The Science Behind Aromatherapy

Peel an orange and small quantities of orange oil is released from the peel. Whether you are aware of it or not, it gives you a lift. When you take a bunch of flowers to someone in hospital, the smell gives the patient a psychological boost. Why is this? The truth is we do not fully understand why. We know that essential oils contain up to 30,000 different compounds, which is why synthetic products do not come close to being as effective. In the past the effect of plants was seen as magical or a gift from God. These days we know something about the science behind Aromatherapy but certainly not everything. Many oils are yet to be studied, and many compounds yet to be identified.

Several major families of chemical compounds found in essential oils, along with their most widely-acknowledge therapeutic properties are listed below. Obviously not every compound is in every oil, which is why different can have very different therapeutic effects.

Aldehydes 
relaxing, calming, sedative, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic. 
Phenols 
stimulating, highly anti-septic. 
Sesquiterpenol 
balancing, anti-inflammatory, stimulating of the immune system. 
Ketones 
relaxing, supportive of respiratory system, dissolve and discharge mucous, stimulating cell regeneration. 
Esters 
relaxing, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal. 
Monoterpenes 
stimulating, detoxifying, diuretic, anti-septic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, analgesic, anti-spasmodic. 
Alcohols 
anti-bacterial, anti-viral. 
Azulene 
anti-histamine, promoting healing, highly anti-inflammatory. 
Bisabolol 
the strongest of sesquiterpene. anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory. 
Flavonoids 
This group of compounds is being very actively researched. stimulating circulation, anti-cancer, preventing cardiovascular disorders. 
Farnesol 
highly anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial. 
Farnesence 
highly anti-viral 
Limonene 
highly anti-viral 
Terpene alcohols 
highly anti-bacterial, stimulating of the immune system. 
Terpene hydrocarbons 
highly anti-viral. 
Thujone 
relieving respiratory distress, stimulating of the immune system

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