Nature derives ethers from phenols. Because of this, you may hear the terms 'phenolic ethers' or 'phenolic methyl ether'. All three terms are referring to the same chemical family. Like phenols, ethers have powerful therapeutic properties and are very harsh on the skin. They also come with significant toxicity warnings. You might ask "If they're so rough on our skin, why use them?".
We use them because, therapeutically, ethers tend to be strongly antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and carminative. They can also provide a local anesthetic effect. Oils rich in ethers include Anise, Fennel, Nutmeg, and Tarragon. They can be used to calm the stomach, relieve gas and bloating, calm muscle spasms, calm cramping, aid the lungs, calm a spastic cough, and promote relaxation so you can sleep. Ether-rich oils are an example of why knowing and understanding the chemistry of essential oils is critical. While they can be highly effective in blends, they must be used in very small quantities and for very short periods of time. Warnings: Ethers can burn the skin and/or cause skin cell damage. There are specific warnings for different ethers listed below. (E)-anethole - Avoid during pregnancy. Do not use if on blood-thinners or if you have a bleeding disorder, or before or after surgery. It has possible estrogenic activity, so do not use if you have or have had estrogen related conditions like endometriosis or estrogen-related cancers. Elemicin: Some studies on male mice indicated a weak possibility of being carcinogenic, but there is not enough evidence to make an actual determination of this. Estragole (aka: methyl chavicol): Do not use if you are taking blood-thinners or if you have a bleeding disorder, before or after surgery, or if you have a peptic ulcer. Myristicin: no warnings when used properly in aromatherapy, Personal note: There are so many essential oils available that I find I rarely see the need to use ether-rich oils. Often, I will use the herb instead of the oil -- and that for limited time too. Datasheets for these essential oils will be coming soon in the membership section. Phenols are very powerful chemicals! In essential oils, structurally, they seem similar to alcohols, but have a phenyl or benzene ring and have one or more hydrogen atom(s) that get swapped out with another group of atoms. The phenols we find in essential oils are carvacrol, cresol, eugenol, and thymol. You'll notice that they all have the -ol- suffix like the alcohols (monoterpenols and sesquiterpenols).
These chemicals are strongly antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, germicidal, bactericidal, and immune-system boosters. When you're sick, they're great in a diffuser to help knock germs out of the air and to help your immune system fight off illnesses. They are also CNS stimulants and can be of assistance with certain types of depression. Eugenol, in small amounts, can be beneficial to the liver; however, in larger amounts it becomes toxic to the liver. Essential oils that have significant levels of phenols include Aniseed, Tulsi Basil, Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Tarragon, and Thyme ct. thymol. The phenols in these oils are highly reactive and will irritate (possibly damage) the skin and mucous membranes. If you use any of these oils topically, it's important to dilute them very well in a carrier oil that is skin healing. A 0.5% maximum dilution is recommended -- that's 3 drops EO per 1 ounce of carrier oil. When diffusing, limit the total phenol content to a maximum of 10% of the diffuser blend. i.e. for a 5 mL diffuser blend, phenol content should be 1/2 mL or less. Additionally, such blends should be used short-term -- for only two or three days. Other precautions to follow when using oils high in phenols include: * Do not use if you have a blood-clotting disorder or are taking blood thinners. * Do not use before surgery. * Do not use in a bath. * Do not use on babies or children. * Do not use if you have 'hot' skin conditions (i.e. dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) * Do not use on broken or irritated skin. * Be sure to look at your GC/MS reports and calculate out your phenol percentages when blending essential oils. Below are samples of a couple of spreadsheets I made when I first started using essential oils (and before I got certified as an aromatherapist). The first is for a single oil -- Tulsi Basil. The second is part of a blend where I calculated percentages of chemicals within the blend and compared them to make sure I didn't use too many harsh constituents. Making these charts helps me visualize my blends as a whole and ensure I keep them safe. Oxides are cyclic ethers that are usually made from a monoterpenols or sesquiterpenols (alcohols). In most cases, the word 'oxide' is added to the monoterpenol or sesquiterpenol name. The oxides found in Essential Oils are Bisabolol oxide, Bisabolone oxide, Caryophyllene oxide, Linalool oxide, Pinene oxide, Sclareol oxide, and 1,8-Cineole. [You'll notice the 1,8-Cineole (aka Cineole) doesn't use the word 'oxide' -- it's an exception to the rule.]
Oils with high levels of oxides are, perhaps, best known for breathing. They break up excess mucus in the sinuses and lungs and help get rid of it (decongestant and expectorant). You've probably already experienced this effect with the 1,8-Cineole in Eucalyptus. If you've ever had a cold or the flu, you may have used an OTC product containing Eucalyptus and gotten temporary relief from congestion and been able to breathe more easily. You may have even recovered a bit more quickly, because oxides generally have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Did you know that essential oils that are oxide-rich can also help you focus and be more alert? This effect goes hand-in-hand with breathing. These oils may help improve circulation which means more blood and oxygen are available to your brain when you inhale them. There are some precautions to take into account when using essential oils with oxide content. Do not use these oils with children under the age of 10, or on or near their faces -- oxides can slow down the central nervous system and/or breathing in young children. Do not use if you are allergic to oxides. If you have asthma, test a very small amount first. While they may help open the airways in the presence of asthma, they have the potential to exacerbate the condition. When using oxide-rich oils topically, limit them to a 2% maximum dilution to avoid potential skin irritation. |
DisclaimerThe information contained in this blog is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Archives
February 2021
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