Essential Oils -Information

Absolute: an oil obtained by means of solvent extraction. Delicate flowers such as Jasmine yield very little oil in the normal steam distillation process, making the cost prohibitive. Instead, the oil is extracted using a refrigerant gas. The solvent is removed at the end of the process, leaving just the pure oil

Aromatherapy Glossary of Terms

Analgesic: relieves pain
Anaphrodisiac: reduces sexual desire
Anodyne: relieves pain and distress
Antacid: balances the stomach's acidity
Anthelmintic: expels worms from the intestines
Anti-allergenic: reduces allergy symptoms
Antibiotic: combats bacterial infections
Anticoagulant: inhibits the clotting of blood
Anticonvulsive: controls convulsions
Antidepressant: emotionally uplifting
Anti-emetic: reduces vomiting
Antigalactagogue: impedes the flow of breast milk
Antihaemorrhagic: combats heavy bleeding
Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation
Antioxidant: slows down the process of oxidation
Antipruritic: relieves itching
Antipyretic: lowers the body temperature, thus reducing fever
Antirheumatic: relieves rheumatic symptoms
Antiseptic: fights infection and prevents tissue damage
Antispasmodic: controls spasms and convulsions
Antitoxic: neutralises poisons
Antitussive: relieves coughing
Aperient: mildly laxative
Aperitif: improves appetite
Aphrodisiac: increases sexual desire
Astringent: tones and tightens tissues
Calmative: calming or sedative
Carminative: relieves flatulence
Concrete: an aromatic concentrate, solid or semi-solid viscous substance obtained from plant matter
Cordial: tonic, stimulant
Decongestant: relieves congestion
Digestive: aids digestion
Diuretic: increases the flow of urine
Emetic: induces vomiting
Emmenagogue: encourages menstruation
Emollient: softens and soothes the skin
Euphoric: increases feelings of wellbeing
Expectorant: expels mucus from the bronchial passages
Galactagogue: improves the flow of breast milk
Hypertensive: increases blood pressure
Hypnotic: sleep-inducing
Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure
Narcotic: induces a state of sedation
Nervine: combats nervous disorders
Pectoral: pertaining to diseases of the chest and lungs
Phototoxic: causes skin sensitivity to sunlight
Purgative: evacuates the bowels
Relaxant: relieves stress and anxiety
Restorative: improves general health and wellbeing
Rubefacient: improves blood flow and warms the body
Sedative: soothes and calms both mind and body
Soporific: sleep-inducing
Stimulant: increases secretion of adrenalin
Stomachic: relieves gastric problems
Styptic: stops bleeding
Tonic: improves general bodily health