O
Oedema: A painful swelling caused by excess fluid retention under the skin’s surface.
Oestrogen: A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that controls the female reproductive process.
Oleo Gum Resin: A secretion from trees and plants that consist mainly of essential oil, gum and resin.
Oleoresin: A resinous secretion from plants or an aromatic liquid preparation, taken from botanical materials using solvents. They are made almost entirely of essential oil and resin.
Olfaction: Sense of smell.
Ophthalmia: Inflammation of the membrane that coats the eye.
Otitis: Painful inflammation of the ear – marked by fever, abnormalities of hearing and vertigo.
P
Palpitations: Unpleasant, irregular or forceful heartbeat.
Panacea: A cure for all illness.
Parasiticide: Destroys parasites.
Parturient: Aids in easy delivery in childbirth.
Pathogenic: Causing disease.
Pathological: Destructive process on living tissue.
Pectoral: Relating to diseases of the chest of lungs.
Pediculicide: Destroys lice.
Percutaneous: Through the skin.
Peptic: Pertains to digestion related to the action of gastric juices.
Phlebitis: Inflammation of a vein.
Phototoxic: Causes skin to become sensitive to sunlight.
Pituitary Gland: Gland attached to the base of the brain that controls the production of body hormones.
Pomade: A prepared aromatic material obtained through enfleurage.
Poultice: A therapeutic application of moist herbs to the skin to promote circulation and to relieve pain in a localized area.
Prophylactic: Preventive measures for disease.
Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate.
Prurigo: Skin disease marked by pink itchy inflammation.
Pruritis: Itching.
Psoriasis: Chronic skin disease marked by localized dry scaly silvery/white patches.
Pulmonary: With regard to the lungs.
Purgative: Evacuation of the bowels.
Pyelitis: Inflammation of the kidney.
Pyorrhoea: Pussy discharge.
