The Guide to Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends
Formulae B
Stress Relieving Blends
The below blends can help during times of stress. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety
precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical
treatment.
Blend #1
* 3 drops Clary Sage
* 1 drop Lemon
* 1 drop Lavender
Blend #2
* 2 drops Roman Chamomile
* 2 drops Lavender
* 1 drop Vetiver
Blend #3
* 3 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Geranium
* 1 drop Frankincense
Blend #4
* 3 drops Grapefruit
* 1 drop Jasmine
* 1 drop Ylang Ylang
Blends to Ease the Winter Blues
Lack of greenery, gray skies, a snow-covered world, reduced activity and the cold temperatures of winter
can all lead to what is known as the "Winter Blues." The Winter Blues involve feelings of sadness,
depression and loss of energy. The below blends can help ease the symptoms of the winter blues. Citrus
oils are emphasized because they are energizing and uplifting oils. Orange, lemon and grapefruit oils are
inexpensive (especially orange) and are also favored by many people, so your whole household may enjoy
the aroma. When selecting and using oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that
aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.
Blend #1
* 3 drops Orange
* 2 drops Grapefruit
Blend #2
* 4 drops Orange
* 1 drop Ylang Ylang
Blend #3
* 3 drops Orange
* 2 drops Ginger
Blend #4
* 3 drops Grapefruit
* 2 drops Cypress
Blend #5
* 3 drops Bergamot
* 2 drops Clary Sage
Blend #6
* 3 drops Bergamot
* 1 drop Neroli
* 1 drop Jasmine
Arthritic Joints Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
* 2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond
* 20 drops Roman Chamomile
* 5 drops Black Pepper
Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Gently
massage into arthritic joints using a small amount of oil.
Balm for Cuts and Scrapes
Ingredients:
* 3 ounces vegetable carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or infused oil such as calendula (infused oil
of calendula can supply added therapeutic benefit).
* 1 ounce grated beeswax (Many herbal stores and health food stores sell pure beeswax.)
* 40 drops lavender oil
* 40 drops tea tree oil
* 4 ounce wide-mouth jar
Directions: Place the beeswax in a microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave using a reduced
power setting if you have one. You can also melt the beeswax in a pan on the stove using a low heat
setting. Beeswax is hard to remove from pans, so please keep that in mind. In a separate pan, slowly and
gently heat your carrier or infused oil. Pour the warm carrier or infused oil into a bowl, add the melted
beeswax and then stir very well. Add the lavender and tea tree essential oils and again stir well. Close the
jar and wait until the ointment has cooled before using. Remember that all bowl, pans and utilensils that
you use will be hard to clean afterwards.
Boo Boo Juice Recipe
Introduction:
Sometimes our little ones get a boo boo, and the fear from their injury is far greater than the boo boo itself.
For these times when your little precious one is crying hard but the boo boo is minor, have him/her help you
make this easy recipe. It gets them involved in learning first aid, helps take their mind off the boo boo, and
the lavender blend helps calm them and kill a few germs. Note: This recipe isn't intended for serious
cuts/scrapes or injuries.
Ingredients:
* 1 Cotton Ball
* Witch Hazel - enough to saturate the cotton ball
* 1-2 drops Lavender
Directions: Depending on the age and abilities of your little one, have him/her help you by saturating a
cotton ball with witch hazel. Then, apply one drop of lavender to the saturated cotton ball. Have your little
one smell the "boo boo juice." Since lavender helps bring calm, the aroma can be soothing. Then, apply the
boo boo juice to the minor cut/scrape or allow your little one to take charge and do it. Apply a band aid if
necessary.
Alternative Method: If you prefer, you can create a pre-blended bottle of boo-boo juice to have ready
for those minor cuts and scrapes. Add 1 ounce of witch hazel to a clean glass bottle. Then, add 5-6 drops
of lavender. Be sure to shake well prior to each use. I prefered to use the directions above when my
daughter got little cuts and scrapes, as the process of "making" the boo boo juice really helped take her
mind off of her injury.
Aromatherapy Blend for Bruises
Ingredients:
* 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond oil
* 8 drops Helichrysum
Directions: Mix the Helichrysum into the carrier oil well. Apply lightly to bruises 1-2 times a day.
Insomnia Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
* 10 drops Roman Chamomile
* 5 drops Clary Sage
* 5 drops Bergamot
Directions: Blend the oils well in a clean dark-colored glass bottle. Add 1-2 drops to a tissue and place
inside your pillow to aid you in falling asleep.
If you prefer to make a diffuser blend that you enjoy during the hour before bedtime, make a blend with a
ratio of 2 drops Roman Chamomile to 1 drop Clary Sage to 1 drop Bergamot and add to your diffuser.
Lavender can also help provide relaxation and drowsiness, but using more than 1-2 drops can have the
opposite effect.
Menstrual Cramps Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
* 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond
* 15 drops Peppermint
* 10 drops Cypress
* 5 drops Lavender
Directions: Mix oils well in a clean, dark-colored glass container. Gently message a small amount into the
abdominal area
Massage Oil Blend
Ingredients:
* 8-10 drops of your choice of essential oil or you own blend of essential oils (be sure they are EOs
that do not provide skin sensitization)
* 1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond
Directions: Blend the oils together and store in an amber or cobalt glass bottle. Apply during massage,
being careful to avoid sensitive areas.
.
Stuffy Nose Aromatherapy Blend
Ingredients:
* 15 drops Eucalyptus
* 13 drops Pine
* 2 drops Peppermint
Directions: Blend the oils together in a clean dark-colored glass container, preferably one with an orifice
reducer (a built-in dropper insert). Apply 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and inhale occassionally to help clear a
stuffy nose.
Acne Blend
Ingredients:
* 1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
* 10 drops lavender essential oil
* 7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
* 2 drops bergamot essential oil*
* 1 drops geranium essential oil
or without bergamot:
* 1 ounce light cold-pressed vegetable carrier oil (such as apricot kernel).
* 12 drops lavender essential oil
* 7 drops tea tree or New Zealand tea tree (Manuka) essential oil
* 1 drops geranium essential oil
Special Precaution: *Avoid exposure to the sun for at least 12 hours after applying this oil since
bergamot is a phototoxic oil. There is a special version of bergamot that you can get called "bergaptene
free" that eliminates the phototoxic properties of the oil.
Directions: Pour the selected carrier oil into a very clean bottle (amber glass is best) and then add the
essential oils and tightly close the bottle. Roll the bottle to gently mix the oils for a minute or two. Apply a
small amount to the face, neck or back, but be certain to avoid the eyes, lips, nostrils and inside the ears.
Gentle roll the bottle before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed.
Bath Oil
Ingredients:
* 2 ounces carrier oil such as sweet almond
* 20 drops lavender or 15-20 drops of your own blend of essential oils (be sure they are EOs that
do not provide skin sensitization)
Directions: Blend the oils together and store in an amber or cobalt glass bottle. Do not use all 2 ounces
of bath oil in one bath. After you have drawn your bathwater, add about 1/4 ounce (7-8ml) of the bath
oil blend to your bath water. If you intend to use this bath oil with children, ensure that the oils that you
have selected are safe for administration to children and use a smaller amount of the blend in the child's
bathwater.
Mix well to ensure that the blend has dispersed well in the tub and hop on in. It's best to add the bath oil
just before getting in the tub instead of while the water is running so that the oils don't evaporate before you
get into the tub. Using this bath oil blend is safer than adding pure EOs directly to the bath water. This is
because the EOs can settle in one spot on your skin and cause irritation.
Bath Salt Recipes
Ingredients:
* 1 cup Dead Sea salt, regular sea salt or Epsom salt, or a blend of two or three of these salts.
* 5-8 drops of your selected essential oil or essential oil blend. Be sure and take heed in the safety
data for the oil(s) you choose to use.
Directions: Place the salt mixture into a bowl. Add 5-8 drops of your chosen essential oils. Mix very well
with a fork. Add the mixture to a pretty jar or container that has a tight fitting lid. After a day, you may
wish to mix well again to ensure that the oils have blended very well. Do not use the entire cup of salt in
one bath. After you have drawn your bathwater, add about 1/4 cup (about 2 ounces) of the bath salt to
your bath water.
Mix well to ensure that the salt has dispersed well in the tub and hop on in. It's best to add the bath salts
just before getting in the tub instead of while the water is running so that the essential oils don't evaporate
before you get into the tub. Using this bath salt blend is safer than adding pure EOs directly to the bath
water and adds minerals and other beneficial properties of the salts.
Dry Hand Lotion
Ingredients:
* 8 oz. unscented lotion (many sellers of natural products and aromatherapy products sell unscented
lotion, shower gel and shampoo)
* 10 drops Patchouli
* 20 drops Sandalwood
* 5 drops Carrot Seed
Directions: The best way to blend the oils with the lotion is to pour the lotion into a bowl, add the oils and
then mix very well. Once mixed, add the lotion back to the bottle. Patchouli, sandalwood and carrot seed
oils help aid with dry skin. The patchouli and sandalwood oils have a lovely rich scent when blended
together. The carrot seed oil is wonderful for the skin, but is a little harsh in aroma. Borage and Evening
Primrose are wonderful carrier oils for helping the skin. If you have either of these oils or can afford to get a
small quantity, add a little to your lotion for to give your skin even more nourishment. It is always wise to
do a skin patch test first on new blends first before using often to ensure that you do not have a sensitivity
to the blend.
Facial Toner
Ingredients:
* 1 oz. vodka
* 3 oz. witch hazel
* 10 drops Grapefruit
* 5 drops Tea Tree
* 5 drops Cypress
Directions: Add all ingredients to a 4 oz. bottle and shake to mix all ingredients. Be careful when adding
the essential oils. The first time you make this recipe, add only 10 drops at a time and test on a small area
of your skin to insure no reaction before adding more oils to reach your desired strength. Shake the toner
well before each use to disperse the oils.
Hair Conditioner
Ingredients:
* 1 tablespoon Jojoba carrier oil
* 3 drops Rosemary
Directions: Mix the Jojoba and Rosemary in a small bowl (tiny condiment bowls work great for this). Wet
your hair with warm water and then apply the conditioner. Let it sit on your hair for 15-30 minutes. Then,
wash your hair as normal. Jojoba and rosemary are helpful for dry hair. The rosemary is also said to be
helpful in aiding dandruff.
Mouthwash
Ingredients:
* 4 oz. Water
* 4 oz. Vodka (vodka may be substituted for water or a pure rosemary tea infusion)
* 4 teaspoons Liquid Glycerine (available at many drug stores) - optional and simply sweetens the
mouthwash
* 10-12 drops Peppermint or Spearmint Essential Oil
* 5 drops Myrrh (optional - Myrrh can assist in mouth and gum care)
Notes: This recipe makes a rather minty mouthwash but as it contains no added flavorings, it is not as
sweet or strong as commercially available mouthwashes.
Directions: Boil the water and vodka then add the glycerine. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10
minutes. Add the essential oils and let cool for 1/2 hour and bottle. I like to bottle the mouthwash in a clear
plastic bottle that has a flip top to make it easy to pour the mouthwash into a small dixie cup for use.
Scented Hair
Ingredients:
* 2 drops of Rosemary, Lavender or Sandalwood
Directions: Apply 2 drops of your chosen essential oil to the bristles of your hairbrush and brush your hair
well. The oils will leave your hair with a wonderful aroma.
Shampoo
Ingredients:
* 7 oz. of unscented shampoo (many sellers of natural products and aromatherapy products sell
unscented shampoo, shower gel and lotion)
* 1 tablespoon jojoba (optional, but can supply the hair with added nutrition)
* 20 drops Patchouli
* 20 drops Sandalwood
* 5 drops Ylang Ylang
Directions: Add the essential oils to the bottle of unscented shampoo (you may wish to either use the
unscented shampoo once to make more room in the bottle for the oils or discard a little bit) and mix
extremely well. You do not want to have pockets in the shampoo where the oils collect as the
concentration of essential oils could cause scalp irritation and also because your shampoo will not be
fragranced thoroughly. Use as you would your normal shampoo.
Shoe Deodorizer
Ingredients:
* 4 tablespoons cornstarch
* 4 tablespoons baking soda
* 20 drops Tea Tree
* 10 drops Lemon
* 10 drops Lavender
Instructions for Use: Sprinkle the deodorizer lightly into shoes in the evenings or at times when the shoes
will not be worn for a few hours. You will not see a "cure" for smelly shoes the first time you use the
deodorizer. The magic occurs after regular uses.
Perfume
Ingredients:
* 25 drops Sandalwood
* 3 drops of either Rose, Jasmine or Neroli
* 1 tablespoon of Jojoba carrier oil
Directions: Blend all oils together well and store in an airtight dark-colored glass container. Dab a drop
onto your pulse points. Please note that this blend has a heavy concentration of essential oils and is meant
to be used sparingly. As with any new oils and blends that you use, do a skin patch test prior to using
regularily.
Carpet Deodorizer
Ingredients:
* 10 drops Tea Tree
* 10 drops Lemon
* 20 drops Lavender
* 1 16 ounce box of baking soda
Directions: Add the baking soda to a large bowl and then add the essential oils. Be sure to mix the oils
into the baking soda well. Since lemon essential oil is normally yellow, it is essential that it is mixed well into
the baking soda so that no undiluted lemon oil stains your carpet. This blend may be adapted to use your
favorite essential oils, but strive to add essential oils that offer antibacterial and disinfectant properties to
give the deodorizer an added benefit (the oils in this blend work to accomplish that). After you have
blended the oils into the baking soda, the deodorizer can be stored in a glass jar or airtight container.
Instructions for Use: Sprinkle the deodorizer onto your carpet (use of a discarded but clean large spice
container that has holes for "shaking" out the spice works well for this). Allow the deodorizer to work its
magic for 10-20 minutes and then vacuum normally.
Potpourri
Blend #1
An exotic, citrus blend:
* 3 drop Jasmine
* 9 drops Sandalwood
* 12 drops Bergamot
* 6 drops Grapefruit
* 5 drops Oakmoss
Blend #2
A citrus blend with a lovely floral hint:
* 12 drops Bergamot
* 5 drops Lemon
* 8 drops Grapefruit
* 4 drops Ylang Ylang
* 6 drops Cedarwood
Blend #3
A wonderful Christmastime blend:
* 8 drops Fir Needle
* 8 drops Spruce
* 7 drops Cedarwood
* 7 drops Juniper
Blend #4
A warming spicy blend:
* 11 drops Orange
* 6 drops Ginger
* 8 drops Cinnamon
* 1 drop Nutmeg
* 4 drops Frankincense
Introduction: Unscented plant materials such as whole flowers, petals, leaves, pine cones, and wood
chips can usually be purchased from stores and online vendors that sell an array of herbal or craft items. It's
even more fun to dry your own flowers, petals, leaves and pine cones to make your own very special
potpourri.
Drying Your Own Flowers and Other Materials: The best way that I have found to dry your own
flowers and plant material is to use a dehydrator. This not only speeds up the drying process, but the
natural fragrance of the flowers and plant material is often retained. It also helps preserve the shape of the
flowers and drastically reduces the likelihood of mold/rot occurring with your items as you dry them. The
best type of dehydrator for making potpourri is one that has a fan and a temperature control. But any
cheap dehydrator should work (I've seen cheap introductory ones for $20 US in some stores).
An easy way to find fresh flowers and other items suitable for drying is to check your own flower garden or
back yard. Ask your local florist if they'll save flowers with broken stems and other items that they can't sell
but will sell to you inexpensively. Roses with missing petals are great for potpourri because you can pluck
all the remaining petals, dry them and turn them into potpourri. To dry potpourri in a dehydrator, trim and
clean (as appropriate for the items you are drying) your flowers, petals, etc. and place them in the
dehydrator. Don't let the items touch each other. The type of material that you are drying, the air humidity
and your brand of dehydrator will all contribute to the length of time it will take to dry your potpourri
materials. Dry the material until it is thoroughly dry, otherwise mold can occur. Flowers and petals should
feel crisp. It is best to allow your items to cool before determining whether they are done. Be sure to follow
all safety and usage instructions for the model of dehydrator that you use.
Making the Potpourri Essential Oil Blend: Choose one of the above blends and add your oils to a
dark colored glass bottle and mix well by rolling the bottle in between your hands. By making a small
quantity of your chosen blend, you can later "refresh" your potpourri later by adding more drops of your
blend. You of course can also experiment with your own blends of oils or browse through AromaWeb's
Recipe Box to explore other blends. It is suggested that your blends include essential oils or absolutes that
are considered "fixatives." Fixatives are oils or materials that increase the "staying power" of the aroma.
Oils that have fixative properties include Benzoin, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Oakmoss Absolute,
Patchouli, Peru Balsam, Sandalwood and Vetiver.
Scenting Your Potpourri: Mix your desired assortment of flowers, petals, leaves, wood chips, etc.
Choose a bowl that you would like to display your potpourri in and place your potpourri into this bowl.
Choosing glass or glazed ceramic bowls work best as the essential oils can absorb into porous surfaces.
Using a pipette, dropper or the orifice reducer that may be built into your blending bottle, sprinkle 5-8
drops of your blend onto your potpourri. Based on the strength of the chosen blend and the amount of your
potpourri materials, you may need to adjust the number of drops that you use. When the aroma weakens,
add more drops of the blend to refreshen the aroma.
Vanilla Room Spray
This is a wonderful method of creating an affordable, sensuous vanilla room spray. This recipe calls for
making your own vanilla extract. You can use your homemade extract in food recipes as well!
Vanilla Extract
* 8 oz. clean, dark glass bottle and cap
* 7-8 ounces of vodka (inexpensive varieties do work well)
* 2-3 fresh, high-quality 6" vanilla beans. They should be dark, and the bean should have consistent
coloring on the entire bean.
* Muslin (available at fabric stores) for straining
Vanilla Extract Directions: Carefully cut the vanilla beans lengthwise. Then, cut them into small pieces,
about 1/4" - 1/2" in length (about 2 cm). Put all the vanilla pieces into the bottle. Then pour the vodka into
the bottle leaving enough room to shake the bottle well. Cap well. Allow the extract to sit in a dark area for
30 days, shaking the mixture daily. After 30 days, carefully strain the extract through the muslin fabric to
remove all vanilla bean pieces and particles. You may need to strain the extract several times. Rebottle into
a clean bottle.
Vanilla Room Spray
* 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained
cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
* 1.5 ounces of distilled water
* 1.5 ounces of vanilla extract
* Up to 10 drops of your favorite essential oils if you would like to add to the vanilla aroma.
Be sure and take heed in the safety data for the oil(s) you choose to use since an air freshener, by its
nature, will come in contact with all those in your household.
Directions: Fill the spray bottle with 1.5 ounces of vanilla extract and 1.5 ounces of distilled water. (Even
though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between
uses.) Then, add up to 10 drops of your essential oils if desired. Shake the bottle prior to each use, and let
it sit for about a day before making a conclusion that the aroma is too weak; the aroma can change after
the air freshener has had time to sit. Mist lightly in the room. Be especially careful not to allow the air
freshener mist fall onto furniture or into open beverages.
Christmas Tree Diffuser Blend
The smell of fresh cut Christmas trees is an aroma that brings happiness and fondness of Christmas to
many. This blend is wonderful to enhance that aroma. Enjoy it in rooms that don't have a fresh tree.
The below directions are for creating a diffuser blend, but it can also be used to help revive the aroma of
fresh trees, wreaths and garlands. Simply sprinkle on a few drops, paying attention not to let the blend
come into contact with furniture, Christmas lights or electrical cords. It is lovely in potpourri. It is also a
wonderful blend to use for the Scented Greeting Card & Tissue Paper recipe.
Ingredients:
* 5 drops Fir Needle Oil
* 5 drops Spruce Oil
* 5 drops Cedarwood Oil (optional - to lighten the aroma a bit)
* 5 drops Juniper Oil (optional)
Directions: Add your oils to a 2 ml dark colored glass bottle and mix well by rollling the bottle in between
your hands. If you would like to make a larger quantity, multiply the recipe above and add to a larger
bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your diffuser by following the
manufacturer's instructions.
Sugar and Spice Blend
The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and orange blend to make a sweet, spicy aroma perfect for
Thanksgiving and Christmas. The below directions are for creating a diffuser blend, but it is also lovely to
use with potpourri. It is also a wonderful blend to use for the Scented Greeting Card & Tissue Paper
recipe.
Ingredients:
* 10 drops Orange
* 5 drops Ginger
* 8 drops Cinnamon
* 1 drop Nutmeg
Directions: Add your oils to a 2 ml dark colored glass bottle and mix well by rollling the bottle in between
your hands. If you would like to make a larger quantity, multiply the recipe above and add to a larger
bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your diffuser by following the
manufacturer's instructions.
Frankincense and Myrrh
Holiday Blend
The blend of Frankincense and Myrrh have a warm, rich, spicey aroma. The below directions are for
creating a diffuser blend, but it is also lovely to use with potpourri. It is also a wonderful blend to use for the
Scented Greeting Card & Tissue Paper recipe.
Ingredients:
* 5 drops Frankincense
* 5 drops Myrrh
* 5 drops Cedarwood Oil (optional - to lighten the aroma a bit)
* 5-10 drops Orange (optional - to add a sweet, fruity aroma to the blend)
Directions: Add your oils to a 2 ml dark colored glass bottle and mix well by rollling the bottle in between
your hands. If you would like to make a larger quantity, multiply the recipe above and add to a larger
bottle. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your diffuser by following the
manufacturer's instructions.
Scented Greeting Cards & Tissue Paper
Scenting your wrapping paper and greeting cards adds a wonderful touch to the holidays or any gift-giving
occassion.
Directions: Allow an extra day before writing out your greeting card(s) or wrapping presents. Choose a
blend such as the Christmas Tree blend, Frankincense & Myrrh Blend, Sugar & Spice blend, your own
creation, or a single essential oil. Put a few drops of the blend onto a cotton ball. Put up to 15 cards and
the cotton ball in a large ziplock bag, close and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Take care not to let the oil
come in direct contact with cards or envelopes as the fresh oil could stain them. For boxes of cards, you
may also have enough room to just put the cotton ball right in with the box.
For tissue paper, follow the same procedure, but place the cotton ball into the plastic package of tissue
paper. Be careful not to let the oil come into contact with the paper. Close the bag up so the aroma can
properly scent the tissue.
Refrain from giving a scented card or scented tissue-wrapped gift to anyone who has allergies or
sensitivities that may be affected by the oils.
A Glossary of terms
ABORTIFACIENT: Induces childbirth or premature labour.
AEROPHAGY. An excess of air in the alimentary canal that is relieved through
burping or flatulence.
ALTERATIVE: Gradually improves the nutritional state of the body.
ANALGESIC: Relieves or reduces pain.
ANAPHRODISIAC: Reduces sexual desire.
ANESTHETIC: Numbs the nerves and causes a loss of sensation.
ANTHELMINTIC: Expels or kills intestinal worms.
ANTIBACTERIAL: Kills bacteria.
ANTIDEPRESSANT: Reduces or prevents depression.
ANTIDIARRHOEIC: Relieves diarrhea.
ANTIDOTE: Counteracts a poison.
ANTIEMETIC: Counteracts nausea and stops vomiting.
ANTIFUNGAL: Kills fungal infections.
ANTIGALACTAGOGUE: Reduces the production of milk secretion of nursing
mothers.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Reduces inflammation.
ANTILITHIC: Prevents formation of stones or calculus.
ANTINEURALGIC: Stops nerve pain.
ANTIPHLOGISTIC: Counteracts, reduces, or prevents inflammation.
ANTIPRURITIC: Relieves or prevents itching.
ANTIPUTRID: Stops putrefaction.
ANTISCLEROTIC: Removes deposits from circulatory vessels.
ANTISCORBUTIC: Preventative for scurvy.
ANTISEPTIC: Inhibits the growth of and kills bacteria.
ANTISPASMODIC: Relieves or prevents spasms, cramps, and convulsions.
ANTISUDORIFIC: Reduces perspiration.
ANTITOXIC: Counteracts poisons.
ANTITUSSIVE: Relieves coughs.
ANTIVIRAL: Weakens or kills viruses.
APERIENT: A gentle purgative of the bowels.
APERITIF: Appitite stimulantl.
APHRODISIAC: Arouses sexual desires.
BALSAMIC: Softens phlegm.
BRONCHODILATOR: Expands the spastic bronchial tube.
CALMATIVE: Mild sedative or tranquilizer.
CARDIAC: Stimulates or affects the heart.
CARDIOTONIC: Tones the heart muscle.
CARMINATIVE: Expels gas from the intestines.
CEPHALIC: Problems relating to the head.
CHOLAGOGUE: Increases the flow of bile.
CHOLERETIC: Stimulates the production of bile.
CICATRIZANT: Helps the formation of scar tissue; healing.
COAGULANT: Clots the blood.
CYTOPHYLACTIC: Protects the cells of the organism.
DECONGESTANT: Relieves congestion.
DEMULCENT: Soothes irritated tissue, particularly mucous membranes.
DEPURATIVE: Cleanses and purifies the blood and internal organs.
DETERSIVE: Detergent. Cleanses wounds and sores, and promotes the formation
of scar tissue.
DIAPHORETIC: Causes perspiration.
DISINFECTANT: Kills infections and disease producing microorganisms.
DIURETIC: Increases the secretion and elimination of urine.
EMETIC: Induces vomiting.
EMMENAGOGUE: Promotes and regulates menstruation.
EMOLLIENT: Softens the skin, and soothes inflamed and irritated tissues.
ESTROGENIC: Similar to estrogen.
EUPHORIANT: Brings on an exaggerated sense of physical and emotional well-
being.
EXPECTORANT: Promotes the discharge of mucous from the lungs and bronchial
tubes.
FEBRIFUGE: Reduces or prevents fevers.
FIXATIVE: Holds the scent of a fragrance.
GALACTAGOGUE: Promotes or increases the secretion of milk in nursing
mothers.
GERMICIDE: Kills germs.
HALLUCINOGEN: Induces hallucinations-an imagined or false sense of
perception.
HEMOSTATIC: Stops hemorrhaging.
HEPATIC: That which acts on the liver.
HYPERTENSOR: Raises the blood pressure.
HYPNOTIC: Induces sleep.
HYPOTENSOR: Lowers the blood pressure.
INSECTICIDE: Kills insects.
LARVICIDE: Kills the larvae of insects.
LAXATIVE: Promotes the elimination from the bowels; a mild purgative.
NERVINE: Calming and soothing to the nervous system.
PARASITICIDE: Kills parasites.
PECTORAL: Affecting the respiratory system.
PURGATIVE: Promotes vigorous elimination from the bowels.
REGENERATOR: Promotes new growth or repair of structures or tissues.
REJUVENATOR: Assists in promoting a youthful appearance.
RELAXANT: Lessens or reduces tension, and produces relaxation.
RESOLVENT: Reduces swellings.
RESTORATIVE: Restores consciousness and/or normal physiological activity.
RUBEFACIENT: A local irritant that reddens the skin.
SEDATIVE: Calms anxiety and promotes drowsiness.
STIMULANT: Excites or quickens an activity in the body.
STOMACHIC: Strengthens, stimulates, and tones the stomach.
SUDORIFIC: Promotes or increases perspiration.
TONIC: Strengthens and revitalises the body or specific organs.
TRANQUILIZER: Calms the nerves.
VASOCONSTRICTOR: Constricts the blood vessels.
VASODILATOR: Dilates the blood vessels.
VERMIFUGE: Expels intestinal worms.
VULNERARY. Assists healing of wounds and sores by external application.