GLOSSARY

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

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