My first Magazine essential-oils-for-beginners | Page 8

and memories live. As you breathe in the scent of an essential oil, the limbic system creates a response
in your brain based on your memories associated with that particular aroma. Many times, the responses
triggered by your limbic system can be emotional responses that are calming or uplifting, depending on the
unique chemical structure of the oil. More importantly, because responses in the limbic system are based on
memory, each person experiences each essential oil a little bit differently.
The following oil chemistry wheels provide a deeper look at the chemistry behind essential oils, showing how
specific oils can elicit a desired effect, based on their chemical structure.
Oil Chemistry Wheel
Terpene Backbone Type: Specifies the
carbon backbone structure of the chemical
constituents in the oil. Usually the backbone
type is either monoterpene or sesquiterpene.
Essential Oil
Functional Group: Indicates the presence
of a specific arrangement of atoms within
the constituent molecule that has distinct
chemical properties.
cal Constituent Nam
emi
e
Ch
ctional Group
Fun
Chemical Constituent Name: The
chemical names for the main compounds
found in each oil.
Essential Oil: The names of the essential
oils with the backbone, functional group,
and constituent composition that fit into the
chemical categories explained above.
Terpene
Backbone
Type
C
p
e
Oil Chemistry Wheel
es
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A
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Thym
Fennel
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Spe
arm
int
Di
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g s,
Anethole
TI
R R A H o ldi n
IF
d o-T E
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Gr
ne
17
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20
er
Thymol
Phenylpropenes
ine
ger
Tan
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o
an
eg
Or
l
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Ca
Monoterpene
Backbone
Wild Orange
Energizing: These oils are used to bring
feelings of motivation and activation. They
tend to be brisk, naturally stimulating oils
that help wake up the mind and body.
l
ra
Berga
mot
Uplifting: These oils are meant to be
inspiring. They encourage feelings of
exhilaration, refreshment, and enlivening.
yde
aldeh
nam
Cin
RED LINE=DIE CUT
Restoring: These are oils for emotional and
physical support. They are meant to help
revive, strengthen, and rejuvenate the body
and the senses.
Le
mo
ng
ras
s
G
RESTORIN
E s s e n ti a l O i l
ic a l C
Nam
o n stit u e n t
u
n al Gro
LL
g s,
n c ti o
R R A H ol din
em
d o-T E
Ch
17
Fu
20
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