Glossary

Key Terms Related to Essential Oils

This glossary is designed to guide you through the essential terms commonly used in aromatherapy and natural wellness. This will help you understand the terms used when describing specific therapeutic benefits, as well as the constituents that form the unique chemical makeup of each essential oil. Each term includes a clear definition along with examples of oils that provide these benefits or are high in the specific constituents. The examples of oils provided are chosen from the more popular oils that you may already be familiar with. There are hundreds more essential oils and plant extracts to explore! With this glossary, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to know which oils you need in your life! 

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Disclaimer: While substantial research supports the therapeutic and pharmaceutical benefits of essential oils, the effectiveness of these compounds depends on various factors related to the plants they are derived from. Such variables include the plant’s growing environment, soil quality, harvest timing, extraction method, and storage conditions, all of which can impact the oil’s potency and therapeutic properties. Please remember that none of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA, so this information is not intended as medical advice. For more on this topic, please refer to our Medical Disclaimer.

Therapeutic Benefits

Analgesic (Pain Relief)

– Provides pain relief.
Example: Peppermint, Clove, Lavender

Antibacterial

– Prevents bacterial infections.
Example: Tea Tree, Clove, Cinnamon

Anticarcinogenic

– May help prevent the development of cancerous cells (research is ongoing).
Example: Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood

Antidepressant (Mood Uplifting)

– Boosts mood and relieves symptoms of depression.
Example: Bergamot, Orange, Lemon

Antifungal

– Effective against fungal infections.
Example: Tea Tree, Thyme, Oregano

Anti-inflammatory

– Reduces inflammation and pain.
Example: Lavender, Chamomile, Frankincense

Antimicrobial

– Inhibits the growth of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi).
Example: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender

Antioxidant

– Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Example: Clove, Rosemary, Lemon

Antipyretic (Fever-Reducing)

– Helps reduce fever.
Example: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lavender

Antiseptic

– Prevents or combats infection by killing germs on surfaces.
Example: Lavender, Tea Tree, Geranium

Antispasmodic

– Reduces muscle spasms or cramps.
Example: Peppermint, Marjoram, Lavender

Antitussive (Anti-cough)

– Reduces coughing and soothes the throat.
Example: Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Thyme

Aphrodisiac

– Enhances libido and sexual desire.
Example: Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Jasmine

Astringent

– Tightens skin and reduces oiliness.
Example: Tea Tree, Lemon, Witch Hazel

Decongestant

– Clears nasal and sinus congestion.
Example: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Pine

Cicatrisant (Scar Healing)

– Promotes healing and reduces scarring.
Example: Lavender, Helichrysum, Frankincense

Digestive Aid

– Eases indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
Example: Peppermint, Ginger, Fennel

Emmenagogue

– Stimulates menstrual flow.
Example: Clary Sage, Rosemary, Juniper

Expectorant (Mucus-Thinning)

– Aids in the clearance of mucus from airways.
Example: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Frankincense

Hormonal Balancing

– Supports hormonal regulation.
Example: Geranium, Clary Sage, Fennel

Immune-boosting

– Supports overall immune health.
Example: Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lemon

Immunostimulant

– Strengthens the immune system.
Example: Tea Tree, Frankincense, Lemon

Insect Repellent

– Repels insects like mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
Example: Citronella, Lemongrass, Peppermint

Relaxant (Calming/Anti-Anxiety)

– Calms nerves and reduces anxiety.
Example: Lavender, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang

Sedative

– Promotes sleep and relaxation.
Example: Lavender, Sandalwood, Cedarwood

Constituents in essential oils are specific molecules or chemical compounds. These molecules are responsible for the unique therapeutic effects, aroma, and properties of each essential oil. Constituents are naturally occurring chemical components in plants, and they vary depending on the species, environment, and extraction method.

α-Bulnesene

α-Bulnesene is a sesquiterpene found in patchouli essential oil that provides a woody and spicy note to its scent profile. It is valued for its calming effects in aromatherapy and its potential to enhance the skin’s appearance when used in topical applications.

Examples: Patchouli, Vetiver, Guaiacwood

1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol)

– Known for its respiratory support and anti-inflammatory properties, often used to relieve congestion.
Example: Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Bay Laurel

α-Guaiene

α-Guaiene is a sesquiterpene with a warm, woody aroma that complements the overall complexity of patchouli essential oil. It plays a role in the oil’s grounding and relaxing properties, making it a favorite in stress-relief and meditation blends.

Examples: Vetiver, Agarwood, Guaiacwood

α-Pinene

– Provides anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, supporting respiratory health.
Example: Pine, Cypress, Frankincense

Alcohols

– Known for their mild and versatile properties, with calming and antimicrobial effects. Common alcohols include geraniol, linalool, terpineol, bisabolol, citronellol, cedrol, menthol, and santalol.
Examples: Sandalwood, Rosewood, Palmarosa, Geranium, Lavender

Aldehydes

– Typically have a citrus-like aroma with refreshing and antibacterial properties. Examples include citronellal, citral, geranial, and neral.
Examples: Lemongrass, Citronella, Melissa

Bisabolol

– Known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and skin-healing properties, making it popular in skincare.
Example: Chamomile, Yarrow, Candeia

Carvacrol

– A potent antimicrobial and antifungal agent, often used for immune support.
Example: Oregano, Thyme, Marjoram

Caryophyllene

– Known for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, often found in oils with calming properties.
Examples: Clove, Black Pepper, Copaiba

Chamazulene

– Recognized for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, especially valued in sensitive skincare.
Examples: German Chamomile, Blue Tansy

Citral

– Contains strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, commonly used in cleaning products and as a mosquito repellent.
Example: Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Melissa

Citronellal

– Known for its insect-repelling properties and fresh citrus scent.
Example: Citronella, Lemongrass, Lemon Balm

Esters

– Fruity and soothing in aroma, esters are known for calming and anti-inflammatory properties. Examples include geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, and methyl salicylate.
Examples: Wintergreen, Sweet Birch, Chamomile, Bergamot, Clary Sage

Eugenol

– An effective analgesic and antiseptic, widely used for its warming sensation and spicy aroma.
Example: Clove, Bay, Basil

Farnesol

– Valued for its antibacterial and anti-aging benefits, especially popular in skincare applications.
Example: Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang

Geraniol

– Known for its insect-repelling properties and floral aroma, commonly used in skincare for its soothing effects.
Example: Geranium, Palmarosa, Rose

Ketones

– Known for their minty-camphoraceous odor and penetrating therapeutic benefits. Common ketones include thujone, pulegone, camphor, menthone, carvone, fenchone, and jasmone.
Examples: Spearmint, Eucalyptus, Caraway, Rosemary, Sage

Limonene

– Provides uplifting, mood-boosting effects, and is often used in natural cleaning products for its fresh scent and antimicrobial qualities.
Example: Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit

Linalool

– Offers calming and anti-anxiety effects, widely used in aromatherapy and skincare for its gentle nature.
Example: Lavender, Coriander, Basil

Menthol

– Known for its cooling and analgesic properties, often used to soothe respiratory and muscular discomfort.
Example: Peppermint, Cornmint, Spearmint

Monoterpenes

– The largest group of chemicals in essential oils, known for being volatile and aromatic. They include pinene, terpinene, limonene, carene, camphene, cymene, myrcene, phellandrene, and sabinene.
Examples: Mandarin, Lemon, Sweet Orange, Bitter Orange, Pine, Lime, Grapefruit

Myrcene

– Provides sedative and muscle-relaxing effects, often found in oils used for calming and sleep support.
Example: Thyme, Lemongrass, Hops

Oxides

– Known for their intense aroma, especially useful for respiratory support. Examples include 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), caryophyllene oxide, rose oxide, linalool oxide, bisabolol oxide, and pinene oxide.
Examples: Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Chamomile, Lavender Spike, Ravensara

Patchoulol

Patchoulol is a sesquiterpene alcohol and the primary active compound in patchouli essential oil, giving it its characteristic earthy and musky aroma. Known for its therapeutic properties, patchoulol contributes to the oil’s anti-inflammatory, skin-rejuvenating, and grounding effects in aromatherapy.

Piperitenone

– Has insect-repelling and antimicrobial properties, often included in formulations to protect against pests.
Example: Peppermint, Eucalyptus

Phenols

– Strong antimicrobial properties, often with an intense aroma. They can be irritating to the skin. Common examples include eugenol, thymol, anethole, carvacrol, estragole, and chavicol.
Examples: Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Basil, Fennel

Pulegone

– Known for its strong minty aroma and insect-repelling properties, though it must be used cautiously due to its potency.
Example: Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Spearmint

Sesquiterpenes

– Less volatile than monoterpenes, known for their grounding effects. Common sesquiterpenes include caryophyllene, chamazulene, bisabolene, cedrene, copaene, cadinene, zingiberene, and farnesene.
Examples: Vetiver, Cedarwood, Ginger, Cade, Patchouli

Seychellene

Seychellene is a lesser-known sesquiterpene found in patchouli essential oil. It adds subtle woody and earthy undertones to the oil’s aroma and contributes to its calming and grounding effects in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Terpinen-4-ol

– A major antimicrobial component, particularly effective against bacteria and fungi, making it popular in cleaning products.
Example: Tea Tree, Marjoram, Juniper

Thymol

– Recognized for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, used extensively for immune support.
Example: Thyme, Oregano, Ajwain