Some plants release aromas which are used in the practice of aromatherapy; although there are over 200 plants from which these aromas (commonly called essential oils) are extracted, not all of them are used due to high toxicity levels. However, there are twenty one aromatic plant families which do produce usable essential oils and they commonly have similar characteristics within the same family.
Abietaceae and Annonaceae Plant Families
The Abietaceae plant family belong to the conifer class; members include Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica), Silver Fir (Abies alba) and Pine (Pinus sylvestris). Abietaceae plant family members are considered to be highly antiseptic and effective on respiratory disorders. The Annonaceae plant family is very small and contains only one species of plant used in aromatherapy, that of Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata).
Apiaceae and Asteraceae Plant Families
The plants in the Apiaceae plant family look very similar; the flower heads resemble umbrellas. Essential oils obtained from the Apiaceae plant family are high in ketones or phenolic ethers and are therefore considered to be hazardous; many are uterine stimulants and may be abortive if misused. However, seed oils are balancing to the digestive system. Apiaceae plant family members include Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Dill (Anethum graveolens) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).
The Asteraceae plant family has daisy-like flower heads, composed of numerous small flowers instead of petals. Medicinal properties of the Asteraceae plant family are anti-septic, anti-inflammatory and soothing to the skin and the digestive system. Asteraceae plant family members include Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Helichrysum (Helichrysum angustifolium), Moroccan Chamomile (Ormenis mixta) and German Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita).
Burseraceae and Cupressaceae Plant Families
Burseraceae plant family members possess the medicinal property of being expectorant and therefore particularly helpful in treating bronchitis; they are also useful in healing wounds and ulcers and reducing scar tissue. Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) is a Burseraceae plant family member. The Cupressaceae plant family belong to the conifer class; family plant members include Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) and Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis). The Cupressaceae plant family have medicinal properties able to help stress, insomnia, nervous tension, reduce cellulite and are astringent.
Lamiaceae Plant Family
The Lamiaceae plant family contains the largest number of aromatic plants used in aromatherapy; essential oils are easily released from the plants as they are stored on the surface of the leaves. Lamiaceae aromatic plant family members are chemically complex, being a mixture of alcohols and aldehydes; however, they are generally safe to use.
Medicinal properties include being helpful in the treatment of headaches, muscular problems and nasal congestion. Plant family members are numerous but include:
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Sage (Saliva officinalis)
- Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana)
- Melissa (Melissa officinalis)
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea).
Lauraceae and Myrataceae Plant Families
Lauraceae plant family members are anti-fungal, bactericidal, anti-viral and either a tonic or a stimulant; aromatic plant family members include Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Rosewood (Aniba rosaedora) and Litsea (Litsea cubea). The Myrataceae plant family contain the Eucalyptus and Melaleuca trees; they are highly anti-septic, a tonic or stimulant and are particularly useful on the respiratory system. Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), Clove (Syzigium aromaticum) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Smithii/Staigeriana) are members of the Myrataceae plant family.
Poaceae and Rutaceae Plant Families
The Poaceae plant family are useful in treating aches and pains, acne and stimulating the circulation; plant family members include Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) and Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii). The Rutaceae plant family contains the citrus oils which are expressed from the peel of the fruit, with the exception of Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara flos) and Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium).
Rutaceae plant family members are good digestive oils and are usually beneficial for the skin; other family members include:
- Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
- Lemon (Citrus limon)
- Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
- Orange Sweet (Citrus sinensis)
- Orange Bitter (Citrus aurantium)
- Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi).
More Aromatic Plant Families
Additional aromatic plant families and members are:
- Geraniaceae – Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
- Myristicaceae – Nutmeg (Myristica fragans)
- Olaceae – Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
- Piperaceae – Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
- Rosaceae – Rose Otto (Rosa damascena) and Cabbage Rose (Rosa centifolia)
- Santalaceae – Sandalwood (Santalum album)
- Styracaceae – Benzoin (Styrax benzoin)
- Valerianaceae – Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
- Verbenaceae – Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)
- Zingiberaceae – Ginger (Zingiber officinale).
References:
Price, Shirley 2000 Aromatherapy Workbook London, UK: Thorsons
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
