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Karen's Blog

Blogs by Karen Dragoo​

A Little Bit of whimsy & Chemistry

8/6/2019

 
I started delving further into phytochemistry recently.  I'm already strong in the chemistry of essential oils, but the chemistry of the whole plant is where I'm headed.

It occurred to me that, as we look at molecular and atomic structures, it's like looking at solar systems.  The nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons, is like a star.    The electrons are the planets that are revolving around the star.  Now visualize a molecule.  I imagine molecules as adjoining solar systems that share planets (the electrons).  

Below, you see images I drew to demonstrate this.  First, there is a Hydrogen atom which has 1 proton for the nucleus and 1 electron in orbit.  Second, you see a carbon atom with 6 each protons and neutrons in the nucleus and 6 electrons in orbit.  Finally, you see an ethylene molecule:  C2H4 : 2 carbon atoms double bonded (attached by 2 electrons) together and each carbon bonded to 2 hydrogen atoms.  The bonds are electrons that are shared by both atoms.
  
Picture
Picture
Picture
How does this apply to essential oils, carrier oils, and herbs?

The chemicals comprising each of these substances start with carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) backbones (as do all living things on Earth).  In some, there are other types of atoms attached (i.e. nitrogen, sulfur).  Differences in the number of C and H atoms and how they are arranged determine therapeutic properties, ability to absorb, safety, toxicity, aroma, energetics, etc. of the chemicals.  The pictures below demonstrate both small and large molecules.  Carbon atoms are black, Hydrogen atoms are white, and Oxygen atoms are red.  
Picture

Picture
Picture
Believe it or not, each of these 3-D molecule models represents a structure I've encountered in my studies.  Shown first is Methane.  It has 1 carbon and 4 hydrogen atoms.  Chemically, it's written as CH4, and is a gas formed from the decay of organic matter.  I model this molecule because it's the simplest hydrocarbon.   

Second is a Butyric Acid molecule.  Butyric Acid is a Short Chain Fatty Acid found in small quantity in dairy products like milk and butter.  Scientific studies show it can be of benefit in gut health, digestion, reducing inflammation, diabetes, insulin resistance, and fighting cancer.

The third molecule is Thymol which is a phenol found in abundance in Thyme herb and essential oil.  Thymol is responsible for the aroma, flavor, antiseptic property, and other therapeutic properties.  (See my brief explanation of phenols under the Weekly Tidbits tab.)


I'll touch on some of the chemistry basics from time to time, but want to end this blog with an extension of the whimsy:  Our bodies are like galaxies with billions of these atomic 'solar systems' -- and each system has its own form and function!

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    Karen Dragoo
    Retired Teacher
    Certified Aromatherapist
    ​I'm very fortunate to have found not one, but two callings in life.  The first was teaching -  all ages, all grade levels for 32 years.  


    When arthritis made it no longer feasible for me to continue teaching, my daughter introduced me to the world of aromatherapy.

    The information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
    This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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  • Home & Store
  • About
    • The Owner
    • About Aromatherapy
  • Guidelines
  • Contact
  • Essential Oil Safety
  • Old Rooster Creek Flea Market
  • Herb of the Month Focus
  • Essential Oil of the Month Focus
  • Carrier Oil of the Month
  • Karen's BLog
  • Monthly Tidbit
  • Recommendations
  • Members Pages
    • Herbal Data Sheets >
      • Angelica
      • Arnica
      • Astragalus
      • Balm of Gilead
      • Bee Balm
      • Burdock
      • Butterfly Weed
      • Calendula
      • Cardamom
      • Chamomile
      • Chickweed
      • Cinnamon
      • Comfrey
      • Cranberry
      • Dandelion
      • Elder Berries & Flowers
      • Elecampane
      • Ginger Root
      • Goldenrod
      • Goldenseal
      • Hibiscus
      • Hops
      • Lavender
      • Lemon Balm
      • Licorice Root
      • Marshmallow Root
      • Mullein
      • Oregon Grape - Mahonia
      • Peppermint
      • Plantain
      • Red Clover
      • Rose
      • Sassafras
      • Sow Thistle
      • Turmeric
    • Essential Oil Datasheets >
      • Allspice
      • Angelica
      • Balsam Copaiba
      • Balsam Poplar/Balm of Gilead
      • Basil, Sweet
      • Basil, Tulsi
      • Cardamom
      • Chamomile, German
      • Chamomile, Roman
      • Elemi
      • Frankincense
      • Galangal
      • Geranium
      • Ginger
      • Helichrysum italicum
      • Hemp
      • Lavender
      • Lemon
      • Orange (Sweet)
      • Plai
      • Ravintsara
      • Rose Absolute
      • Sage (Salvia officinalis)
      • Thyme
      • Vetiver
      • Ylang Ylang
    • Carrier Oils & Butters Datasheets >
      • Andiroba Oil
      • Argan Oil
      • Black Currant Seed Oil
      • Black Seed (Nigella)
      • Borage Oil
      • Castor Oil
      • Cocoa Butter
      • Coconut Oil
      • Evening Primrose Oil
      • Grapeseed
      • Hemp Seed Oil
      • Jojoba
      • Macademia Nut
      • Mango Butter
      • Neem Oil
      • Pumpkin Seed Oil
      • Sacha Inchi
      • Safflower Oil
      • Sea Buckthorn Oil
      • Shea Butter
      • Tamanu
    • Component Datasheets >
      • EO Chemical Constituents >
        • (E)-Anethole
        • Caryophyllene (beta)
        • 1,8-Cineole
        • Humulene - alpha
        • Linalool
        • β-Myrcene
      • Herb Constituents >
        • L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
        • Carotene (Beta)
        • Retinol (Vitamin A)
        • Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
        • Gamma-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
        • Saponins
      • Fatty Acid Profiles >
        • Linoleic Acid
        • Alpha-Linolenic Acid
        • Oleic Acid
        • Palmitic Acid
        • Stearic Acid
    • Energetics Charts
    • Topical Recipes >
      • E3 TKO Alt with Beta-Caryophyllene
      • AASK Skin Serum & Soap
      • Comfeet
    • Edible Recipes
    • EO Safety in depth >
      • Children
      • Dilution Rates
      • Oils that may set off seizures
      • Phototoxicity
      • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
  • Stitchhouse Powerpoints
    • Floriani Software Lessons