The "Oval" - A Model of Effects
To provide a clearer understanding of the various effects of essential oils and their key ingredient groups, Ruth von Braunschweig has created a graphic model over the years. This working model has been utilized in numerous exercises and courses focused on "The Chemistry of Essential Oils".
Mnemonic Model - Practical Learning and Memory Aid
This model categorizes ingredient groups and their effects by incorporating insights from empirical medicine, personal experiences, shared knowledge from others, traditional medicine, and scientific research.
Like any model, it serves as a helpful guide, as the effects and interactions of the many ingredients are ultimately too intricate for a simple representation. Therefore, it emphasizes the primary active ingredient groups and their most common characteristics, such as: stimulating/invigorating, relaxing/calming, opening/regulating, and grounding/balancing on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. This primarily mnemonic model aims to act as a visual aid for learning and memory, assisting students in responsibly and sensibly managing the main ingredients, essential oils, and their blends. The guidelines for individual oils have been compiled based on years of experience and knowledge.
Read the model correctly
In the model's oval, the key groups of ingredients, ranging from monoterpenes to aromatic compounds, are organized in a systematic manner based on their primary effects.
The model for the effect: The main ingredient groups and classification of some typical essential oils
Therefore, only the groups of substances that are found in substantial quantities in the specific oil are considered, while typically excluding the trace elements that contribute to the unique characteristics of the oils. Nonetheless, the model offers a swift summary of the primary mechanisms at play.
Position, Color, and Size
The layout indicates that there are no strict divisions between the left and right or the top and bottom; rather, all transitions are fluid. Some ingredient groups provide both relaxing and stimulating effects, creating a distinctly balancing influence, which is why they are positioned in the center of the oval. Notably, the sesquiterpenes located in the center serve as a link between the top and bottom as well as the left and right, contributing to a balancing effect in all directions.
On the right side, the blue shades, including light blue, blue, and violet, represent ingredients that are physically and mentally soothing, cooling, and gentle on the skin. The central area, featuring green tones, symbolizes a transition and is associated with a balancing effect that regulates both mental and physical states. These ingredients are particularly kind to the skin. Lighter colors indicate a focus on mental aspects, while the bolder colors pertain to physical effects.
For individuals with delicate, thin, sensitive, or reddish skin, we must exercise caution with ingredients marked in the greenish-yellow to fiery red spectrum. The dosage should be kept very low to prevent skin irritations or allergic reactions. It is important not to use these ingredients undiluted!
Babies, toddlers, children, and the elderly also have sensitive skin and should primarily be treated with the ingredient groups found on the right side and in the green center.
The circle's diameter also considers the value of the ingredients. Even those present in only trace amounts, yet essential to the oil's character, are given a larger diameter than their percentage would suggest. For instance, citrus oils like lemon and orange have similar main ingredient compositions, but they vary significantly in certain trace components, such as sinensal. This compound, responsible for the distinctive scent of oranges, can be detected even when diluted billions of times, which is why it is represented as a circle.
The quantities and their visual representation can only be seen as a "mixed calculation," as a single analysis does not yield a comprehensive overview. The values are derived from various literature sources and multiple analyses.
Examining the effects of key ingredient groups, with rose geranium as a case study
Let’s take a closer look at the rose geranium model, which showcases a potent oil with a range of physical and psychological benefits:
• One notable aspect is the high concentration of monoterpenols, known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic qualities. This essential oil, with its primary components situated in the lower central part of the model, offers a balancing and invigorating effect on the immune system. Since this key ingredient isn’t highlighted with a signal color, it indicates that the oil is both highly effective and gentle on the skin.
• The second prominent circle, found in the right section and colored blue (representing esters), clearly illustrates the oil’s comprehensive relaxing and antispasmodic properties. This group of ingredients also exhibits strong anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects.
• A series of ingredients aligned along the central axis suggests that this essential oil provides both psychological balance and uplifting qualities, along with physical fortification. Such an oil helps regulate the hormonal system and the autonomic nervous system through the pituitary gland and endocrine glands.
• The smaller circles located on the left and at the top represent ingredients that stimulate both the mind and body. Since these components are present only in minimal amounts, they pose no risk to overall health.
Beyond the ingredients...
The model's ovals and the details about the ingredients provide a more technical view of the oils. However, it's essential to also consider the emotional aspect: How does the patient feel about the fragrance? This should play a crucial role in the decision-making process!
The great news is that you can now discover the formula for your unique blend and learn how to combine essential oils to achieve your desired results.
Comments
Post a Comment