Species? Chemical name? Latin name?

If you have never come across these words being used with regard to EOs you’re probably feeling surprised and clueless. This is partly the result of an information overload about EOs. A lot of general information circulated about EOs is unfortunately inadequate and inaccurate. This is also the result of a shockingly large number of commercially sold EOs not having any Latin name printed on the packaging [which also brings into focus the more serious subject of authenticity that deserves a separate discussion altogether]. If you go around seeking and purchasing EOs based on just their generic names, you might be doing yourself a huge disfavour.

You might think that the technical jargon is best left to clinical or professional aromatherapists. Sure, a layperson need not bother with them. Unless they want to purchase essential oils, and use them safely and for the correct indications. If you do not self blend but utilise the services of a trusted, qualified aromatherapist then it’s fine.

The general name of an essential oil is simply its common name. It is what most people would have heard and how most people would refer to it as. Lavender, Tea tree, Orange, Rose, Rosemary, Sweet Basil, Eucalyptus, Thyme are all examples of common names of EOs.

Why you need to know the botanical name of the EOs

• To know if and how it is best suited for the therapeutic uses you are seeking from it
• To know the age group it may and may not be used for
• To confirm the physical/ health conditions its use may be cautioned, or restricted for
• To know the safe dilution ratio it may be used in

This becomes very relevant because certain plants, from some plant families have more than one naturally occurring species, chemical types etc. Not all, but a considerable number of plants have them. These variations of the same plant might then produce EOs that have very different natural chemical composition from each other; sometimes drastically so. Also, sometimes, entirely different and unrelated EOs might be referred to by the same common name. And, you will be surprised just how much the source plant of an EO can change the entire way you may or may not use a certain essential oil.

Lavender essential oil

For instance, in case of Lavender, the plant has many species. The ones most commonly used for EOs are Lavendula Angustifolia, and Lavendula Latifolia. Although both can be used for certain conditions like cold, pain relief etc. it is Lavendula Angustifolia that is generally being spoken about for its gentle and soothing properties for hair, skin, sleep, stress, and emotional support. It is also safe enough to be used by almost everyone. Lavendula Latifolia, on the other hand, is not advised to be used for children up to the age of 10 years, by epileptics, and also usually by pregnant women. So, you see how potentially unsafe it could be if you happen to have the latter species in a bottle that just says ‘Lavender EO’,  and it ends up being used in a manner that research has cautioned against, or deemed as unfit.

Quick Tip

For average, healthy adults, Lavendula Angustifolia is better for tension and stress associated headaches; and Lavendula Latifolia is better for sinus and cold related headaches.

Rosemary essential oil

Similarly Rosmarinus officinalis a popularly used and therapeutically powerful essential oil, has various species. If you are looking to use it for respiratory support such as relief from congestion or headaches etc., use the 1,8 cineole kind. However, it might not be the best type of Rosemary EO to use at bedtime. This is because, it is mentally stimulating and might lead to sleeplessness, especially for people prone to insomnia. It is also best avoided for people with hypertension and is also not safe to be used for anyone with epilepsy or by kids under 10 years age whether topically as a cold chest rub or by inhalation through a diffuser.

For cold/respiratory support at night, you may buy and use the Verbenone type of Rosemarinus Officinalis. This may also be used for kids, due to its milder nature. I also prefer to use this when customizing blends for acne for kids who are 11 or 12 years old.

Quick tip

A few drops of Rosemarinus Officinalis ct.1,8 cineole in a carrier oil may be dabbed onto the wrists and behind the ears when you need to stay mentally alert before an exam or an interview. The saying ‘Rosemary is for remembrance’ would have sprung into use from this type of Rosemary.

Thyme essential oil

Another example of an EO which has many variations is Thyme, Thymus vulgaris. This is a powerful immune support and anti infection EO. Among its various types, the thymol or carvacrol types are great for anti-infection support such as acute respiratory infection. They are harsh for the skin though and other safety considerations beyond a limited ratio. So make sure to use them for a short duration, well diluted, and along with skin friendly EOs such as linalool version of Thyme. The linalool version is gentler, skin soothing, and can be used for a longer period.

Quick Tip

Thymus vulgaris ct. linalool is great to be used as part of a wound healing blend, for acne blends and is gentle enough for all age groups.

These few examples should suffice to tell you how the whole story of an essential oil often lies where you are not looking—in its complete scientific or Latin name. After you know what you now do, can you imagine going into a store picking up a bottle which just states ‘Lavender EO’ or just states ‘Chamomile EO’? I hope not. In case of an EO with many varieties, this becomes absolutely crucial. And remember, even when there is only a single type of EO produced by a plant, global industry authenticity standards and best practices demand that its Latin name be printed clearly on the bottle. So before you purchase any EO, make sure to research from a credible source about the exact scientific name that will best serve your particular purpose, or seek out a qualified aromatherapist.

The post Did you check the botanical name of the essential oil before buying it? appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Not all essential oils are the same or even similar by any standard when it comes to their natural chemical makeup, their energetics, and quite importantly, their routes of application. It is fairly common knowledge by now, even amongst lay enthusiasts, that EOs need to be diluted before topical application. However, there are essential oils that are specifically skin-soothing and skin-friendly; some that are not particularly so; and some that might cause an adverse reaction on your skin. There are many essential oils that fall in the latter two categories and discussing all of them will perhaps need a small book of its own. But as a beginner you are probably interested in buying and testing out just a few oils; usually from amongst the ones that are most popularly used. Let’s look at some common essential oils that need particular caution for topical application.

Clove bud essential oil [Eugenia caryophyllata]

This is the commonest form of clove oil used; the others being clove leaf, and clove stem. The fact that whole clove has been traditionally used as a common home remedy for reducing tooth pain speaks volumes of the powerful analgesic properties of this oil. It also has great anti-infection and antioxidant properties; it increases circulation and warms the skin. However, its chemistry makes it somewhat irritating and harsh for the skin and mucous membranes. It can also be skin sensitising. The best way to use clove bud EO is highly diluted with a good carrier oil such as coconut, almond or jojoba oil. You could mix in a couple of more skin friendly EOs that are complimentary to the therapeutic purpose you’re using clove for. I would not use more than 2 drops clove bud EO in 30ml carrier oil. Also, use this oil only for few days at a time, when in acute need of its comfort, and not on a regular basis.

Black Pepper essential oil [Piper nigrum]

This is also traditionally used for some similar purposes as above. It is hot in nature due to its chemistry, and therefore its EO too can cause irritation and skin sensitisation, especially if it is old or oxidised, and if not used with caution. It is not suitable for massage purposes. It is also unsuitable to be used for bathing. Use not more than 2 drops black pepper EO in 30ml carrier oil

Lemongrass essential oil [Cymbopogon citratus]

This is a very popular oil due to its antimicrobial, antifungal, cooling and refreshing properties. However, it is not particularly skin friendly due to its primary chemical constituent. It can be a potential skin and mucous membrane irritant and sensitizer. It should therefore be used in a well diluted manner mixed with other skin friendly EOs having similar therapeutic properties. Use not more than 3 – 4 drops of this in 30ml carrier oil.

Peppermint essential oil [Mentha x piperita]

This is a great smelling oil with many therapeutic qualities to boast of. But again, it can be harsh and irritating on the skin if used in excess proportions [undiluted is of course, out of question]. It must be avoided for body massages; and must not be used in a bath so as to avoid skin irritation and reddening. It is great to add to a soak for tired feet though! Use 5-8 drops in 30ml carrier oil.

Bergamot essential oil [Citrus bergamia]

Coming from a citrus fruit, this is one of the most uplifting, refreshing, stress releasing, and air deodorising oils, as are most citrus essential oils. It is great for using in diffusers. However, it has some concerns for topical application, the most serious one being that it is the most photo toxic oil out there. Topically applying a blend containing even just a few drops more than the safe prescribed limit, and unknowingly exposing that part in direct sun, puts you at a very high risk of a serious sun burn or skin damage, which may sometimes be permanent. If you still want to use this otherwise lovely EO as part of a topical blend, make sure it’s on a body part that will be covered under clothing for at least 18 hours.

Lemon essential oil [Citrus limon]

This is the most popularly used citrus EO for many of the same properties as of Bergamot. It’s also an astringent and great against acne. However, like most citrus oils this too tends to have a very limited shelf life, and can be skin sensitising if oxidized. This is also phototoxic [not all citrus essential oils are], though thankfully not to the same degree as Bergamot. As long as you are not using more than 8 – 10 drops in 30ml, and preferably with other more skin soothing oils in a topical blend, it’s in the safe zone. As in case of all essential oils, this holds good only for a pure, and well stored EO.

Ylang Ylang essential oil [Cananga odorata]

This is an exotic and intensely floral EO, widely used in perfumery and cosmetics. It is great for skin care blends, and for comfort in times of anger and stress. However, ironically, it can be skin sensitising too, and so, in home blends, must not be used more than a few drops in 30ml, whether it is for skin application or for use in a bath. It should be completely avoided for use on skin that is hypersensitive, inflamed and irritated in any way.

One can reap the benefits of essential oils even when they might not be particularly skin friendly, but, in order to do so one must know how to use them correctly. As with most other things in life, in aromatherapy too, when in doubt simply avoid!

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