GLOSSARY

abortifacient: Any substance capable of inducing an abortion. This includes any substance that may cause miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy.

adulterate: A term used to describe the mixing of pure essential oils with another substance. An essential oil is deemed to be adulterated when it has been watered down but sold as 100 percent essential oil.

allergy: A general term for an irritation caused by contact with an irritant or allergen. Allergens can be introduced via inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.

analgesic: A substance that relieves or deadens pain. Many analgesic drugs are narcotics; analgesic essential oils are non-narcotic.

anthelmintic: A substance capable of expelling or destroying intestinal parasites. This type of substance is also referred to as a vermifuge.

antibacterial: A substance that slows the growth of bacteria. In some cases, this term refers to a substance that prevents bacteria.

antidepressant: A substance that helps counteract the symptoms of mild depression. Many essential oils possess this quality.

antifungal: A substance that slows or prevents the growth of fungi. Many antifungal essential oils are as effective as commercial antifungal agents.

antihistamine: A substance that counteracts the body’s natural reactions to allergens. Most commercial antihistamines cause undesirable side effects.

antimicrobial: A substance that reduces microbial activity. Antimicrobial essential oils are particularly useful for household cleansers.

antiseptic: A substance that helps slow or stop infection. Applying an antiseptic shortly after an injury helps speed healing.

antispasmodic: A substance that helps stop muscle spasms and cramping. Antispasmodic essential oils are useful in treating digestive issues, menstrual cramps, and muscle pain caused by cramping.

aphrodisiac: A substance that increases sexual desire. In some cases, aphrodisiacs may help improve sexual function.

aromatherapy: The practice of using natural aromatic substances, including essential oils, for their physical and psychological therapeutic benefits.

astringent: A substance that causes organic tissue to contract.

bactericidal: A substance that kills or destroys bacteria. Most bactericidal essential oils are ideal for external use and for formulating nontoxic household cleansers.

botanical name: A specific Latin name that distinguishes variants of plants that share the same common name.

carrier oil: An oil used for diluting an essential oil prior to use. Examples include apricot kernel, grape seed, olive, and sweet almond oils.

common name: A plant’s “everyday” name. For example, there are several different species of plants that fall under the common name orange .

detoxifier: A substance that aids in detoxifying the body. Detoxifiers work by facilitating the removal of impurities from organs, tissue, or the bloodstream.

dilution: The act of making an essential oil less potent by adding a carrier oil.

diffuser: A device used for releasing essential oil molecules into the air. Various models are available commercially. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

diuretic: A substance that removes water from the body while stimulating urine production. When using diuretics of any kind, it is vital that you drink plenty of water.

expectorant: A substance that aids in the expulsion of mucus from the lungs. In most cases, expectorants prompt productive coughing.

febrifuge: A substance that helps reduce fevers. Using a cold compress with a febrifuge can help hasten fever reduction.

food grade: An essential oil considered safe for use in food by the FDA.

fragrance: An aroma. Products labeled as fragrances are derived by synthetic means and are not essential oils.

fungicide: A substance that destroys fungi. Fungicidal essential oils are useful for topical application as well as for formulating nontoxic household cleansers.

germicide: A substance that destroys germs. Germicidal essential oils are useful for formulating remedies as well as for diffusing; when diffused, they promote clean, healthy indoor air.

hemostatic: A substance that helps stop bleeding. Most hemostatic substances work by helping blood clot faster.

herbal: Pertaining to plants.

hypertension: High blood pressure. The term is typically used when discussing long-term high blood pressure rather than acute high blood pressure.

insoluble: A substance that is not capable of being dissolved in liquid such as water.

laxative: A substance that promotes bowel movements. Most commercial laxatives are unnecessarily harsh.

narcotic: A substance that promotes sleep. Most narcotics produce deep, heavy sleep.

neat: Undiluted. Some essential oils are suitable for using neat, while others are not. As you delve deeper into the world of essential oils, you will notice that some practitioners are much more conservative than others, advising readers not to use undiluted essential oils. The choice is yours.

pathogen: A substance that causes or produces a disease. Most pathogens are viruses or bacteria.

pendant: A necklace made from a variety of materials, such as glass or terra-cotta, that you can add your favorite essential oil to and wear throughout the day.

rectification: The process of re-distilling certain essential oils to rid them of undesirable constituents.

single oil: An essential oil from only one plant species. Examples are clary sage, clove, geranium, and sweet orange. Some literature refers to these oils as single notes .

soluble: A substance that is capable of being dissolved in liquid such as water.

styptic: A substance that helps stop external bleeding. Styptics are most useful for treating small wounds.

synthetic: A substance that is unnatural or created in a laboratory. Many commercially produced drugs are synthetic.

volatile: A substance that is unstable and evaporates easily.

AILMENTS & OILS QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

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RESOURCES

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KNOW YOUR ESSENTIAL OIL BRANDS

There are many excellent essential oil brands available, but it can be difficult to determine which are widely trusted. To make that task easier, here are ten of the most popular.

AURA CACIA

Description: Founded in 1982, Aura Cacia offers an extensive line of essential oils and products containing essential oils.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Aura Cacia products online and in select stores. Many retail locations carry only a portion of the essential oils the company produces.

Ratings and Reviews: Customers give Aura Cacia high marks for its reasonable prices and for the quality of the essential oils they produce.

D Ō TERRA

Description: dōTerra was founded in 2008, making it a relatively new company. dōTerra offers numerous single oils as well as several signature blends and kits containing an array of the most popular oils and blends.

Where to Buy: You can purchase dōTerra essential oils only from independent product consultants, either in person or online. Many dōTerra consultants sell on Amazon, eBay, and similar sites.

Ratings and Reviews: dōTerra receives high marks for quality but lower marks for pricing. The company’s kits receive excellent reviews.

Other: Use caution when purchasing dōTerra essential oils online. Some consumers have reported that they’ve received fake products from certain sellers, so check seller ratings before placing an order.

EDENS GARDEN

Description: Edens Garden offers a good selection of essential oil singles, synergistic blends, and carrier oils. Starter kits are also available.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Edens Garden essential oils online.

Ratings and Reviews: Customers give this company high marks for quality, price, and service.

Other: Use caution if purchasing Edens Garden products from anywhere other than their website or another official storefront, such as Amazon. Products labeled as Edens Garden that are purchased from another seller may be adulterated or overpriced.

HERITAGE ESSENTIAL OILS

Description: Heritage Essential Oils is a small family-owned company that provides a good selection of single essential oils, blends, and products made with essential oils. Custom blends are available, as are organic essential oils and wild-crafted essential oils.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Heritage Essential Oils online.

Ratings and Reviews: Customers give this company high marks for quality and value.

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

Description: Mountain Rose Herbs has been offering certified organic products since 1987. An extensive selection of single essential oils are available along with blended oils and products containing them.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Mountain Rose Essential Oils at the company’s website and at its headquarters, located in Eugene, Oregon. You may find a selection of these essential oils at a local retailer, as well.

Ratings and Reviews: Customers give Mountain Rose Herbs excellent marks for quality, price, and ease of ordering.

Other: This company offers a loyalty program and student discounts.

NATIVE AMERICAN NUTRITIONALS

Description: Native American Nutritionals offers an extensive array of single essential oils, blends, and products containing essential oils. This small company focuses on providing organic products.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Native American Nutritionals essential oils online and from the company’s catalog, which can be ordered online. Some health food stores carry the products, as well.

Ratings and Reviews: Customers give Native American Nutritionals high marks for prices, quality, and selection.

Other: Native American Nutritionals offers a 30-day guarantee on their products.

NOW FOODS

Description: NOW Foods has been producing natural foods and other supplements since 1948. The company offers a vast array of products, including numerous essential oils, carrier oils, and products containing essential oils.

Where to Buy: You can purchase NOW Foods essential oils at some major retailers and online.

Ratings and Reviews: Customers give NOW Foods essential oils good marks for price and quality. These oils are often eclipsed by those offered by smaller companies when compared side by side.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN OILS

Description: Rocky Mountain Oils offers an extensive array of essential oils, blends, and products containing essential oils. Kits and samplers are also available.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Rocky Mountain Oils essential oils online and in some retail locations. The company also offers a printed catalog.

Ratings and Reviews: Rocky Mountain Oils has earned excellent marks from customers, particularly as they offer small sampler kits that allow first-time users to try a selection of oils without making a large investment.

Other: Rocky Mountain Oils has a customer satisfaction guarantee.

STARWEST BOTANICALS

Description: Starwest Botanicals offers a wide selection of the most popular essential oils as well as several organic essential oils and essential oil blends. The company has been in business since 1975; today, they are among the largest suppliers of organic herbs and essential oils in the United States.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Starwest Botanicals essential oils online and in some health food stores.

Ratings and Reviews: Customers give Starwest Botanicals rave reviews for quality and price.

Other: Starwest Botanicals offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee in the event a customer is unhappy with an essential oil for any reason.

YOUNG LIVING

Description: Young Living offers several single essential oils, a wide selection of popular blends, and products that contain essential oils.

Where to Buy: You can purchase Young Living essential oils online and from independent distributors.

Ratings and Reviews: Some people take exception to the fact that Young Living is a multi-level marketing company; however, the products themselves receive high marks for quality. Customers are particularly satisfied with the company’s blended oils.