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Over 150 isolated chemical ingredients in an aromatheraphy oils combine to give various effects on the body. That is why, a single essential oil can have different therapeutic properties at the same time.
Any aromatheraphy oils is the combination of following functional groups:
Alcohols
Some of the most beneficial molecules in aromatheraphy oils are alcohols.
Alcohols are bactericidal (kill bacteria), energizing, vitalizing, anti-viral and diuretic. Linalool and terpineol are two common terpene alcohols, which are both germicidal and non-toxic. aromatheraphy oils that are high in alcohols include rose, petitgrain, rosewood, peppermint, tea tree, sandalwood, patchouli and ginger. Alcohols are very wet and slightly heating.
Aldehydes
 Aldehydes are known to be anti-inflammatory, calming, sedative and anti-viral. You may be familiar with formaldehyde, which is an industrial chemical used as a preservative. Aldehydes are both cold and wet.
Aromatheraphy oils high in aldehydes have a characteristic lemon-like smell, such as lemongrass, lemon balm, citronella, and a variety of eucalyptus called citriodora.
Ketones
Ketones are a class of chemicals that are wound-healers and mucolyric (eases the secretions of mucous). Their unique ability to stimulate new cell growth has been utilized in skin care. Women use acetone to remove nail polish. Camphor is an example of an essential oil that is almost pure cetone. Other essential oils with high ketone content include rosemary, sage, eucalyptus globulus and hyssop. Ketones also fall in cold and wet category although they are warmer than aldehydes.
Phenols
A group related to alcohols is the phenols, which are very strongly bactericidal. Apart from being invigorating, warming, potential skin irritants, they are very good booster to immune system. They also can produce slight liver toxicity if taken in high doses for extended periods of time. Pharmaceutically, phenol is used in lip balms and cough drops. Examples of oils that have high phenol content include clove, cinnamon, thyme, oregano, savory and cumin. These aromatheraphy oils include some of the most heating of all aromatheraphy oils.
Terpenes
Terpenes are very stimulating, potential skin irritants and have anti-viral properties. Pine oil is used to make turpentine. Oils with high amounts of terpenes include lemon, orange, bergamot, black pepper, Pine oils, nutmeg and angelica. This essential oil is hot and dry. Terpenes are some of the smallest molecules in aromatherapy, very quick to come to the nose, and very quick to evaporate.
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpenes are some of the longest carbon chains found in the aromatheraphy oils, very thick and tenacious, long lasting in their smell. More than two thousand Sesquiterpenes have been isolated from plants, coming from the root, wood and plants of the composite family, including such oils as blue chamomiles, immortelle, tansy and yarrow. Properties include anti-inflammatory, sedative, anti-viral potentially anti-carcinogenic, bacteriostatic and immune stimulant. The sesquiterpenes correspond to cold and dry. The long-chain carbon composition and frequent combination with alcohols lessen their cooling effect. Their anti-inflammatory and immune building properties can be beneficial to all types.
Esters
Esters are chemically the neutral most component of the aromatheraphy oil. Esters are produced by reaction of an alcohol with an acid. They are anti-fungal, sedative, calming, spasmolytic, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, and are known as balancers or harmonizers. They can help to normalize any energetic or condition. Aromatheraphy oils containing high amounts of esters include Roman chamomile, lavender, clary sage, petitgrain and bergamot.
Lactones
Lactones are an ester group that also has a carbon ring attached; they are some of the most anti-inflammatory compounds known and include the aromatheraphy oil arnica. Some can be stronger mucolitic agents than Ketones. They are grouped with the esters on the graph.
Ethers
Ethers (sometimes called phenyl propane ethers) are very harmonizing to the nervous system. They are antiseptic, stimulant, expectorant (increase secretions), spasmolytic and diuretic. This group includes such oils as cinnamon, clove, anise, basil, tarragon, parsley, and sassafras. They are characterized by their very sweet fragrance. This group is a "balancer", though more heating than the esters, their harmonizing effects have application to everyone.
To avoid harmful chemicals, ensure that you buy Oragnic aromatherapy oils from trusted retailers.
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