A Cons – Earth to Kathy

April 17, 2018

Anethole / Anise Camphor / Trans-Anethole

Anethole is a phenol methyl ether as found in anise, fennel, and camphor. Anise is over 90% anethole. Trans-anethole is the more abundant and safer anethole isomer, while cis-anethole is more toxic. The cis-anethole isomer is found in very small amounts in fennel and anise. Phenol methyl ethers are similar […]

April 17, 2018

Myristicine / Apiol / Apiole

Myristicine, also called apiol, is a phenol methyl ether found in dill, nutmeg, and parsley, and it can be euphoric, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, and genotoxic in high doses. Phenol methyl ethers are similar to phenols, but even more powerful. Concerns with overuse include psychotropic, neurotoxic effects, liver toxicity, and possible carcinogenic activity. […]

April 17, 2018

Aromadendrene

Aromadendrene is a sesquiterpene, as found in eucalyptus, manuka, and patchouli. Sesquiterpenes are less volatile than monoterpenes, but still prone to oxidation. They have a strong odor. If oxidized (exposed to air) they could cause skin irritation and/or mucous membrane irritation. Links to Plants Containing Aromadendrene RESEARCH The listings of […]

April 17, 2018

Ascaridole

Ascaridole is an oxide, as found in wormseed and boldo. It is a toxic peroxide! Oxides contribute to an oil’s aroma, and have strong therapeutic actions, but can be neurotoxic, liver toxic, and a respiratory irritant in excess. Links to Plants Containing Ascaridole Research The listings of research below […]

April 17, 2018

Benzaldehyde

Benzaldehyde is an aldehyde having an almond like aroma, as in bitter almond. It may also be found in cassia leaf, cassia bark, cinnamon bark and cistus. Aldehydes have a powerful aroma used in perfumery. Oxidation (exposure to oxygen) causes potential skin irritation and loss of aroma. Links to […]

April 18, 2018

Benzyl Acetate

Benzyl acetate is an ester as found in jasmine and ylang ylang. It has a sweet aroma useful in perfumery. It also attracts orchid bees. Esters are formed from the combination of acids and alcohols. Links to Plants Containing Benzyl Acetate RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a […]

April 18, 2018

Benzyl Benzoate

Benzyl benzoate is an ester found in benzoin and ylang ylang. It can also be found in jasmine absolute. It is on the World Health Organization list of essential oils and has been used to treat scabies, lice, and as an insecticide. Esters are formed from the combination of acids […]

April 18, 2018

Benzyl salicylate

Benzyl salicylate is a phenolic ester with a musky floral aroma, as found in jasmine, lilac, and carnation. It may also found in ylang ylang absolute and carnation absolute. Benzyl salicylate may be sensitizing and is restricted by the International Fragrance Association. Links to Plants Containing Benzyl Salicylate RESEARCH The […]

April 18, 2018

Furocoumarins (such as) Bergaptene / Bergaptol / Psoralen

Furocoumarins are a special type of coumarin, and fall within the subgroup of lactones. Examples include bergaptene, bergaptol, and psoralen. Furocoumarines can be phototoxic and may also interfere with anticoagulant medications. Bergamot is an essential oil containing bergaptene. Other essential oils containing bergaptene may include lime, orange, and grapefruit. Essential […]

April 18, 2018

Bisabolol

Bisabolol is a sesquiterpene alcohol found in German chamomile, balsam fir, and Australian sandalwood. It is also found in the Brazilian tree, Vanillosmopsis erythropappa. Alcohols are the most therapeutically beneficial type of component in an essential oil, and have a low toxicity for safer use with fragile populations (like the elderly). Alcohols can […]

April 18, 2018

Borneol, Delta Borneol, and Isoborneol

Borneol is an alcohol that easily oxidizes into the ketone: camphor. It is found in Coridothymus capitatus (thyme), Artemisia herba alba (artemisia), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Ocimum canum (basil), lavender, lavandin, rosemary, sage, and feverfew. Alcohols are the most therapeutically beneficial type of component in an essential oil, and have a low toxicity for […]

April 18, 2018

Bornyl Acetate

Bornyl acetate is an ester. Bornyl acetate can be found in spruce, pine, valerian, fir, rosemary, tansy, and sage. Esters are formed from the combination of acids and alcohols. Links to Plants Containing Bornyl Acetate RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the […]