Glossary of Terms

Glossary

Abortifacient – An agent capable of inducing miscarriage

Acaricidal – an agent that kills mites and ticks

Analgesic – an agent that relieves or reduces pain

Anthelmintic – an agent that destroys or eliminates intestinal worms

Antiangiogenic – an agent that may destroy or interfere with the network of blood vessels that tumors reply on for growth and metastasize. 

Anti-arthritic – an agent that combats arthritis

Antibacterial – An agent that is capable of destroying or reducing the growth of bacteria

Anticatarrhal - an agent that reduces the production of phlegm

Anticoagulant – an agent that can slow or prevent the clotting of blood

Anticolitic – an agent that can reduce inflammation of the colon

Anticonvulsive - an agent that can control convulsions

Antidepressant – an agent that is uplifting, counteracts melancholy, works towards homeostasis

Antidiabetic – an agent that aids in blood glucose management or improves management of diabetes

Antiemetic - an agent that reduces the severity and frequency of vomiting

Antifungal – an agent capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of fungi

Anti-inflammatory – an agent that reduces inflammation

Antimicrobial   - an agent that resists or destroys pathogens

Antioxidant – an agent that inhibits oxidation

Antipruritic – reduces sensation of itching

Antirheumatic – relieves rheumatism

Antiseptic – destroys pathogenic bacteria

Antispasmodic – eases spasms and cramps

Antisudorific – reduces sweating

Antitussive – reduces coughing

Antiviral – destroys or inhibits the growth and spread of viruses

Anxiolytic – anxiety reducing

Anaphrodisiac – promotes sexual desire, interest, excitement and enjoyment

Astringent – an agent that contracts, tightens and binds tissues

Bactericide – destroys bacteria

Cardiac – having a effect on the heart (stimulating)

Carminative – settles the digestive system, encourages movement of gases from intestines

Cephalic – stimulating and clears the mind

Cholagogue – increase secretion and flow of bile into the duodenum

Choleretic – aids in the excretion of bile by the liver, encourages flow of bile

Cicatrisant – promotes scar tissue formation

Convulsant – causing convulsions

Cordial – invigorating and stimulating

Cytoplylactic – encourages growth of skin cells

Decongestant – reduces congestion

Deodorant – inhibits or reduces odor

Diaphoretic – promotes perspiration (sweating)

Digestive – aids in the digestion of food

Disinfectant – prevents or combats the spread of germs

Diuretic – increases water from tissues, encourages urine production

Emetic – induces vomiting

Emmenagogue – promotes and regulates menstrual flow (hormonal)

Emollient – soothe and soften the skin

Expectorant – expels mucus in lungs, respiratory system

Febrifuge – reduces fever, high body temperature

Fungicide – destroys fungus infections

Gastroprotective – protects gastric mucosa from irritating agents

Germicidal – destroys germs or microorganisms

Hemostatic – stops bleeding and haemorrhage

Hepatic – stimulates and supports liver function

Hypertensive – Increases blood pressure

Hypoglycaemic – lowers blood glucose levels

Hypolipidemic – lowers levels of fats, lipids, cholesterol in the blood

Hypnotic – promotes sleep

Hypotensive – lowers blood pressure

Immunostimulant – stimulates the immune system

Insecticide – repels and kills insects

Laxative – encourages bowel movements

Mucolytic – dissoves or breaks down mucus

Parturient – promotes labour and child birth

Prophylactic – prevents disease

Relaxant – encourages release, relaxation of mind and body

Rubefacient – increases blood flow, warms the skin

Sedative – reduces symptoms of nervousness, distress, agitation, irritation

Spasmogenic – causes spasms

Spasmolytic – reduces spasms

Stimulant – increases function

Teratogenic – injures a fetus

Tonic – strengthens, improves performance, function

Uterine – effects the uterus, tones

Vasoconstrictor – causes contraction of blood vessels

Vasodilator – causes dilation of blood vessels

Vermifuge – encourages expulsion of intestinal worms

Vulnerary – prevents tissue degeneration, promotes wound healing

References:

Salvatore Battaglia – The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy – Volume 1 – Third edition