Glossary of Terms
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Glossary of Terms used on this site:

Abortifacient Capable of inducing abortion.
Absolute A highly concentrated viscous, semi-solid or solid perfume material, usually obtained by alcohol extraction from the concrete.
Allergy Hypersensitivity caused by a foreign substance, small doses of which produce a violent bodily reaction. Severe allergic response (e.g. to nuts or shellfish) may lead to anaphylaxis, a type of severe shock, this can be fatal.
Amenorrhoea Absence of menstruation.
Amoebicidal A substance with the power of killing amoeba.
Anaemia Deficiency in either the quality or quantity of red blood cells which in turn affects the bloods ability to carry oxygen.
Anaemic Person suffering from the condition of anaemia.
Anaesthetic Loss of feeling or sensation; substance that induces anaesthesia.
Anaesthetic (local) See Anaesthetic, but with localised effect
Analgesic Remedy or agent that removes pain.
Analgesic (local) See Analgesic. With localised Effect.
Analgesic (mild) See analgesic.
Anaphrodisiac Reduces sexual desire.
Anodyne Stills pain and quiets disturbed feelings.
Anodyne (mild) See anodyne.
Anorexia Condition of being without, or having lost the appetite for, food.
Anthelmintic Destroying or expelling intestinal worms. See vermifuge.
Anthelmintic (powerful) See anthelmintic.
Anti-allergenic See antihistamine.
Anti-anaemic An agent that combats anaemia.
Anti-arthritic An agent that combats arthritis.
Antibacterial See antibiotic.
Antibilious An agent that helps to remove excess bile from the body.
Antibiotic Inhibits the growth of, or destroys, bacteria.
Anticatarrhal An agent that assists the removal or prevents the production of excess mucous.
Anticonvulsant Helps arrest or prevent convulsions.
Antidandruff Helps prevent dandruff.
Antidepressant Helps alleviate depression.
Antidiarrhoeal Helps alleviate diarrhoea.
Antidote A substance that opposes the action of a poison.
Anti-emetic An agent that reduces the incidence and severity of vomiting.
Antihaemorrhagic An agent that prevents or combats haemorrhage.
Antihistamine Treats allergic reactions/conditions; counteracts the effects of histamines produced by the body in response to foreign substances (e.g. insect stings).
Anti-infectious An agent that combats infection or its spread.
Anti-inflammatory Alleviates inflammation.
Antilithic Prevents the formation of a calculus or stone.
Antimicrobial An agent that resists or destroys pathogenic micro-organisms (germs).
Antineuralgic Relieves or reduces nerve pain.
Antioxidant An agent that prevents oxidising.
Anti-oxidant A substance used to prevent or delay oxidation or deterioration, especially on exposure to air. Substances found in particular food groups which combat the effects and damage caused by free radicals.
Antiphlogistic Checks or counteracts inflammation.
Antipruritic Relieves or prevents the sensation of itching.
Antiputrescent An agent that prevents and combats decay or putrifaction.
Antipyretic Reduces fever. See febrifuge.
Antirheumatic Helps prevent and relieve the discomfort of rheumatism.
Antisclerotic Helps prevent the hardening of tissue.
Antiscorbutic A remedy for scurvy.
Antiseborrheic Helps control the products of sebum, the oily secretion from sebaceous glands.
Antiseptic Destroys and prevents the development of microbes.
Antiseptic (intestinal, pulmonary, genito-urinary) See antiseptic.
Antiseptic (pulmonary) See antiseptic.
Antiseptic (pulmonary, gebito-urinary) See antiseptic.
Antiseptic (pulmonary, genito-urinary) See antiseptic.
Antiseptic (pulmonary, urinary, hepatic) See antiseptic.
Antiseptic (pulmonary, urinary, intestinal) See antiseptic.
Antiseptic (urinary, pulmonary) See antiseptic.
Antispasmodic Prevents and eases spasms or convulsions.
Antitoxic An antidote or treatment that counteracts the effects of toxin (poison). See detoxifying.
Anti-tubercular Agent A substance that inhibits the growth of, or destroys, the causative organisms of tuberculosis
Antitussive Relieves coughs. See bechic.
Antiviral Substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of virus organisms.
Aperient A mild laxative.
Apertif An appetite stimulant. See orexigenic.
Aphrodisiac Increases or stimulates sexual desire.
Arteriosclerosis Loss of elasticity in the walls of the arteries due to thickening and calcification.
Arthritis Inflammation of the joint(s). There are two main types; Osteo-arthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Although separate diseases with different causes, both can lead to severe disability and much pain.
Astringent Cause contraction of organic tissues.
Atony Lack of tone or tension in tissues, usually connective tissue or muscles.
Bactericidal An agent that destroys bacteria. See antibiotic.
Balances synergy of blended oils See syneregy
Balsam A resinous, semi-solid or viscous liquid exuded from a plant.
Balsamic A soothing medicine or application having the qualities of a balsam.
Bechic Anything that relieves or cures coughs; or referring to a cough. See antitussive.
Bilious A condition caused by an excessive secretion of bile. Also referred to as liverishness.
Blepharitis Inflammation of the eyelids.
Calmative A sedative.
Calming See calmative.
Cardiac Pertaining to the heart.
Carminative Settles the digestive system, relieves flatulence.
Catarrh Inflammation of the mucous membrane, usually associated with an increase of the secretion of mucous.
Cephalic Remedy for disorders of the head; referring to or directed toward the head.
Cerebral Pertaining to the brain, particularly the cerebrum.
Chemotype The same botanical species occurring in other forms due to conditions of growth, such as climate, soil, altitude etc.
Cholagogue Stimulates the secretion of bile from the gall bladder into the duodenum.
Choleretic Stimulates production and excretion of bile by the liver.
Cicatrizant An agent that promotes healing by the formation of scar tissue.
Cirrhosis Degenerative change in any organ (especially the liver), caused by various toxins, bacteria or other agents, resulting in fibrous tissue overgrowth.
Cleansing Brings a feeling of being freed from emotional burdens. See purifying.
Colic Pain due to violent spasmodic contraction of the involuntary muscle of the colon. Usually a symptom of a condition or disease.
Colitis Inflammation of the colon.
Comforting Brings a feeling of consolation and cheer.
Composing Brings a feeling of calmness. See calming.
Compress A fabric pad applied hot or cold to an area of the body, for relief of swelling and pain, or to produce a localized pressure.
Concrete A concentrate, waxy, solid or semi-solid perfume material prepared from previous live plant matter, usually using a hydrocarbon type of solvent.
Cooling A substance that removes heat. See refrigerant.
Cordial A stimulant and tonic.
Counter-irritant Applications to the skin that relieve deep-seated pain, usually applied in the form of heat. See rubefacient.
Cutaneous Pertaining to the skin.
Cytophylactic Referring to cytophylaxis – the process of increasing the activity of leucocytes in defence of the body against infection.
Cytotoxic Toxic to cells.
Debility Weakness, lack of tone.
Decongestive An agent for the relief or reduction of congestion.
Demulcent A substance that protects the mucous membranes.
Deodorant An agent that masks or destroys unpleasant odours.
Depressant of the central nervous system A substance that tends to decrease the function of the nervous system.
Depurative Helps combat the accumulation of toxins and waste products (metabolites) in the blood and organs; detoxifying.
Dermal Pertaining to the skin.
De-stressing Removes the effects of stress.
Detoxifying Removes toxins. See antitoxic.
Diaphoretic See sudorific.
Digestive Substance that promotes or aids the digestion of food.
Disinfectant Prevents and also combats the spread of infectious organisms (pathogens).
Diuretic Aids production of urine, increases kidney function.
Diuretic (mild) See Diuretic
Dysmenorrhoea Painful, difficult menstruation.
Dyspepsia Difficulty in digestion associated with pain, flatulence, heartburn and nausea.
Emetic Induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue Induces or assists menstruation.
Emollient Softens and soothes the skin.
Engorgement Congestion of a part of the tissues, or fullness (as in the breasts during lactation).
Enteritis Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the intestine.
Enzyme Complex proteins that are produced by the living cells. These catalyse specific biochemical reactions, as in digestive enzymes that assist in the digestion and absorption of nutrients in food.
Erythema A superficial redness of the skin due to dilation of surface capillaries and an increase in blood flow.
Erythrocyte Red blood cell
Essential oil A volatile, aromatic liquid produced from plant material.
Euphoric A substance that produces a feeling of well-being or elation.
Expectorant Helps promote the removal of mucous from the respiratory system by stimulating coughing.
FCF Furocoumarin Free
Febrifuge Relieves fever. See antipyretic.
FFPA Free From Prussic Acid
Fortifying An agent that strengthens
Fungicidal Kills or inhibits the growth of fungi.
Galactagogue Increases the secretion of milk.
Gastritis Inflammation of the stomach lining.
Genito-urinary Referring to both the urinary and reproductive systems.
Germicidal Kills germs, or micro-organisms (bacteria, virus’ etc.).
Gingivitis Inflammation of the gums, often accompanied by swelling and bleeding from around the tooth sockets.
Gout A disease that is caused by accumulation of excess uric acid in the body tissues.
Haematuria Blood in the urine.
Haemostatic Arrests bleeding.
Halitosis Offensive breath.
Hallucinagenic Causes visions or delusions.
Healing Producing the return to normal function and structure to diseased, dysfunctional or damaged tissues, organs or system of the body.
Hepatic Relating to the liver. An agent that tones and aids its function.
Hepatic decongestant See decongestive
Hepatobiliary Stimulant An agent that stimulantes the liver and biliary sytem.
Hormone Highly complex chemical compounds secreted by endocrine glands directly into the bloodstream. Hormones produce a specific effect on the activity of cells remote from the point of origin.
Hydrating Holds water in the tissues
Hyperglycaemic Blood sugar levels that are raised above the accepted normal range.
Hypertension Raised blood pressure.
Hypertensive An agent that raises blood pressure.
Hypnotic Causing sleep.
Hypnotic (mild) See hypnotic.
Hypoglycaemic Blood sugar levels that are lower than the accepted normal range.
Hypotension Low blood pressure, or a fall in blood pressure below the normal range.
Hypotensive An agent that lowers the blood pressure.
Immunostimulant A substance that increases the action of the immune system.
Insect repellent A substance that repels insects but does not kill or harm them.
Insecticide Kills insects.
Insomnia A chronic, specific inability to sleep. Persistent disturbed or disrupted sleep patterns.
Larvicide Kills larvae.
Laxative Promotes the evacuation of the bowels.
Laxative (mild) Having mild promotion of the evacuation of the bowels.
Leucocyte White blood cell responsible for fighting disease, particularly infection.
Leucorrhoea A whitish vaginal discharge that contains pus (white blood cells, bacteria and cellular debris).
Lipolytic Causing lyposis, the chemical destruction of lipids (fats).
Lymphatic Pertaining to the lymph system.
Menopause The normal cessation of menstruation, called the “Change of Life”.
Menorrhagia Excessive menstruation.
Metrorrhagia Uterine bleeding outside the usual cycle of menstruation.
Mucolytic Dissolving or breaking down mucous.
Muscle-relaxant An agent that makes muscle relax.
Narcotic Substance that induces sleep. Usually having an intoxicating effect and poisonous in large doses.
Nephritis Inflammation of the kidneys often associated with infection.
Nervine Strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system.
Neuralgia A stabbing pain along a nerve pathway.
Neurotonic A substance that increases the ability of nerves to transmit signals.
Olfactory Relating to the sense of smell.
Ophthalmia Inflammation of the eye, often applied to the condition of conjunctivitis.
Orexigenic A substance that increases or stimulates the appetite. See apertif.
Otitis Inflammation of the ear.
Palpitation An acute awareness of the heartbeat, often caused by anxiety. Rapid heartbeats in an apparent abnormal rhythm.
Parasiticide Kills parasites, e.g. lice, fleas etc. See pediculicide.
Parturient An agent that assists childbirth.
Pathogenic Causing or producing disease.
Pathological Unnatural or destructive process on living tissue.
Pediculicide An agent that kills lice. See parasiticide.
Peptic Pertaining to the stomach and gastric secretions.
Pervasive Slow and yet deeply penetrating
Phytohormones Plant substances that mimic human hormones.
Phytotherapy The treatment of disease by plants, herbal medicine, aromatherapy.
Promotes growth of Epithelial cells Assists in repair of Epithelial tissues
Prophylactic Preventative action toward disease or infection.
Prostoglandin Inhibitor Inhibits the secretion of the hormone Prostoglandin.
Pruritis Itching.
Psoriasis A skin disease characterised by red patches of skin and a silver scaling. The root cause is usually stress.
Psychosomatic A manifestation of physical symptoms resulting from a mental state.
Pulmonary Relating to the lungs.
Purgative Substance stimulating urgent and total evacuation of the bowels. See laxative.
Purifying See cleansing.
Pyelitis Inflammation of the kidneys, see also nephritis.
Pyorrhoae Discharge of pus. Also the name given to inflammation of the gums (soft tissues surrounding the teeth).
Refreshing Brings a feeling of freshness.
Refrigerant A substance that has cooling properties. See cooling.
Regulator An agent that helps balance and regulate the functions of the body.
Regulator (appetite) See regulator
Regulator (seborrhea) See regulator
Rejuvenating Brings a feeling of renewal.
Relaxant Soothing, causing relaxation, relieving strain or tension.
Renal Relating to the kidney.
Resinoid A perfumery material prepared from natural resinous matter, such as balsams, gums, resins, etc., by extraction with a hydrocarbon type of solvent.
Resolvent An agent that disperses swelling, or affects absorption of a new growth.
Restorative An agent that helps strengthen and revive body systems.
Revitalising Enlivening.
Revitalizing See restorative
Revulsive Relieves pain by means of diversion of blood or disease from one part of the body to another. See counter-irritant.
Rhinitis Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining of the nose.
Rhizome An underground stem lasting more than one season.
Rubefacient A substance that causes dilation of surface skin capillaries and redness of the skin and possibly irritation.
Sciatica Pain diagonally across the buttock and down the back of the legs in the area supplied by the sciatic nerve, usually cause by pressure upon the nerve root between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae.
Sclerosis Hardening of the tissue resulting from several causes, including inflammation, the deposit of mineral salts, and infiltration of connective tissue fibres.
Seborrhea Any of several common skin conditions in which there is an overproduction of sebum resulting in excessive oiliness or dry scales.
Sedative An agent that reduces functional activity; calming.
Sedative (mild) See sedative
Sedative (nervous system) See sedative
Sedative (nervous) See sedative.
Sialagogue An agent that stimulates the secretion of saliva.
Smooth muscle relaxant A substance that decreases the tone of smooth muscle. See spasmolytic and antispasmodic.
Soothing A substance that relieves unpleasant sensation such as burning or itching, or feelings of quietude to the mind.
Soporific A substance that induces sleep.
Spasmolytic See antispasmodic.
Splenic Relating to the spleen.
Stimulant An agent that quickens the physiological functions of the body.
Stimulant (adrenal cortex) See stimulant.
Stimulant (adrenal cortex, circulatory, nervous) See stimulant.
Stimulant (cardiac, circulatory, nervous sysytem) See stimulant.
Stimulant (cellular) See stimulant
Stimulant (circulatory) See stimulant.
Stimulant (circulatory, adrenal cortex, hepatobiliary) See stimulant.
Stimulant (circulatory, cardiac, respiratory) See stimulant.
Stimulant (circulatory, erythrocyte production) See stimulant.
Stimulant (digestive, circulatory) See stimulant
Stimulant (digestive, lymphatic) See stimulant.
Stimulant (digestive, nervous) See stimulant
Stimulant (digestive, pulmonary) See stimulant.
Stimulant (gastric secretions) See Stimulant.
Stimulant (hepatobiliary, adrenocortical glands, circulation) See stimulant
Stimulant (Immune system) See stimulant
Stimulant (immune system, circulation) See stimulant.
Stimulant (lymphatic, digestive) See stimulant.
Stimulant (mild) See stimulant
Stimulant (nervous) See stimulant.
Stimulant (nervous, circulatory, digestive) See stimulant.
Stimulant of Adrenal Cortex See stimulant.
Stimulant of Leucocyte production See stimulant.
Stimulates Immune System See stimulant.
Stomachic Digestive aid and tonic; improving the appetite.
Styptic An astringent agent that stops or reduces external bleeding.
Sudorific An agent that induces sweating.
Synergy Agents working together harmoniously; co-ordination in the action of muscles, organs or substances such as essential oils.
Tachycardia Abnormally fast heart rate.
TBA To Be Advised…
Thrombosis Formation of a thrombus or blood clot.
Thrush A fungal infection (candida) often in the mouth or vagina/genitalia. Can be an opportunistic infection as a result of the use of antibiotics that kill the natural flora and fauna (commensals).
Tincture A herbal remedy, or perfumery material prepared in an alcohol base.
Tissue regenerator Stimulates tissue growth, repair.
Tonic Strengthens and enlivens the whole or specific parts of the body.
Tonic (cardiac, circulatory) See tonic.
Tonic (heart, liver, stomach, uterus) See tonic
Tonic (nerve, general) See tonic
Tonic (nervous, general) See tonic.
Tonic (uterine) See tonic.
Uplifting Raises the spirits.
Urinary demulcent A substance that protects the mucous membranes of the urinary system.
Urticaria Hives, nettle rash, acute or chronic affliction of the skin characterised by the formation of red weals, accompanied by stinging, burning or itching.
Uterine Pertaining to the uterus.
Vasoconstrictor An agent that causes narrowing of the blood vessels.
Vasodilator An agent that dilates the blood vessels.
Vermifuge Expels intestinal worms.
Vermifuge (FFPA) See Vermifuge
Vesicant Causes blistering of the skin; a counter irritant.
Volatile Unstable, evaporates easily, as in “volatile oils” i.e. essential oils.
Vulnerary An agent that helps heal wounds and sores/ulcers by external application.
Warming Generates a feeling of warmth.
Please ensure that you have READ and UNDERSTOOD all of the points on the WARNINGS page before attempting to use any aromatherapy oils.
If you are in any doubt, please e-mail me at colin@aromaman.co.uk and I will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
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