absolute |
An alcohol based essential oil extract |
alkaloid |
Naturally occurring complex organic nitrogen-containing compounds that have powerful physiological effects on humans and animals. |
allergen |
An antigenic substance that effects the human immune system (an allergy). |
analgesic |
A substance that relieves pain |
anthelmintic |
Agent that destroys or expels worms. |
anti-anaemic |
Combats anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells) |
anti-bacterial |
An agent that destroys bacteria |
anti-fungal |
Agent that kills fungi |
anticoagulant |
Agent that delays or prevents blood clotting |
anti-inflammatory |
Substance that reduces inflammation such as swelling, heat, and redness |
anti-microbial |
Agent that kills micro-organisms or inhibits their growth or replication |
anti-spasmodic |
Eases spasms or convulsions |
anti-viral |
Inhibits or destroys viruses |
astringent |
Contracts and tightens body tissue |
catarrh |
Inflammation of the mucous membranes with discharge, especially inflammation of the nose and trachea |
cicatrizant |
Promotes healing by formation of scar tissue |
constitutent |
The part of an oil that gives it its therapeutic value |
cytophylactic |
Increases leucocyte activity (white blood cells), boosts immune system (against infection), promotes cell regeneration |
decongestant |
Reduces congestion or swelling |
digestive |
Promotes or aids digestion |
diuretic |
Promotes urination |
endocrine |
Relating to or denoting glands which secrete hormones or other products directly into the blood, The major endocrine glands include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, gastrointestinal tract and adrenal glands
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emmenagogue |
Induces or assists menstruation |
emollient |
Softens and soothes skin and draws in moisture |
expectorant |
Aids the clearance of mucus from the respiratory system |
enfleurage |
A method of extracting essential oils from fragrant flowers pressed repeatedly until the oil is saturated with the floral essence |
febrifuge |
Reduces fever (antipyretic) |
fixed oils |
Lipids that contain long chain fatty acids of vegetable origin |
homostatic |
Stops bleeding |
homostasis |
State of balance |
homologue |
Substance with similar properties; a substitute |
hepatic |
Tones and aids liver function |
hypnotic |
Induces sleep |
hypertensive |
Raises blood pressure |
hypotensive |
Lowers blood pressure |
lymphatic |
Works on the lymphatic system |
nervine |
Strengthens and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system |
psoriasis |
Common chronic skin disorder characterised by red patches covered by thick, dry, silvery scales |
regulator |
Agent which helps balance and regulate the functions of the body |
restorative |
Strengthens and revives the body systems |
rubefacient |
Causes redness of the skin |
sedative |
Has calming effects, induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement |
stimulant |
Increases the rate of activity of a body system |
stomachic |
Aids and stimulates digestion, tones the stomach, improving function |
sudorific |
Promotes perspiration, sweating (Diaphoresis) |
terpene |
A primary chemical contained in essential oils. |
tonic |
Restores, tone and invigorate bodily systems. Strengthens and boosts whole or parts of the body |
vasodilator |
Dilates (widens) blood vesels |
vermifuge |
Expels intestinal and parasitic worms (Anthelmintic)
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volatile oil |
Aromatic, oxygenated derivative of terpenes distilled from plants |
vulnerary |
An agent applied externally that assists in wound healing |