The Oils and Plants Aromatherapy Glossary gives definitions of Aromatherapy and Herbal Terms.

Here are the results for the letter a

Abortifacient

A substance or device used to induce abortion.

Absolute

Products obtained from a concrete, a pomade or a resinoid by extraction with ethanol at room temperature. The resulting ethanol solution is generally cooled and filtered to eliminate the waxes. The ethanol is then eliminated by distillation.

Acicular

Needle-shaped.

Acidosis

High blood acidity

Adenitis

gland inflammation

Adenoma

A non-cancerous tumour

Adjuvant

1. A pharmacological agent added to a drug to increase or aid its effect. 2. An immunological agent that increases the antigenic response. A stiumulator.

Adnate

One organ adhering to a another one

Adrenergic

Acting like adreniline

Adrenolytic

blocking adrenalin

Aerobic

with oxygen

Agalactia

not producing milk

Agammaglobulinaemia

immune deficiency

Agent

substance

Agranulocytosis

bone marrow poisoning

Alkaloid

bitter plant poison

Alkalosis

High blood alkalinity

Alveolate

Like a honeycomb; closely pitted.

Alveolitis

Lung inflammation. See the article on The Lungs for more information.

Amblyopia

To do with the vision. Sight problems

Amenorrhoea

Lack of periods. See the articles on Amenorrhoea and Menstruation for more information.

Amine

Organic compound containing nitrogen

Anabolic

Body-building

Anaerobic

Without oxygen

Analgesic

A plant or essential oil that reduces or eliminates pain.

Anodyne

Relieves pain and soothes disturbed feelings

Anosmia

Lack of sense of smell. See also Sense of Smell.

Antacid

Indegestion remedy

Anthelmintic

An agent, essential oil, plant or herb that destroys or causes the expulsion of parasitic intestinal worms.

Anther

The part of the stamen which contains the pollen.

Anthesis

Period of flowering.

Anti-tussive

Relieves coughs

Antibiotherapy

Treatment with antibiotics

Antibiotic

A substance, essential oil, plant or herb, such as penicillin or streptomycin, produced by or derived from certain fungi, bacteria, and other organisms, that can destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. Antibiotics are widely used in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

Antiexudative

Anti-inflammatory

Antigen

A foreign substance in the body

Antimitotic

Anti-cancer drug or medicine.

Antineuralgic

Reducing nerve pain

Antioxidant

A substance to stop decay

Antiphlogistic

Swelling and fever treatment

Antiphlogistic

Reduces inflammation.

Antipuritic

Relieve itching

Antipyretic

Fever treatment

Antiseborrheic

Helps control the products of sebum

Antispasmodic

Relieving or preventing spasms, especially of smooth muscle

Antiviral

Inhibits the growth of viruses. Lavender, Garlic and Tea Tree

Anuria

Non-production of urine

Aperitif

Encouraging appetite

Apiculate

With a minute pointed tip.

Aromatic Water

Aqueous distillates, remaining from water or steam distillation after essential oils have been separated.

Arrhythmia

Irregular heartbeat

Arrhythmia

Irregular or loss of rhythm of the heartbeat.

Arteriosclerosis

Hardening of the arteries

Astringent

Causes contraction of body tissues

Atopic

allergic reaction

Autonomic

Unconscious

Azoospermia

Lack of sperm

Azotaemia

Kidney failure