Lesson 4

Question 1

How would you describe the safety issues for oils high in ketones? Can you generalize?

Answer 1

Not all ketone components have the same concerns. Some are considered totally safe, and others require caution.

Question 2

Peppermint is high in components from what other chemical family, besides ketones, that you have studied so far?

Answer 2

Monoterpenols

Question 3

Spike Lavender is high in components from what other chemical family, besides ketones, that you have studied so far?

Answer 3

Monoterpenols

Question 4

What is a chemotype of Thyme, with anti-infectious and skin nourishing properties, that you could add to a blend?

Answer 4

Thyme ct. linalool

Question 5

What is one component present in Rosemary and Spike Lavender that requires caution for pregnant women or people with epilepsy?

Answer 5

Camphor

Question 6

What percent dilution should you use for oils high in phenols and aldehydes?

Answer 6

1%

Question 7

Which two main components are found in both Lemongrass and Melissa?

Answer 7

Neral and geranial

Question 8

Which two of the three chemical families covered in this lesson have oils that are known to be potentially skin-irritating?

Answer 8

Aldehydes and phenols

Question 9

Is the chemistry of a plant’s hydrosol the same as that of its essential oil?

Answer 9

No. Hydrosol and essential oil distilled from the same plant will have a different chemistry.

Question 10

Lemongrass is highest in components from which chemical family?

Answer 10

Aldehydes

Question 11

Vetiver is high in components from what two other chemical families, besides ketones, that you have studied so far?

Answer 11

Sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols

Question 12

What are the therapeutic benefits of camphor? (Stuck? Go to “Therapeutic Components List” in the reference tabs.)

Answer 12

Analgesic, antitussive, cns stimulant, mucolytic

Question 13

What chemical family does camphor belong to?

Answer 13

Ketones

Question 14

What chemical family does linalool belong to?

Answer 14

Monoterpenols

Question 15

What component in Clove is concerning to people with clotting disorders?

Answer 15

Eugenol

Question 16

What does “cicatrisant” mean?

Answer 16

Facilitates skin cell regeneration and helps heal scars.

Question 17

What is one of the main actions of oils high in phenols?

Answer 17

Most phenol rich oils are anti-infectious.

Question 18

What is the guideline for using essential oils high in camphor?

Answer 18

Use for short periods of time in small amounts. Avoid with people with epilepsy, a high fever, or pregnant women.

Question 19

What kind of aldehydes are we covering in this class?

Answer 19

Aliphatic aldehydes

Question 20

What kinds of carriers do you want to avoid when making a blend to treat a fungal infection?

Answer 20

Any carrier that is thick and will coat the skin, not allowing it to breathe. Heavy body butter, anything containing beeswax, and even jojoba wouldn’t be ideal. Instead we would use a light carrier like aloe vera gel, or a lotion,

Question 21

What percentage dilution should you stick to when making a child’s blend for acute pain?

Answer 21

1–2%

Question 22

Will aldehydes oxidize easily? (Are they stable or unstable?)

Answer 22

Yes, they will oxidize easily. They are unstable molecules.

Question 23

You are making a 1 oz (30 ml) blend in jojoba at a 3% dilution for a generally healthy person who has a cold. How many drops (maximum) of Thyme ct. thymol can you safely use?

Answer 23

5-6 (1% only)

Question 24

You are working with a 68-year-old man who takes Coumadin to prevent blood clots. What essential oil should you leave out of his blends?

Answer 24

Clove and Thyme ct thymol