Glossary

Aromatherapy has terms unique to the art. I have listed several terms for aromatherapy below and other terms that are just helpful using holistic health practices:

Adulterant - is a substance added to an essential oil which was not originally present in the oil at the time of distillation.

Allopathy - is the study and treatment of disease.

Analgesic - relieves or reduces pain.

Anesthetic - numbs the nerves and causes a loss of sensation.

Antibacterial - kills bacteria

Antidepressant - reduces or prevents depression.

Antidote - counteracts a poison.

Antifungal - kills fungal infections.

Anti-inflammatory - reduces inflammation.

Antiseptic - inhibits the growth of and kills bacteria.

Antispasmodic - relieves or prevents spasms, cramps and convulsions.

Antitoxic - counteracts poisons.

Antiviral - weakens or kills viruses.

Aromatherapy - the use of plant-based scents (aromas) to produce therapeutic, health enhancing effects on the body and mind.

Base Oil - is a vegetable or nut based oil used to mix with essential oils.

Coagulant - clots the blood.

Carrier Oil - see Base Oil.

Decongestant - relieves congestion.

Diffuser - a device that disperses essential oils into an area. Three general types are clay, candle and electric.

Disinfectant - kills infections and disease producing microorganisms.

Distillation - method used to extract essential oil out of the plant. Steam distillation is the most common form of distillation.

Diuretic - increases the secretion and elimination of urine.

Emollient - softens the skin.

Enfluerage - used to remove essential oils from extremely delicate flowers such as violet leaves. The process includes soaking the plant material in fat, extracting the essential oil into the fat. Next, the fat is proce3ssed with a solvent in order to remove the essential oils from the fat.

Essential Oil - highly aromatic substance found in specialized cells of certain plants. Technically, when this substance is in the plant, it is called an "essence." After distillation of a single type of plant, the aromatic substance is referred to as an essential oil. Essential oils may be used by plants for protection from predators, to attract pollinators, or for other uses. Essential oils provide the "aroma" in aromatherapy.

Expectorant - promotes the discharge of mucous from the lungs and bronchial tubes.

Fixative - holds the scent of a fragrance.

GC/MS - Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer - a device used by analytic chemists to determine the precise make-up of a given substance. Used in aromatherapy to determine the precise chemical constituents of an essential oil, and whether it is pure or adulterated with synthetic chemicals or other products.

Germicide - kills germs.

Hemostatic - stops hemorrhaging.

Hepatic - that which acts on the liver.

Herbally Infused Oils - are oils that carry the medicinal properties of certain herbs. A carrier oil is infused with the medicinal herb, the plant is strained off, and the remaining oil can be used directly on the skin.

Holistic - includes treating the whole person, not just the disease.

Hypertensor - raises the blood pressure.

Hypnotic - induces sleep.

Insecticide - kills insects.

Laxative - promotes the elimination from the bowels.

Naturopathy - is the study and treatment of health which makes use of a wide and diverse assemblage of natural, holistic therapeutics (e.g., diet and vitamin-mineral therapy, herbology, acupuncture, massage), including aromatherapy, which treats the sick person, not the sick organ.

Neat - is the use of an undiluted (e.g., with carrier oil) essential oil on the skin.

Nervine - calming and soothing to the nervous system.

Orifice Reducer - is a device used to reduce the size of the opening of a bottle.

Parasiticide - kills parasites.

Phototoxic - is the use of an oil that makes one's skin more prone to sun damage from the sun's UV rays.

Rejuvenator - assists in promoting a youthful appearance.

Relaxant - reduces tension.

Sedative - calms anxiety and promotes drowsiness.

Stimulant - excites or quickens an activity in the body.

Tranquilizer - calms the nerves.

Vasoconstrictor - constricts the blood vessels.

Vasodilator - dilates the blood vessels.

Volatile - describes how quickly a substance disperses itself into the air. In aromatherapy, essential oils may be referred to as "highly volatile," meaning that they disperse quickly out of the bottle and into the air. In a blend of essential oils, one will generally smell the most volatile oil first and the least volatile oil last.

IMPORTANT: The FDA has not evaluated the statements made regarding the use of essential oils. These products, information and suggestion at this site are meant only as a guide and are not provided or intended to prevent, diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any disease. The reader is advised and encouraged to seek the aid of a qualified therapist or doctor if under medication or suffering from long-term health problems before using any information and/or products offered at this web site. Do not use aromatherapy, essential oils or any information at this site as a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a health care professional. Women who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using products.