Did you know -- Sesquiterpenes?

​Similar to monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes are terpenes, which means the molecules consist of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. (By now, you'll notice that terpenes have an -ene- suffix.) These molecules are larger and heavier than monoterpenes because they have a skeleton of 15 carbons.  As a result, they evaporate more slowly and tend to have deeper, richer, more enduring aromas.  A few of my favorites are Beta-caryophyllene, Alpha-humulene, Zingiberene, and Alpha-curcumene. 

While there are some common therapeutic properties in oils that have high levels of sesquiterpenes, there are differences as well.  Those common properties include grounding, antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic.  However, in this category, individual oils must be studied for their positive effects because some are sedative, some can help lower blood pressure, some are skin-healing, and some are cooling while others are warming.  Many sesquiterpene-rich oils are gentle on the skin, but some can irritate the skin if they have oxidized.