Chemistry of Essential Oils

To understand why essential oils can have therapeutic effects, you need to understand the chemistry of essential oils:

• Acids kill bacterial and viral infections, reduce inflammation, and moisturize the skin. Examples: birch and niaouli.
  
  
• Alcohols are a natural tonic. They kill bacterial and viral infections and are skin toners. Examples: clary sage, geranium, neroli, patchouli, peppermint, rose, and sandalwood.
  
  
• Aldehydes are a calmative that reduce inflammation and kill bacterial infections. Examples: cinnamon, lemongrass, melissa, and many citrus oils.
  
  
• Coumarins thin the blood and are calming and uplifting. Examples: angelica and bergamot.
  
  
• Esters are antispasmodic; they soothe muscle spasms and irritated skin and kill fungal infections. Examples: bergamot, geranium, lavender, Roman chamomile, and ylang ylang.
  
  
• Hydrocarbons (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes) reduce bacterial infections and inflammation, and are often mentally simulating. Examples: cypress, German chamomile, ginger, lemon, pine, and sandalwood.
  
  
• Ketones promote wound healing. Examples: caraway, rosemary, and sage.
  
  
• Phenols are antibacterial and stimulate blood flow. Examples: basil, clove, and oregano.

For more about essential oil chemistry, see chapter 2 of Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy.