Essential Oil Terminology
Instead of adding this glossary of Essential Oil Terminology at the end of the course, I moved it up to the front so you could take a few minutes to briefly look it over and become more familiar with some of the terminology used in aromatherapy. Try not to be overwhelmed with this long list of words and definitions. It is simply here as a quick and easy reference if you run across a word or term that is new to you.
Abortifacient
A substance or agent that can induce an abortion.
Absorption Rate
The rate at which an essential oil or carrier oil penetrates the skin over a given period of time (can be subjective).
Absolute
A concentrated, highly-aromatic, oily mixture extracted from plants by means of solvent extraction techniques producing a waxy mass called concrete. The lower molecular weight, fragrant compounds are extracted from the concrete into ethanol. When the ethanol evaporates, the absolute is left behind.
Adulterate
To make impure by adding extraneous, improper, or inferior ingredients.
Alcohol
The word used by itself usually refers to Ethyl Alcohol or Ethanol, the main solvent used to carry perfume for extracts, colognes. When referring to its chemical name it refers to the chemical group R-OH.
Aldehyde
The chemical group R- CHO. The word by itself usually refers to shorter (C6-C12) straight chain (aliphatic) aldehydes used in perfumery.
Allergy
A hypersensitivity to certain substances such as pollens, foods, or microorganisms which causes an overreaction of the immune system with symptoms such as a skin rash, swelling of mucous membranes, sneezing or wheezing, or other abnormal conditions.
Alternative
A substance that gradually nourishes and improves the system.
Amenorrhea
The absence of menstruation.
Analgesic
An agent that relieves pain by acting upon the peripheral and central nervous systems.
Anaphrodisiac
The decline or absence of sexual desire.
Anemia
A deficiency in the oxygen-carrying component of the blood, such as the amount of hemoglobin or the volume of red blood cells. Iron deficiency, often caused by inadequate dietary consumption of iron and blood loss are common causes of anemia.
Anesthetic
An agent that produces anesthesia by paralyzing sensory nerve endings (or partial loss of sensation) at the site of application.
Anosmic
Having no sense of smell.
Anthelmintic
An agent that destroys or causes the expulsion of parasitic intestinal worms.
Antacid
An agent that counteracts or neutralizes acidity, particularly in the stomach.
Anti-allergenic
A substance capable of preventing an allergic reaction.
Anti-anxiety
An agent capable of preventing or reducing anxiety.
Anti-arthritic
An agent that alleviates arthritis by providing therapy to relieve the symptoms of joint inflammation.
Anti-asthmatic
An agent that provides relief from asthma or halts an asthmatic attack.
Antibacterial
An agent capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth or reproduction of bacteria.
Antibiotic
A substance used to stop a bacterial infection from spreading and/or prevents the growth of bacteria in the body.
Anticatarrhal
A substance that is effective against catarrh or inflammation of the mucous membranes, especially of the nose and throat.
Anti-coagulant
A substance that inhibits the clotting of blood by blocking the action of clotting factors or platelets.
Anticonvulsant
An agent that helps prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic or other convulsive seizures.
Antidepressant
A substance or an agent used to alleviate mood disorders such as depression and anxiety and/or prevent clinical depression.
Antidontalgic
A substance that has the ability to relieve a toothache.
Anti-emetic
An agent that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting.
Antifungal
A substance used to treat fungal infections such as athletics’ foot, ringworm, candidiasis (thrush), and serious infections such as cryptococcal meningitis.
Anti-galactagogue
An agent that inhibits or lessens the secretion and flow of milk.
Antihistamine
A compound that inhibits the production of histamine, primarily used in the treatment of allergies and colds.
Anti-hemorrhagic
A substance that prevents or stops bleeding.
Anti-infectious
An agent capable of stopping the colonization of a microscopic organism such as a virus or bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory
A substance that prevents or reduces certain types of inflammation such as swelling, tenderness, fever, and pain.
Antimicrobial
An agent capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.
Antineuralgic
An agent that relieves neuralgia, an intense burning or stabbing pain caused by irritation of or damage to a nerve caused by disease, inflammation, or infection.
Antioxidant
A substance that retards or inhibits oxidation to counteract the deterioration of a product such as vitamin C or vitamin E.
Antiparasitic
An agent that destroys and inhibits the growth of parasites.
Antiphlogistic
A substance that functions to relieve inflammation and fever.
Anti-pruritic
An agent that prevents or relieves itching.
Anti-putrescent
A substance that inhibits or counteracts a putrefaction odor such as decay, foul smell, rot, and decomposition.
Anti-pyretic
An agent that reduces a fever.
Antirheumatic
An agent that suppresses the manifestation of rheumatic disease and has the capability of delaying the progression of the disease process in inflammatory arthritis; it provides relief of the symptoms of any painful or immobilizing disorder of the musculoskeletal system.
Anti-sclerotic
An agent that helps to prevent hardening of arteries or is affected with sclerosis.
Anti-seborrhoeic
An agent applied to the skin to control seborrhea or the excessive oily secretion of sebum in the sweat glands.
Anti-scorbutic
Refers to an agent that cures or prevents scurvy.
Antiseptic
Refers to a substance capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.
Antispasmodic
An agent that relieves or prevents spasms, particularly of smooth muscle.
Anti-sudorific
A substance that is capable of inhibiting the secretion of sweat.
Anti-toxic
An agent that neutralizes the action of a toxin or poison.
Antitussive
A substance that suppresses the body’s urge to cough.
Anti-venomous
An antitoxin active against the venom of a snake, spider, or other venomous animal or insect.
Antiviral
An agent or substance capable of destroying a virus and/or inhibits it from spreading and reproducing.
Aperient
A substance that gently stimulates the evacuation of the bowels and works as a mild laxative.
Aperitif
A substance taken to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
Aphrodisiac
A substance that arouses or intensifies sexual desire and function.
Aroma Chemicals
Chemicals that have a smell and/or taste that are used in perfumes or flavors. Note: The term Aromatic Chemicals should not be confused as it refers to the Benzene ring structure found in many organic compounds.
Aromachology
The science, coined by the Olfactory Research Fund, dedicated to the study of the interrelationship between psychology and aroma.
Aromatherapy
The art and science of using essential oils to heal common ailments and/or complaints. Therapy with aroma can be particularly helpful with stress or emotionally triggered problems such as insomnia and headaches. The term “aromatherapy” was coined by a French chemist, R.M. Gattefosse.
Aromatic
Refers to the Benzene ring structure found in many organic compounds. However, the term in perfumery refers to the rich aroma displayed by Balsamic notes.
Arrhythmia
Irregular or abnormal loss of the heartbeat’s rhythm.
Arteriosclerosis
A chronic inflammatory response in the walls of arteries causing a hardening of the arteries.
Astringent
A substance that draws together or constricts body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions.
Atherosclerosis
A condition in which there is an accumulation of fatty deposits on the inside walls of arteries such as cholesterol.
Attar (Otto)
From the ancient Persian word “to smell sweet.” Attar or Otto refers to essential oil obtained by distillation and, in particular, that of the Bulgarian Rose, an extremely precious perfumery material.
Bactericide
A substance that kills bacteria.
Balsam
A water soluble, semi-solid or viscous resinous exudates similar to that of gum.
Balsamic
A soothing substance having the qualities of balsam.
Bechic
An agent that relieves coughing.
Bilious
A condition caused by the excess excretion of bile; experiencing gastric distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gallbladder.
Botanical Name
A scientific name in Latin that conforms to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) and is of a certain species of plant that clearly distinguishes it from other plants that share the same common name. The purpose of a formal name is to have a single name that is accepted and used worldwide for a particular plant or plant group.
Calming
A substance that causes a sense of serenity, tranquility and/or peace.
Calmative
An agent that has relaxing or sedating properties.
Carcinogenic
A cancer-causing substance or agent.
Cardiac
That which pertains to the heart.
Carminative
An agent that induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines; settles the digestive system and relieves flatulence.
Carrier Oil
A vegetable fatty oil used to dilute essential oils for the purpose of application to the skin or massage.
Cellulite
A “cottage cheese” effect caused by local accumulation of fat and waste products in the body.
Cephalic
A substance that clears the mind.
Chemotypes
The same botanical species occurring in other forms due to different growth conditions.
Choleretic
An agent that stimulates bile production by the liver.
Cholagogue
An agent which promotes the discharge of bile from the system, purging it downward.
Cicatrisation
To heal or become healed by the formation of scar tissue.
Cicatrisant
An agent that promotes the formation of scar tissue.
Circulatory Stimulant
A substance that temporarily increases circulation and invigorates the circulatory system.
Cirrhosis
The chronic inflammation and degeneration of any organ (normally in the liver).
CO2 Extracts
Oils that are extracted by the carbon dioxide method are commonly referred to as CO2 Extracts or CO2s for short. Essential oils processed by this method are considered superior in that none of the constituents have been harmed by heat, have a closer aroma to the natural source and are generally thicker oils.
Cohobation
A process in the extraction method of essential oil (especially Rose) that ensures it is a complete oil.
Cold-Pressed
A method of extraction where no external heat is used during the process.
Colic
Severe abdominal pain caused by spasm or obstruction, or distention of any of the hollow viscera, such as the intestines.
Colitis
Inflammation of the colon.
Common Name
The everyday name used for a plant. Names such as Chamomile, Lavender, Orange, or Eucalyptus may refer to more than one species, yet go by the same name. It is necessary to know its botanical name for clarity.
Concrete
A waxy concentrated semi-solid essential oil extract, made from plant material that is used to make an absolute.
Constipation
Refers to a condition in which a bowel movements are infrequent and hard to pass.
Cooling
A substance that offers relief from heat and has a calming effect.
Cordial
A cordial is any invigorating and stimulating preparation that is intended for a medicinal purpose. Cordials were traditionally a weak alcoholic beverage flavored with essential oils, fruit essences or plant extracts and sweetened.
Cytotoxic
Is the toxicity to all cells.
Cystitis
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Cytophylactic
An agent that increases the leukocyte activity in its ability to defend the body against infection.
Decoction
A herbal preparation made by boiling the plant material and reducing into a concentration.
Decongestant
An agent that treats sinus congestion by reducing swelling.
Demulcent
An agent that soothes irritated mucous membranes and relieves pain and inflammation.
Deodorant
A substance that removes or conceals body odors.
Depurative
A substance that is purgative or used for purifying.
Dermatitis
Inflammation of the skin.
Detoxification
The process of removing toxic substances or impurities from the body.
Detoxifier
A substance that helps to detoxify and remove impurities from the blood and body.
Diaphoretic
An agent that promotes perspiration.
Diffuser
A device used to disperse the aromatic molecules of essential oils into the air.
Digestive Support
A substance or formula that helps to improve the digestive system.
Disinfectant
A substance or agent that destroys, neutralizes, or inhibits the growth of disease-carrying microorganisms.
Distillation
A method of extraction used in the manufacture of essential oils.
Diuretic
A substance that increases the flow of urine, thus removing water from the body.
Dram
A unit of measurement equaling an 1/8 of an ounce.
Dysmenorrhoea
Difficult or painful menstruation.
Edema
An abnormally large volume of fluid in the circulatory system or in tissues between the bodies cells (interstitial spaces).
Emetic
A substance that induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue
A substance that is used to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus; some stimulate menstruation.
Emollient
A substance that softens and soothes the skin.
Emphysema
A long-term, progressive disease of the lungs that causes shortness of breath. The tissues necessary to support the function of the lungs are destroyed.
Endocrine
The secretion of an endocrine ductless gland; a hormone.
Engorgement
Congestion or fullness of the tissue with blood or liquid.
Enteritis
Inflammation of the intestinal tract, especially of the small intestine.
Enzyme
A protein produced by living organisms and function as biochemical catalysts.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)
These are the fatty acids that are necessary for our body to function properly, but cannot produce on its own. When the body is deprived of these nutrients, skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may appear.
Essential Oil
An aromatic, volatile liquid consisting of odorous principles from plant extracts.
Exocrine
That which pertains to a gland with a duct, secreting directly onto the outside surface of an organism.
Expectorant
An agent that promotes the secretion or expulsion of phlegm, mucus, or other matter from the respiratory passages.
Expression
An extraction method where plant materials are pressed to obtain the essential oil.
Exudates
A natural substance secreted by plants that can be spontaneous or as a result from damage to the plant.
Febrifuge
An agent that reduces fever.
Fixative
A natural or synthetic substance used to slow down the evaporation of volatile components in a perfume and improve stability when added to more volatile components.
Fixed Oils
Vegetable oils obtained from plants that are fatty and non-volatile.
Fold
Refers to the percentage of terpenes removed by re-distillation from single fold to fivefold.
Fractionated Oil
A process in which oils are re-distilled, either to have terpenes or other substances removed.
Fungicidal
A substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi.
Galactagogue
An agent that induces milk secretion.
Germicidal
An agent that kills germs, especially pathogenic microorganisms and acts as a disinfectant.
Gingivitis
Inflammation of the gums, characterized by redness and swelling.
Halitosis
The condition of having stale or bad foul-smelling breath.
Hemorrhoids
An itching or painful mass of dilated veins (also called piles) in swollen anal tissue.
Hemostatic
An agent that stops bleeding or hemorrhaging.
Hepatic
That which pertains to the liver.
Herpes
Any of several inflammatory diseases of the skin, especially herpes simplex, characterized by the formation of small watery blisters.
Hepatoxic
An agent that has a toxic or harmful effect on the liver.
Hormone
An agent produced in an endocrine gland and transported in the blood to a certain tissue, on which it exerts a specific effect.
Hydro Diffusion
A method of extracting essential oils in which steam at atmospheric pressure is passed through the plant material from the top of the extraction chamber, resulting in oils that retain the original aroma of the plant and is less harsh than steam distillation.
Hydrosol (Floral Water)
The water resulting from the distillation of essential oils, which still contains some of the properties of the plant material from the extraction process.
Hypertension
Arterial disease in which chronic high blood pressure is the primary symptom.
Hyperglycemia
The presence of an abnormally high concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Hypertensive
An agent that raises blood pressure.
Hypoglycemia
An abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.
Hypotension
Abnormally low blood pressure.
Immunostimulant
An agent that stimulates an immune response.
Immune Support
An agent that supports the immune system and assists in the resistance to infection by a specific pathogen.
Infused Oil
Oil produced by steeping the macerated botanical material in the liquid until it has taken on some of the plant material’s properties.
Infusion
The process of making a herbal remedy by steeping plant material in water to extract its soluble principles.
Insecticide
A substance that repels and kills insects.
Larvicidal
A substance that is designed to kill larval pests.
Laxative
A substance that helps with and stimulants a bowel movement.
Leucocytosis
An abnormally large increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood, often occurring during an acute infection or inflammation.
Leucorrhoea
A white or yellowish discharge of mucous substance from the vagina.
Leukocyte
A white blood cell that protects the body against infection and fights infection when it occurs.
Lipolytic
The chemical reaction of lipolysis which is the disintegration of fats.
Lymphatic Support
A substance that offers assistance to a lymph vessel, or a lymph node.
Macerate
To make soft by soaking or steeping in a liquid.
Massage Therapy
The manipulation of soft tissue of the body to enhance health and is known to affect the circulation of blood and the flow of blood and lymph, reduce muscular tension or flaccidity, affect the nervous system through stimulation or sedation, and enhance tissue healing.
Menopause
The female body’s normal life transition ending of menstruation.
Menorrhagia
Abnormally heavy blood loss during menstruation.
Metrorrhagia
Uterine bleeding outside the normal menstrual cycle.
Microbe
Minute living organism such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses that cause disease.
Mucilage
A gummy substance containing demulcent gelatinous constituents obtained from certain plants.
Mucolytic
Denotes an enzyme that breaks down mucus.
Nervine
An agent that has a soothing or calming effect upon the nerves.
Neuralgia
An intense burning or stabbing pain caused by the irritation of or damage to a nerve.
Neurasthenia
A psychological disorder characterized by chronic fatigue and weakness, loss of memory, and generalized aches and pains, formerly thought to result from exhaustion of the nervous system.
Neurotoxin
A substance that is poisonous or destructive to nerve tissue.
Oleoresin
Natural resinous exudation from plants or aromatic liquid extracted from botanical material.
Oleo Gum Resin
Odoriferous exudation from botanical material consisting of essential oil, gum and resin.
Olfaction
Refers to the sense of smell.
Olfactory Bulb
The bulblike distal end of the olfactory lobe center where the processing of smell is started and is then passed onto other areas of the brain.
Orifice Reducer
A small plastic insert inside the glass bottle that acts as a dropper. To use, simply tip the bottle to count out number of drops.
Oxidation
The process in which the addition of oxygen to an organic molecule, or the removal of electrons or hydrogen from the molecule.
Palpitations
An abnormal rhythm or rapid heartbeat of the heart.
Parturient
In relation to giving birth and labor.
Pathogenic
An agent that causes disease.
Pharmacology
The science that deals with the origin, nature, chemistry, effects, and uses of drugs.
Peptic
Induced by or associated with the action of digestive secretions and the areas that are affected by them.
Pheromone
A substance released by an animal that serves to influence the physiology or behavior of other members of the same species, such as a chemical messenger sent between two people.
Phytohormones
Plant substances mimicking the actions of human hormones. Plant hormones in the plant control or regulate germination, growth, metabolism, or other physiological activities.
Phytotherapy
The use of natural plant extracts for medicinal purposes as in the treatment of disease.
Pipette
This is a plastic dropper used to dispense essential oil from a bottle into another bottle or container.
Pomade
Perfumed fat obtained during the effleurage extraction method.
Prophylactic
An act of preventing disease or infection.
Psoriasis
A chronic skin disease characterized by red patches and silver scaling.
Pulmonary
That which pertains to the lungs.
Rectification
A process of re-distilling essential oils in order to remove certain constituents and purify it.
Renal
That which pertains to the kidneys.
Resin
A natural substance exuded from trees; prepared resins are oleoresins from which the essential oil has been removed.
Resinoids
Perfumed material extracted from natural resinous material by solvent extraction.
Resolvent
A substance that reduces inflammation or swelling.
Rubefacient
A substance that irritates the skin, causing redness.
Sciatica
Pain or a sharp burning sensation, caused by the sciatic nerve that radiates from the lower part of the spinal cord, down the back of the leg, to the foot.
Sclerosis
A hardening of the nervous system or blood vessels, due to inflammation and from diseases of the interstitial substance.
Seborrhea
Over activity of the sebaceous glands characterized by excessive secretion of sebum, resulting in an oily coating, crusts, or scales on the skin.
Sedative
An agent that has a soothing, calming, or tranquilizing effect upon the body, reducing or relieving anxiety, stress, irritability, or excitement.
Shelf Life
The amount of time a carrier or base oil will remain fresh before oxidizing and become rancid.
Soporific
A substance that produces deep sleep.
Splenic
That which relates to the spleen.
Stimulant
A substance that raises the physiological levels of the central nervous system.
Stomachic
A substance that aids in stomach digestion and improves appetite.
Stomatitis
Inflammation of the mucus membranes of the mouth.
Styptic
An agent that contracts the tissues or blood vessels; used particularly to control hemorrhaging and stop external bleeding.
Sudorific
An agent that causes or increases sweat.
Synergy
Several substances or agents working together in harmony to produce a greater effect than the sum of the individual agents. A synergistic blend of essential oils would be one with the correct proportions of oils that have a greater effect than that of an individual oil.
Synthetic
A substance produced by chemical synthesis, especially not of natural origin.
Tachycardia
An abnormally rapid heart rate.
Tannin
A substance that acts as an astringent that helps seal tissues.
Terpene
One of a class of hydrocarbons with an empiric formula of C10H16 occurring in essential oils and resins.
Terpene less
An essential oil from which monoterpene hydrocarbons have been removed.
Thrombosis
The formation of a blood clot.
Thrush
A contagious disease caused by a fungus known as Candida albicans, that occurs most often in infants and children, characterized by small whitish eruptions on the mouth, throat, and tongue, and usually accompanied by fever, colic, and diarrhea.
Tonic
A substance that gives a feeling of vigor or well-being.
Tincture
An alcoholic solution prepared from herbal or perfume material.
Unguent
A soothing or healing salve, balm or ointment.
Vascular Cleansing
A substance that supports a healthy vascular system and liver by removing artery plaque naturally and improves the cardiovascular system.
Vasoconstrictor
A substance that causes the vasoconstriction of blood vessels, which typically results in an increase in blood pressure and pupil dilation. Vasodilatation is the opposite in which it relaxes the smooth muscle walls and causes the opening of blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.
Vein Tonic
A substance that improves and strengthens the functioning of blood vessels.
Vermifuge
An anathematic that expels parasitic worms from the body, by either stunning or killing them.
Viscosity
The degree of which a fluid moves and flows under applied force. With carrier oils, it may be noted as “thin,” or “thick,” etc.
Volatile
Refers to a substance that is unstable and evaporates easily, such an essential oil.
Vulnerary
A remedy used in healing or treating wounds and helps to prevent tissue degeneration.
Warming
A substance that raises temperature slightly.
Wound Healing
An agent that can assist in healing an injury, especially one in which the skin or another external surface that has been torn, pierced, cut, or otherwise broken.
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