Herbal Glossary Flashcards
ABOVEGROUND PARTS
The leaves, stems, and flowers of a plant.
ADAPTOGEN
An herb that aids the body through a nonspecific boost in resistance to external stressors, supports the body’s ability to adapt to change, and may stimulate or modulate immunity. Herbalists use adaptogens to improve immune response, increase stamina, and normalize sexual function, among other things.
AERIAL PARTS
The leaves and flowers of a plant.
ALKALOID
A typically highly active plant constituent containing a nitrogen atom, usually in a ring-shaped molecule.
ALTERATIVE
An herb that works on a general level to tonify the systems of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and waste removal.
ANALGESIC
An herb that eases pain; also known as an anodyne.
ANTIDEPRESSANT
An herb that helps ease depression.
ANTIDIARRHEAL
An herb that helps to ease diarrhea.
ANTIHISTAMINE
An herb that blocks the action of histamine and may be useful to ease allergies.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
An herb that soothes inflammation.
ANTI-MICROBIAL
An herb that aids the body in destroying or resisting pathogens. A general term encompassing antibacterials, antifungals, and antivirals.
ANTIOXIDANT
An herb that inhibits oxidation and subsequent free radical damage of important chemicals, enzymes, membranes, cells, and tissues in the body.
ANTIPRURITIC
An herb that eases the sensation of itching.
ANTISPASMODIC
An herb that relaxes muscle spasm and tension.
ANXIOLYTIC
An herb that helps ease anxiety.
APERIENT
An herb with a mild laxative effect.
AROMATIC
An herb rich in volatile oils, often with a fragrant aroma, Aromatics are often used as antimicrobials, carminatives, nervines, and expectorants.
ASTRINGENT
An herb that causes tissues to contract, typically due to its high tannin content.
BINOMIAL
The two-part scientific name used to identify plants; consists of the genus and species of a plant.
BITTER
An herb that has a bitter taste and stimulates the release of digestive secretions through a taste bud reflex. Bitters are used to promote the digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients.
CARMINATIVE
An herb that aids the body in expelling intestinal flatulence, eases bowel griping, and soothes stomach discomfort. Carminative plats are typically high in aromatic oils and useful in a variety of digestive disorders.
CARRIER
A substance (e.g., oil, water) that helps carry active plant constituents into the bloodstream, where they can act on the body’s tissues and organs.
COMPRESS
A cloth soaked in herbal tea and applied topically to wounds, rashes, sore muscles, sprains, etc.
CONSTITUENT
A chemical molecule in a plant that can alter some biochemical process in the body. Most plants or herbs contain many active chemical constituents that work together to alter functioning processes of the body, usually in a subtle way.
CONSTITUTION
The unique combination of energetic qualities inherent in an individual.
CONTRAINDICATION
A condition for which a particular herb is not recommended.
COOLING
Cooling herbs have a cooling, soothing effect on the body. Cooling herbs can also be used when there might be an energetic quality of heat bringing the energetic temperature of the body back to balance.
DECOCTION
A tea preparation for sturdier plant material such as roots and bark, involving simmering the herb in water for minutes or longer.
DEMULCENT
A mucilaginous herb that soothes irritated or inflamed tissues and mucous membranes.
DIAPHORETIC
An herb that promotes perspiration and is often used to help “break” a fever.
DIGESTIVE
An herb that strengthens or supports healthy digestive function.
DIURETIC
An herb that increases the production and or elimination of urine.
DRYING
Drying herbs help to balance imbalances that result in too much moisture in the body or to assist individuals with constitutions that may be on the moist side.
ELECTUARY
An herbal preparation made by adding powdered herbs to honey to form a thick paste.
ELIXIR
A liquid herbal extract that contains alcohol and a sweet base to render it more pleasant to drink.
EMMENAGOGUE
An herb that stimulates menstruation.
EMOLLIENT
An herb applied externally to soften and soothe skin.
ENERGETICS
The energetic qualities of an herb which refer to the sometimes subtle shifts that an herb induces in the human body, mind, and or spirit.
ESSENTIAL OIL
An extremely light and volatile concentrated oil extracted from aromatic plants; used in aromatherapy and produced by distillation or chemical extraction.
EXTRACT
A preparation containing active constituents (e.g., tincture, herb-infused vinegar, herb-infused oil, infusion, decoction).
EXTRACTION
The act of macerating herbs in alcohol, oil, water, or other menstruums to extract their chemical constituents and beneficial properties.
FOLK METHOD
A simple way to make herbal preparations that does not involve difficult math, uses the ingredients you have on hand, and requires no specialized equipment; used by both beginner and experienced herbalists.
SAPONIN
An active plant constituent that produces a soap-like lather in water.
SEDATIVE
An herb that helps to calm the nervous system and induce sleep.
SIMPLE
A single herb used on its own in herbal preparations.
SOLVENT
A liquid capable of dissolving and removing chemical constituents from plants and extracting them into a liquid solution.
SPP.
An abbreviation for species, signifying any one of a number of species in a genus; for example, instead of writing out all the species of the genus Valeriana, Valeriana spp. is written.
STIMULATING
Stimulating herbs can help to counter condition where body systems or tissues are too relaxed.
STYPTIC
An herb that helps to stop bleeding.
TANNIN
An active plant constituent that binds proteins through an astringent action; originally derived from plants used for tanning leather.
TERPENOID
A large class of secondary plant metabolites; may be flavors or scents or act as growth regulators, defense secretions, or pollinator attractants in the plants they are found in.
TINCTURE
A concentrated herbal extract made by macerating herbs in alcohol and water.
TONIC
An herb that strengthens the body through a general tonifying effect or through specific affinities for certain organs.
VULNERARY
An herb that promotes wound repair both internally and externally.
WARMING
Warming herbs that have a warming effect on the body and may cause sweating, increase circulation, or help to balance out a generally cool constitution.
WASH
An herbal tea or extract made with antimicrobial herbs that is applied topically to wounds, rashes, scrapes, cuts, etc.
