I have listed some of the most common technical terms used in this book. Become familiar with the most common terms, as learning these definitions of the technical terms will give you the knowledge of how to use new essential oils in the future for your own recipes. Essential oils have more than one therapeutic property and each oil can help to heal a wide variety of ailments. Knowing what these terms mean can bring a whole world of healing and usage to you and/or your family.
Analgesic: Lowers pain
Anti-allergenic: Assists in lowering allergy symptoms
Antibacterial: Destroys bacteria and reduces the ability of bacteria to reproduce
Antibiotic: Assists in fighting bacterial infections
Anti-carcinogenic: Contains cancer-fighting properties
Anticatarrhal: Removes excess mucus in the body, assists with respiratory ailments
Antidepressant: Assists in alleviating depression
Antiemetic: Soothes upset stomach, relieves nausea and vomiting
Antifungal: Assists in relieving fungal attacks, itching, and spreading
Anti-infectious: Fights against infection
Anti-inflammatory: Relieves inflamed areas, cools
Antimicrobial: Stops the growth of microorganisms
Antiparasitic: Used to treat parasitic diseases
Antiphlogistic: Reduces redness and inflammation
Antirheumatic: Reduces arthritis pain and swelling
Antiseptic: Cleans and is used in fighting germs and infections
Antispasmodic: Reduces spasms and cramping
Antitussive: Relieves coughs and respiratory ailments
Antivenous: Prevents blood clots
Antiviral: Used to treat viral infections
Aperient: Helps to relieve constipation
Aphrodisiac: Increases sexual desire
Aromatic: Imparts a pleasing aroma
Astringent: Helps to tighten the skin
Bactericidal: Kills living bacteria
Balsamic: Has balsam oil in the ingredients
Carminative: Relieves bloating and gas
Cephalic: Relates to head injuries and illness
Cholagogue: Promotes discharge and flow of bile
Cicatrisant: Used for cell regeneration, heals scars
Circulatory stimulant: Promotes blood circulation
Cordial: Warm and comforting, imparts good feelings
Cytophylactic: Beneficial for aging and mature skin
Decongestant: Thins and reduces mucus
Depurative: Helps to rid the digestive system of waste and toxins
Detoxifying: Used to remove toxins and poisons from the body
Diaphoretic: Helps rid the body of toxins through perspiration
Diuretic: Induces the flow of urine to rid the body of water and bloating
Emmenagogue: Induces menstruation
Emollient: Produces a softening and smoothing of the skin
Euphoric: Brings a sense of extreme pleasure
Expectorant: Helps the lungs and respiratory system rid the body of excess mucus
Febrifuge: Used to help reduce a fever
Fungicidal: Inhibits the growth of fungus
Galactogogue: Helps to promote lactating in women
Haemostatic: Stops the flow of blood
Hepatic: Used to promote liver function
Hypertensive: Lowers blood pressure
Hypotensive: Raises blood pressure
Lymphatic: Relates to lymph secretions
Mucolytic: Sedative used to help to break down mucus
Nervine: Calms and soothes nervous system
Ophthalmic: Beneficial for the eyes
Rubefacient: Causes skin to redden by increasing blood flow
Sedative: Calming, soothing, tranquilizing
Stomachic: Helps to increase appetite
Styptic: Used to stop the flow of blood from a wound
Sudorific: Causes increased perspiration
Tonic: Promotes a feeling of well-being and increased vitality
Vasodilator: Opens the blood vessels for increased circulation
Vermifuge: Used to kill and treat parasites
Vulnerary: Used to heal wounds and prevent infection