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Aromatherapy: Glossary of Terms
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Absolute:
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an oil obtained by means of solvent extraction. Delicate flowers such as Jasmine yield very little oil in the normal steam distillation process, making the cost prohibitive. Instead, the oil is extracted using a refrigerant gas. The solvent is removed at the end of the process, leaving just the pure oil
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Analgesic:
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relieves pain
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Anaphrodisiac:
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reduces sexual desire
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Anodyne:
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relieves pain and distress
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Antacid:
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balances the stomach's acidity
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Anthelmintic:
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expels worms from the intestines
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Anti-allergenic:
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reduces allergy symptoms
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Antibiotic:
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combats bacterial infections
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Anticoagulant:
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inhibits the clotting of blood
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Anticonvulsive:
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controls convulsions
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Antidepressant:
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emotionally uplifting
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Anti-emetic:
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reduces vomiting
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Antigalactagogue:
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impedes the flow of breast milk
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Antihaemorrhagic:
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combats heavy bleeding
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Anti-inflammatory:
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reduces inflammation
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Antioxidant:
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slows down the process of oxidation
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Antipruritic:
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relieves itching
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Antipyretic:
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lowers the body temperature, thus reducing fever
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Antirheumatic:
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relieves rheumatic symptoms
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Antiseptic:
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fights infection and prevents tissue damage
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Antispasmodic: |
controls spasms and convulsions
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Antitoxic:
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neutralises poisons
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Antitussive:
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relieves coughing
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Aperient:
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mildly laxative
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Aperitif:
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improves appetite
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Aphrodisiac:
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increases sexual desire
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Astringent:
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tones and tightens tissues
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Calmative:
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calming or sedative
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Carminative:
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relieves flatulence
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Concrete:
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an aromatic concentrate, solid or semi-solid viscous substance obtained from plant matter
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Cordial:
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tonic, stimulant
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Decongestant:
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relieves congestion
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Digestive:
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aids digestion
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Diuretic:
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increases the flow of urine
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Emetic:
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induces vomiting
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Emmenagogue:
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encourages menstruation
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Emollient:
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softens and soothes the skin
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Euphoric:
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increases feelings of wellbeing
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Expectorant:
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expels mucus from the bronchial passages
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Galactagogue:
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improves the flow of breast milk
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Hypertensive:
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increases blood pressure
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Hypnotic:
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sleep-inducing
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Hypotensive:
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lowers blood pressure
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Narcotic:
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induces a state of sedation
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Nervine:
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combats nervous disorders
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Pectoral:
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pertaining to diseases of the chest and lungs
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Phototoxic:
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causes skin sensitivity to sunlight
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Purgative:
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evacuates the bowels
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Relaxant:
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relieves stress and anxiety
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Restorative:
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improves general health and wellbeing
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Rubefacient:
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improves blood flow and warms the body
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Sedative:
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soothes and calms both mind and body
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Soporific:
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sleep-inducing
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Stimulant:
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increases secretion of adrenalin
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Stomachic:
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relieves gastric problems
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Styptic:
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stops bleeding
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Tonic:
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improves general bodily health
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