Simply Ask Aromatherapy

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Chemical Structure

Properties of Phenols in Essential Oils

Contained in:

Bactericidal with a strong, stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

Stimulate the immune system, invigorating, tonic, warming.

Used in lip balms and cough drops.

Can produce slight liver toxicity if taken high doses for extended periods of time.

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Essential oils containing relatively large quantities of certain phenols are potentially irritant to skin and mucous membranes.

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Irritant phenols:

Carvacrol (oregano)

Eugenol (clove)

Thymol (thyme)

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Non-irritant:

Anethole (fennel)

Estragole (tarragon).

Cinnamon

Clove

Cumin

Oregano

Savory

Thyme

Phenols

(C6H5OH)