Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Olea aetherea are lipophilic, heterogeneous, liquid, mostly highly volatile mixtures of substances, which are obtained from plants by extraction processes, distillation with steam, oil extraction processes or solvent extraction. They each have a characteristic odour and taste. Only from a minimum content of 0.1% is a plant considered to be an "essential oil drug" and is used phythopharmacologically.
Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.
Chemically, essential oils are composed of > 90% terpenes , mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterterpenes (see terpenes below ). More than 100 individual substances have been identified in the meantime. Accompanying substances such as anthralin acid, salicylic acid or benzoic acid methyl ester, coumarins or vanillin (see vanilla below) are also counted among the components of essential oils. The effectiveness of an essential oil is not based on the dominating effect of a single active ingredient. The ingredients present in lower concentrations can act synergistically.
Olea aetherea are usually liquid at room temperature. They are sparingly soluble in water, but highly soluble in ethanol, ether and fatty oils. Many are photosensitive.
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Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.
Essential oils are available in various forms: as pure oil, alcoholic solution or solution with propellants for inhalation, as cream, gels, ointment or solution for application on the skin, in the form of pastilles or capsules to be taken or as oil bath
Examples for the use of some essential oils:
| Rubefacience | Camphora |
| Antirheumatic drugs | Oil.LavendulaeOl .RosemaryOl .Thyme |
| Emmenagoga | Ol.Rosmarini Ol. Sabinae Ol. Lauri |
| Diuretics | Wheel. Asari Fol. Bucco |
| Antiseptics | Ol. EucalyptiOl . Menthae piperitaeMyrrheOl . Thyme |
| Expectorants | Ol. AnisiOl . and Folia EucalyptiOl .and Herba/Fol. Thyme |
| Spasmolytics | Ol. & Fructi Anisi |
| Choleretics | Ol. & Fructi Curcumae |
| Anti-inflammatories | Ol. and Herba Millefolii |
| CNS | Flos LavendulaeFol . MelissaOl . and wheel. Valerianae |
IndicationThis section has been translated automatically.
Medication drug |
Indication |
Aniseed fruits (Anisifructus) |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Camphor (Camphora |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Cineol |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Eucalyptus leaves (Eucalyptifolium) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Eucaplyptus oil (Eucalyptiaetheroleum) |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Fennel fruits (Foeniculifructus) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Fennel oil (Foeniculiaetheroleum) |
Cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Spruce needle oil (Piceaeaetheroleum) |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Spruce tips, fresh (Piceaeturionesrecentes) |
Cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Grindelia herb (Grindeliaeherba) |
Cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Camomile flowers (Matricariaeflos) |
Sinusitis |
Pine needle oil (Piniaetheroleum) |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Pine shoots (Pinituriones) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Larch turpentine (Terebinthinalaricina) |
common infection |
Mint oil (Menthaarvensisaetheroleum) |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Myrtol |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Niauli oil (Niaouliaetheroleum) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Peppermint oil (Menthaepiperitaeaetheroleum) |
Banal infection, cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the airways) |
Quendelkraut (Serpylliherba) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Sage leaves (Salviaefolium) |
pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis |
Turpentine oil, purified (Terebinthinaeaetheroleumrectificatum) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Thyme herb (Thymi herba) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
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Non-monographed essential oils |
Indication |
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Cajeput oil (Meluca species) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Citronella oil (from Cymbopogonwinterianus JOWITT) |
cough, bronchitis (catarrh of the respiratory tract) |
Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.
Aromatics in very high dosages or of poor pharmaceutical quality can cause irritation of the mucous membrane, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, circulatory reactions, excitement, sedation or allergic reactions.
ContraindicationThis section has been translated automatically.
The use of oils containing bon camphor or menthol is contraindicated in infants and toddlers, as it can lead to a reactive cramping of the respiratory culture and even to respiratory arrest.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer