essential oils Therapeutic Properties Glossary

Analgesic- redues pain

Anthelmintic- repels intestinal parasites

Antibacterial- prevents bacterial growth

Anticoagulant- reduces blood clotting

Antidepressant- alleviates depression

Antifungal- prevents fungal growth

Anti-infectious- prevents infection

Anti-inflammatory- alleviates inflammation

Antimicrobial- prevents microorganism growth

Antioxidant- inhibits oxidation

Antiphlogistic- acts against fever and inflammation

Antiscelrotic- prevents hardening of cells and tissues

Antiseborrheic- relieves excessive secretion of sebum

Antiseptic- destroys microbes and prevents their development

Antispasmodic- prevents of relieves contractions, convulsions, spasms

Antisudorific prevents sweating

Antitoxic- neutralizes toxins

Antiviral- prevents growth of viral infection

Aphrodisiac- increases sexual desire

Astringent- tightens or contracts tissues

Balsamic- soothes coughs, sore throat

Calmative- calming, sedative

Cicatrizing- promotes healing of scar tissue

Circulatory- promotes blood flow and lymph flow

Cytophylactic- promotes cell turnover

Decongestant- reduces congestion like mucus

Deodorant- masks or removes smells

Diaphoretic- promotes perspiration

Digestive- helps in digesting food

Disinfectant- helps fight the spread of germs

Diuretic- removal of excess water from the body

Emmenagogue- regularizes or induces menstruation

Emollient- soothes and softens skin

Expectorant- supports removal of mucus from the body

Hemostatic- slows/arrests blood flow

Hypertensive- raises blood pressure

Hypotensive- lowers blood pressure

Immunostimulant- improves/stimulates

Laxative- stimulates + assists in bowel movement

Nervine- acts on nerves and relieves nervous disorders

Regenerative- renewal for tissues

Restorative- strengthens and renews the bodys systems

Sedative- soothes and relaxes psychological and physical activity

Soporific- sleep inducing

Tonic- refreshes, restores all bodily functions

Vermifuge- expel of intestinal worms

Vulnerary- heals wounds by external application