Therapeutic Properties
Science has now confirmed what has been known for centuries, pure essential oils have therapeutic benefits or properties for both physical and emotional wellbeing. These properties can be absorbed through the skin, and through inhalation via the olfactory brain connection.
The naturally occurring chemical constituents in essential oils play a big role in defining the therapeutic benefits of any particular oil. Familiarizing yourself with these therapeutic properties enables you to find essential oils based on the therapeutic benefits you are in need of.
Abortifacient: an agent that can induce abortions
Alterative: gradually restore the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality
Analgesic: reduces pain
Anti-allergenic: non-irritating
Anti-anxiety: reduces anxiety or nervousness
Anti-arthritic: soothes joints
Anti-asthmatic: reduces asthma symptoms
Anti-bacterial: destroys or inhibits the growth of destructive bacteria
Anti-biotic: an agent to inhibit growth of, or destroy, bacteria
Anticarcinogen: an agent to counteract cancer
Anticatarrhal: an agent to counteract mucus formation
Antidepressant: an agent that counteracts mental depression
Anti-convulsant: helps relieve seizures
Anti-depressant: helps alleviate minor depression and apathy...lifts mood
Anti-diarrheal: an agent to relieve diarrhea
Anti-emetic: alleviates nausea or vomiting
Anti-fungal: inhibits fungus
Anti-histamine: relieves hayfever
Anti-hyperlipidemic: an agent to reduce arterial plaques.
Anti-infectious: prevents spread of infection
Anti-inflammatory: alleviates and reduces inflammation
Anti-lithic: an agent to removes stones; lithotryptic
Anti-microbial: inhibits the growth of bacteria or fungi
Anti-oxidant: protective to cellular damage
Anti-parasitic: destructive to parasites
Anti-pyretic: see febrifuge
Anti-rheumatic: relieves aches and pains associated with rheumatism
Antisecretory: an agent that dries the body tissues
Anti-septic: destroys micro-organisms on living tissue
Anti-spasmodic: relieves spasms and cramps
Anti-tussive: relieves a cough
Anti-viral: prevents or destroys the growth of viruses
Aperient: a gentle laxative
Aphrodisiac: increases sexual desire
Astringent: shrinks tissue and reduces fluid loss
Beta-Carbolines: tricyclic MAO inhibitors, hallucinogens
Calming: relaxing
Cardiotonic: has a favorable effect upon the action of the heart
Carminative: relieves intestinal gas and bloating
Cephalic: relating to the head, clearing the mind
Cicatrisant: wound healing
Circulatory stimulant: increases blood flow
CNS depressant: slows down brain activity
CNS sedative: calming
CNS tonic: balancing to the central nervous system
Cooling: reducing heat
Decongestant: reduces nasal mucous production and swelling
Demulcent: relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film
Deodorant: reduces odor
Depurative: cleanses and purifies the blood and intestinal organs
Diaphoretic: a compound that increases perspiration
Digestive: increases ability to digest food and balances the digestive system
Disinfectant: destroys micro-organisms on objects
Diuretic: assists with kidney/bladder and urine production
Emetic: an agent to induce vomiting
Emmevnagogic: regulates and promotes menstruation
Energizing: bringing forth more energy
Emollient: an agent that smooths and protects the skin
Emmenagogue: a preparation that hastens the onset of menses
Estrogenic: similar to acting like estrogen
Euphoriant: an agent to stimulate mental or physical pleasure
Expectorant: helps bring up mucus from the chest and lungs and removes excess mucous
Febrifuge: reduces fever
Galactagogue: increases milk supply during lactation
Hemostatic: prevents or stops bleeding
Hepatoprotective: prevents damage to the liver
Hepatorestorative: protect the liver and promote the regeneration of diseased liver cells
Hormone balancer: harmonizes the hormones
Hypotensive: lowers blood pressure
Immune support: strengthens the body's defenses to infection
Immunomodulant: offers regulatory adjustment (natural immune suppressant) to the immune system
Immuno-stimulant: increases the functioning of the immune system
Insect repellent: keeps bugs away
Liver supporter: strengthens the liver
Lymph decongestant: relieves lymphatic congestion
Lymphatic support: helps the body detoxify
Parasiticide: an external or internal agent to destroy parasites
Pedicullicide: an agent to control lice
Mucolytic: dissolves or breaks down mucus
Nervine: strengthens the nervous system
Nutritive: providing nourishment
Refrigerant: an agent to cool the body down
Restorative: improves health and well-being
Rubefacient: causes a blush to the cheeks and increases circulation
Sedative: soothing or reducing activity
Sialogogue: an agent that promotes the flow of saliva
Stimulant: increasing activity
Stomachic: stimulates digestion
Strengthening: fortifying or building up
Tonic: promotes feeling of vigor or well-being
Tonifying: nourishing and replenishing
Uterine tonic: Strengthens and restores vitality to uterus
Vein tonic: enhancing blood circulation through the veins
Vermifuge: destroys parasites
Vulnerary: an agent to increase the healing of wounds
Warming: increases sensation of heat
Wound healing: skin repair