How does tetrasodium EDTA work in cleansers?

Many people take soap for granted. We know it works, but we don't know why. We base our purchasing decisions on brand names and price more than we do on ingredients, and who can blame us? Trying to read the ingredients on the back of a shampoo bottle can be like trying to read a foreign language for the first time. But if you tried, you might find tetrasodium EDTA mixed in with all those other hard-to-pronounce chemical compounds. It's a common ingredient in cleansers such as shampoo and hand soap, and you'd have a hard time getting clean without it. Tetrasodium EDTA is used as a chelating agent, or to put it in layman's terms, it makes hard water become soft. As water makes its way through the water cycle, it sometimes picks up metal ions such as calcium and iron. These metal ions can make water hard, which is a problem because hard water won't get you clean. Body washes, shampoos and other cleansers work as surfactants, which are responsible for attracting dirt and oil and pulling it off your skin so it can be rinsed away by water. The only problem is that surfactants also attract the metal ions found in hard water, hindering the surfactants' ability to cleanse your skin. That's where tetrasodium EDTA comes in. As the chelating agent, it neutralizes the metal ions in hard water and allows the surfactant to do its job. The end result is soft water and squeaky clean skin [source: Parbhoo].

Whitmore, Elizabeth.  "How does tetrasodium EDTA work in cleansers?"  20 August 2009.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/cleansing/products/tetrasodium-edta-in-cleansers.htm>  01 October 2010.

Kasia Cool*Down Hair Rehab Tips!

The Kasia Team has been very busy with our Informed Beauty Bella's …repairing, moisturizing and color corrections from the  summer fade.

"Don't doubt the fact there's life within you. Yesterday's ending will tomorrow life give you. All that dies, dies for a reason, To put it's strength into the seasons.

Simple hair rehab tips!

1. Brush before you shampoo

Brush before you shampoo ad jump in the shower.  This action stimulates the scalp and promotes blood flow to deliver nutrients like oxygen to the hair follicle.  Brushing also reduces product buildup and scalp flakes.

2. Clarify the scalp and shaft!

Get  rid of build up from hard water and synthetics (silicon and petroleum are hidden in many hair care products …even Aveda).   Over time hard water can make hair look lackluster and impart a brassy hue to tresses. The damaging minerals can also make hair a tangle town mess - hard and difficult to be managed.

3. Moisture Me!

The  Kasia  team strongly suggests our custom professional deep conditioning treatment once a month. This is a great way to relax and keep your hair healthy and shiny in the cooler months. If this isn’t in their budget, we recommend our at home products:

Hamadi Moisturizing Mask

John Masters Dry Hair Nourishment & Defrizzer

(Apply the product to clean, damp hair. Leave on for 5-10 minutes and rinse out.)

4. Air dry!

We encourage our clients to try and let their hair dry slightly before blowing it completely dry. The less hot air they infuse into their locks with the drier, the more moisture they will seal in from their shampoo and conditioning products.

5.  Keep frizz away.

Frizzy hair is one of the worst things about the  approaching cool weather dryness (think static cling, hat hair…ect.) Kasia’s upcoming shampoo and conditioner launch will have ingredients to help  ‘tame the frizz,” but in the meantime….try Shine On from John Masters or Hamadi Shea Spray, an anti-frizz and moisture protector that is applied to towel-dried, damp hair.

Beautiful Health Nutrition

We are what we eat.  The same rules apply for the health of the hair. Adequate amounts of protein and minerals can make a huge difference in the overall appearance of hair and skin

Out:

Our Kasia Skin Care “enMoist” moisturizer delivers  the proper nutrition in direct antioxidants of Vitamins A and C, and E which are essential to maintaining stability, protection, building block, and more.

In:

Add dark green leafy vegetables have both vitamin A and C and also provide you with calcium and iron too. Beans are not only good for the heart, but promote hair growth with a punch of protein. 3 or more cups of legumes a week is recommended.

Other excellent sources of protein include nuts, poultry, and eggs. Create your plate!

Why We Need To Remove Toxic Chemicals From Our Bodies

We live in a toxic world.

By simply avoiding toxic chemicals in your home and specifically taking an action that removes toxic chemicals from my body, one should experience these improvements:

* sleeping more deeply and getting a full night’s rest * waking up refreshed and rested

* having good energy, but not hyper

* clear mind

* feeling happy and cheerful

* feeling like I have the energy to do whatever I want

* digestive tract improvement

* suddenly scheduling evening social activities instead of resting

* getting a lot of work done

* not feeling stressed

* don't feel like I'm "slogging through the mud"

* eyesight noticeably better

* wanting to go for a walk instead of making myself exercise * increased strength and muscle development without exercise * feeling more alive and vibrant * skin is very soft and smooth, a noticeable change

* lost six pounds in one week with no exercise or change of diet

* feeling like I can take on more and bigger projects

Avoiding new chemical exposures in my home got my body from being disabled to functional, detoxing my body to remove the chemicals stored in my body from past exposures is bringing my body closer to its natural state of good health.

Our Toxic World

We can take control of the toxic chemicals we are exposed to at home, but the minute we walk out the door we encounter all kinds of toxic chemicals from pesticides spraying, automobile and commercial vehicle exhaust, airplane exhaust, incinerator emissions, manufacturing smokestacks and other industrial sources. As soon as we walk into a building, we’re likely to be hit with toxic emissions from building materials, carpets, pesticides, and cleaning products.

And the world has been toxic for at least as long as I’ve been alive. Rachel Carson wrote about the poisoning of songbirds by carcinogenic DDT in 1962, when I was seven years old. But researchers had already found residues of DDT in human fat in 1944. Before I was born, DDT had already been detected in Antarctic penguins living thousands of miles from the locations were the pesticide was being used.

In 2005, Environmental Working Group established that toxic industrial chemicals can be transferred from mother to baby before birth via the umbilical cord blood, proving that babies are now being born contaminated with toxic chemicals. But babies didn’t start being born contaminated in 2005. I suspect now that I was born contaminated way back in 1955. Toxic chemicals were already in consumer products and the environment then. We just didn’t know about them or their devastating effects.

So even if we remove toxic chemicals from our homes—where we have our greatest and most immediate toxic exposures—we still have already been exposed to toxic substances for most or all of our entire lives and continue to be exposed to toxic chemicals out in the world each day.

This is just the reality of today’s world. There is no place on Earth that is 100% pristine, nor any product that is 100% pure.

We cannot avoid 100% of toxic chemicals that exist in the world today.

But until we remove toxic industrial chemicals from our Earth, there are things we can do to protect our health from this onslaught of poisons.

Learn about our Infrared Sauna for Detoxification at Kasia HERE

Your Body's Detoxification System

To sustain life, our body systems need inputs of food, water, and air and--equally as important—they need to eliminate wastes. When we don't eliminate wastes from our bodies, it's like having the garbage in our homes pile up because we haven't put it outside in the garbage can to be taken away. Not a very pretty sight either way.

Many millennia ago, when our bodies were designed to flourish in the larger web of life, the only wastes the body had to deal with were natural ones:

* metabolic wastes generated by body functions * foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, mold, pollen and other natural materials * natural poisons, such as spider and snake bites, and toxic chemicals in smoke

Because our bodies need to eliminate things that don’t belong in them, they have natural systems of purification and elimination to keep the whole body system running smoothly. Toxic chemicals enter the body through being injected into the skin (such as drugs), ingested through the mouth (such as pesticides in food), absorption through the skin (such as chlorine while taking a shower or swimming in a pool) and inhalation through the nose (such as toxic chemicals in cleaning products). Toxic chemicals then enter the bloodstream, which carries them to all parts of the body. Then they exit the body through the kidneys via urine, through the liver via bile which goes into the intestines and leaves the body through feces, through the skin via sweat, and through the lungs as we breathe.

How toxic chemicals in consumer products and in the environment affect the health of your individual body depends entirely on the condition of your body’s detoxification system.

Body Burden

If your body’s detoxification system is not working well, or is insufficient for the amount of chemicals you are exposed to, then the toxic chemicals that come into your body will not be excreted, but instead will be stored in your fat, semen, breast milk, muscles, bones, brain, liver and other organs.The total amount of these chemicals that are being stored in your body at a given point in time is called your “body burden.”

Various chemicals move through your body at different rates. Arsenic, for example, is mostly excreted within 72 hours of exposure. Some pesticides can remain in your body for 50 years. Of course, how quickly chemicals are removed from your body depends on the condition of your body’s detoxification system and the amount of toxic chemicals you are exposed to. When you are continuously exposed to toxic chemicals, more toxic chemicals enter the body than can be removed by your detoxification system, and body burden results.

Approximately 80,000 industrial chemicals are used in the United States. We are exposed to these chemicals through the consumer products we use and from the air, water, and soil pollution put into the environment by their manufacture.

Scientists say that everyone alive today is contaminated with at least 700 toxic chemicals in their bodies. It doesn’t matter where you live or what you do. Just being on this planet, every body is contaminated.

In recent years it has become abundantly clear that we are being exposed to more toxic chemicals than our bodies can eliminate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now monitoring the body burden of the US population, taking samples every two years.

EPA biopsies of human fat show that 100% of human bodies have carcinogenic PCBs, styrene, dichlorobenzene, xylene and dioxins stockpiled in their fat.

The condition of your detoxification system determines how much of each chemical is eliminated from the body versus how much is stored, and where in the body it is stored.

Toxic Overload

Quite simply, in today's world

health = the amount of toxics we are exposed to + our body’s ability to detoxify

For good health the ratio should be less exposure to toxic chemicals than the capacity of our bodies to detox.

But for most people the ratio is more exposure to toxic chemicals than the capacity of our bodies to detox. Not only is the volume of toxic exposures greater than our natural capacity to detox, but our natural capacity is diminished by the toxic chemicals as they harm and overwhelm detoxification organs such as liver and kidneys.

Our bodies simply don’t have enough “detox ability” to handle the amount of toxic chemicals we are exposed to.

What We Can Do

When toxic chemicals build up in our bodies because our bodies are not able to eliminate them, we need to give our bodies some help.

There are two things we can do.

1. Reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals, at least in our own homes and workplaces. 2. Remove toxic chemicals from our bodies by a) Improving the functioning of our bodies’ detoxification systems and b) remove toxic chemicals directly from our bodies.

By taking these actions, we can give our bodies the best chance for good health.

This article is shared from Debra at :  http://toxics-health.com/why-we-need-remove-toxic-chemicals-from-our-bodies

Learn about our Infrared Sauna for Detoxification at Kasia HERE

LOOSE LEAF TEA Health Benefits

KasiaFair Trade * Small Batch  * Artisan

LOOSE LEAF TEA

Sweet Vanilla & French Lemon Crème:   Roobios Tea

Rooibos tea is high in antioxidants (25 times higher in antioxidants than green tea!) Roobios …Anti the Aging + Benefit the skin  + Nourishing health

• contains a enzym- Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.), an antioxidant which attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects.
• relieve stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation, and heartburn.
• help with insomnia, disturbed sleeping patterns and headaches. It contains no caffeine and has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system
• strong bones and teeth because of its calcium, manganese and fluoride content.
• contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin.
• useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne.
• contains magnesium which is necessary for a healthy nervous system.
• increases the absorption of iron in the body.
• contains potassium and copper minerals that are necessary for several metabolic functions.
• helps nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative.
• helps to control your appetite thus can be beneficial in weight loss.

Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

Partner in PROMOTING Healthy Skin & Wrinkles Prevention!

Sencha tea benefits are derived from the antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols, preventing free radicals.  Green tea finds and terminates these free radicals and helps promote healthy, smooth skin.

Health benefits attributed to Kasia Cherry Lemongrass Bloom Sencha:  Green Tea

• prevention of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
• prevention of strokes.
• preventing cancers and reduction of tumors.
• strengthening the immune system.
• help in the treatment of diabetes.
• aid in weight loss efforts.
• repairing skin damage.
• fight tooth decay.
• Fights rheumatoid arthritis.
• lower stress.
• protects the liver and kidneys.

Roasted Cocoa-Coconut Botanical:  Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate Tea is known to be a diuretic, inotropic (increasing the strength of each heartbeat), chronotropic (making the heart beat faster), glycogenolytic (breaking down stored glycogen in the liver, allowing it to store calories from the next meal), lipolytic (breaking down fats), and analeptic (stimulating the central nervous system).

Health benefits attributed to Roasted Cocoa-Coconut Botanical Yerba Mate include:

• enhance energy levels and reduce fatigue.
• stimulate the central nervous system.
• boost metabolism.
• induce mental clarity.
• fight gastrointestinal disorders.
• effective in fighting headaches.

Blissful Blueberry & Pomegranate:  Black Tea

Blueberry n’ Brain up Informed Beauty, as we start with a rich keemum black tea (considered by most to be the finest of all Chinese black teas. )  and infusing  in wonderful dried blueberries, elderberries, apples, pomegranate seeds, hibiscus, mallow and cornflower

Studies show our delicious blend of Pomegranite and Blueberry are one of the most sought out and  healthiest antioxidants that you can consume. Be blessed and sip the best of both worlds.

Health benefits of drinking Blissful Blueberry & Pomegranate:  Black Tea

• slow down cancer growth (Rutgers University)

• help prevent heart attacks and strokes because of better functioning blood vessels
• help prevent tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel as it contains natural fluoride
• helpful if you have arthritis
• lower cholesterol
• burn excess fat in the body by enhancing metabolism
• rich in antioxidants which helps feed your body's immune system and thus prevent disease

Download Kasia Tea Benefits Here

Prepare for Fall Health with NEW Kasia Apothecary Diffusion Blends

9/8/10 Newsletter Update

Before I get carried away in sharing our new products, be sure to be on the LOOK OUT for September and October write-ups about the goodness and uniqueness of Kasia Organic Salon in the next MPLS & St Paul Magazine as well as SW Journal!  **Featuring our yummy new pumpkin glycolic enzyme peel for Fall!   A big thank you for the journalists inquiring to spread the Informed Beauty News!

"Ugh..." Finally, Kasia (Gk: "Pure") introduces our powerful new addition!

Kasia Apothecary Diffusion Blends and Diffuser (single note oils ...coming soon) * Enhance your health and immunity and * Enhance your air quality into the Fall

Through the hot summer months, I have been working with Bill, who is a highly respected owner, chemist, and manufacturer of a  Australian Essential Oil Company.  Bill has developed a strong and loyal group of growers who produce very high standards of pure and ecological sustainable oils.

Keep away airborne viruses from the kids collection of germs, freshen up your homebase/office scent, and clear the energetics in your quality of air.

Fruit of the Labor

Pure * Powerful *  Potent

We have formulated 3 Diffusion Blends of Lavendaire, Lemonlift, and Peppy-mint that will deliver exponential results for the health of your air quality and health.  Each have their unique benefits.  Learn more HERE!

Kasia Apothecary Diffusion Oils and Diffuser

Diffuse Oils and easily enhance the health of your air, body, mind and spirit. Opt-in every room in your house! This is absolutely your BEST solution for consistently using essential oils to their maximum benefit. All-in-one, this unit is a diffuser, nebulizer, air purifier, and diffuser.  It is the quietest and most safe and efficient unit Kassie has found on the market! This small unit is very powerful as it humidifies the air and while doing so puts out a cool (does not heat and adulture the oils)  mist that transforms water and essential oils into rich, lively health-giving, and disease-ridding molecules. Primary Benefits of Diffusing Delight in you surroundings: Create a relaxing surrounding with oils, and instantly brighten the brain and mood! Eliminate odors: Remove lingering smells without resorting to synthetic air fresheners. Increase the health and air for you and your family by detoxing your home from harmful household chemicals. Research shows that cold air diffusing certain essential oils can help: Reduce bacteria, fungus, mold, and unpleasant odors Relax the body, relieve tension and clear the mind Improve concentration, alertness, and mental clarity Stimulate neurotransmitters Stimulate secretion of endorphins Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity Improve hormonal balance Relieve headaches Uplift mood Learn more about the diffusers HERE

Think ahead for the big night!

Gather your posse and invest in divalicious hair and glam slam makeup for the SuperChick Awards Gala at Kasia Organics Salon. The Event SuperChick Awards Gala day-of-event hair and make up pre-gala beautification at Kasia Organic Salon. Sunday, Sept. 26, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Gala begins at 6:30 p.m.) The Fun Reward yourself and start the party with your favorite gals and your new friends at Kasia. Enjoy music and make up, laughter and luscious locks, refreshments and revelry. The SuperChick Deal $10 off hair style and/or up-dos $25 make up application..(Half-off regular $)! (Eyes, Lips, & Cheek) "Booo" Can't make the pre-party? Book a cut and rich-ammonia-free-color & save $20! See coupon on above sidebar for details. 1st Time Clients Only. Must Pre-book Makeover Appointment by Monday September 20th Reach our team to hold your time at 612 824 7611 Gala Tickets  ( NO tickets sold at the door.) Posse packs of 10 are $200.00. Buy yours here: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/697996727

John Master Organics - Styling - NOW at Kasia!

Kasia Organic Salon NOW CARRIES JOHN MASTERS ORGANICS styling products!

We're addicted!   We have now filled any "holes" Hamdi could not fill for your styling needs.

...The  Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment promotes volume and hair growth...and is my favorite.

Our second favorite?  The Bourbon Vanilla and Tangerine Texturizer!

John Masters - Shine On Leave-In Treatment • organic kelp creates incredible shine, volume and softness • gives a natural looking shine without weighing hair down • does not leave oily build up on the hair shaft, which leads to dullness • contains no petroleum-based silicone • great for all hair types, even fine hair • to add shine and volume to dull, limp hair • excellent leave-in hair treatment to strengthen and fortify hair

John Masters - Bourbon Vanilla & Tangerine Hair Texturizer

An extra strength hair pomade that's perfect for shaping hair into any style desired, from spiky to smooth. Adds amazing texture to hair, leaving it soft and shiny, not greasy or stiff.

Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment

A leave in topical solution that promotes healthy hair growth by improving the condition of the scalp and papilla (roots). A unique combination of organic herbs, anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids, seaweed, essential oils, and vitamins work to insure intake, balance sebum production, and eliminate free radicals. The result is an optimal scalp condition and healthy hair!

Dry Hair Nourishment & Defrizzer

A 100% blend of pure plant and essential oils chosen for their protective, moisturizing and restorative properties. A "leave-in" treatment, it's been proven excellent for dry and frizzy hair. As well as a theraputic scalp tonic. jojoba oil, helio-carrot oil, squalene, evening primrose oil, essential oils of lavender, cedar and rosemary

John Masters - Sea Mist - Sea Salt Spray with Lavender

Now every day can be a day at the beach. Simply spray desired amount on hair for that extra body and wave you love at the ocean. Essential oil of lavender helps to protect the hair and combat the natural drying effects of sea salt.

John Masters - Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel

This new Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel is an alcohol-free formula full of body-building nutrients. The improved formula has stronger holding power, leaving your hair feeling thicker, never flaky.

Essential Oil Treatment for Hair Loss and Stimulation

The Study!

Patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. One group received the following recipe: Lavender (3 drops, 108 mg), Rosemary (3 drops, 114 mg), and Cederwood (2 drops, 94 mg).

These oils were mixed in a carrier oil, which was a combination of jojoba, 3 ml, and grapeseed, 20 ml, oils ... The oils were massaged into the scalp for a minimum of 2 minutes. Patients were taught to massage the oil into the bare areas of their scalp for two minutes each evening and then wrap a warm towel around their head to enhance absorption. The placebo group used just the carrier oils. The results were impressive. Of those who applied aromatherapeutic oils, 44 percent had improvement after seven months, compared to 15 percent in the control group. At the beginning of the study, and again after three and seven months, professional photographs were taken of each patient’s scalp. Changes as seen in the photographs served as the primary outcome measure. Mapping and measuring of the bald patches was also done to determine results.

An impressive 44 percent of the group using the essential oils significantly improved. The average area of hair regrowth with the essential oils was 104 square centimeters, compared with nearly zero for those using the placebo. According to one intriguing photograph provided by the researchers, considerable hair regrowth occurred with one male patient who had both alopecia areata and severe male pattern hair loss.

These results show aromatherapy to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata. The researchers were proud to have successfully applied an evidence-based method to an alternative therapy. Evidently, one or more of the essential oils is able to promote hair regrowth. And unlike standard medical therapies, the essential oils have a very low risk of side effects and are not nearly as costly.

How To Use Essential Oils for Hair Loss:

Add 2 drops of the essential oil either to the rinse water or to a good (Kasia Favorite) Jojoba  oil. Massage it well into the scalp. Wrap the hair in plastic wrap; place a warm towel around it. Leave it for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Shampoo the hair as usual, using a mild shampoo (avoid medicated shampoo), so that you do not damage the sebum balance.

Essential Oils for Stimulating Circulation and Improving the Hair Health

A blend of bay and lavender essential oils stimulates the scalp and helps hair health. Add six drops of each oil to four ounces of a warm carrier oil such as almond, soybean or sesame oil. Massage the mixture into the scalp and allow it to absorb for 20 minutes. Add three drops of bay essential oil to the shampoo you regularly uses and wash the hair with this shampoo.

Essential Oil Blend for Hair Growth - As described above.

1 Atlas cedarwood essential oil - 2 drops

2 Lavender essential oil -3 drops

3 Rosemary essential oil -3 drops

4 Jojoba oil - 4 teaspoons

Directions:  Add the first four ingredients into a small glass jar. Mix well. Now add the remaining two ingredients. Mix thoroughly.

Massage this mixture into your scalp for at least two minutes every night or 3 times per week.   Wrap your head in a warm towel after treatment.   Sleep with this overnight, and/or sit with a half-one hour on the scalp.  Follow with  Shampoo / Conditioner.

Stop in at Kasia Organic Salon to purchase these therapeutic oils today!  Kasia Apothecary Essential Oils!

Aromatherapy Glossary

abortifacient     An agent capable of inducing abortion.

absolute           Products obtained from a concrete, a pomade or a resinoid by extraction with ethanol at room temperature. The resulting ethanol solution is generally cooled and filtered to eliminate the waxes. The ethanol is then eliminated by distillation.

alterative          An agent which cleanses the blood and corrects impure blood conditions.

anaerobic         A type of organic respiration which does not require oxygen. Many bacteria are anaerobic.

anaesthetic       Loss of sensation, pain relieving

analgesic          Loss of sensation - pain relieving.

anaphrodisiac Diminishing sexual desire.

anosmic           Complete loss of sense of smell. May be temporary or permanent.

anthelmintic     A vermifuge, destroying or expelling intestinal worms.

anti-allergenic Reduces sweating.

anti-arthritic     An agent which combats arthritis.

anti-emetic       Reduces the incidence and severity of vomiting.

anti-inflammatory        Alleviates inflammation.

anti-oxidant     Prevents or delays oxidation

antibacterial     Helps control bacteria

anticonvulsive             Helps arrest or control convulsions.

antidepressant Uplifting, counteracting melancholy.

antimicrobial    An agent which resists or destroys pathogenic organisms.

antineuralgic    Reducing nerve pain

antiphlogistic   Reduces inflammation.

antipuritic        Relieve itching

antipyretic        fever reducing

antirheumatic   Relieves rheumatism

antiseborrheic Helps control the products of sebum

antiseptic         Helps control infection.

antispasmodic Prevents and eases spasms and relieves cramps.

antisudorific    Reduced swelling.

antiviral           Controlling virus organisms

aperitif             Encouraging appetite

aphrodisiac      Exciting sexual desire.

aromatic water             Aqueous distillates, remaining from water or steam distillation after essential oils have been separated.

arrhythmia       Irregular or loss of rhythm of the heartbeat.

arteriosclerosis            A loss of elasticity of the arteries.

astringent         Contracts, tightens and binds tissues.

astringent         Contracts, tightens and binds tissue

atherosclerosis             An accumulation of fatty deposits on the inner wall of the arteries.

bactericide       An agent that destroys bacteria.

balsam             An oily resinous substance exuded by a plant in response to injury to its tissues.

balsamic          A soothing substance having the qualities of a balsam.

bechic Eases coughs.

cardiac             Stimulating effect on the heart.

carminative      Settles the digestive system, expulsion of gas from the intestines.

cephalic           Stimulating and clearing the mind.

chemotype       Variation in chemical composition of an essential oil produced from two or more plants of the same species.

cholagogue      Increases production and flow of bile

choleretic         Aids excretion of bile by the liver, so that there is a greater flow of bile.

cicatrisant        Helps formation of scar tissue.

colonoscopy    Examination of the upper portion of the rectum with an elongated speculum.

concrete           Extracts obtained with non-aqueous solvents from fresh, natural raw materials. A concrete consists mainly of waxy components of plant materials. Mainly prepared for the production of absolutes.

cordial             A stimulant and tonic for the heart.

cytophylactic   Encouraging growth of skin cells.

decongestant    An agent which relieves or reduces congestion.

demulcent        Soothes, softens and allays irritation of mucus membranes.

deodorant        Destroying odor.

depurative        Helps to purify the blood, detoxifying.

detoxicant        Neutralizing toxic substances

diaphoretic       Promotes perspiration.

digestive          A substance that aids the digestion of food.

disinfectant      Prevents and combats the spread of germs.

diuretic            Increases urine flow.

emetic Induces vomiting.

emmenagogue             Promotes and regulates menstrual flow.

emollient          Soothes and softens skin.

endocrine         A gland without a duct.

essential oil      A product obtained from natural raw materials by distillation or expression.

exocrine           A gland, with a duct, which secretes directly onto the outside surface of an organism.

expectorant      Helps to expel mucus from the respiratory system.

febrifuge          Cooling and reducing high body temperature.

functional group          The smallest part of an organic molecule consisting of a singe atom or group of atoms that substitutes for a hydrogen atom and has a profound effect upon the properties of the molecule as a whole.

fungicide         Destroying fungal infections

galactagogue    Increasing secretion of milk.

germicidal        Destroys germs or micro-organisms.

haemostatic      Arrests bleeding haemorrhage.

hepatic             Stimulates and aids function of liver and gall bladder.

hepatotoxicity Having a harmful or toxic effect on the liver.

hydrating         To supply water in order to restore or maintain fluid balance

hypertensive    Increased blood pressure.

hypoglycaemiant         Lowers blood sugar levels.

hypotensive     Lowers blood pressure.

hypoxia           Deficiency of oxygen.

insecticidal       Killing insect pests

insecticide        Kills insects.

isomers            Compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structures and hence different properties.

laxative            Aiding bowl evacuation.

lichenification Cutaneous thickening and hardening from continued irritation.

menarche         Onset of menses.

mucolytic         Dissolves or breaks down mucus.

myelin             A fatty material enveloping the majority of nerve cells.

nervine            Strengthening or toning to the nerves and nervous system.

neurotoxic       Having a harmful or toxic effect on the nervous system.

occlusions       The covering of the skin with an impermeable material which prevents evaporation of a volatile substance from the skin.

oxidation         The addition of oxygen to, or the removal of electrons or hydrogen from, an organic molecule.

parturient         Helping delivery in childbirth.

pectoral            Helpful for chest infections.

pheromone      A chemical messenger used as a signal between individuals.

polar                A term used to describe a molecule which has a partial positive and negative charge. Polar molecules are generally water-soluble.

pomade            Perfumed fat obtained as a result of enfleurage.

prophylactic     Helping prevent disease.

rectification      The process in which an essential oil is distilled a second time to remove unwanted constituents (also known as redistillation).

relaxant            Soothing, causing relaxation, relieving strain or tension.

resinoid           An extract obtained from dried, natural, raw materials by use of non-aqueous solvents.

resolvent          Dissolves boils and swelling

restorative        Restoring and reviving health

rubefacient       Warming and increasing blood flow.

sedative           An agent that reduces functional activity; calming.

soporific          A substance which induces sleep.

spasmolytic     See antispasmodic.

splenetic          A tonic to the spleen.

stimulant          An agent which increases the physiological functions of the body.

stomachic        Digestive aid and tonic, improving appetite.

styptic             Arrests external bleeding.

sudorific          Increases perspiration.

Term    Description

terpeneless oil Essential oils from which the monoterpene hydrocarbons have been removed.

terpenoid         Essential oil constituents based on the isoprene skeleton, but containing a functional group.

tincture            Solutions obtained by maceration of natural raw materials in ethanol. Such products are commonly used in herbal medicine.

tonic    Strengthens and improves bodily performance.

uterine             Tonic to the uterus.

vaso-constrictor           Contraction of blood vessel walls

vasoconstrictor            Contraction of blood vessels walls.

vasodilator       Dilation of blood vessels.

vermifuge        Expulsion of worms.

vulnerary         Prevents tissue degeneration and arrests bleeding in wounds.

viscosity          A measure of the resistance to flow in a liquid. Water is "thin" having a lower viscosity. Vegetalbe Oil is "thick" having a higher viscosity.

Reference: http://www.auroma.com/glossary.php