Phellandrene

Aroma: peppermint, with a slight citrus tone

Vaporizes At: 350ºF (177ºC)

Potential Medical Value: antifungal, antidepressive

Also Found in: eucalyptus, turmeric leaves, cinnamon, garlic, dill, ginger, and parsley

Phellandrene is commonly found in the essential oil of plants in the eucalyptus genus. Its smell is reminiscent of peppermint, with a slight citrus tone. Phellandrene can be found in a number of plants and their essential oils, including eucalyptus, turmeric leaves, cinnamon, garlic, dill, ginger, pepper and parsley. A number of plants produce β-phellandrene as a constituent of their essential oils, including lavender and grand fir. The recognizable odors of some essential oils depend almost entirely upon the presence of phellandrene. Oil of pepper and dill oil are composed almost entirely of phellandrene. The principal constituent in oil of ginger is phellandrene. Phellandrene, particularly α-phellandrene, is absorbed through the skin, making it attractive for use in perfumes. It is also used as a flavoring for food products. Recent research shows that phellandrene possesses antidepressive effects. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat digestive disorders.