After I had more and more essential oils in my hands, I began to think about how to classify these bottles. When I first played with essential oils, I read some books, but I didn’t understand the chemistry of essential oils at that time, I read these words: Terpenes, monoterpene alcohols, sesquiterpenes, etc., but have no idea what they meant.
In the beginning, I used the main categories of plants to classify them: fruity, trees, resinous roots, leaves, grasses, and flowers. These five categories are labeled with circular labels of different colors and attached to the essential oil bottle. , Put them in categories, and when looking for essential oils like this, it is actually very clear.
Later, there were more essential oils, and I found that they were only divided into these five categories, which could not meet my needs for finding essential oils. Sometimes I would like to use similar functions to find the same group of essential oils. Among the three types of grasses, their functions are often confused, and sometimes it is difficult to classify them because of different extraction parts. For example, tea trees are trees, but their extraction parts are needles, which should be placed in the leaves and grasses.
Extended reading: Essential Oil Preservation - What You Should Know About Essential Oils
It has been discovered recently that, just like there are various nutrients in food, essential oils are also composed of various chemical aroma molecules. The aroma molecules in essential oils are classified into different categories according to the main functional components so that the same type of essential oil can be found for more flexible use.
Today’s article is mainly aimed at “Classifying Essential Oils by Chemical Aromatic Molecules”, so I will sort out the essential oils under each chemical classification (there is no introduction to essential oils), so that you can classify them more clearly, organize them neatly, and more quickly Find the essential oil you need.
Monoterpenes
Monoterpene, the most common basic component in essential oil chemistry, has a small molecular weight and is insoluble in water. This type of essential oil is very common, and the number of essential oils is also the largest. The essential oils of Rutaceae are more acceptable to the general public.
Common essential oils:
Rutaceae
- Sweet Orange / Scientific name: Citrus sinensis
- Bitter Orange / Scientific name: Citrus aurantium
- Lemon / Scientific name: Citrus limonum
- Key Lime / Scientific name: Citrus × aurantirolia
- Grapefruit / Scientific name: Citrus × paradisi
- Mandarin ( red / green ) / Scientific name: Citrus reticulata
- Cape May / Scientific name: Colonema album
Paco
- Cypress / Scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens
- Mountain Juniper / Scientific name: Juniperus communis
- Juniper Berry / Scientific name: Juniperus communis
Pinco
- Black Spruce / Scientific name: Picea mariana
- Laricio Pine / Scientific name: Pinus nigra subsp. laricio
- Maritime Pine / Scientific name: Pinus pinaster
- European red pine
- Balsam Fir / Scientific name: Abies balsamea
- Silver Fir / Scientific name: Abies alba
- Siberian Fir / Scientific name: Abies sibirica
- Douglas Fir / Scientific name: Pseudostsuga menziesii
Umbelliferae
- Dill Herb / Scientific name: Anethum graveolens
- Angelica Root / Scientific name: Angelica archangelica
- Dahurian Angelica / Scientific name: Angelica dahurica
- Galbanum Gum / Scientific name: Ferula galbaniflua
Olive Branch
- Frankincense / Scientific name: Boswellia carterii
- Indian Frankincense / Scientific name: Boswellia serrata
- Brazilian Frankincense / Scientific name: Protium heptaphyllum
- Elemi / Scientific name: Canarium luzonicum
Other departments
- Cistus / Scientific name: Cistus ladaniferus
- Weeping forsythia / Scientific name: Forsythia suspensa
- Black Pepper / Scientific name: Piper nigrum
- Mastic / Scientific name: Pistacia lentiscus
- Iary / Scientific name: Psiadia altissima
- Rhododendron / Scientific name: Rhododendron anthopogon
- Vitex / scientific name: Vitex agnus castus
- Plai / Scientific name: Zingiber cassumunar
Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpene is located in the middle of the lipophilicity on the right in the four-quadrant essential oil chemical map of flangong. It belongs to the category of balancing the positive and negative electricity of the body.
common essential oils
Paco
- Blue Cypress / Scientific name: Callitris intratropica
- Meniki / Scientific name: Chamaecyparis formosensis
- Hinoki / Scientific name: Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Cade Wood / Scientific name: Juniperus oxycedrus
- Virginia Cedar / Scientific name: Juniperus virginiana
Compositae
- Yarrow / Scientific name: Achillea millefolium
- German Chamomile / Scientific name: Matricaria recutita
- Blue Tansy / Scientific name: Tanacetum annuum
- Ylang Ylang / Scientific name: Cananga odorata forma genuina
- Katrafay / Scientific name: Cedrelopsis grevei
- Myrrh / Scientific name: Commiphora myrrha
- Copaiba / Scientific name: Copaifera officinalis
- Common Hop / Scientific name: Humulus lupulus
- Spikenard / Scientific name: Nardostachys jatamansi
- Guava Leaf / Scientific name: Psidium guajava
- Five-Flavor-Fruit / Scientific name: Schisandra chinensis
- Golden Rod / Scientific name: Solidago canadensis
- Ginger / Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
Monoterpene alcohols
Monoterpenol is a mild aromatic molecule with high hydrophilicity and usually has a good smell. Precious roses are rich in citronellol and geraniol.
- Common essential oils:
- Rosewood / Scientific name: Aniba rosaeodora
- Ho Wood / Scientific name: Cinnamomum camphora Sieb. var. linaloolifera
- Neroli / Scientific name: Citrus aurantium
- Damask Rose / Scientific name: Rosa × damascena
- Coriander / Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum
- Palmarosa / Scientific name: Cymbopogon martinii var. motia
- Japanese Honeysuckle / Scientific name: Lonicera japonica
- Tea Tree / Scientific name: Melaleuca alternifolia
- Rosalina / Scientific name: Melaleuca ericifolia
- Sweet Neem Leaves / Scientific name: Murraya koenigii
Lamiaceae
- Sweet Basil / Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum
- Sweet Marjoram / Scientific name: Origanum majorana
- Peppermint / Scientific name: Mentha × piperita
- Monarda / Scientific name: Monarda fistulosa
- Geranium / scientific name: Pelargonium graveolens
- Thyme, CT Borneol / Scientific name: Thymus satureioides
- Thyme, CT Linalool / Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris
- Thyme, CT Thujanol / Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris
- Thyme, CTGeraniol / Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris
Sesquiterpene alcohols
Sesquiterpenol, the molecule is larger than the monoterpene alcohol (the carbon atom structure of C15), the aroma belongs to the aftertaste, and it is often used as the raw material of high-end perfume. The effect is mild and can be used for a long time.
common essential oils
- Amyris / Scientific name: Amyris balsamifera
- Agarwood / Scientific name: Aquilaria agallocha
- Carrot Seed / Scientific name: Daucus carota
- Siam Wood / Scientific name: Fokienia hodginsii
- Kunzea / Scientific name: Kunzea ambigua
- Houpu Magnolia / Scientific name: Magnolia officinalis
- Niaouli, CT Nerolidol / Scientific name: Melaleuca quinquenervia
- Araucaria / Scientific name: Neocallitropsis pancheri
- Patchouli / Scientific name: Pogostemon cablin
- Sandalwood / Scientific name: Santalum album
- Indian Valerian / Scientific name: Valeriana wallichii
- Vetiver / Scientific name: Vetiveria
Ethers
Ether, known for helping digestion and calming nerves, usually appears in the form of benzene rings in essential oils. Pay attention to the dosage when using it. Pregnant women, infants, and those taking psychotropic drugs should avoid using them.
Common essential oils:
- Calamus / Scientific name: Acorus calamus
- Tarragon / Scientific name: Artemisia dracunculus
- Sweet Fennel / Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare
- Black Tee-Tree / Scientific name: Melaleuca bracteata
- Nutmeg / Scientific name: Myristica fragrans
- Lotus, Pink / Scientific name: Nelumbo nucifera
- Tropical Basil / Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum, CT methyl chavicol
- Kewra / Scientific name: Pandanus odoratissimus
- Anise / Scientific name: Pimpinella anisum
- Anise Ravensara / Scientific name: Anise Ravensara
- Sweetsecnted Marigold / Scientific name: Tagetes lucida
Oxides
Oxide, mainly based on 1,8-cineole, has high volatility and drying properties, which dries the skin and mucous membranes, and can clear the respiratory tract. Pay attention to skin irritation.
Common essential oils:
Ginger
- Lesser Galangal / Scientific name: Alpinia officinarum
- Shell Ginger / Scientific name: Alpinia zerumbet
- Green Cardamom / Scientific name: Elettaria cardamomum
Myrtaceae
- FragoniaTM / Scientific name: Agonis fragrans
- Blue Gum / Scientific name: Eucalyptus globulus
- Narrow-Leaved Peppermint / Scientific name: Eucalyptus radiata
- Cajeput / Scientific name: Malaleuca leucadendra
- Niaouli / Scientific name: Malaleuca quinquenervia
- Broombush / Scientific name: Melaleuca uncinata
- Myrtle / Scientific name: Myrtus communis
Lamiaceae
- Mountain Hyssop / Scientific name: Hyssopus officinalis L. var. decumbens
- Spike Lavander / Scientific name: Lavandula latifolia
- Rosemary, CT Cineole / Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Mastic Thyme / Scientific name: Thymus mastichina
- Mulan Magnolia / Scientific name: Magnolia liliiflora
- Naked Head Immortelle / Scientific name: Helichrysum gumnocephalum
- Ravintsara / Scientific name: Cinnamomum camphora, CT cineole
- Bay / Scientific name: Laurus nobilis
Aldehydes and Aromatic Aldehydes
Aldehyde, usually derived from alcohols, is also easily oxidized, has strong penetrability, and has a distinct odor.
Common essential oils:
Myrtaceae
- Lemon Eucalyptus / Scientific name: Eucalyptus citriodora
- Eucalyptus Staigeriana / Scientific name: Eucalyptus staigeriana
- Lemon-Scented Teatree / Scientific name: Leptospermum petersonii
- Lemon Myrtle / Scientific name: Back housia citriodora
- Honey Myrtle / Scientific name: Melaleuca teretifolia
Other
- Lemon Verbena / Scientific name: Lippia citriodora
- Lemon Basil / Scientific name: Ocimum × citriodorum
- Melissa / Scientific name: Melissa officinalis
- Petitgrain Combava / Scientific name: Citrus hystrix
- Petitgrain Lemon / Scientific name: Citrus limonum
- Lemongrass / Scientific name: Cymbopogon citratus
- Litsea / Scientific name: Litsea cubeba
- Perilla / Scientific name: Perilla frutescens
- Cassia / Scientific name: Cinnamomum cassia
- Indigenous Cinnamon / Scientific name: Cinnamomum osmophloeum
- Indian Cssia / Scientific name: Cinnamomum tamala
- Cinnamon Bark / Scientific name: Cinnamomum verum
- Cumin / scientific name: Cuminum cyminum
Phenols
Phenol contains a benzene ring structure. The benzene ring structure is very stable and not easy to be destroyed. Relatively, it will stay in the body for a long time, and it is not easy to be metabolized. It is highly irritating to the skin, so pay attention to the dosage.
Common essential oils:
- Conehead Thyme / Scientific name: Corydothymus capitatus
- Thyme, CT Thymol / Scientific name: Thymus zygis
- Wild Thyme / Scientific name: Thymus serpyllum
- Clove Bud / Scientific name: Eugenia caryophyllus
- Black Cumin / Scientific name: Nigella sativa
- Clove Basil / Scientific name: Ocimum gratissimum
- Holy Basil / Scientific name: Ocimum sanctum
- Oregano / scientific name: Origanum compactum
- Allspice / Scientific name: Pimenta dioica
- Bay St. Thomas / Scientific name: Pimenta racemosa
- Indian Borage / Scientific name: Plectranthus amboinicus
- Winter Savory / Scientific name: Satureja montana
- Ajowan / Scientific name: Trachyspermum ammi
Monoketone
Monoketone has properties that dissolve mucus and promote tissue repair.
Overdose is neurotoxic and may cause miscarriage. Care must be taken when using it, and the concentration must be less than 2%. , Avoid long-term use, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children avoid the use
Common essential oils:
Lamiaceae
- Hyssop / Scientific name: Hyssopus officinalis
- Lavender Stoeshas / Scientific name: Lavandula stoechas
- Horse Mint / Scientific name: Mentha longifolia
- Pennyroyal / Scientific name: Mentha pulegium
- Spearmint / Scientific name: Mentha spicata
- Rosemary, CT Camphor / Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Rosemary, CT Verbenone / Scientific name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Lavender Sage / Scientific name: Salvia lavandulifolia
- Sage / scientific name: Salvia officinalis
Other
- Round Leaf Buchu / Scientific name: Agathosma betulina
- Chinese Mugwort / Scientific name: Artemisia argyi
- Common Mugwort / Scientific name: Artemisia vulgaris
- Caraway / Scientific name: Carum carvi
- Arizona Cypress / Scientific name: Cupressus arizonica
- Camphor Tree / Scientific name: Cinnamomum camphora
- Peppermint Eucalyptus / Scientific name: Eucalyptus dives
- Blue Ballee / Scientific name: Eucalyptus polybractea
- White Verbena / Scientific name: Lippia alba
- Santolina / Scientific name: Santolina chamaecyparissus
- Mexican Bush Marigold / Scientific name: Tagetes lemmonii
- Southern Marigold / Scientific name: Tagetes minuta
- Feverfew / Scientific name: Tanacetum parthenium
- Tansy / Scientific name: Tanacetum vulgare
- Thuya / Scientific name: Thuja occidentalis
Sesquiketone
Common essential oils:
- Silver Wormwood / Scientific name: Artemisia ludoviciana
- Davana / Scientific name: Artemisia pallens
- Cedarwood / Scientific name: Cedrus atlantica
- Himalayan Cedar / Scientific name: Cedrus deodara
- Chrysanthemum / Scientific name: Chrysanthemum morifolium
- Trumeric / Scientific name: Curcuma longa
- Zedoary / Scientific name: Curcuma zedoaria
- Cypriol / Scientific name: Cyperus scariosus
- Bigroot Geranium / Scientific name: Geranium macrorrhizum
- Immortelle / Scientific name: Helichrysum italicum
- Iris / Scientific name: Iris pallida
- Lantana / Scientific name: Lantana camara
- Manuka / Scientific name: Leptospermum scoparium
- Osmanthus / Scientific name: Osmanthus fragrans
- Violet / Scientific name: Viola odorata
Esters
Ester, seeing the familiar esters, think of the function of relaxation, including the real lavender essential oil that everyone is familiar with, which usually has a sweet smell. Let’s take a look at the essential oils in this category!
Common essential oils:
- Khella / Scientific name: Ammi visnaga
- Roman Chammile / Scientific name: Chamaemelum nobile
- Linaloe / scientific name: Bursera delpechiana → cheap ester representative
- Petitgrain / Scientific name: Citrus aurantium bigarade
- Bergamot / Scientific name: Citrus bergamia
- Cape Chamomile / Scientific name: Eriocephalus punctulatus
- Paddys River Box / Scientific name: Eucalyptus macarthurii
- Ambrette Seed / Scientific name: Hibiscus abelmoschus
- True Lavender / Scientific name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Lavandin / Scientific name: Lavandula × intermedia
- Begamot Mint / Scientific name: Mentha citrata
- Red Myrtle / Scientific name: Myrtus communis, CT Myrtenyl acetate
- Clary Sage / Scientific name: Salvia sclarea
- Spanish Broom / Scientific name: Spartium junceum
Benzene-based Ester
Refers to esters containing benzene rings, which are not easily metabolized by the body.
Common essential oils:
- Mimosa / Scientific name: Acacia dealbata
- Galanga / Scientific name: Alpinia galanga
- Yellow Birch / Scientific name: Betula alleghaniensis
- Boronia / Scientific name: Boronia megastigma
- Sugandha Kokila / Scientific name: Cinnamomum glaucescens
- Petitgrain Mandarin / Scientific name: Citrus reticulata Blanco var. Balady → No wonder it smells so good
- Fragrant Wintergreen / Scientific name: Gaultheria gragrantissima
- Jasmine / Scientific name: Jasminum officinale var. grandiflorum
- Sambac / Scientific name: Jasminum sambac
- Styrax / Scientific name: Liquidambar orientalis
- Magnolia / Scientific name: Michelia alba
- Champaca / Scientific name: Michelia champaca
- Peru Balsam / Scientific name: Myroxylon balsamum var. pereitae
- Narcissus / Scientific name: Narcissus poeticus
- Peony / Scientific name: Paeonia suffruticosa
- Frangipani / Scientific name: Plumeria rubra
- Tuberose / Scientific name: Polianthus tuberosa
- Rose de Mai / Scientific name: Rosa centifolia
Lactone and Coumari
Lactone, and Coumarin, more than half of which are Umbelliferae plants, some of which are photosensitive, so be careful when using them.
Common essential oils:
- Danggui / Scientific name: Angelica sinensis
- Angelica Root, India / Scientific name: Angelica glauca
- Celery Seed / Scientific name: Apium graveolens
- Cang Zhu / Scientific name: Atractylodes lancea
- Shechuangzi / Scientific name: Cnidium monnieri
- Tonka Beans / Scientific name: Dipteryx odorata
- Asafoetida / Scientific name: Ferula asa-foetida
- Elecampane / Scientific name: Inula graveolens
- Elecampane Root / Scientific name: Inula helenium
- Chuan Xiong / Scientific name: Ligusticum striatum
- Lovage / Scientific name: Levisticum officinale
- Costus / scientific name: Saussurea costus