Volatile Oil — herbalism term · PlantSage glossary
ISection · 01
Volatile Oil defined
— Aromatic plant compounds, fragrant and bioactive.
II
The definition
Lipid-soluble aromatic compounds responsible for the smell of plants. Concentrated by steam distillation as essential oils. Antimicrobial, carminative, expectorant, and nervine effects depending on the species.
Mechanism
Lipophilic compounds cross cell membranes easily, often interacting with neurotransmitter receptors and microbial membranes.
III
Example plants
Classic species in this category from the PlantSage archive.
IV
Related wellness goals
Common conditions where volatile oil plants are indicated.
V
See also
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.