Aromatherapy Glossary

Brief explanations of terms frequently encountered in aromatherapy. This content is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice.

Term	Definition
Adaptogen	Helps the body adapt
Aphrodisiac	Increases sexual desire
Analgesic	Reduces the sensation of pain
Anxiety	A disorder of worry and apprehension
Anorexia	Inability to take in food due to psychological causes
Antibacterial	Inhibits the growth of bacteria
Antidepressant	Relieves depression
Anti-infectious	Prevents infection
Anti-inflammatory	Relieves inflammation
Antiphlogistic	Effective against inflammation and fever
Antifungal	Prevents the growth of fungi
Anthelmintic	Expels intestinal parasites
Anticatarrhal	Effective against catarrh and colds
Anticoagulant	Prevents blood from clotting within the vessels
Antimycotic	Prevents the growth of fungi
Antimicrobial	Halts the growth of microorganisms.
Antioxidant	Inhibits oxidation
Antitoxic	Can neutralize toxins
Antiputrescent	Acts against putrefaction
Antirheumatic	Relieves symptoms associated with rheumatic conditions
Antiseborrheic	Relieves excessive sebum secretion
Antiseborrheic	Oiliness caused by the overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands
Antiseptic	Destroys microbes and prevents their growth
Antisclerotic	Prevents the hardening of cell tissues
Antispasmodic	Prevents or relieves spasms, convulsions or cramps.
Antisudorific	Prevents perspiration
Antitussive	Relieves coughing
Antivenom	Used against the effects of venom
Antiviral	Prevents the replication of viruses
Arteriosclerosis	Focal calcification in the middle layer of the arteries
Astringent	Contracts or tightens tissues
Balsamic	Soothes sore throat, cough, etc.
Herbal drug	The part of a medicinal plant used for therapeutic purposes
Herbal medicine	Medicinal products containing plant material, or preparations made from it, as the active substance
Decongestant	Reduces congestion caused by fluids such as mucus
Dementia	Memory loss and deterioration of personality
Deodorant	Masks unpleasant odors
Depurative	Cleansing, detoxifying
Dermatitis	Inflammation of the skin
Disinfectant	Kills microbes or halts their growth
Digestive	Aids the digestion of food
Diuretic	Promotes the elimination of excess water from the body.
Diaphoretic	Promotes perspiration
Expectorant	Promotes the expulsion of mucus from the body
Emmenagogue	Induces or regulates menstruation
Emollient	Soothes and softens the skin
Erythema	Reddening of the skin; redness caused by inflammation
Febrifuge	Fever-reducing agent
Phytoestrogen	Estrogen of plant origin
Phlebitis	Inflammation of a vein
Photosensitivity	Sensitivity to light
Galactagogue	Promotes the flow of breast milk; increases milk supply
Geriatric	Relating to the care and treatment of the elderly
Galactogen	Increases milk supply
Hemostatic	Stops the flow of blood
Hepatic	Acts on the liver
Hypertensive	Raises blood pressure
Hypotensive	Lowers blood pressure
Hypnotic	Sedative effect
Immunomodulator	Regulates the immune system
Immunostimulant	Stimulates the immune system
Immunosuppressive	Suppresses immunity
Immunostimulant	Stimulates the immune system
Calmative	Soothing, calming agent
Cardiotonic	Strengthens the heart
Carminative	Relieves flatulence; eases abdominal pain and bloating
Cholagogue	Promotes the discharge of bile from the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Laxative	Helps the evacuation of feces from the bowels
Mastalgia	Breast pain
Myocardium	The muscular layer of the heart
Mucolytic	Breaks down mucus
Nervine	Acts on the nerves; relieves nervous disorders
Neuralgia	Nerve pain
Osteoporosis	Loss of bone tissue
Parenteral	Intravenous
Pectoral	Beneficial for diseases of the chest and respiratory system
Placebo	A non-medicinal substance given to a patient in place of an actual drug
Prophylactic	Prevents disease
Regenerative	Tendency to renew
Restorative	Strengthens and revitalizes the body's systems
Rubefacient	An irritant that causes reddening of the skin
Sedative	Calms psychological and physical activity
Cicatrizant	Promotes the formation of scar tissue, thereby aiding wound healing
Circulatory	Promotes the flow of blood and lymph
Cytophylactic	Promotes cell renewal, thereby aiding healing
Soporific	Induces sleep or tends to cause drowsiness
Spasmolytic	Relieves smooth-muscle spasm
Stimulant	Increases the overall function of the body
Stomachic	Good for the stomach; a stomach tonic and digestive aid
Sudorific	Promotes perspiration
Tachycardia	Increased heart rate
Thermogenic	Stimulates heat production
Tonic	Invigorates, refreshes and restores the body and its functions
Uterus	Womb
Vasodilator	Any agent or drug that causes the blood vessels to widen
Vasodilator	Causes the blood vessels to widen
Vermifuge	Expels intestinal worms
Vulnerary	Heals wounds when applied externally