Analgesic - a remedy which relieves pain; a pain-killer
Anticonvulsive - helps arrest or prevent convulsions
Antidepressant - helps alleviate depression
Antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) - a substance which combats inflammation
Antiseptic - that which destroys and prevents the development of microbes
Antispasmodic - preventing spasms, convulsions, nervous disorders
Antitoxic - an antidote which counteracts the effects of a poison
Aphrodisiac - substance which arouses sexual desire; also a substance which aids in relaxation/lessening of tension (which can aid in the former)
Astringent - agent which causes contraction of organic tissues, reduces secretions and helps formation of scars by preventing inflammation
Carminative - agent (aromatic) which causes expulsion of intestinal gas (i.e. relieves flatulence)
Cephalic - remedy for disorders of the head; referring to the head
Cholagogue - stimulates the secretion and flow of bile from, particularly, the gall-bladder
Choleretic - agent which increases secretion of bile
Cicatrisant - agent which helps the formation of scar tissue; healing
Cordial - a stimulant and tonic
Cytophylactic - substances which protect the cells of an organism (magnesium and the aromatic essences are cytophylactics)
- cyto: as a prefix denotes/relates to the cells
Deodorant - an agent which corrects, masks or removes unpleasant odours
Depurative - substance which combats impurity of the blood and the internal organs
Digestive - substance which stimulates digestion
Diuretic - substance which aids production of urine
Emmenagogue - substance which induces or regularizes menstruation
Expectorant - helps promote the removal of mucus from the respiratory system
Febrifuge - agent which combats fever and staves off its return
Fungicidal - prevents and combats fungal infections
Galactogogue - increases the secretion of milk
Hepatic - relating to the liver
Hypotensor - reducing blood pressure
Hypertensor - raising blood pressure
Nervine - strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system
Parturient - aiding in childbirth
Rubefacient - an agent increasing local blood circulation, causing redness of the skin
Sedative - agent which lessens excitement or functional activity
Stimulant - an agent that quickens the physiological functioning of the body
Splenic - relating to the spleen
Stomachic - agent which stimulates the secretory activity of the stomach; digestive aid, gastric tonic
Sudorific - an agent causing sweating
Tonic - producing or restoring normal vigour or tension (tone)
Vasoconstrictor - that which contracts the blood vessels
Vermifuge - an agent which expels intestinal worms
Vulnerary - an agent which heals wounds and sores by external administration
Return to Essential Oils
Back Home
© 1998-2000 heathen@blessed-be.zzn.com
