-As a woman, we all have had some moment we had to fight against spasms and/or anxiety.

-If we practice Sport, these 2 chemical groups could also be very helpful for us.

In this blog, you will find a lot of essential oils complete chemistry profile.

If you are fond of Essential Oils, and like to understand how, why, when it works….here is a deep technical explanation (for once, you should maybe be good in chemistry…:) )

What Chemical Group of Essential Oils Will help you to fight Spasm and to calm anxiety

If we have something to remember from this post, it is the gradual ladder properties evolving upon the chemical structure of these 2 groups. 

And obviously, you have many essential oils names you can refer to if you need to find some wellbeing, relaxing and sedative effects from essential oils.

Oh, by the way, the properties of the essential oils shared in this post are not the only benefits offered by these essential oils. This is due to the abundant synergies of bio chemical components presents in each essential oil. 

Category of antispasmodics and sedative:

2 molecular groups mainly have antispasmodic and sedative properties:

Ether-oxide

Ester-acids.

Both categories: antispasmodic and sedative, are therefore profoundly interlinked and are classified in the same group by renowned published aromatherapists such as Pierre Franchomme and Dr Penoel.

Ether-Oxides Group

The first group: Ether oxides have positive charges: these molecules develop interactions thanks to their bi-functionality.

In external use, they offer analgesic and antispasmodic properties.

Example of essential oils containing ether oxides: citrus auriantium (petit grain): contains: alcohol 30-40%, ester 50-70%

Ester-Acids Group

The second group: Ester-acids, is presenting a negative charge. (I explained some positive and negative charges in this article: the bio energetic power of essential oils) All the esters are remarkable however moderate spasmolitics. Indeed, they are active on different levels:

-commending the neuro-vegetative system.

– acting as neurotrophic (as mediators, neurotransmitors).

-as muscular receptors.

Beyond this antispasmodic property in these Ester-acids group, and thanks to its negative charges, it also have calming and anti inflammatory properties.

Example of essential oils presenting ester-acids: Betula alleghaniensis (yellow birch- bouleau jaune): 99% of methyl salicylate ( Shouldn’t be used long term on the skin, it could turn toxic.

It is interesting to notice the increasing of spasmolitic and sedative benefits according to the structure of esters.

The anti-spasmodic of an ester will vary according to the number of carbon atoms hold by the originel acid. From C1 to C7, the action get more and more  intense. 7 being the maximal straight. After longer than 7 carbon chains, the activity (strength) , decreases.

Depending on the location of the group ester bonds will offer different properties.

-Acid on C1 (formic acid) combines with citronellol or geraniol, major components of pelargonium essential oil. Geranium essential oil is of a great use for muscles massages to dissipate motor muscles’ spasms.

-Acid on C2 (acetic acid), a lot of different alcohol combines with acetic acid to obtain acetate. Lavender essential oil is the perfect example of sedative and antispasmodic benefits.

-Acids on C3 and C4 (propionate, butyrate, isobutyrates and methylacrylate) these substances present a good antispasmodic property. Moreover, the essential oils containing butyrate are easily eliminated by kidneys and lungs. Examples of essential oils rich in butyrate: eriocephalus (cape Snow Bush, plants from Africa which look like rosemary, but are not from the same family) and humulus lupus (hops flower, not to be used if depressed and might irritate skin).

-Acids on C5 (angelic acid, tiglic acid, isovaleric acid), acids placed on C5 are offering powerful spasmolitic and sedative properties to essential oils, such as chamaemelum (chamomile), angelica archangelica

Acids on C7: the spasmolitic property here is maximal. (benzoate, salicylate and anthranylate)

Example of essential oils containing acids on C7: Ylang-ylang, Myroxylum balsamum (Peru balm), betula, gaultheria procubens.

Please note that for medical treatment, consult your medical-aromatherapist specialist, you will receive the best advises entirely adapted to your health and condition.

Essential oils are strong-powerful-wonderful natural tools to stay healthy, to get better, and to be a natural beauty.

Enjoy, and let me know what essential oils you use, and its benefits 🙂

Xx