Herbal Glossary

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Abortifacient

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An agent that induces or causes premature expulsion of a fetus.

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Achlorhydria

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Lack of gastric hydrochloric acid. Occurs usually after age 40. Manifests as gas, belching, bloating, intestinal rumbling, heartburn.

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Acrid

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Leaving a burning sensation in the mouth and throat.

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Adaptogen

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A substance that assists a living organism adapt to environmental, phyiscal, or psychological stress. According to the Soviet researcher I.I. Brekhman, who did most of the early research on adaptogens, these substances have very low toxicity, have little pronounced physiological effect in healthy or- ganisms, and re-regulate and enhance endocrine, immune, and nervous system function in stressed subjects (Asian Ginseng, Eleuthero, Schisandra, Ashwagandha). Greater “non-specific state of resistance”.

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Alterative

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A substance which produces gradual beneficial change in the body, usually by improving elimination (other times by processes more mysterious that we don't yet understand). Increases the activity of major eliminatory organs, i.e., liver, kidneys, skin, large intestines, lungs or lymph. The older term “blood purifier” has been replaced by the terms alterative and antidyscratic. (Yellow Dock, Burdock, Poke). Classically alteratives were anti-syphyllis herbs, cleaning “bad blood.”

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Amenorrhea

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Absence of menstruation.

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Amphoteric

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Balancers that normalize both hyper or hypo function of an organ or tissue- usually by im- proving nutrition. Examples are Reishi and Maitake for immune system; Shatavari for female reproductive system; Hawthorn for cardiovascular system.

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Anabolic (anabolism)

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Processes that cause a building up of tissue.

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Anaphrodisiac

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A substance that reduces libido.

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Analgesic

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A drug or herb which relieves or diminishes pain.

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Anesthetic

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An agent that deadens sensation. Herbal anesthetics are not systemic, they act locally for example menthol deadens nerve endings.

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Anodyne

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See analgesic:

" A drug or herb which relieves or diminishes pain."

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Anthelmintic

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An agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms (ex. Wormwood). Also called anti- helmintic. Most common in US is pinworms, which need to be treated for six weeks. More common globally are amoebas, which herbals for worms do not kill.

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Antiamoebic

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A substance that kills amoebas (Elecampane, Black Walnut hulls).

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Antibiotic

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An agent that destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms (Usnea is the herb closest toan antibiotic, but there are no actual herbal antibiotics).

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Anticatarrhal

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A substance that helps reduce phlegm

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Antidyscratic

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A European term denoting similar activity to the American concept of an alterative, except that it focuses on elimination through the urine (Cleavers, Juniper Berry, Parsley).

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Antiemetic

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A substance that counteracts nausea and relieves vomiting (Ginger, Wild Yam).

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Anti-inflammatory

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An agent which reduced inflammation (Turmeric, Sarsaparilla, Willow).

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Antilithic

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An herb which reduces or suppresses the formation of urinary stones and helps to expel small stones that have formed.

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Antimicrobial

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A substance that helps the body to fight off unwanted micro-organisms.

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Antipruritic

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A substance that relieves itching (menthol).

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Antipyretic

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An agent which reduced fevers- see Febrifuge (Willow, Meadowsweet).

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Antiscorbutic

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A substance that was used to counteract scurvy which results from a lack of Vitamin C

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Antiseptic

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An agent for destroying or inhibiting pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria (Lavender essential oil, Berberine, Alcohol).

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Antispasmodic

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A substance that relieves spasms or cramps (Cramp Bark, Roman Chamomile).

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Antitussive

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An herb or drug which suppresses and relieves coughs (Wild Cherry Bark, Licorice).

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Aperient

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A gentle, non-stimulating laxative (Dandelion Root, Chicory, Bitters) that works by increasing bile secretion, enhances normal bowel function.

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Aquaretic

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A substance that increases elimination of water but not electrolytes, i.e., a potassium-sparing diuretic (Dandelion Leaf, Nettles).

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Asthenic

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Weak, deficient, depleted state or constitution (yin).

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Astringent

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An herb (usually containing tannins) that contracts tissue, reducing secretions or discharges (Witch Hazel, Wild Geranium, Oak Bark).

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Bitter tonic

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An herb characterized by a bitter principle which stimulates saliva flow and digestive secretions (i.e., stomach, liver, small intestine, pancreas) to increase appetite and promote digestion and absorption (Dandelion Rt., Angelica, Orange Peel).

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Cardiac tonic

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An herb that tonifies the heart and strengthens its function (Hawthorn, Night-blooming cereus cactus). Trophorestorative (food for tissue).

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Carminative

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An herb that relaxes intestinal sphincters and helps expel gas from the intestines (Fennel, Ginger, Coriander). Aromatic herbs.

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Carotenoid

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A group of yellow, orange and red pigments found in plant and animal tissues. Beta- carotene, beta-zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, lycopene. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, found in groupings in nature, not isolated.

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Catabolic (Catabolism)

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Processes that cause a breaking down of tissue. Catarrh: Inflammation of a mucous membrane, with increased discharge of mucous or phlegm. Excessmucous is inflammatory.

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Cathartic

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An agent that acts to drastically empty the bowels with cramping and pain- see Purgative.

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Cholagogue

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An herb that increases the flow of bile into the small intestine from the gallbladder (bitters).

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Choleretic

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An herb that stimulates bile production in the liver.

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Counter-irritant

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An agent that produces local irritation to counteract stagnation or inflammation in another part of the body (Camphor, Mustard). Same as rubefacient, applied topically to reduce inflammation.

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Decoction

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The preparation of an herb tea by simmering it in water for a given time; usually for roots and barks.

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Demulcent

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A mucilaginous or soothing herb that reduces irritation of tissue, usually mucous membranes (Irish Moss, Marshmallow, Licorice, Slippery Elm- only effective as a tea).

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Diaphoretic

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An herb that promotes perspiration (Yarrow, Boneset, Ginger). Raises body temperative, sweating eliminates metabolic waste and stimulate immune system.

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Diuretic

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An agent that increases the secretion and elimination of water and electrolytes via the kidney, most of which are antiseptic. There are two types of diuretics, non- irritating and irritating. Non-irritating, non-stimulant: Corn Silk, Marshmallow. Irritating: Juniper Berry.

With an infection, there is already inflammation so you would only use non-irritating.

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Electuary

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A medicated liquid in a honey base. Also a cough drop.

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Emetic

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An agent that causes vomiting (Ipecac, Lobelia, warm saltwater). Lobelia sometimes induces vomiting, sometimes only increases nausea.

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Emmenagogue

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A substance that promotes menstrual flow and may in some cases act as an abortifacient (Pennyroyal, Blue Cohosh, Rue).

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Emollient

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An agent used externally to soften and soothe the skin (Marshmallow, Olive Oil, Comfrey).

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Expectorant

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An herb or drug that promotes the discharge of mucous from the respiratory passages (Ele- campane, Lobelia, Mullein).

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Febrifuge

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An agent that reduces a fever - see Antipyretic

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Flavonoid

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A large group of chemicals commonly found in plants that gives color to some flowers, all berries, and some leaves, roots, and seeds. These compounds (and related compounds including flavonones, flavonols, proanthocyanadins, and other polyphenolics ) act as antioxidants and anti-inflam- matory agents (Ginkgo Leaf, Blueberries, Green Tea, and Milk Thistle seed).

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Fomentation

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A hot/moist poultice applied to an area to relieve pain or inflammation.

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Galactagogue (Lactogogue)

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An herb that encourages or increases the secretion of breast milk (Fennel, Blessed Thistle).

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Glycerite

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A glycerine and water extract of an herb, mostly used for children or alcohol- sensitive people. Glycerine is one of our less extracting solvents and is not a strong preservative.

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Hemostatic

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Checks bleeding.

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Hepatic

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An herb that improves liver function (Dandelion Root, Oregon Grape Root). All bitters are hepatics.

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Hepatoprotective

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A substance that protects the liver against damage by toxins or viruses (Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Schisandra). Will not protect against PAs.

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Hyperchlorhydria

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Excess production of gastric hydrochloric acid. Manifests as sharp heartburn. (Use Marshmallow, Lemon Balm, Meadowsweet, Catnip, Valerian, Chamomile).

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Hypocholesterolemic

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A substance that lowers levels of cholesterol in the blood (Gum Guggal, Garlic, Red Rice Yeast - acts as a statin and can damage liver).

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Hypoglycemic

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A substance that lowers blood sugar levels (Blueberry Leaf, Ginseng, Fenugreek).

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In vitro (in glass) research

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Studies done in a test tube or Petri dish.

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In vivo (in a living organism) research

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Studies done in living organisms- animals or humans. Often done on mice, which are metabolically different from humans, oral and injected substances do not act the same way in their bodies.

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Infusion

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An herbal tea preparation where herbs are steeped in boiling water. Also called a tissane.

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Laxative

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An herb or chemical that stimulates peristalsis and bowel function. Stimulant laxatives induce muscle contraction in the bowel and should be used only short term (Senna, Cascara sagrada). Bulk laxa- tives can be used daily. They reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and are amphoteric for constipation/diarrhea (psyllium, flax, aloe gel).

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Mucilaginous

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Characterized by a slimy or gelatinous consistency, for dry and inflamed mucosal tissues (Slippery Elm, Marshmallow).

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Nervine

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An herb that has a calming or soothing effect on the nerves. These are different from sedatives (sedatives depress). Skullcap, Linden, Fresh Oat.

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Neuralgia

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Acute nerve pain.

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Plaster

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A cloth spread with an herbal paste that is applied externally to the body.

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Poultice

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A paste or wet mass of herbs applied topically to enhance circulation, reduce swelling, pain, and draw out infection. Poultices can be made from crushed fresh plants (Chickweed, Plaintain) or dry herbs mixed with hot water to make a paste.

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Purgative

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An agent that produces a vigorous emptying of the bowels (see Cathartic).

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Refrigerant

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An herb that cools the body (Watermelon, Lemon Balm, Chickweed).

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Rubefacient

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A topical irritant that produces a reddening of the skin to stimulate local circulation (see Counter irritant).

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Sedative

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A substance that suppresses the central nervous system, inducing relaxation, sleepiness, reduced pain, anxiety and nervousness (Passionflower, Hops, Valerian).

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Stimulant

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An herb or drug that excites physiological processes (caffeine, green tea, red ginseng).

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Stomachic

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An agent that improves digestion and appetite (see Bitters).

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Styptic

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A substance that stops bleeding by contracting blood vessels.

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Sudorific

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A substance that induces a sweat

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Tincture

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An alcohol and water extract of an herb. Tinctures are easily absorbed, the alcohol actually increases absorption in the gut, and the tincturing process extracts a wide range of phytochemicals from the plant material.

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Tissane

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see infusion:

"An herbal tea preparation where herbs are steeped in boiling water."

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Tonic

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An agent that invigorates refreshes, stimulates, restores the body.

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Trophorestorative

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An herb that nourishes, strengthens and tonifies a specific organ or function. Considered “food for the organ”. Hawthorn for cardiovascular, Nettle seed for kidneys, Fresh Oat for nervous system.

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Vasoconstrictor

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An agent that narrows blood vessels, thus raising blood pressure.

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Vasodilator

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An agent that dilates the blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure.

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Vermifuge

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A substance that causes the expulsion of intestinal worms (see Anthelmintic).

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Vulnerary

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Herbs used for topical application for wounds, stings, and bruises (Chickweed, Plantain, Witch Hazel, Calendula).