Essential Oil Chemistry: Why Aroma Matters
Chemistry. Already getting nervous? The chemistry chapters of essential oil texts are the most frequently skipped, even by natural health professionals. But it can be fun and useful…really! Knowing what essential oils are made of, and how this affects their aroma and therapeutic value can have a big impact on the efficacy of your aromatherapy practice. Understanding the basics can help you make better choices in essential oils, and better choices in their application. Plus, this can give you the foundation for further understanding of true ‘medical aromatherapy’, as practiced in much of the rest of the world. So here’s a primer on the chemistry of essential oils, with some common examples and important tips to help you grow as a holistic medicine practitioner.