General Aromatherapy Glossary

Aromatherapy - The use of essential oils and other natural aromatic substances for psychological and physical therapeutic benefit.

Botanical Name - the Latin name given to a species of plant to clearly distinguish it from other plants that share the same common name. Examples: Roman Chamomile's botanical name is Anthemis nobilis. German chamomile's botanical name is Matricaria chamomilla.

CO2s -

Common Name - The "everyday" name given to a plant. Examples: Bay, Chamomile, Cedar, Orange, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus. Each of these examples has multiple different species with different properties, yet the species go by the same common name. Because of the possible confusion between common names referring to different species, it is important that the botanical name is utilized for clarity. When purchasing essential oils, be sure you refer to the botanical name. If the vendor does not supply the botanical name, ask for it. Be leery if they don't know.

Dram - A unit of measurement equaling about 1/8 of an ounce or about 4 grams. See the Measurements article for more information on measurements commonly used in aromatherapy.

Orifice Reducer - Most essential oils are sold in bottles that contain an "orifice reducer." An orifice reducer is a small, usually clear insert inside the bottle opening that acts as a dropper. You simply tip the bottle and you can dispense the oil drop by drop. See the Storing Your Essential Oils article for a photo of an orifice reducer.

Pipette - A disposable plastic dropper used in place of an orifice reducer or an eyedropper for dispensing essential oils.

Synergy - A synergistic essential oil blend of the correct oils in proper proportions is considered to be greater in total benefit than each oil working independently, thus creating "synergy