Glossary Aromatherapy and Natural Products
Glossary – Aromatherapy & Natural Products
From Aromatherapy to Zirben Pine: here you'll find all the key terms about essential oils, plant extracts and natural applications – clearly and simply explained.
A
Aromatherapy
A natural healing method that uses essential oils for physical and emotional well-being. Application is through inhalation (e.g. via a diffuser), skin contact (diluted with a carrier oil) or as a bath additive. Aromatherapy is one of humanity's oldest healing traditions. → Learn more about aromatherapy
B
Bergamot
A citrus fruit from southern Italy whose essential oil has a fresh, floral scent. Bergamot oil is valued for its mood-lifting properties and is a popular companion during times of tension. Also known as the flavouring in Earl Grey tea. → Organic Bergamot
Bioavailability
Describes how well and how quickly the body can absorb and utilise an active ingredient. Hydroalcoholic liquid extracts have particularly high bioavailability, as the active substances are already dissolved and don't need to be broken down in the stomach first. → More about bioavailability
C
Carrier Oil (Base Oil)
Plant oils such as jojoba, sweet almond or black cumin seed oil, used to dilute essential oils before skin application. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should never be applied neat to the skin. Carrier oils also bring their own nourishing properties. → Our plant oils
Cold Pressing
An extraction method specifically for citrus oils. The fruit peels are mechanically pressed to release the essential oil – entirely without heat. This preserves the fresh, vibrant scent notes completely. Also used for carrier oils like jojoba or almond oil.
D
Diffuser (Ultrasonic)
An ultrasonic diffuser creates a fine mist from water and essential oils – completely without heat. This preserves the delicate aromatic compounds. Ideal for living rooms, bedrooms or offices. Just a few drops provide hours of room fragrance. → Our diffusers
E
Essential Oils
Highly concentrated, volatile plant essences obtained through distillation or cold pressing. They contain the characteristic aromatic compounds of a plant and can have calming, invigorating or purifying effects depending on the variety. One or two drops are often enough. → Our essential oils
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus is the classic cold-season oil. Its strong, clear scent opens the airways and refreshes. In the sauna, in a diffuser or as a steam bath – eucalyptus is wonderfully versatile. → Eucalyptus Oil
Extract (Liquid Extract / Mother Tincture)
Hydroalcoholic liquid extracts concentrate a plant's active ingredients in liquid form. The alcohol-water mixture dissolves both water-soluble and fat-soluble components – ensuring high bioavailability. Produced in a specialised laboratory in Italy. → All plant extracts
F
Frankincense
Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) is one of the world's oldest incense materials. The essential oil has a warm, balsamic scent and is valued for meditation, relaxation and skincare. Grounding and calming. → Organic Frankincense
G
Geosan
Geosan products combine minerals and herbal extracts in special pillows and silver sheets. They are used to support a grounded, restful sleep. The silver sheet dissipates static charge. → Geosan sleep products
I
Inhalation
The absorption of essential oils through the airways – the fastest and most direct method in aromatherapy. Possible as steam inhalation (bowl of hot water), via a diffuser, or simply by smelling from the bottle. The scent molecules reach the limbic system in the brain through the nasal mucosa.
L
Lavender (True Lavender)
True lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most versatile essential oil of all. Calming, skin-soothing and harmonising. Its gentle, floral scent aids sleep and eases tension. The all-rounder for every household. → True Lavender
Litsea Cubeba
Litsea cubeba originates from Vietnam and has a citrusy-fresh scent with a delicate floral sweetness. In aromatherapy it's valued for lifting the mood and creating a cheerful atmosphere. A versatile hidden gem among citrus scents. → Organic Litsea Cubeba
M
Mountain Pine (Pinus mugo)
Mountain pine grows in the high altitudes of the Alps. Its essential oil has a fresh, forest-like scent traditionally used for respiratory support and muscle tension. A piece of Alpine air for your home. → Organic Mountain Pine
N
Noni (Morinda citrifolia)
The Noni fruit from Polynesia contains over 150 bioactive substances. Noni juice is valued as a dietary supplement for general well-being. Tip: The taste takes some getting used to – best mixed with a little fruit juice. Produced in Austria. → NUI Noni Original · What is Noni?
Notes (Top / Heart / Base)
The three scent layers in aromatherapy: Top notes (e.g. lemon, peppermint) hit immediately but fade fast. Heart notes (e.g. lavender, rose geranium) develop after a few minutes. Base notes (e.g. cedarwood, patchouli) last for hours and give the blend depth. A good blend contains all three layers.
O
Olive Leaf Extract (Olea europaea)
Olive leaf extract is obtained from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea). The main active ingredient oleuropein is found in significantly higher concentrations in the leaves than in olive oil. Traditionally produced in Italy, 1:1 ratio. → Olive Leaf Extract · Benefits & Guide
Orange (Sweet)
Sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis) is cold-pressed from the peel. Its warm, fruity scent lifts the mood and works beautifully in children's rooms and living spaces. One of the most popular starter oils. → Organic Orange Oil
P
Patch Test
A simple skin compatibility test you should carry out before first using a new essential oil on the skin. Apply one drop of the diluted oil to the inner elbow and wait 24 hours. → Patch test guide
Peppermint
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the world's most popular essential oils. Its fresh, menthol scent is invigorating, cooling and concentration-boosting. Ideal for headaches (diluted on the temples), in the diffuser or as a sauna infusion. → Organic Peppermint
Propolis
Propolis is the resin produced by bees to protect their hive from germs. The extract is valued in natural medicine for its supportive properties during colds and for strengthening the body's defences. Also available alcohol-free. → Propolis Extract · Propolis alcohol-free
R
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is the oil for focus and clarity. Its fresh, herbaceous scent energises the mind and promotes circulation. Ideal in the morning diffuser or diluted as a scalp massage. → Organic Rosemary
S
Steam Distillation
The most common method for extracting essential oils. Hot steam passes through the plant material, dissolving the volatile aromatic compounds and carrying them along. After cooling, oil and water separate – the essential oil floats on top. A gentle method proven over centuries.
Swiss Stone Pine (Zirben Pine)
The Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) is the symbol tree of the Alps. Its essential oil has a warm, woody scent with a fine resinous note, particularly valued for restful sleep. Studies show that Zirben pine scent can lower the heart rate. Viworo's most popular oil. → Organic Swiss Stone Pine
T
Tea Tree
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is one of the most versatile essential oils. Valued for its strong purifying properties, it's a must-have in every natural medicine cabinet. Ideal for blemish-prone skin, cold season and room hygiene. → Organic Tea Tree
V
Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is one of Europe's best-known calming plants. The extract is traditionally used for restlessness and sleep difficulties. Combines well with passionflower and lemon balm. → Valerian Extract
Y
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) has an intensely sweet-floral, exotic scent. The oil is relaxing, sensual and mood-lifting. A popular heart-to-base note in romantic blends. → Organic Ylang Ylang
Z
Zirben Pine
See → Swiss Stone Pine
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