Essential oils can quite often have more than one therapeutic property, and whilst some of the terms will be familiar, others may leave you guessing. So with that in mind I have created the list below to assist in promoting a better understanding of those properties.
Analgesic
relieves or allays pain
Anaphrodisiac
reduces sexual desire
Anti-allergenic
reduces allergic response
Antiarthritic
effective in treatment of arthritis
Antibacterial
kills or inhibits growth of bacteria
Anticarcinogenic
inhibits development of cancer
Anti-carcinoma
destroys or inhibits cancer cells
Anticatarrhal
removes excess mucus
Anticoagulant
prevents clotting of blood
Anticonvulsant
reduces convulsions
Antidepressant
effective in treatment against depression
Antiemetic
effective against nausea and vomiting
Antifungal
inhibits growth of fungi
Antihemorrhagic
promotes hemostasis; stops bleeding
Antihistamine
blocks histamine receptors; reduces allergic response
Anti-infectious
reduces/prevents infection
Anti-inflammatory
reduces inflammation
Antimicrobial
kills or inhibits microorganisms
Antimutagenic
reduces rate of genetic variants/mutation
Antioxidant
mitigates damage by free radicals
Anti-parasitic
destroys of inhibits growth/reproduction of parasites
Anti-rheumatic
mitigates pain and stiffness
Antiseptic
destroys microorganisms to prevent or treat infection on living tissue/skin
Antispasmodic
relieves spasms of involuntary muscles
Antitoxic
neutralises or counteracts toxins
Anti-tumourral
inhibits growth of tumours
Antiviral
destroys viruses or suppresses replication
Aphrodisiac
heightens sexual desire
Astringent
contracts tissues, generally of the skin; reduces minor bleeding
Calming
pacifying
Cardiotonic
tones and vitalises the heart
Carminative
reduces gas or bloating
Cleanser
cleanses body and/or household surfaces
Cooling
provides a cooling effect when applied to the skin
Cytophylactic
stimulates cell growth
Decongestant
reduces respiratory congestion; opens airways
Degreaser
helps to break down grease
Deodorant
stops formation of odours
Detoxifier
removes toxins from the body tissues and organs
Digestive Stimulant
stimulates digestion
Disinfectant
mitigates growth of microorganisms on inorganic surfaces
Diuretic
increases production and excretion of urine
Emmenagogue
helps promote and regulate menstruation
Energising
generates and enhances energy
Expectorant
promotes discharge of phlegm and other fluids from the respiratory tract
Galactagogue
promotes lactation and increases milk supply
Grounding
assists one’s sense of feeling centred and secure
Haemostatic
capable of stopping the flow of blood
Hypertensive
raises blood pressure
Hypotensive
lowers blood pressure
Immunostimulant
induces activation of the body’s protective ability
Insect Repellent
deters insects and bugs
Nervine
beneficial effect on nerves
Neuroprotective
protects nerves
Neurotonic
improves tone or force of nervous system
Purifier
eliminates impurities
Photosensitive
When ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a form of radiation which makes up approximately 10% of sunlight, comes in contact with particular substances it can initiate a series of chemical and biological reactions. The resulting immune system reaction is known as photosensitisation.
Some essential oils contain furocoumarins (organic chemical compounds) that make some people’s skin more sensitive to the effects of UV radiation. When photosensitive skin is exposed to UV radiation, it may cause the formation of free radicals, inflicting damage to cellular membranes, proteins, and organelles. Acutely, this may result in temporary darkening of skin pigment and irritation, much like a sunburn. More extreme exposure may cause burns or hives.
Refreshing
renews; promotes feeling of freshness
Regenerative
promotes regeneration of body tissue
Relaxant
promotes relaxation; reduces tension
Restorative
encourages repair, recovery. restoration
Revitaliser
uplifts and energises
Rubefacient
increases circulation; increases skin redness
Sedative
promotes calm and sleep; reduces agitation; tranquillising
Steroidal
stimulates cortisone-like action
Stimulant
increases activity
Stomachic
assists digestion, promotes appetite
Tonic
promotes a feeling of vigour or well being
Uplifting
elevating; promotes a sense of happiness and hope
Vasoconstrictor
restricts blood vessels; decreases blood flow; can increase blood pressure
Vasodilator
relaxes/dilates blood vessels; increases blood flow; can decrease blood pressure
Vermicide
kills parasitic worms
Vermifuge
stuns worms
Warming
raises body and/or specific body tissue temperature – referred to as ‘localised warming’