Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy

by Clarke, Sue

• ISBN13: 9780443104039
• ISBN10: 0443104034
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-02-01
• Publisher: CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE

Summary

This new edition of ESSENTIAL CHEMISTRY FOR SAFE AROMATHERAPY provides an accessible account of the key theoretical aspects of chemistry and their application into the safe practice of aromatherapy. For readers with a limited science background, this book offers a clear and concisely written guide to essential information in chemistry. For practitioners, the book applies chemistry to the practical and therapeutic use of essential oils, and leads to a better understanding of composition, properties and technical data related to essential oils. Takes the fear and mystery out of chemistry for aromatherapy students! Presents crucial information in a clear and easily-digestible format, highlighting key points all along Allows professional aromatherapists to practice with greater confidence, safety and skill, and to extend the range of their practice through a clearer understanding of chemical properties of essential oils. Covers the scope of what is taught at major aromatherapy teaching centres, and structures the material to make sure each chapter provides the reader with a rounded understanding of the topic covered. A glossary is included for easy reference. Fully-updated throughout Chapter 5, Analytical Techniques completely brought up to date Chapter 6 Oil Profiles updated to include those used in current training New section entitled 'In perspectives' covers risks and benefits, interpretation of clinical trials and experimental data, use of essential oils in aromatherapy and functional groups in relation to therapeutic properties

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgements	p. xiii
Introduction	p. 1
Fundamentals of chemistry	p. 7
Organization of matter	p. 7
Compounds	p. 15
Types of chemical bonding	p. 16
Mixtures	p. 23
Organic chemistry	p. 25
Important concepts in organic chemistry	p. 25
Representing organic molecules	p. 35
Functional groups	p. 38
Homologous series	p. 38
Families of compounds that occur in essential oils	p. 41
The terpenes	p. 42
Oxygenated compounds	p. 53
Other compounds	p. 77
Processing, extraction and purity	p. 79
Extraction from natural products	p. 79
Terminology of extracts	p. 86
Essential oils	p. 86
The effects of processing and manipulation on oil composition	p. 87
Analytical techniques	p. 95
Chromatography	p. 96
Mass spectrometry (MS)	p. 98
Optical rotation	p. 104
Specific gravity (SG)	p. 106
Refractive index	p. 107
The sense of smell	p. 108
Health, disease and therapy	p. 115
Health	p. 115
Disease	p. 116
Therapy	p. 116
Sources of information	p. 117
Research and clinical trials	p. 117
Safety	p. 119
Training and regulation	p. 120
Composition of essential oils and other materials	p. 123
Quality control	p. 123
Background to composition	p. 124
Organic oils	p. 125
Special properties of essential oils: synergy and quenching	p. 127
Chemical purity and standard samples	p. 129
Regulatory and advisory bodies	p. 130
Chemical composition of essential oils	p. 132
Examination of essential oils and other materials	p. 135
Popular essences	p. 136
Carriers	p. 209
The fixed carrier oils	p. 213
Liquid wax	p. 219
Butters	p. 219
Inorganic carrier materials	p. 220
Cosmetic agents and toiletries	p. 221
Aqueous products of plants	p. 224
Handling, safety and practical applications for use of essential oils	p. 231
Introduction and background	p. 231
Storage of oils	p. 231
Labelling	p. 234
Legislation and regulatory bodies	p. 235
General safety and first aid	p. 245
The administration of essential oils to the body	p. 248
Cautions and contraindications	p. 262
Bibliography and sources of information	p. 265
Glossary	p. 271
Index	p. 287
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