The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (36 page)

Gastritis:
inflammation of stomach lining.

Genito-urinary:
referring to both the genital and reproductive systems.

Germicidal:
destroys germs or micro-organisms such as bacteria, etc.

Gingivitis:
inflammation of the gums, manifested by swelling and bleeding.

Gout:
a disease which involves excess uric acid in the blood.

Gums:
‘true’ gums are little used in perfumery, being virtually odourless. However, the term ‘gum’ is often applied to ‘resins’, especially with relation to turpentines, as in the Australian ‘gum tree’. Strictly speaking, gums are natural or synthetic water-soluble materials, such as gum arabic.

Haematuria:
blood in the urine.

Halitosis:
offensive breath.

Hallucinogenic:
causes visions or delusions.

Haemorrhoids:
piles, dilated rectal veins.

Haemostatic:
arrests bleeding.

Heartwood:
the central portion of a tree trunk.

Hepatic:
relating to the liver (tones and aids its fuction).

Herpes:
inflammation of the skin or mucous membrane with clusters of deep-seated vesicles.

Hormone:
a product of living cells which produces a specific effect on the activity of cells remote from its point of origin.

Hybrid:
a plant originating by fertilization of one species or subspecies by another.

Hypertension:
raised blood pressure.

Hypertensive:
agent which raises blood pressure.

Hypnotic:
causing sleep.

Hypocholesterolaemia:
lowering the cholesterol content of the blood.

Hypoglycaemia:
lowered blood sugar levels or concentration.

Hypotension:
low blood pressure, or a fall in blood pressure below the normal range.

Hypotensive:
agent which lowers blood pressure.

Hysteria:
a psychoneurosis manifesting itself in various disorders of the mind or body.

Inflorescence:
flowering structure above the last stem leaves (including bracts and flowers).

Infusion:
a herbal remedy prepared by steeping the plant material in water.

Insecticide:
repels insects.

Insomnia:
inability to sleep.

Lanceolate:
lance-shaped, oval and pointed at both ends (usually a leaf shape).

Larvicidal:
an agent which prevents and kills larvae.

Laxative:
promotes evacuation of the bowels.

Legume:
a fruit consisting of one carpel, opening on one side, such as a pea.

Leucocyte:
white blood cells responsible for fighting disease.

Leucocytosis:
an increase in the number of white blood cells above the normal limit.

Leucorrhoea:
white discharge from the vagina.

Ligulet:
a narrow projection from the top of a leaf sheath in grasses.

Linear:
of leaves, narrow and more or less parallel-sided.

Lipolytic:
causing lipolysis, the chemical disintegration or splitting of fats.

Lithuria:
a morbid condition marked by the presence of excessive amounts of uric acid in the urine.

Lumbago:
a painful rheumatic affliction of the muscles and fibrous tissue of the lumbar region of the back.

Lymphatic:
pertaining to the lymph system.

Macerate:
soak until soft.

Menopause:
the normal cessation of menstruation, a life change for women.

Menorrhagia:
excessive menstruation.

Metrorrhagia:
uterine bleeding outside the menstrual cycle.

Microbe:
a minute living organism, especially pathogenic bacteria, viruses, etc.

Mucilage:
a substance containing gelatinous constituents which are demulcent.

Mucolytic:
dissolving, or breaking down mucous.

Narcotic:
a substance which induces sleep; intoxicating or poisonous in large doses.

Nervine:
strengthening and toning to the nerves and nervous system.

Nephritis:
inflammation of the kidneys.

Neuralgia:
a stabbing pain along a nerve pathway.

Neurasthenia:
nervous exhaustion.

Oedema:
a painless swelling caused by fluid retention beneath the skin’s surface.

Oestrogen:
a hormone produced by the ovary, necessary for the development of female secondary sexual characteristics.

Oleo gum resin:
a natural exudation from trees and plants that consists mainly of essential oil, gum and resin.

Oleoresin:
a natural resinous exudation from plants, or an aromatic liquid preparation, extracted from botanical matter using solvents. They consist almost entirely of a mixture of essential oil and resin.

Olfaction:
the sense of smell.

Ophthalmia:
inflammation of the eye, a term usually applied to conjunctivitis.

Otitis:
inflammation of the ear.

Ovate:
egg-shaped.

Palpitation:
undue awareness of the heartbeat, occasioned by anxiety. Rapid heart beats or abnormal rhythm.

Panacea:
a cure-all. Pappus: the calyx in a composite flower having feathery hairs, scales or bristles.

Parasiticide:
prevents and destroys parasites such as fleas, lice, etc.

Parturient:
aiding childbirth.

Pathogenic:
causing or producing disease.

Pathological:
unnatural or destructive process on living tissue.

Pediculicide:
an agent which destroys lice.

Peptic:
applied to gastric secretions and areas affected by them.

Perennial:
a plant which lives for more than two years, normally flowering every year.

Petiole:
the stalk of a leaf.

Pharmacology:
medical science of drugs which deals with their actions, properties and characteristics.

Pharmacopoeia:
an official publication of drugs in common use, in a given country.

Physiological:
describes the natural biological processes of a living organism.

Phytohormones:
plant substances that mimic the action of human hormones.

Phytotherapy:
the treatment of disease by plants; herbal medicine.

Pinnate:
a leaf composed of more than three leaflets arranged in two rows along a common stalk.

Pomade:
a prepared perfume material obtained by the enfleurage process.

Poultice:
the therapeutic application of a soft moist mass (such as fresh herbs) to the skin, to encourage local circulation and to relieve pain.

Prophylactic:
preventive of disease or infection.

Prostatitis:
any inflammatory condition of the prostate gland.

Prurigo:
chronic skin disease with irritation, itching and papular eruption.

Pruritis:
itching.

Psoriasis:
a skin disease characterized by red patches and silver scaling.

Psychosomatic:
the manifestation of physical symptoms resulting from a mental state.

Pulmonary:
pertaining to the lungs.

Purgative:
a substance stimulating an evacuation of the bowels.

Pyelitis:
inflammation of the kidney.

Pyorrhoea:
bleeding or a discharge of pus.

Raceme:
an inflorescence, usually conical in outline in which the lowest flowers open first.

Receptacle:
the upper part of the stem from which the floral parts arise.

Rectification:
the process of redistillation applied to essential oils to rid them of certain constituents.

Refrigerant:
cooling – reduces fever.

Regulator:
an agent that helps balance and regulate the functions of the body.

Relaxant:
soothing, causing relaxation, relieving strain or tension.

Renal:
pertaining to the kidney.

Resins:
a natural or prepared product, either solid or semi-solid in nature. Natural resins are exudations from trees, such as mastic; prepared resins are oleoresins from which the essential oil has been removed.

Resinoids:
a perfumery material prepared from natural resinous matter, such as balsams, gum resins, etc., by extraction with a hydrocarbon type of solvent.

Resolvent:
an agent which disperses swelling, or effects absorption of a new growth.

Restorative:
an agent that helps strengthen and revive the body systems.

Revulsive:
relieves pain by means of the diversion of blood or disease from one part of the body to another;
see also
counter-irritant.

Rhinitis:
inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose.

Rhizome:
an underground stem lasting more than one season.

Rosette:
leaves which are closely arranged in a spiral.

Rubefacient:
a substance which causes redness of the skin, possibly irritation.

Sciatica:
pain down the back of the legs, in the area supplied by the sciatic nerve, due to various causes including pressure on the nerve roots.

Sclerosis:
hardening of tissue due to inflammation.

Scrofula:
an outdated name for tuberculosis.

Seborrhoea:
increased secretion of sebum, usually associated with excessive oily secretion from the sweat glands.

Sedative:
an agent which reduces functional activity; calming.

Sessile:
without a stalk. Sialogogue: an agent that stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Soporific:
a substance which induces sleep.

Spasmolytic:
see
antispasmodic.

Spike:
an inflorescence in which the sessile flowers are arranged in a raceme.

Splenic:
relating to the spleen, the largest endocrine gland.

Splenitis:
inflammation of the spleen.

Stimulant:
an agent which quickens the physiological functions of the body.

Stomachic:
digestive aid and tonic; improving appetite.

Styptic:
an astringent agent which stops or reduces external bleeding.

Sudorific:
an agent which causes sweating.

Synergy:
agents working together harmoniously; coordination in the action of muscles, organs or substances such as drugs.

Tachycardia:
abnormally increased heartbeat and pulse rate.

Tannin:
a substance which has an astringent action, and helps seal the tissue.

Thrombosis:
formation of a thrombus or blood clot.

Thrush:
an infection of the mouth or vaginal region caused by a fungus (candida).

Tincture:
a herbal remedy, or perfumery material prepared in an alcohol base.

Tonic:
strengthens and enlivens the whole or specific parts of the body.

Tracheitis:
inflammation of the windpipe.

Trifoliate:
a plant having three distinct leaflets.

Tuber:
a swollen part of an underground stem of one year’s duration, capable of new growth.

Umbel:
umbrella-like; a flower where the petioles all arise from the top of the stem

Uterine:
pertaining to the uterus.

Urticaria:
hives, nettle rash, acute or chronic affection of the skin characterized by the formation of weals, attended by itching, stinging or burning.

Vasoconstrictor:
an agent which causes narrowing of the blood vessels.

Vasodilator:
an agent which dilates the blood vessels.

Vermifuge:
expels intestinal worms.

Vesicant:
causing blistering to the skin; a counter-irritant.

Vesicle:
a small blister or sac containing fluid.

Volatile:
unstable, evaporates easily, as in ‘volatile oil’;
see
essential oil.

Vulnerary:
an agent which helps heal wounds and sores by external application.

Whorl:
a circle of leaves around a node.

Essential oils can be used to treat a wide range of common complaints, including those listed below. Special care must be taken regarding the use of oils which can cause irritation in concentration, and those oils which are known to be phototoxic, such as bergamot, lemon and orange. Before using a particular oil, the Safety Data information on the individual oils should be consulted.

Many of the conditions mentioned here could benefit from combining an aromatherapy approach with other forms of treatment, such as dietary measures, exercise, herbal medicines, osteopathy or counselling, among others.

The most useful and commonly available oils for a particular condition are shown in italics.

A guide to abbreviated terms of suggested application as outlined in the chapters ‘How to Use Essential Oils at Home’ and ‘Creative Blending’, is as follows:

M
: Massage
S
: Skin oil/lotion
C
: Compress

H
: Hair care
F
: Flower Water
B
: Bath

V
: Vaporization
I
: Inhalation (Steam)

D
: Douche
N
: Neat Apphcation

Acne (M,S,F,B,I,N):
Bergamot
, camphor (white), cananga, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian),
chamomile (German & Roman)
, clove bud, galbanum,
geranium
, grapefruit, helichrysum, juniper, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true), lemon
, lemongrass, lime, linaloe, litsea cubeba, mandarin, mint (peppermint & spearmint), myrtle, niaouli,
palmarosa
, patchouli, petitgrain,
rosemary
, rosewood, sage (clary & Spanish), sandalwood,
tea tree
, thyme, vetiver, violet, yarrow, ylang ylang.

Allergies (M,S,F,B,I):
Lemon balm, chamomile (German & Roman)
, helichrysum,
true lavender
, spikenard.

Athlete’s foot (S):
Clove bud, eucalyptus,
lavender (true & spike)
, lemon, lemongrass,
myrrh
, patchouli,
tea tree.

Baldness & hair care (S,H):
West Indian bay
, white birch, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian),
chamomile (German & Roman)
, grapefruit, juniper, patchouli,
rosemary
, sage (clary & Spanish),
yarrow
, ylang ylang.

Boils, abscesses & blisters (S,C,B):
Bergamot, chamomile (German & Roman)
, eucalyptus blue gum, galbanum, helichrysum, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, lemon, mastic, niaouli, clary sage,
tea tree
, thyme, turpentine.

Bruises (S,C):
Arnica
(cream), borneol, clove bud,
fennel
, geranium,
hyssop
, sweet marjoram,
lavender
, thyme.

Burns (C,N):
Canadian balsam, chamomile (German & Roman), clove bud, eucalyptus blue gum, geranium, helichrysum, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, marigold, niaouli, tea tree, yarrow.

Chapped & cracked skin (S,F,B):
Peru balsam,
Tolu balsam, benzoin, myrrh, patchouli
, sandalwood.

Chilblains (S,N):
Chamomile (German & Roman),
lemon
, lime,
sweet marjoram, black pepper.

Cold sores/herpes (S):
Bergamot, eucalyptus blue gum
, lemon,
tea tree.

Congested & dull skin (M,S,F,B,I):
Angelica
, white birch, sweet fennel,
geranium, grapefruit
, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, lemon, lime, mandarin, mint (peppermint & spearmint), myrtle, niaouli, orange (bitter & sweet), palmarosa, rose (cabbage & damask),
rosemary
, rosewood, ylang ylang.

Cuts/sores (S,C):
Canadian balsam, benzoin, borneol, cabreuva, cade,
chamomile (German & Roman)
, clove bud, elemi, eucalyptus (blue gum, lemon & peppermint), galbanum, geranium, helichrysum, hyssop, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, lemon, lime, linaloe,
marigold
, mastic, myrrh, niaouli, Scotch pine, Spanish sage, Levant styrax,
tea tree
, thyme, turpentine, vetiver,
yarrow.

Dandruff (S,H):
West Indian bay
, cade, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), eucalyptus,
spike lavender
, lemon, patchouli,
rosemary
, sage (clary & Spanish), tea tree.

Dermatitis (M,S,C,F,B):
White birch, cade, cananga, carrot seed, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian),
chamomile (German & Roman)
, geranium,
helichrysum
, hops, hyssop, juniper,
true lavender
, linaloe, litsea cubeba, mint (peppermint & spearmint),
palmarosa
, patchouli, rosemary, sage (clary
&
Spanish), thyme.

Dry & sensitive skin (M,S,F,B):
Peru balsam, Tolu balsam, cassie,
chamomile (German & Roman)
, frankincense,
jasmine
, lavandin, lavender (spike & true), rosewood,
sandalwood
, violet.

Eczema (M,S,F,B):
Lemon balm, Peru balsam, Tolu balsam,
bergamot
, white birch, cade, carrot seed, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian),
chamomile (German & Roman), geranium, helichrysum
, hyssop, juniper, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, marigold, myrrh,
patchouli, rose (cabbage & damask)
, rosemary, Spanish sage, thyme, violet, yarrow.

Excessive perspiration (S,B):
Citronella,
cypress
, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, petitgrain, Scotch pine, Spanish sage.

Greasy or oily skin/scalp (M,S,H,F,B):
West Indian bay,
bergamot
, cajeput, camphor (white), cananga, carrot seed, citronella,
cypress
, sweet fennel,
geranium
, jasmine, juniper,
lavender
, lemon, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, mandarin, marigold, mimosa, myrtle, niaouli, palmarosa, patchouli, petitgrain, rosemary, rosewood,
sandalwood
, clary sage,
tea tree
, thyme, vetiver, ylang ylang.

Haemorrhoids/piles (S,C,B):
Canadian balsam, Copaiba balsam, coriander, cubebs,
cypress
, geranium,
juniper, myrrh
, myrtle, parsley,
yarrow.

Insect bites (S,N):
Lemon balm
, French basil, bergamot, cajeput, cananga,
chamomile (German & Roman)
, cinnamon leaf, eucalyptus blue gum, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, lemon, marigold, niaouli,
tea tree
, thyme, ylang ylang.

Insect repellent (S,V):
Lemon balm, French basil, bergamot, borneol, camphor (white),
Virginian cedarwood, citronella
, clove bud, cypress, eucalyptus (blue gum & lemon), geranium,
lavender
, lemongrass, litsea cubeba, mastic, patchouli, rosemary, turpentine.

Irritated & inflamed skin (S,C,F,B):
Angelica, benzoin, camphor (white), Atlas cedarwood,
chamomile (German & Roman)
, elemi, helichrysum, hyssop,
jasmine
, lavandin,
true lavender, marigold, myrrh, patchouli, rose (cabbage & damask)
, clary sage, spikenard, tea tree, yarrow.

Lice (S,H):
Cinnamon leaf, eucalyptus blue gum, galbanum, geranium, lavandin,
spike lavender
, parsley, Scotch pine, rosemary, thyme, turpentine.

Mouth & gum infections/ulcers (S,C):
Bergamot, cinnamon leaf, cypress,
sweet fennel
, lemon, mastic,
myrrh
, orange (bitter & sweet), sage (clary & Spanish), thyme.

Psoriasis (M,S,F,B):
Angelica, bergamot
, white birch, carrot seed, chamomile (German & Roman),
true lavender.

Rashes (M,S,C,F,B):
Peru balsam,
Tolu balsam
, carrot seed,
chamomile (German & Roman)
, hops,
true lavender, marigold
, sandalwood, spikenard, tea tree, yarrow.

Ringworm (S,H):
Geranium,
spike lavender
, mastic, mint (peppermint & spearmint),
myrrh
, Levant styrax,
tea tree
, turpentine.

Scabies (S):
Tolu balsam, bergamot,
cinnamon leaf
, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, lemongrass, mastic,
mint (peppermint & spearmint)
, Scotch pine, rosemary, Levant styrax, thyme, turpentine.

Scars & stretch marks (M,S):
Cabreuva, elemi,
frankincense
, galbanum,
true lavender
, mandarin,
orange blossom
, palmarosa, patchouli, rosewood,
sandalwood
, spikenard, violet, yarrow.

Slack tissue (M,S,B):
Geranium,
grapefruit
, juniper, lemongrass, lime, mandarin,
sweet marjoram
, orange blossom,
black pepper
, petitgrain, rosemary, yarrow.

Spots (S,N):
Bergamot, cade, cajeput, camphor (white), eucalyptus (lemon), helichrysum, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true), lemon
, lime, litsea cubeba, mandarin, niaouli,
tea tree.

Ticks (S,N):
Sweet marjoram.

Toothache & teething pain (S,C,N):
Chamomile (German & Roman), clove bud
, mastic, mint (peppermint & spearmint),
myrrh.

Varicose veins (S,C):
Cypress
, lemon, lime, orange blossom,
yarrow.

Veruccae (S,N):
Tagetes, tea tree.

Warts & corns (S,N):
Cinnamon leaf,
lemon
, lime,
tagetes, tea tree.

Wounds (S,C,B):
Canadian balsam, Peru balsam, Tolu balsam, bergamot, cabreuva,
chamomile (German & Roman)
, clove bud, cypress, elemi,
eucalyptus (blue gum & lemon)
, frankincense, galbanum, geranium,
helichrysum, hyssop, juniper, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, linaloe, marigold, mastic,
myrrh
, niaouli, patchouli, rosewood, Levant styrax,
tea tree
, turpentine, vetiver,
yarrow.

Wrinkles & mature skin (M,S,F,B):
Carrot seed,
elemi
, sweet fennel,
frankincense, galbanum
, geranium, jasmine, labdanum, true lavender, mandarin, mimosa, myrrh,
orange blossom
, palmarosa, patchouli,
rose (cabbage & damask)
, rosewood, clary sage, sandalwood, spikenard, ylang ylang.

Accumulation of toxins (M,S,B):
Angelica, white birch, carrot seed
, celery seed, coriander, cumin,
sweet fennel, grapefruit, juniper
, lovage, parsley.

Aches and pains (M,C,B):
Ambrette, star anise, aniseed, French basil, West Indian bay, cajeput, calamintha, camphor (white),
chamomile (German & Roman), coriander, eucalyptus (blue gum & peppermint)
, silver fir, galbanum,
ginger
, helichrysum, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true)
, lemongrass,
sweet marjoram
, mastic, mint (peppermint & spearmint), niaouli, nutmeg,
black pepper
, pine (longleaf & Scotch),
rosemary
, sage (clary & Spanish), hemlock spruce, thyme, turmeric, turpentine, vetiver.

Arthritis (M,S,C,B):
Allspice, angelica,
benzoin
, white birch, cajeput, camphor (white), carrot seed, cedarwood (Atlas, Texas & Virginian), celery seed,
chamomile (German & Roman)
, clove bud, coriander,
eucalyptus (blue gum & peppermint)
, silver fir,
ginger
, guaiacwood, juniper, lemon,
sweet marjoram
, mastic, myrrh, nutmeg, parsley,
black pepper
, pine (longleaf & Scotch),
rosemary
, Spanish sage, thyme, tumeric, turpentine, vetiver, yarrow.

Cellulitis (M,S,B):
White birch
, cypress,
sweet fennel, geranium, grapefruit, juniper
, lemon, parsley, rosemary, thyme.

Debility/poor muscle tone (M,S,B):
Allspice, ambrette, borneol, ginger,
grapefruit, sweet marjoram, black pepper
, pine (longleaf & Scotch),
rosemary
, Spanish sage.

Gout (M,S,B):
Angelica
, French basil,
benzoin, carrot seed
, celery seed, coriander, guaiacwood,
juniper
, lovage, mastic, pine (longleaf & Scotch),
rosemary
, thyme, turpentine.

High blood pressure & hypertension (M,B,V):
Lemon balm, cananga,
garlic, true lavender
, lemon,
sweet marjoram
, clary sage,
yarrow, ylang ylang.

Muscular cramp
&
stiffness (M,C,B):
Allspice
, ambrette, coriander, cypress, grapefruit, jasmine, lavandin,
lavender (spike & true), sweet marjoram, black pepper
, pine (longleaf
&
Scotch),
rosemary
, thyme, vetiver.

Obesity (M,B):
White birch, sweet fennel
, juniper, lemon, mandarin, orange (bitter & sweet).

Oedema & water retention (M,B):
Angelica, white birch, carrot seed
, cypress,
sweet fennel
, geranium,
grapefruit
, juniper,
lovage
, mandarin, orange (bitter
&c
sweet), rosemary, Spanish sage.

Palpitations (M):
Orange (bitter & sweet), orange blossom, rose (cabbage & damask),
ylang ylang.

Poor circulation & low blood pressure (M,B):
Ambrette, Peru balsam, West Indian bay, benzoin, white birch, borneol, cinnamon leaf,
coriander
, cumin, cypress,
eucalyptus blue gum
, galbanum, geranium,
ginger
, lemon, lemongrass, lovage, niaouli, nutmeg, orange blossom,
black pepper
, pine (longleaf & Scotch), rose (cabbage & damask),
rosemary, Spanish sage
, hemlock spruce, thyme, violet.