Glossary of medically recognised terms relating to herbal extracts and essential oils that you might find in Phyt’s products descriptions
Antibacterial: reduces bacterial colonization
Antifungal: reduces fungal spores
Anti-Inflammatory: reduces inflammation or redness
Antioxidant: reduces the amount of free radicals
Antiseptic: controls infection
Astringent: tightens or contracts tissues
Bactericide: reduces bacteria
Calmative: aids in calming nerves
Deodorant: may help slow down the bacterial action that produces body odour
Disinfectant: reduces the spread of pathogens
Emollient: softens the skin
Fungicide: helps reduce fungal spore
Lipolytic: helps to break down fat
Oestrogenic: behaves like oestrogen
Phytohormone: a plant that behaves like a hormone, specifically oestrogen
Phytolipid: oils extracted from plants via distillation, gas or chemical extraction
Phytotherapy: products using plants in therapy
Regenerating: helps ell regeneration
Rubefacient: warms and reddens the skin
Stimulant: increases a function of the body and mind
Sudorific: increases the secretions of the sudoriferous/sweat glands
Surfactant: an ingredient derived from plants that emulsify oils and fats and suspend soil, allowing them to be washed away. It also allows water to mix with oil
Toning: revives the appearance of the skin
