Plant Families

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Plant Cycles and Essential Oils

Copyright Butterfly Expressions LLC 2005

Essential oils can be divided according to the part of the plant the oil is made from. This is a very interesting distinction because the properties of the oils and what they are used for, especially in emotional work, are very different in each group.

Each plant begins in the physical (or base sphere) with the seed and then the roots. It progresses through the vital sphere with the leaves, and to the astral sphere with the flowering stage. It then creates its fruit, which is the seed of most plants, and is then returned to the physical world.

Essential oils produced in the roots (such as angelica) tend to have a very grounding energy, and a nourishing, strengthening quality to them. They are usually potent stimulants of the vital functions (particularly digestion) and are often recommended for anemia.

Just as the plant’s leaf system corresponds to its vital body, so essential oils produced in the leaves seem to have a toning affect on the body. In Chinese Medicine, the vital body is represented (and fed and nourished in large part) by the Respiratory System. You will find these oils listed as having an affect on the Lungs, etc. and on the vital organs.

The flower is the plant’s ultimate achievement and in some cultures the intricacy and fragrance of a plant indicates its ‘spiritual’ development. The plants with the most intense floral creativity rarely produce any significant fruit or seed (Rose and Neroli and notable exceptions and their functions are also unique). The essential oils found in the flowers occur in extremely small amounts, but their fragrances are typically very intense. Such fragrances tend to have the highest frequencies and can be exhilarating or even mildly intoxicating.

The oils produced in the seed (citrus fruits, fennel, coriander) are said to bring us back into the physical world. They are often used to invigorate and fortify and seem to show a strong affinity with the digestive system. This is particularly true of those seeds that are foods or spices.

Trees and bushes also have the ability to create oils in their wood. Such oils are centering and grounding in nature. Here the creative process is drawn into the heart of the wood and they show a corresponding ability to aid us in becoming firm and full of strength in our own centers. A tree is firmly anchored to earth, strong and upright, and reaching valiantly for heaven.

Some essential oils are produced from the resins or gums. These essential oils have a strong affinity for the glandular system; they control secretions and demonstrate cosmetic and healing properties (skin care, wounds, ulcers).

The following lists only partial-the oils that I use and loverom the flowers or petals of plants or trees

Cassia, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon Flower, Narcissus, Neroli, Rose Maroc, Rose Otto, Ylang Ylang

Fruits: Extracted from the fruit of a plant or tree

Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clove, Grapefruit, Juniper, Lemon, Lime, Litsea Cubeba, Mandarin,

Orange, Tangerine, Vanilla

Herbs: Oils extracted from plants generally thought of as medicinal herbs

Basil, Clary Sage, Geranium, Hyssop, Marjoram, Melissa, Peppermint, Spearmint, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme-both red and white, Yarrow

Leaves: Extracted from the leaves of trees or plants

Bay, Birch, Cajeput, Cinnamon, Cistus, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Fir, Myrtle, Patchoili, Pettigrain, Pine, Ravensara, Tea Tree

Resins: Extracted from the resin or balsam which exudes from some tress and shrubs

Benzoin, Peru Balsam, Elemi, Frankincense, Myrrh

Roots: Extracted from the roots of plants

Angelica, Ginger, Spikenard, Valerian, Vetiver

Seeds: Extracted from the seeds of plants

Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Nutmeg

Spices: Extracted from various parts of plants or trees commonly known as spices

Anise, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Ginger, Nutmeg

Woods: Extracted from twigs, wood chippings or shavings of trees

Camphor, Cedarwood, Pine, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spruce, Cinnamon

Essential Oils by Plant Family

It can be quite educational and informative to group and study essential oils by the plant family from which they are derived. Plants are classified according to the structure of their flowers, but this classification goes beyond the flower itself to include leaf and seed structure, similar rhythm (time of year, etc.) and similar chemical composition.

In homeopathy and other philosophies, the physical nature of plants and their interactions with the environment have been noted to correlate with their medicinal properties. A type of therapeutic activity is attributed to each botanical family and the variations within it, and this approach seems to be quite accurate and very informative. It is amazingly consistent with the more traditional systems of herbal and aroma therapies. I have found, even in my limited experience, that careful observation or study of a plant and its environment can tell me much about its medicinal properties and uses.

Classification of essential oils by botanical families tells more about their therapeutic activity than a simple alphabetical listing. Unless you understand botanical families well, however, a botanical listing can be cumbersome and annoying. I will attempt to give you a condensed version here.

Botanical Families:

Burseraceae: Dry Fire (includes Elemi, Frankincense, Myrrh). This botanical family grows in desert and tropical areas and in some of the most extreme climates of the planet. The sun’s rays burn hot and dry in these areas and these oils act in a drying manner against congestive ailments such as bronchitis, coughs, and pleurisy. They are especially useful in diseases related to over secretion and inflammation.

Coniferae: The Air Element: Light, Inner Warmth (Cedarwood, Cypress, Fir, Juniper, Pine, Spruce Thuja). This botanical family is imposing in its simplicity; everything is structured around the central vertical trunk. Conifers are noted for their longevity, as a coniferous forest shelters and protects its creatures and appears immemorial and eternal. An outstanding characteristic of conifers is their ability to maintain their foliage through cold winters. This indicates an inner fire and stability which is indicative of their therapeutic uses. Conifer oils are warming, reviving and give a feeling of protection and safety. Their major influence in the body is on the nervous system and they are best taken in through the lungs. Interestingly, conifer oils are often used for arthritis.

Labiatae: Plants of Heat (Basil, Hyssop, Lavender, Marjoram, Melissa, Mints, Oregano, Patchouli, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Sage, Thyme). While medicinal plants are the exception in most families, all Labiatae have some curative power toward the human family. Many Labiatae are culinary herbs, which indicates their strong affinity for digestive and metabolic processes as well as respiration and blood formation. There are no bland, gloomy or narcotic oils in this family. These plants have a strong potential for adaptability which has been interpreted by some as immunostimulant properties. Often used for weakness of vital centers (anemia, digestive problems, respiratory problems, diabetes) and as a grounding tool for healers, psychics, etc.

Compositae: Realization, Organization and Structure (Chamomiles, Tarragon, Arnica, Yarrow, Wormwood). The Compositae constitute the largest botanical family and grow all over the world in profuse abundance. Theses adaptive plants grow from seashores to mountain tops, from deserts to swamps, with a preference for open spaces widely exposed to light. Like the plants themselves, the therapeutic action of this family shows a great diversity, with an underlying theme of perfect balance.

Umbelliferae: Plants of the Air Element (Angelica, Coriander, Fennel). The special interaction of this family with the air element is emphasized by their ability to incorporate air within themselves in hollow stem, hollow seed and even hollow root structures. These oils have an affinity for the digestive, glandular and respiratory system and are considered outstanding tissue regenerators.

Geraniaceae: (Geranium). Geraniums are widely divergent and can be made to imitate almost any fragrance and chemotype, including the hot, burning thymols that seem so far removed from the sweet-smelling rose geranium that we are acquainted with. Geraniums show strong adaptability and the expected immunostimulant properties.

Rutaaceae with the genus of Citrus: process of subdued Tropical heat (Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Neroli, Orange, Pettitgrain, Tangerine). Rutaceae grow in the topical areas and display beautiful abundant flowers shaped like symmetrical stars and have delicious, sweet, exhilarating fragrances. Essential oils are produced from the bark, the fruit, and the flower in different instances. In spite of this diversity, the general therapeutic activity of this family concerns the interaction of warmth and fluid in the body. The oils produced from flowers are cooling, refreshing and sedative; the fruits exert control over liquid processes and secretions; Pettitgrain, distilled from Bitter Orange leaves, is sedative to the nervous system and an intellectual stimulant.

Graminae: The Nutritious Family (Citronella, Lemongrass, Litsea Cubeba, Palmarosa, Vetiver). A wide majority of the plants covering the ground belong to the Graminae family. From the poles to the equator, from the swamps to the deserts, this family shows an amazing adaptability and diversity. Its ability to cover-almost exclusively-huge areas denotes great strength. This strength lies in its powerful root systems, which form an intricate network that blends perfectly with the soil. This family does not spend much energy in the floral process. Its leaves and seeds are a gift to the animal kingdom and essential oils distilled from this family are a gift of grounding and strength. The plants of this family have the potential to develop fragrances-like the scent of freshly cut hay-and generally have a fresh, green, lemony, slightly rosy fragrance. Oils in this family are used for stimulation of the digestive system, as diuretics, for disinfection and for pest and parasite control.

Myrtaceae: Harmony and Equilibrium in the Four Traditional Chinese Elements (Cajeput, Clove, Eucalyptus, Myrtle, Nutmeg and Tea Tree). Plants of this family grow in every tropical region of the world and combine the powerful forces of earth, water and heat. The plants and trees of this family have one thing in common-there are no mild plants among them. These plants have very hard woods, strong leaves, intense flowers, and they produce strong, sugary fruits and pungent spices. Their scope of action includes metabolism, the energy centers and the lungs, making them effective for respiratory diseases, metabolic or energetic imbalances and immune stimulation. Just as the plants themselves are robust and strong, the essential oils are among some of the best anti-bacterial/anti-fungal oils available.

Lauraceae: (Cinnamon, Rosewood ). Though members of the same botanical family, cinnamon and rosewood are, in some ways, very dissimilar. Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known to man and has been renowned for its medicinal value for centuries. Cinnamon oil is a stimulant to circulatory, cardiac and pulmonary functions. Rosewood, on the other side of the scale, does not have any dramatic curative powers, but is mild and safe to use in skin or body care and valued for its tissue regeneration and anti-depressant qualities.

Zingiberaceae: (Ginger). Used for thousands of years in India and China and is found in writings from the middle ages, this family has an affinity for the digestive system and is a stimulant and and analgesic.

Betulaceae: (Birch). Birch is the only oil of this family that is produced in quantity. Predominantly a diuretic and lymph drainer and cleanser. Strongly analgesic.

Rosaceae: (Rose). Has the highest frequency of any of the oils-even when adulterated or diluted as is so often is because of its high cost. It takes about 60,000 roses to make one ounce of oil. Specific to the female reproductive system and the heart chakra.

Santalaceae: (Sandalwood) is the sacred tree of India. For uses see alphabetical index.

Anonaceae: (Ylang-Ylang) means “flower of flowers” and is a tree growing up to sixty feet high and produces beautiful yellow flowers. Supremely exotic, ylang-ylang is soothing, sedative and slightly euphoric. Has a particular affinity for the intestinal tract in the treatment of infections.

Essential Oil Constituents

Essential Oils have very complex structures and several unique characteristics. Individual oils have as many as 800 different chemical constituents in their molecular makeup, all put together in such as way as to be readily available to the human body. Of these 800 components that have been identified, research into the healing properties has been done for only about 200. It is known that the others are necessary to the overall healing effect of the oils, but it is not known exactly how or why.

Even though the effects of each separate element is not completely understood, they can be roughly grouped into families according to their dominant characteristics. Essential oils can be subdivided into two distinct groups: The hydrocarbons and the oxygenated compounds.

Hydrocarbons:

This category is made up almost exclusively by the various members of the Terpene family. This family group inhibits the accumulation of toxins and helps discharge existing toxins from the liver, kidney and glandular system.

Sesquiterpenes have been mentioned briefly before because of their ability to cross the blood/brain barrier and enter the brain tissues, nourishing and balancing as they go. In addition, sesquiterpenes are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Their primary action (other than in the brain) is on the liver and glandular system. Research from Germany and Austria indicate that in the presence of essential oils containing sesquiterpenes, there is increased oxygenation around the pineal and pituitary glands.

More than two thousand sesquiterpenes have been isolated from plants to date, and their structures and uses vary widely. Whatever their major function, they all are effective immune stimulants.

Farnesene The major characteristic is Farnesene’s anti-viral and anti-bacterial activities. Farnesene tends to inhibit the growth of bacteria instead of absolutely kill them, making them very effective in re-balancing the digestive tract bacteria cultures.

Limonene is found in 90% of the citrus oils and is strongly anti-viral. There are no anti-biotics that are anti-viral in action; the anti-viral activities of essential oils are invaluable!! A study of the effects of terpenes against the herpes simplex and other viruses has been well-proven

Pinene is found in large proportions in all of the conifer oils (Pine, Fir, Spruce, Juniper) and is strongly antiseptic.

There are many other members of this grouping, each with its own unique characteristics.

Oxygenated Compounds

Esters are found in nearly all essential oils, not as a main ingredient, but as a crucial part of the structure. Physically, esters are anti-fungal. The have a direct calming effect on the central nervous system and can be powerful anti-spasmodics. Roman Chamomile contains a number of esters that are not found commonly in other essential oils.

Aldehydes are the main chemical feature of the oils of melissa, lemongrass, citronella and a lemony form of eucalyptus. All of these oils are very antiseptic (almost caustic - dilute well) and also calming to the nervous system, as well as anti-inflammatory.

Ketones major function in aroma therapy is easing or increasing the flow of mucous, which is the body’s way of dealing with infections and toxins. In addition, oils containing ketones are cytophylactic, which means that they aid in the generation of new cells. This makes them very important in healing burns and wounds of any sort.

Alcohols are among the most used molecules in aroma therapy. There is an amazing diversity among the alcohols in healing properties and fragrance, and though they are powerful therapeutic agents, they are mild and non-toxic. The usefulness of this group has continually been pointed out in scientific research. As the properties of the various oils will be listed on charts in later chapters, I will make no attempt to list them here.

Phenols are responsible for the fragrance of many essential oils and are, usually, strongly stimulating. They are antiseptic, anti-bacterial, immunostimulant and have strong antioxidant properties; however, they can also be quite caustic and irritating to the skin. They should be used in appropriately low doses and diluted well.

Oxides include the important family member Eucalyptol (or Cineol) and is almost a class by itself as far as therapeutic properties because it acts as an expectorant when needed.

All pure essential oils have some anti-bacterial properties because they increase the production of white blood cells, which helps fight infectious diseases (Worwood). Research (and my personal experience) has shown that people who consistently use pure essential oils have a higher level of resistance to illnesses, colds, flues and diseases than the average person. Further, such individuals, if they do contract an illness, will recover 60-75% faster than those who do not use essential oils.