This course explores the chemical components of plant essential oils. Students will learn the names, general structural features, key safety concerns, therapeutic actions, and aromas of key essential oil chemical constituents. This course starts with an introductory review of foundational chemical terms and principles. It discusses how plants create essential oils and the types of organic chemical families found in essential oils. Students connect this information with real aromatherapy applications through practical lab exercises where they perform organoleptic testing with isolated essential oil constituents (for example, linalool) and a corresponding essential oil that contains that constituent (for example, lavender). This course also examines essential oil quality assessment techniques and how essential oil constituents interact with the body. This class is exciting and valuable for anyone working with botanicals or in integrative health, natural product development, or perfumery.
Discuss essential oil constituents and their therapeutic actions
Recognize odor samples of constituents.
Understand polarity and solubility.
Discuss pharmacology in relation to aromatherapy.
Conduct aromatherapy research.
Discuss what atoms and molecules are, and how they make up the material stuff of the universe.
Get essential oils to disperse in water.
Describe how essential oils are absorbed, metabolized, and excreted by the body.
Understand what quality criteria you need to consider when buying essential oils.
Propose a hypothesis, design a study, complete an experiment using the scientific method, and compose the analysis in a format used by scientific research journals.
Required Course Pack:
The Essential Oil Chemistry Practical Lab Kit includes the following certified organic or sustainably wildcrafted essential oils:
This kit also contains the following experiential learning supplies:
Required Textbooks:
View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.
Total Course Price:
View the total course price, including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping online here.
Prior aromatherapy formal training or prior chemistry (aromatherapy-specific chemistry not required) is recommended
View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.
Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping.
5005 S. Macadam Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST
800-487-8839
503-244-0726
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PST
