Essential Oils & Chemistry
What are the three basic elements that make up essential oils?
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen
What are the two main ways essential oils enter the body?
Inhalation and dermal absorption
What is the primary function of the lymphatic system?
Drain excess fluid and support immunity
Name one oil that is phototoxic and should be avoided before sun exposure.
Most citrus oils like lemon
Who pioneered steam distillation around 1000 AD
Avicenna
What are essential oils made from?
Plants – like flowers, leaves, stems, and roots
What massage movement is used to stimulate lymphatic drainage?
Effleurage or light rhythmic movements
What are the names of the lymph nodes located behind the knees?
Popliteal nodes
Why should we keep essential oils away from children?
They can be dangerous if swallowed or used incorrectly
What is the most common method of essential oil extraction
Steam distillation
What type of bond holds essential oil molecules together?
Covalent bond
Why must essential oils be diluted before applying to the skin? What does it prevent?
To prevent irritation or toxicity
What is the name of the duct that drains lymph from most of the body?
Thoracic duct)
Why should essential oils never be poured down the sink?
Environmental harm and water contamination
What is the name of the water collected during distillation?
Hydrosol
What is a “top note” in aromatherapy?
The first scent you smell – it fades quickly
What is the standard dilution ratio for a full-body aromatherapy massage? How many drops per carrier oil?
15 drops per 30ml of carrier oil
What is the fluid called once it enters the lymphatic vessels?
Lymph
What should be done if a client experiences dizziness during treatment?
Stop treatment, elevate legs, offer water
What extraction method is used for citrus oils?
Expression or cold pressing
Apart from smelling nice, why do we use essential oils in massage?
They can help with relaxation, healing, and improving mood
What are the four pathways for percutaneous absorption?
Through cells, between cells, sweat glands, hair follicles
Why must lymph nodes be drained before massaging a body area?
To prevent overflow and allow proper drainage
What is the term for oils that may induce miscarriage?
Abortifacient (abor·ti·fa·cient)
What modern method uses CO₂ under pressure to extract oils?
CO₂ extraction