Chapter 13: Botanicals & Aromatherapy

What umbrella term are botanicals often categorized?

natural ingredients

What term refers to the process of removing colors, odors or other naturally occurring compounds from the plant's extract?

refining

What is the most historically common extraction method of plant material?

infusion

What method of extraction results in fixed oils of the purest quality and therapeutic strength?

expeller-pressing

What is an example of a commonly-used solvent extract?

propylene glycol

What part of the aloe plant is extracted?

leaves

What is a property of marigold extract?

astringent

What term refers to the therapeutic use of essential oils?

aromatherapy

What process is used to extract essential oils?

dry steam, water/steam or water distillation

What is an example of a plant that cannot be distilled and must be solvent-extracted?

jasmine

What activates the limbic system?

odor

What is believed to be the most popular use of aromatherapy products?

stress relief

What essential oil is often used to reduce congestion from the common cold?

eucalyptus

What term refers to how multiple parts act as a cooperative whole?

synergy

What essential oil has influential amounts of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons?

german chamomile

What is a property of aldehydes?

antiviral

What is property of lactones?

mucolytic

What essential oil contains influential amounts of phenol?

oregano

What should you do when using essential oils?

have pregnant clients get clearance from their physician before use

What process involves adding natural or synthetic compounds, or cheaper but similar oils, to "stretch" an amount of oil?

adulteration

What term means that no synthetic ingredients are added to essential oil?

natural

What is the main component of grapefruit oil?

monoterpene hydrocarbons

What essential oil is used to balance the central nervous system?

lavender

What application of essential oils is only used for medical purposes?

suppository

What essential oil can be used at 100 percent strength?

coconut oil, Jojoba oil, olive oil, and sunflower seed oil

One ounce is approximately how many mL?

about 30

How many essential oils are typically used when creating a blend?

3 to 10

What are the three basic components of a cream?

water, oil, and emulsifier

When these essential oils are used to create a cellulite/detoxifying blend, what should you use the LEAST of?

cyprus

What type of consultation reviews all of the possible causes affecting the skin?

holistic

What is NOT something you should do when using essential oils?

diagnose a medical condition and prescribe them as a treatment

What is an extraction method using a solvent (hexane) to extract the essence from the plant material?

absolute

What is the process of adding natural or synthetic compounds, or cheaper but similar oils, to "stretch" or alter the fragrance of an essential oil?

adulteration

What chemical family includes needle tree oils such as cypress, pine and spruce?

monoterpene hydrocarbons

What is used in skin-soothing cosmetics for its ability to heal wounds and skin ulcers and to stimulate the growth of healthy tissue?

allantoin

What is an antioxidant nutrient used in skin care and health supplements, generally isolated from soy or wheat?

alpha D-tocopherol

What vitamin is alpha D-tocopherol a form of?

vitamin E

What is an aqueous extract?

herbal water infusion

What is the amount, usually defined as a percentage, to which essential oils are adulterated in a formula when added to a cream, oil or perfume blend?

dilution amount

What is distillation?

process that removes mineral and trace elements from water

What chemical family includes lemon verberna, lemongrass and citronella?

aldehydes

What is a synthetic form of vitamin E?

DL-tocopherol

What is a fixed oil?

nonvolatile fatty oil derived from vegetables and fruits

What is a definition and standard developed several years ago by French insurance companies to label the essential oils suitable for patient reimbursement?

genuine and authentic

What chemical family includes lavender, bergamot and chamomile?

aldehydes

What is NOT one of the considerations that comprises the concept of holistic health?

artistic talent

What is the water portion, or by-product of essential oil distillation?

hydrosol

What does the term "nonvolatile" mean?

does not evaporate easily

What chemical family includes clove and cinnamon?

phenylpropanes

What term describes the result of redistilling essential oils to remove color and unwanted compounds from the oil?

rectified

What term describes a plant extract, usually referring to a fixed oil, that has gone through the process of removing colors, odors or other naturally occurring compounds?

refined

What is a modern method of extraction in which the plant material is placed in a high-pressure container with an element midway between in gaseous and liquid states?

supercritical carbon dioxide

What chemical family includes oregano, savory and thyme thymol?

phenols

What term refers to extracts from plant materials that have not been changed or altered from their extracted form?

whole extract

What chemical family includes eucalyptus oils, tea tree, and ravensare?

oxide

What is the botanical bamboo available?

powdered extract and tincture

What chemical family includes graveolens and inula?

lactones

What essential oil features atlantone-7 (a mild keratone) and cedrol (a sesquiterpene alcohol) as its main components?

cedarwood

What essential oil features aldehydes, cineole (oxide), and monoterpene alcohols as its main components?

eucalyptus

Dried herbs are generally used in

masks

When oils are left in a whole state, they offer:

more therapeutic benefit than RBD oils

The practice we now know as aromatherapy was introduced:

in the early twentieth century

The limbic system is an important series of break structures activated by odor _____________ , and arousal.

behavior

Many of the antiseptic essential oils are also ones that have ______________ properties.

sedative

sesquiterpene hydrocarbons have _______________ properties.

anti-allergic

If an essential oil is labeled "genuine and authentic." it:

is pure, natural and complete

Which essential oil is commonly known as everlasting?

helichrysum

Which of these is NOT used at 100 percent strength in aromatherapy?

raspberry seed oil, rosehip oil and kukui nut oil

A process that removes mineral and trace elements from the water is known as:

distillation

When determining your pricing for aromatherapy services, you should take ____________ into consideration.

the value of your time, overhead costs and cost of materials.

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)

Extracted Parts: Leaves

Chemical Structure: Mucopolysaccharides, Enzymes, Amino Acids

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, Regenerative, Moisturizing, Healing, Soothing

Uses: Burns, Irritation, Condition & General skin care

Quality & Preparation: Whole juice or powder

Arnica (Arnica Montana)

Extracted Parts: Flower

Chemical Structure: Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils

Properties: Anti-inflammatory

Uses: Arthritis, Bruises, Pain, Inflammation

Quality & Preparation:Dried herb, infusion, and tincture

Bamboo (Bambuso Vulgaris)

Extracted Parts: Stalk, leaves

Chemical Structure: Silica

Properties: Assists in the organization of connective tissue

Uses: Skin strengthening and conditioning

Quality & Preparation: Powdered extract and tincture

Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao)

Extracted Parts: Seeds

Chemical Structure: Butter - oleic, stearic, and palmitic fatty acids; Powder - theobromine, proteins, fats, volatile oils, amines, alkaloids, caffeine

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, emollient, regenerative

Uses: General skin care, conditioning, regeneration, moisturization

Quality & Preparation: Butter and powder

Comfrey (Symphytum Officinale)

Extracted Parts: Roots

Chemical Structure: Mucilage, allantoin and alkaloids

Properties: Stimulates cell proliferation

Uses: Wound healing, general skin care, conditioning

Quality & Preparation: dried herb, infusion, and tincture

Cranberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium Macro Carpon)

Extracted Parts: Seeds

Chemical Structure: 1:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, lauric acid, tocopherols

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, emollient, UV protection

Uses: General skin care, conditioning, barrier protection and moisturizing

Quality & Preparation: Refined and unrefined oil (hard to find)

Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

Extracted Parts: Leaves

Chemical Structure: Polyphenols, tannins, alkaloids and volatile oils

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, decongestant, circulatory stimulant

Uses: Acne prone skin, strengthening, protective, general skin care, conditioning

Quality & Preparation: dried herb, infusion, tincture

Kelp (Laminaria Digitata/Ochroleuca)

Extracted Parts: Leaves

Chemical Structure: Mucilage and minerals

Properties: Wound healing and detoxifiying

Uses: Wounds, general skin care, skin congestion, and conditioning

Quality & Preparation: dried powder and tincture

Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)

Extracted Parts: Flowers

Chemical Structure: Carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols volatile oils,

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-fungal, regenerative

Uses: Inflammation, cell regeneration, wounds, general skin care, conditioning

Quality & Preparation: dried herb, tincture, infusion, and supercritical CO2 extract

Sea Blackthorn( Hippophae Rhamniods)

Extracted Parts: Berry seeds and pulp

Chemical Structure: Carotenoids, omega-6, omega-3, omega-7 fatty acids and volatile oils

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, emollient, immune modulator, regenerative

Uses: Inflammation, cell regeneration, skin strengthening, soothing, moisturizing, general skin care and conditioning.

Quality & Preparation: Infusion, supercritical CO2 extract

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)

Extracted Parts: Nuts

Chemical Structure: Triglyceride, fatty acids, polycyclic triterpene, cinnamic acid

Properties: Anti-inflammatory, regenerative, moisturizing, soothing and healing

Uses: Inflammation, wounds, irritation, rash, moisturizing, general skin care and conditioning

Quality & Preparation: Expeller pressed butter, can be refined or unrefined

Monoterpene Hydrocarbon

Essential Oils: Cypress, pine and spruce

Properties: Diuretic, antiviral, stimulant and tonic

Cautions: Potential skin irritant due to peroxidation; kidney irritant at high daily doses

Ex of Component: Alpha- pinene linonene

Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbons

Essential Oils: German chamomile and Helichrysum italicum

Properties: Anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, cooling

Cautions: N/A

Ex of Component: Chamazulene beta-caryophyllene

Monoterpene Alcohols

Essential Oils: Lavender (MQV - Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora), Palmarosa, Peppermint, Rosemary, Tea tree, Ylang ylang

Properties: Antiseptic, immune stimulant, bactericide and energizing (except linalool, a sedative in lavender)

Cautions: N/A

Ex of Component: Linalool bormeol menthola terpinen -4 -ol

Sesquiterpene Alcohols

Essential Oils: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Ginger, Patchouli

Properties: Similar to monoterpene alcohols but very according to individual properties

Cautions: N/A

Ex of Component: Cedrol Santalol (-) Alpha-bisabolol

Aldehydes

Essential Oils: Lemon verbena, Melissa, Lemongrass, Citronella and Eucalyptus Citriodora

Properties: Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, hypotensor, sedative

Cautions: May cause mild irritation, especially undiluted

Ex of Component: Citral citronellal

Esters

Essential Oils: Lavender, Bergamot, Cape chamomile, Clary sage, geranium, roman chamomile

Properties: Anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antispasmodic, balances central nervous system, calms

Cautions: N/A

Ex of Component: Geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, methyl ester

Ketones

Essential Oils: Eucalyptus dives, Helichyrsum, Mugwort, Rosemary verbenone, Thuja

Properties: Promotes tissue and cell formation, mucolytic

Cautions: Neurotoxic and abortive; avoid during pregancy and those prone to seizures. (Eucalyptus dives, helichyrsum and rosemary verbenone are safe).

Ex of Component: Itallidone, thujone, verbenone

Lactones

Essential Oils: Inula graveolens

Properties: Strong mucolytic

Cautions: Use with caution

Ex of Component: Alpha-lactone

Oxide

Essential Oils: Eucolyptus oils (Globulus and radiata), Tea tree, Ravensare and MQV

Properties: Antiviral and expectorant

Cautions: N/A

Ex of Component: 1,8- cineole, rose oxide

Phenols

Essential Oils: Oregeno, Thyme thymol and Savory

Properties: Antifungal, antiparasitic, strong antibicrobial, heart tonic and immune stimulant

Cautions: Skin irritant

Ex of Component: Carvacrol thymol

Phenylpropanes

Essential Oils: Cinnamon and Clove

Properties: Similar to phenols, analgesic (Clove)

Cautions: Skin irritant, liver toxin at high dosages

Ex of Component: Cinnamic aldehyde eugenol

Ether (Phenylpropanes derivatives)

Essential Oils: Anise seed, Basil, Fennel, Nutmeg, Tarragon

Properties: Antispasmodic, balancing, digestive (feenel, anise), mental stimulant (basil)

Cautions: Toxic to the nervous system at very high dosages

Ex of Component: Anethol methyl chavicol myristicin

Cedarwood (Cedrus Altantica)

Botanical Family: Coniferae

Main Components: Cedrol (Sequiesterpene alcohol) altanone-7 (a mild ketone)

Healing Properties: Grounding, relaxing, antispectiv, fungicidal, tonic (grandular, respiratory)

Chamomile (Cape chamomile( Eriocephalus punctulatus)

Botanical Family: Compositeae

Main Components: Esters, sesquiterpene

Healing Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, skin balancing and soothing

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)

Botanical Family: Myrtaceae

Main Components: Monoterpene alcohol, cineole (oxide), aldehydes

Healing Properties: Expectorant, antiviral, antispectic

Geranium (Pelargonium asperum)

Botanical Family: Geraniaceae

Main Components: Monoterpene alcohols, esters

Healing Properties: Adaptogen, antiseptic, cell regenerative, fungicidal, tonic, and immune strengthening

Grapefruit ( Citrus paradisi)

Botanical Family: Rutaceae

Main Components: Monoterpene hydrocarbon

Healing Properties: Diuretic, drainer, detoxifier, lymphatic stimulant

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum)(Everlasting)

Botanical Family: Compositeae

Main Components: Diketones, ester, sesquiterpene

Healing Properties: Anti-inflammatory, would healing, cell regeneration

Has some ketone content so use caution

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia_

Botanical Family: Libiatae

Main Components: Linalool (terpene alcohol), linalyl acetate (ester),

Healing Properties: Balancing to the central nervous system, antispasmodic, wound healing, sedative