Absolute: The pure essential oil, extracted from a concrète through alcohol process
Actinic keratosis: Horny skin growth caused by exposure to ultraviolet light
Acupressure: Noninvasive body work that acts on the traditional meridians of the body
Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese practice of piercing with needles at specific sites to treat disease or relieve pain
Adrenal cortex: The part of the adrenal gland that produces a variety of steroid hormones
Alchemy: An early form of chemistry with philosophic and magical associations
Alcohol: A class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups (OH) and react with acids to form esters
Aldehyde: A class of organic compounds that contain the CHO group
Alembic: Anything that refines or purifies by distillation
Allopathic medicine: A philosophy of medicine that treats disease by using remedies that produce an opposite effect of that produced by disease
Analgesic: Pain masking
Anticatarrhal: Minimizes or prevents inflammation of a mucous membrane
Anticoagulant: Minimizes or prevents the coagulant action of blood
Antidepressant: Minimizes or prevents depression
Antifungal: Minimizes or prevents overgrowth of fungus
Antigenic: A substance to which the body reacts by producing antibodies
Antihistamine: Minimizes or prevents the actions of hitamine, as in an allergic reaction
Antimicrobial: Able to inhibit or control microbes
Antioxidant: A substance that slows the oxidation of hydrocarbons, thus checks deterioration
Antipigmentary: Minimizes or prevents the discoloration of skin associated with damage and age
Antirheumatic: Minimizes or prevents various types of pain in the joints and muscles
Antiseptic: Inhibits the actions of microorganisms
Antispasmodic: Relieving or preventing spasms
Antiviral: Capable of checking the growth of a virus
Aperitif: Appetite stimulant
Apocrine gland: Specialized gland that secretes highly scented cellular detritus along with clear sweat
Arteriosclerosis: Abnormal thickening and loss of elasticity in the walls of the arteries
Astringent: Contracts body tissue
Auric field: The confines of the visible emanation surrounding a physical body
Auro soma: A system of color, crystals, herbs & essential oils developed by Vicky Wall
Autonomic nervous system: The part of the nervous system that is responsible for control and regulation of involuntary bodily functions
Ayurveda: Traditional Hindu medicine
Bactericidal: Possesses the ability to destroy bacteria
Balneotherapy: Therapeutic bathing
Base oil: Same as carrier oil, used to dilute, carry, and deliver essential oils
Bass note: In perfumery, the foundation, the least volatile scent in a blend
Benzene: A toxic aromatic liquid obtained through the distillation of coal tar
Beta-carotene: A precursor to the production of vitamin A in the liver
Bile: A bitter alkaline bodily humor that aids in digestion
Bolus: Aka ovule, a vaginal suppository
Breathwork: The practice of controlled breathing for health and meditation purposes
Carminative: Causing gas to be expelled from the stomach and intestines
Carotenoid: Any of several red and yellow plant and animal pigments
Carrier oil: Same as base oil, used to dilute, carry, and deliver essential oils
Catalyst: A substance serving as an agent in a chemical reaction
Chakra: One of the seven body centers considered to be the source of spiritual energy
Chemotype: A composition of the essential oil in which one chemical dominates over the norm
Chi: Vital energy
Chypre: A classification of perfume, chypres share a common theme in their bass of oakmoss, patchouli, and amber, combined with a fresh citrusy top note
Cold extraction: A method of extracting essential oils from plant material without the use of heat
Cold process: Oils processed under 280 degrees are considered to be cold process
Colitis: Inflammation of the large intestine
Colloidal mineral supplement: Colloidal mineral particles are small enough to remain suspended in liquid or gas but, unlike dissolved particles, retain their whole form
Color therapy: The use of colored lights or gels (theatrical lighting colored acetate sheets) for healing
Concrète: A compound of fat and essential oils, the product of enfleurage
Contusion: A bruise or injury in which the skin is not broken
Counterirritant: Anything used to produce a slight irritation, in order to relieve more serious inflammation elsewhere
Critical carbon dioxide: Refers to a process of extracting essential oils at a subfreezing temperature
Cystitis: Inflammation of the urinary bladder
Deep tissue work: A special form of massage that uses deep pressure and works to release tension and congestion held in the muscles and deeper tissue
Dermatitis: Inflammation of the skin
DHEA: A steroidal hormone that peaks in early adulthood and declines rapidly with age
Diluent: A diluting substance
Diosgenin: A steroid found in yams
Diuretic: Increasing the excretion of urine
Dosha: An Ayurvedic term referring to a constitutional type or description of a set of physical and emotional patterns
Duodenum: The first section of the small intestine
Eczema: A noncontagious skin disorder characterized by inflammation, itching, and scales
Edema: An abnormal accumulation of fluids in the cells, tissues, or cavities of the body
Electron: An elementary particle, part of an atom that holds a negative charge
Emollient: Something that has a softening or soothing effect
Emulsifier: A substance that enables one liquid to be dispersed and suspended in another without dissolving
Endocrine: Of any hormone-producing gland
Endometriosis: The growth of endometrial (uterine lining) tissue in abnormal locations
Endorphin: A pain-relieving substance secreted in the brain
Enfleurage: A method of extracting essential oils by absorbing them with fat
Enzyme: An organic catalyst to chemical reactions
Epidermis: The outermost layer of the skin
Essential fatty acid: One of a family of molecules that are essential to the health of, but not manufactured by, the human body and must be obtained from outside sources
Ester: A fruity smelling molecule found in beer, wine, and certain esssential oils
Estrogen: A hormone produced in the ovaries and responsible for many bodily functions
Ether: A molecule that has a unique licorice-like odor
Excipient: An inert substance added to a formula to acheive a desired consistency or form
Exfoliate: To remove surface skin and dead skin cells
Expectorant: A substance that encourages the expression of mucus from the throat and lungs through coughing
Fatty acid: A type of naturally occurring lipid that appears in animal and vegetable fats and oils
Fibrocystic breast: The ocurrence of benign fibrous growths in the breast tissue
Fixative: A substance that prevents or minimizes fading of scent
Fixed oil: Not volatile
Florasol: Also phytol, a product of the phytonic process
Free radical: An atom or molecule having at least one unpaired electron, usually reactive and unstable
Fumigant: Any substance used to create fumes
Functional group: A special arrangement of atoms in a molecule that is subject to a characteristic chemical behavior
Genus: A group of closely related species
Glycerin: An odorless, colorless, syrupy liquid
Hematoma: A collection of blood, usually clotted, under the skin
Hemostatic: Encourages coagulation of blood
Hepatic: Of or affecting the liver
Holistic: Dealing with the body as an integrated system, rather than with separate parts
Homeopathy: A philosophy of medicine that treats disease by using remedies that produce a similar effect to that of disease
Humectant: A substance added or applied to another to help it retain moisture
Hydrosol: A by-product of steam distillation, created as the water becomes impregnated with the aroma of the plant being distilled
Hyperallergenic: More than normally susceptible to allergens
Hypertension: Abnormally high blood pressure
Hypotension: Abnormally low blood pressure
Impetigo: A bacterial skin disease
Infusion: The liquid extract that results from steeping a substance in oil or water
Insulin: A hormone, produced by the pancreas, that metabolizes sugar and carbohydrates
Ion: An electrically charged atom or group of atoms
Isoprene: A branched structure composed of five carbon atoms, onto which hydrogen can easily bond
Kapha: A constitutional classification in Ayurvedic medicine
Keloid: An excessive growth of scar tissue on the skin
Ketone: An organic chemical compound; as a constituent in essential oils ketones are toxic, powerful, and aggressive
Kinesiology: Testing the muscles of the body to get information from the body
Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, characterized by hoarseness or loss of voice
Lipid: Any of a group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water, and soluble in fat solvents and alcohols
Lymphatic: Of, containing, or conveying lumph
Lytic: Causing a dissolution or decomposition
Maceration: To soften and break down by squeezing and soaking
Medulla oblongata: The lowest portion of the brain, controls breathing and circulation
Meridian: The electro-magnetic nerve channels that run through the body
Metaphysics: The study of the paranormal
Middle note: The theme, or heart note of a perfume blend
Monoterpene: A molecule composed of two isoprene units, or ten carbon atoms joined head to tail
Mucolytic: A substance that thins mucus, making it easier to eliminate from the lungs and bronchials
Naturopathy: A system of treating disease that uses natural elements and rejects the use of most drugs and medicines
Nebulizer: A pump that reduces a liquid to a very fine mist
Nervine: Calming to the nervous system
Neuralgia: Pain along the course of a nerve
Neurotoxin: A toxin that destroys nerves or nervous tissue
Organic chemistry: The branch of chemistry dealing with carbon compounds
Orthobionomy: A gentle alignment of bones through positioning and soft tissue release
Osteopathy: A system of medicine placing special emphasis on the relation of the musculoskeletal system to all other body systems
Osteoporosis: A bone disorder characterized by a reduction in bone density and an increase in brittleness and porosity
Ovule: Also bolus, a vaginal suppository
Oxidation: A chemical reaction in which oxygen combines with another substance, as in burning or rust
Parasympathetic nervous system: That part of the autonomic nervous system that opposes the sympathetic nervous system and regulates various responses such as a slowed heartbeat and constriction of the pupils of the eyes
pH: The degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution
Phenol: An organic molecule, similar to alcohol, in essential oils; bactericidal and subject to oxidation
Phenyl: A molecular base for many aromatic compounds
Pheromone: A chemical substance secreted by animals and insects that conveys information and produces specific responses in other individuals of the same species
Phlebitis: Inflammation of a vein
Phytoestrogen: A substance from plant sources that is interpreted as an estrogen by human metabolism
Phytol: The resulting essential oil product of the phytonic process
Phytonic process: A method of plant oil extraction
Phytotherapy: Plant based medicine
Pineal gland: A small glandular outgrowth of the brain that produces the hormone melatonin
Pitta: A constitutional classification in Ayurvedic medicine
Pituitary gland: A small endocrine gland attached to the base of the brain that produces various hormones influencing growth, metabolism, and other endocrine activity
Pneuma: The soul or spirit
Polyunsaturated fat: A fat containing more than one double or triple bond in the molecule
Polyvalent: Having many uses
Pomade: A perfumed ointment
Poultice: A hot, moist mass applied to an inflamed or injured part of the body
Prikriti: In Ayurvedic theory, the unique combination of qualities that comprise an individual’s constitution
Progesterone: A steroid hormone, active in preparing the uterus for the reception and development of a fertilized egg
Propolis: A waxy substance collected by bees from the buds of certain trees
Prostaglandin: Hormonelike fatty acids found throughout the body that affect important body processes
Psoriasis: A chronic skin disease characterized by scaly, red patches
Psychostimulant: Stimulating to the mind
Pulmonary: Of, like, or affecting the lungs
Pulse point: A point on the body where the pulse can be felt
Radiesthesia: The art of pendulum dowsing
Reflexology: Treating and diagnosing ailments through pressue and massage to corresponding areas on the foot, hand, and ear
Resin: A solid or semi-solid substance exuded from various plants or trees
Sacrum: The thick, triangular bone at the lower end of the spinal column that forms the dorsal part of the pelvis
Saturated fat: A fat that remains solid at room temperature
Scabies: A parasitic skin mite
Sciatica: Inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the long nerve passing down the back of the thigh
Scleroderma: A hardening and thickening of the skin due to abnormal fibrous tissue growth
Sebaceous gland: A skin gland that secretes sebum
Sebum: A semiliquid greasy skin secretion
Seratonin: A neurotransmitter and hormone
Sesquiterpene: A molecule with three isoprene units, or 15 carbon atoms joined together head to tail
Shen point: An integration point located on the ear, considered an important access point to the brain
Shiatsu: A system of applying thumb pressure to acupressure points on the body
Shingles: A manifestation of the herpes zoster virus characterized by inflamed, painful nerve endings around the trunk
Silica: A hard glassy mineral found in a variety of forms
Skin tag: A small fleshy benign growth
Solvent: A substance that can dissolve another substance
Species: A naturally existing population of similar organisms that usually interbreed only among themselves
Stomachic: Digestive tonic
Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin
Symbology: The study, or interpretation, of symbols
Sympathetic nervous system: That part of the autonomic nervous system that stimulates the body to prepare for physical action or emergency
Synergism: The simultaneous action of separate agents that together have a greater impact that the sum of their individual effects
Systemic: Affecting the entire organism
Taxonomy: The science of classification
Temporal limbic: A primitive part of the brain
Terpene: A molecule made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms
Terpineol: Any of three isomeric alcohols with a lilac odor
Terroir: A French word that means the expression of the earth, or the particular planting site, in the resultant essential oil; a factor of soil, shade, wind, water, rain, and terrain
Thalassotherapy: Bath therapy using seawater or plants
Therapeutic Touch: Modern energy transfer therapy most often practiced by nurses
Third Eye: The sixth chakra, a clairvoyant center located between the eyes
Thrombosis: A blood clot in the heart or a blood vessel
Tonic: Invigorating or stimulating
Top note: The first and most fleeting scent in a perfume blend
Touch for Health: A system developed by John Thie that combines applied kinesiology for a diagnosis and acupressure touch for treating the musculoskeletal system
Transdermal: To pass through the skin
Tridoshic: In Ayurvedic theory, a constitution composed equally of the three doshas
Trigger point: A point on the body that, when stimulated, affects other areas of the body
Unsaturated fat: A fat that remains liquid at room temperature
Vascular: Having to do with the blood vessels
Vata: A constitutional classification in Ayurvedic medicine
Vicosity: The relative fluidity of a liquid
Volatile: Having a tendency to vaporize or evaporate quickly