides.
Sesquiterpenes: Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, Alcohols (Monoterpene hydrocarbons) and Lactones.
These two groups now make up the main amount of components (approx. 90%) of an essential oil. Often a mixture of both groups can be found.
Naturally pure essential oils which contain a high proportion of Monoterpenes are usually very thin, clear oils with high volatility.
While oils with a high sesquiterpene content range in color from yellow to dark yellow, and occasionally also brown, and are thicker. Furthermore, due to their long fragrance shelf life, they are considered fixatives in perfumery.
Monoterpenes:
1. Hydrocarbons
Citronello, Geraniol, Lime and Linalool are considered Allergenic ingredients!
Well-known essential oils with Hydrocarbon components are all Citrus oils, with the exception of bergamot. They consist of up to 90% of Monoterpene carbons. In aromatherapy, they are considered to be partly antiviral and anti-inflammatory.
However, due to this property, they are considered to be Kidney irritant, e.g. Juniper and are therefore often replaced by oils with Terpene alcohol as an active ingredient!
Known oils: Citrus oils, Juniper berry, Conifers...
2. Aldehydes
Citral is considered an allergenic ingredient!
Oils containing Aldehydes stand out due to their high productivity.
Less is more here!
Due to their strong anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and sedative properties, which are mainly known from Citral and Citronellal, a high dilution with a carrier oil is recommended. Too high a concentration often has a smaller or negative effect and severe skin irritation can occur.
Well-known oils: Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Verbena, Lemon balm...
3. Ketones
Oils with a ketone content have a cell-regenerating effect, stimulate tissue growth and are expectorant.
However, caution is advised here!
Since it is easily possible for ketones to cross the blood-brain barrier, they have a neurotoxic effect if overdosed and can trigger seizures such as epilepsy. There is also a risk of severe liver damage. Therefore, essential oils with a higher Ketone content - especially thujone content - should only be used by experienced therapists!
The toxicity here depends on the type of application:
· Oral - strong
· Rectal, vaginal, percutaneous - descending
· Inhalation - the weakest
Well-known oils: Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Sage, Thuja, Wehrmut, Hyssop,
4. Phenolsz
E.g .: Vanillin, Thymol...
The naturally occurring vegetable Phenol is called thymol, which is a chemical compound that is linked to an Aromatic ring system with a short carbon side chain. In its antiseptic effect, Thymol is far superior to artificial Phenol. However, internal use is not recommended as they are liver damaging. External use should only be done with expert advice, as it can cause severe skin irritation.
Pure Phenol is only obtained synthetically and is poisonous!
Known oils: Thyme, Oregano, ...
5. Alcohols
Alcohols are one of the mildest and most compatible terpene molecules. Due to their good tolerance, they are ideal for all skin types. They are often characterized by a high antimicrotic effect. They also have a toning effect.
Well-known oils: Geranium, Clary sage, Neroli, Niaouli, Palmarosa, Rosewood...
6. Esters
Esters are compounds between acids and alcohols. Essential oils that contain esters are generally highly aromatic. Due to their mostly fruity note, they are often used in the form of flavors in the food industry. Esters have an antispasmodic, antifungal and balancing effect. The longer the acid chain, the greater the relaxing effect.
Known oils: Geranium, Roman chamomile, fine Lavender, Tangerine,
Ylang –Ylang...
7. Oxides
Oxides are considered expectorant or expectorant as well as antiviral.
The best-known Terpene oxide is Cineol (Eucalyptol).
Known oils: Eucalyptus, Tea tree, Hyssop, ...
Sesquiterpenesz
E.g .: bisabolol, cedrol, santol, carotene, patchouli alcohol...
Farnesol is considered an allergenic ingredient!
This group includes very different substances, which have a broad spectrum in their mode of action. So it is not easy to summarize them. Mostly these are anti-inflammatory, highly nourishing and antiallergenic oils.
Essential oils, the main active ingredient of which is Sesquiterpene alcohol, have a positive effect on the nervous system, the muscles and stimulate the lymphatic system.
Well-known oils: Atlas cedar, Chamomile blue, Carrot seed oil, Patchouli, Sandalwood...
2. What are Phenylpropanes
Similar to Phenols, Phenylpropanes have a so-called “Aromatic ring system”. However, their composition is too diverse to be able to clearly categorize their effects.
Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol are stimulating, strongly irritating to the skin and strongly antiseptic.
Estragole and Anethole, on the other hand, are gentler and affect the autonomic nervous system. Here they have a stabilizing effect and primarily have a strong antispasmodic effect in the digestive tract.
Essential oils with Phenylpropanes as the main active ingredient:
Cinnamaldehyde: Cinnamon, Cassia
Eugenol: Carnation flower, Carnation leaves
Tarragole: Basil, Tarragon
Anethole: Anise
Saffrol: Sassafras, Camphor
Myristicin: Nutmeg
Apiol: Parsley
Eugenol is considered an allergenic ingredient!
The information contained here was compiled by me to the best of my knowledge and belief. Since nobody is free of errors, it is advisable to do your own research on this topic!
Natural remedies do not replace a doctor!
All contents without guarantee, subject to change !!!