Essential Oils Descriptive Terms (Cathartic – Cytotoxic)

Glossary of Descriptive Terms – Essential Oils Properties, Actions & Effects

Cathartic – a purgative

Cephalic – relating to the head

Cerebral – pertaining to the largest part of the brain

Chemotype – plants of the same genus which appear externally identical but having a variation in their chemical constituents, often due to climatic, altitude, or soil conditions

Chlorosis – rare form of anemia

Chologugue – stimulates secretion of and flow bile

Cholecystokinetic – agent that stimulates the contraction of the gall bladder

Choleretic – aids excretion of bile by the liver, so there is a greater flow of bile

Cholesterol – a naturally occurring steroid alcohol. Excess can lead to gallstones

Cicatrizant – wound healing agent, aids formation scar tissue for burns, cuts, scars

Cirrhosis – degenerative change in any organ (especially liver), resulting in fibrous tissue overgrowth

Colic – Pain due to contraction of the involuntary muscle of the abdominal organs

Colitis – inflammation of the colon

Compress – substance applied hot or cold to an area of the body, for relief of inflammation and pain

Concrete – a concentrate, waxy, solid, or semi-solid perfume material prepared from previously live

plant mattter, usually using a hydrocarbon type of solvent

Constipation – congestion of the bowels, resulting in infrequent movement

Cordial – stimulant and tonic

Counterirritant – anti-inflammatory agent

Cutaneous – pertaining to the skin

Cytotoxic – toxic to all cells

PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find. Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and are pesticide free.

Holistic MindBody Therapy, including pure essential oils, are gentle, noninvasive complementary forms of health care for balancing and synchronizing your body, mind and spirit and a natural, safe and effective way to enhance your health and well-being. Holistic health care may produce satisfying results where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.