Learning anything new means learning the “jargon” or “lingo.” It is important to know what these terms mean when you run across them in your studies. To fully understand how essential oils can contribute to your overall wellness it is important to learn the basics. The terms are also important for your safety. You need to know how to spot an oil that has been altered or is not what it claims to be. You also need to know the correct way to use essential oils. They are small bottles, but they are plant oil powerhouses.
Below you will find some terms that relate directly to aromatherapy. They are referred to often in educational literature and on websites that sell essential oils. This is a very basic list. Always look up the definition of a term if it is not familiar.
Essential oils – plant essences that are found in plant cells. They become essential oils once the plant material has been distilled. These aromatic essences are believed to attract pollinators and defend the plant against predators.
Adulterated – the addition of a natural or synthetic substance found in an essential oil. This is reported in a GC/MS report.
Carrier Oil – An oil that is used as a base to dilute the essential oils to a safe dilution for topical application.
Cold Pressed – Another method of extraction. Citrus oils are good examples of oils that have been released using this process. The fruit is put into a machine that punctures the outside skin or rind. While this happens the container spins sending the expressed oils out and into a collection vat.
Diffuse – A way to dispense oils into the air. Diffusion can be done using clay, candles, or an electric diffuser.
Dilute – adding the essential oil to a carrier oil.
Distillation – The process used to extract the essential oils from the plants. The most common method is by using steam.
GC/MS Report – A Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry report is the analysis of the chemical makeup of an essential oil. The results of this test are important in determining which constituents are contained in the oil. The results will also uncover whether the oil has been adulterated with other substances.
Hydrosol – The water that remains after the essential oil separates during the distillation process.
Neat – Applying essential oil to the skin, undiluted.
Note – It is the system used to describe the scent of an essential oil. There are top, middle, and base notes, or a combination of two of the three. Ex. top/middle
Oxidation – Deterioration of an essential oil when it is repeatedly exposed to light and oxygen.
Phototoxic – An oil that can cause damage to the skin when exposed to the sun.
This section contains terminology that pertains directly to the actions and characteristics of an essential oil. The chemical makeup or constituents of the plant determine what will be found in the essential oil. The chemical makeup of an oil determines which actions it performs.
These constituents differ in amounts for each oil and can even differ from batch to batch. This is why it is important to know the details of the oils that you use. Reputable companies will gladly offer you a copy of the GCMS report for each oil that you purchase. Many have the reports listed directly on their website.
Most of the following terms will be familiar to you. We use many of these terms daily, but seldom with plants and their aromatic oils.
Analgesic – Reduces Pain
Astringent – Drying, firms, and tones tissues.
Antibacterial – Attacks bacteria
Anti-inflammatory – Reduces inflammation.
Antiseptic – Cleans and fights germs and bacteria.
Antiviral- Attacks viruses
Carminative – Aids in digestion. Helps relieve intestinal gas, bloating, and pain
Cicatrisant – Promotes regeneration of skin tissue.
Decongestant – Reduces nasal mucous and stuffiness
Diaphoretic – Causes an increase in heat to produce sweating
Emetic – Causes vomiting
Emollient – Skin protecting
Expectorant – Helps clear the lungs and bronchial passages of excess phlegm
Hypertensive – Raises blood pressure.
Hypotensive – Reduces blood pressure.
Immune Stimulant – Stimulates the immune system to fight off foreign substances that cause infection.
Nervine– Works to either relax or stimulate the nervous system.
Sedative – Calming. May cause drowsiness.
Stimulant – To excite or promote action.
Tonic – Something that is used or taken regularly to restore balance.
Vasodilator – Helps dilate blood vessels.
Remember these are only a sampling of the terms you will see when you start your essential oil education. As your knowledge expands, so will your vocabulary.
Happy Learning
References
Scented By Nature 
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