Essential Vocabulary for Subtle Aromatherapy

Pharmacological, Traditional, Energetic, and Esoteric Actions

The use of essential oils for emotional, mental, and energetic well-being spans clinical research, traditional herbalism, and subtle or esoteric healing systems. This glossary brings together a wide range of terms that describe how aromatic plants influence the psyche, whether by calming the nervous system, lifting the mood, sharpening focus, or harmonising subtle energies.

The terminology used in subtle aromatherapy to describe these effects reflects the diverse roots of the practice. Some terms are grounded in clinical and pharmacological language (e.g., anxiolytic, antidepressant, cognition-enhancing), while others stem from traditional herbalism and folk medicine (e.g., nervine, restorative, balancing). In the realm of subtle or energetic aromatherapy, where essential oils are used to influence emotional states, energy centers (chakras), or meditative awareness, the language becomes more esoteric and symbolic (e.g., grounding, heart-opening, inspiring).

This glossary (87 words in total) does not seek to separate these frameworks but to acknowledge their coexistence within holistic aromatic practice. Each term offers insight into how essential oils may act on the mind, mood, and subtle body, depending on the context in which they are applied—whether therapeutic, ritual, or intuitive.