What You Need to Know About Therapeutic Properties

Definition

Therapeutic properties: 

     1. Having or exhibiting healing powers.

     2. Of or relating to the medical treatment of a disease or condition.

I love these definitions about therapeutic properties.  The first definition has my favorite word..."powers."  We can all use some power when dealing with an ailment.  The 2nd definition lets you know that it is indeed treating that condition.  The therapeutic properties inherent in plants, trees, fruits, etc. were given to us by God to use on this Earth for treatment of every disease under the sun.  God knew that man could not survive the billions of germs, viruses, accidents and other factors on this planet without some sort of protection.  When we look at the healing properties of essential oils, we are looking at the power given to us by God to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

What Are the Therapeutic Properties?

The therapeutic properties have names such as anti-inflammatory, which means that this particular substance reduces inflammation.  I have compiled a list of the most commonly used properties and their definitions for your easy usage.  Below is a list of what each of the therapeutic properties mean.  This list is from a great essential oil learning site: www.nourishingtreasures.com This site is dedicated solely to teaching others about the benefits of essential oils.  I urge you to check it out.  If you go to this site, you will also see on this list essential oils that work for each of the therapeutic properties.

Alterative/Adaptogen – restores the body to health

Analgesic/Anesthetic – relieves or stops pain

Antacid – neutralizes acid (usually for the stomach)

Anthelminthic/Vermifuge – destroys worms and parasites and removes them from the digestive system

Anti-allergenic – reduces allergy symptoms

Anti-androgenic – works against testosterone or androsterone

Anti-anxiety – relieves or prevents anxiety and fearAnti-asthmatic – relieves or stops asthmatic symptoms, such as constriction and wheezing

Antibiotic/Antibacterial/Bactericide/Disinfectant – destroys bacteria

Anti-coagulant – prevents coagulation (usually in the blood)

Antidepressant/Antisudorific – relieves or prevents depression

Anti-dontalgic – relieves tooth pain

Antidiarrheal – relieves or stops diahrrea

Anti-edematous – relieves or prevents excessive fluid accumulation

Antiemetic – prevents or stops nausea and vomiting

Antifungal – destroys or prevents fungal growth

Antihypertensive – reduces hypertension (high blood pressure)

Anti-inflammatory – reduces inflammation

Anti-irritant – reduces irritation

Amtimicrobial/Antiseptic – prevents microbial growth Anti-neuralgic/Nervine/Neurotonic – soothes the nerves

Antioxidant – prevents oxidation and protects against the damage done by free radicals

Antiparasitic/Parasiticide – destroys parasites

Antophlogistic – reduces inflammation or fever

Antipyretic/Febrifuge – reduces or prevents high fever

Anti-rheumatic – reduces pain associated with rheumatism

Anti-scorbutic – prevents or relieves scurvy

Antispasmodic – prevents or relieves spasms

Antitussive/Bechic – relieves coughs

Antitumoral – destroys tumors

Antiviral – destroys viruses

Aperitive – stimulates the appetiteAphrodisiac – stimulates libido

Astringent – constricts tissues or pores

Bronchodilator – widens bronchial tubes to make breathing easier

Cardiotonic – helpful to the heart

Carminative – relieves or eliminates gas from the body

CNS Depressant/Sedatives/Tranquilizers – calms the brain and central nervous system (CNS)

Cholagogue – promotes bile flow

Choleretic – promotes secretion of bile from liver

Cicatrisant – promotes wound healing and tissue formation

Circulatory Stimulant – stimulates circulatory system

Cytotoxic – toxic to cells

Decongestant - relieves congestion

Demulcent – soothing, especially for throats

Deodorant – destroys or minimizes odors

Diaphoretic – promotes perspiration

Diuretic – promotes urine output

Emmenagogue – promotes menstrual flow and regulation
Expectorant – promotes expulsion of mucous from respiratory tract

Galactogogue – promotes lactation

Hemostat – stops bleeding

Hepatoprotective – liver-protecting

Hepatotoxic – liver-damaging

Hypertensive – increases blood pressure

Hypoglycemant – lowers blood sugar levels

Hypotensive – decreases blood pressure

Laxative – stimulates the bowels to relieve constipation

Lithotriptic – destroys kidney and/or bladder stones

Narcotic – alters mood, induces sleep, and relieves pain

Oestrogenic – estrogen-like properties

Phototoxic – causes the skin to become susceptible to burning

Sedative – able to calm or sedate

Soporific – causes sleep

Spasmolytic/Antispasmodic – prevents spasmsSudorific – promotes sweating

Vasoconstrictor – promotes high blood pressure by causing blood vessels to narrow

Vasodilator – promotes low blood pressure by causing blood vessels to open

Vermifuge/Anthelminthic – destroys worms and parasites and removes them from the digestive system

Vulnerary – promotes wound healing

Knowledge Is Power

Learning and becoming familiar with which essential oils have which properties can benefit you, your family and everyone you help in the future.  You can readily tell Aunt Sue that tea tree has anti-infectious properties and that it will help that cut on her arm.  You will let your mother know that rubbing a little lavender on her steam burn will help to reduce the pain and scarring from its vulnerary properties. Having a little knowledge about therapeutic properties will ultimately give you the power to heal.

Print this list out.  Work on memorizing these properties, so that in the future when you hear about a particular oil having a therapeutic property, you will know, understand, and catalogue it away for future use.

much healing to you,

Earth's Healing staff