Many studies have been conducted and science has now confirmed what aromatherapists have known for centuries; that pure essential oils have therapeutic properties for our overall wellbeing. The properties from the oils can be inhaled via the olfactory system or absorbed through the skin.
The constituents that naturally occur in essential oils play a major role in defining the therapeutic properties of any specific oil. Each oil has therapeutic benefits and you can reference them by referring to the therapeutic benefits listed.
The glossary will define each specific therapeutic property to give you a deeper understanding on the possible effects the oil can provide. Please note some terms may not be listed. This is just a guide please speak to a trusted medical professional before seeking alternative treatments.
List of Therapeutic Properties
Analgesic: reduces pain sensation
Anthelmintic: repels intestinal parasites
Antibacterial: prevents bacterial growth
Anticatarrhal: effective against catarrh
Anticoagulant: reduces blood clotting
Antidepressant: alleviates depression
Antifungal: prevents fungal growth
Anti-infectious: prevents uptake of infection
Anti-inflammatory: alleviates inflammation
Antimicrobial: prevents microorganism growth
Antioxidant: inhibits oxidation
Antiphlogistic: acts against inflammation and fever
Antiputrescent: acts against putrefaction
Antirheumatic: relieves symptoms associated with rheumatic conditions
Antisclerotic: prevents hardening of cells and tissues
Antiseborrheic: relieves excessive secretion of sebum
Antiseptic: destroys mictobes and prevents their development
Antispasmodic: prevents or relieves spasms, convulsions, or contractions
Antisudorific: prevents sweating
Antitoxic: able to neutralize toxins
Antitussive: relieves coughs
Antivenomous: used against the effects of venom
Antiviral: prevents viral growth
Aphrodisiac: increases sexual desire
Astringent: contract or tightens tissues
Balsamic: soothes sore throats, coughs etc
Calmative: sedative, calming agent
Carminative: relieves flatulence, easing abdominal pain and bloating
Cholagogue: promotes the evacuation of bile from gall bladder and ducts
Cicatrizing: promotes the formation of scar tissue, thus healing
Circulatory: promotes flow of blood and lymph
Cytophylactic: promotes cell turnover, thus healing
Decongestant: reduces congestion such as mucus
Deodorant: masks or removes unpleasant smell
Depurative: cleanser, detoxifier
Diaphoretic: promotes perspiration
Digestive: helps in the digestion of food
Disinfectant: helps fight the spread of germs
Diuretic: promotes the removal of excess water from the body
Emmenagogue: induces or regularizes menstruation
Emollient: soothes and softens skin
Expectorant: promotes removal of mucus from the body
Febrifuge: an antifebrile (antifever) agent
Galactagogue: induces the flow of breastmilk
Hemostatic: arrests blood flow
Hepatic: acts on the liver
Hypertensive: raises blood pressure
Hypnotic: sedative effect
Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure
Immunostimulant: stimulates the action of the immune system
Laxative: assists in bowel elimination
Mucolytic: breaks down mucus
Nervine: acts on nerves; relieves nervous disorders
Pectoral: beneficial for diseases or conditions of the chest and respiratory system
Regenerative: tends to regenerate
Restorative: strengthens and revives the body’s systems
Rubefacient: a counterirritant producing redness of the skin
Sedative: relaxes psychological and physical activity
Soporific: induces, or tends to induce, sleep
Spasmolytic: eases smooth muscle spasm
Stimulant: increases overall function of the body
Stomachic: good for the stomach; gastric tonic, digestive aid
Sudorific: promotes perspiration
Thermogenic: stimulates heat production
Tonic: invigorates refreshes, restores the body and bodily functions
Vasodilatory: promotes dilation of blood vessels
Vermifuge: expels intestinal worms
Vulnerary: heals wounds and sores by external application