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Glossary A Adaptogen: improve the ability of the body to adapt to stressors (whatever form that stress takes). They promote well-being, homeostasis, and health. By definition these are relatively non toxic - as in, when taken in normal doses it is nontoxic. They are nonspecific ability to adapt and resist stress in the entire organism. They tend to help regulate or normalize organ and system function on a broad basis. This is a modern term. Alterative: once known as “blood cleansers”, alteratives gradually help the body to restore normal function, vitality, and health. Amphoteric: normalizes function of an organ or tissue. For example, if some tissue or organ is over active then it helps lower the activity of that organ or tissue, but if the organ or tissue is under active it helps raise the activity. Analgesic: analgesics reduce pain Anodyne: anodyne is another term for something that reduces pain. Anthelmintic: these help to destroy or get rid of worms from the digestive system Anti-bilious: aids the body to remove excess bile. Anti-biotic: aids the body in the destruction or inhibits the growth of bacteria Anti-catarrhal: aids the body to remove excess catarrh (mucus). This could be in the sinuses or other parts of the body Anti-emetic: help reduce the feeling of nausea and may help prevent or relieve vomiting. Anti-inflammatory: help reduce inflammation. Anti-lithic: help prevent the formations of, or remove, stones or gravel in the urinary system. Anti-microbial: help the body to kill or resist infecting micro-organisms such as bacteria Anti-pyretic: aids the body to bring down fevers Anti-spasmodic: help prevent or reduce cramping or spasm. Aperient: very mild laxative Aromatic: in the case of plants, these are plants that have strong odours. These can often be pleasant. They are also usually stimulating to the digestive system. Astringent: astringents constrict tissues. In the case of astringent plants, they usually contain tannins, which bind proteins, leading to reduction of secretions or discharge. B Bile: an alkaline fluid, that is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder for release into the digestive system, to aid in the process of digestion. Primarily it aids in the digestion of fats and elimination of waste products from the blood, it is also the body’s own natural laxative. Bitter: referring to the bitter taste. Bitter herbs cause a reflex action, through the taste buds, that stimulates the digestive system C Carminative: the volatile oils in these plants aid in the stimulation of peristalsis of the digestive system and relaxation of the stomach. They support digestion and help prevent gas. Cholagogue: stimulate the release of bile from the gall-bladder. Compress: topical application used to soften tissue and relieve inflammation or pain. Made by placing a piece of soft cloth in hot water that has had herbal materials added (i.e. tea or decoction). This is then wrung out and placed on the area. Cream: a thick liquid or semi-solid cosmetic or medicinal preparation D Decoction: a water extraction of plant material made through boiling or simmering Demulcent: Usually rich in mucilage, they soothe and protect irritated, inflamed tissue. This term is used when referring to internal use. See Emollient below. Diaphoretic: promotes perspiration. Useful for supporting the body to regulate temperature (i.e. during fever) as well as eliminating toxins that are excreted in sweat. Diuretic: increases the production and elimination of urine. E Emetic: promote vomiting. Emmenagogue: stimulates and normalizes menstrual flow. Emollient: protect, soften, and soothe the skin. This term is used when referring to external use. See Demulcent above. Expectorant: these support the body’s removal of excess mucus from the respiratory system. F Febrifuge: aids the body to bring down fevers G Galactogogue: used for breast-feeding moms to increase milk flow H Hepatic: aid in the toning and strengthening of the liver. They also increase the flow of bile. Homeostasis: the healthy tendency to equilibrium between interdependent systems. Hydragogue: a substance that increases water discharge. Hypnotic: hypnotics induce sleep. They do not cause hypnotic trance. I Infusion: a drink, remedy, or extract made by soaking the leaves in liquid (usually water) Inhalation: this refers to the use of steam, which is inhaled. Typically the hot water contains essential oil containing herbs or essential oils. J K L Laxative: promote elimination from the bowels Liniment: a liquid or lotion made with oil that is used topically to relieve pain Lotion: a thick smooth liquid that is used for application to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes M Mucilage: the polysaccharide substance in some plants that when extracted forms a gelatinous consistency N Nervine: beneficial to the nervous system. Actions can vary – some stimulate, some relax, some tone and strengthen. Nootropic: these enhance cognition and memory and facilitate learning. O Organoleptic: being, affecting, or relating to qualities such as taste, colour, odour, and feel Oxytocic: these stimulate the contraction of the uterus and are thought to be helpful in childbirth. P Pectoral: help to strengthen and aid healing of the respiratory system Peristalsis: the involuntary wavelike muscle contraction in the digestive tract that mix and move food along towards the anus Poultice: a soft, moist, mass of plant material that is applied topically to the body and held in place with a cloth Q R Rubefacient: when applied topically they cause gentle local irritation that stimulates circulation to that area of the skin. Often they can bring relief to deeper (internal) pain. S Sedative: calming to the nervous system, they reduce stress and nervousness. They can also help areas of the body that have been affected by nervous problems. Sialgogue: stimulate saliva secretion. Soporific: induce sleep. See hypnotics above. Stimulant: raises the levels of physiological or nervous activity (functions) in the body Styptic: astringents that reduce or stop external bleeding T Tea: a water extraction of plant material by infusing the material in hot water (water is usually boiled before adding plant material) Tonic: strengthens and invigorates specific organs, systems, or the whole body. U V Vulnerary: applied topically, they aid the body in the healing of wounds and cuts W X Y Z