Types of Aromatherapy - Different Chemical Compounds in Essential Oils

This article discusses the main types of aromatherapy chemical compounds which are found in the essential oils of plants.

Understanding and classifying the chemistry of essential oils is complicated since the classifications include different types of chemical compounds such as alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, esters, and terpenes.

However, the science of aromatherapy has studied and recorded the chemical composition of each one of these classifications, and today, is a vital part of alternative medicine therapies offered to the public worldwide.

Types of Aromatherapy Chemical Compounds

Aldehydes

Aldehydes impart the benefits of anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and sedative properties, and hence are used to treat conditions that require the aforementioned attributes.

The essential oils contain these active constituents possess a lemony fragrance and found in herbs such as lemon grass, lemon balm, citronella and eucalyptus.

Alcohols

Alcohols impart the benefits of stimulant, energizing, vitalizing, antiviral and diuretic properties.

Alcohols are found in rose, rosewood, peppermint, myrtle, patchouli, ginger and sandalwood.

Phenols

Phenols impart the benefits of antibacterial, tonic, stimulant, immune-system boosting, invigorating and warming properties. It is frequently used in soothing salves, balms and lozenges and cough drops. Over-use can sometimes produce toxicity.

Phenols are found in clove, cinnamon, thyme, cumin and oregano essential oils.

Ketones

The first among the various types of aromatherapy chemical compounds to be covered is Ketones. Ketones or Cetone have the properties of wound healing, stimulant (new cell growth), mucolytic and is used in nail polish.

Ketones are present in the essential oils of camphor, rosemary, eucalyptus, sage and hyssop.

Terpenes

Terpenes impart the benefits of stimulant, soother of skin irritation, and anti-viral attributes. These compounds are found in lemon grass, black pepper, nutmeg, bergamot, and angelica.

Sesquiterpenes

These impart the benefits of anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, sedative, immune-system boosting, and bacteriostatic properties.

These active chemical compounds are found in chamomile, tansy, yarrow and immortal.

Esters

Esters impart the benefits of calming, sedative, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.

These chemical compounds are found in the essential oils of Roman chamomile, petitgrain, bergamot, sage and clary.

Lactones

Lactones impart similar benefits as esters and are part of the same group. They impart the benefits of anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties.

These chemical compounds are found in arnica and elecampane.

Ethers

Ethers are the last major group of the various types of aromatherapy chemical compounds and have a harmonizing effect on the nervous system, as well as antiseptic, expectorant, stimulant, spasmolytic and diuretic attributes.

These compounds are found in clove, anise, tarragon, parsley and sassafras.

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