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Herbalism definitions Flashcards

1
Q

Menstruum (solvent)

A

The liquid used for an extract, suchas glycerin, alcohol, vinegar or water

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2
Q

Active constituent

A

A molecule that can alter some biochemical process in the body; also known as a photochemical. Most herbs contain many active chemicals that work together to alter processes of the body, usually in a subtle way.

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3
Q

Garbling

A

Separating the useful parts of the plant from the unusable ones.

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4
Q

Maceration

A

The process of steeping an herb in a menstruum..

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5
Q

Marc

A

The waste herb material left after the extract making process.

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6
Q

Precipitate

A

Solids that form at the base of a solution

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7
Q

Proof and percent

A

The proof of alcohol is twice the percentage of the alcohol content measured by volume. Thus, an 80 proof vodka is 40% alcohol by volume and the other 60% of the solution is water.

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8
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Acids

A

Water, alcohol

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9
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Alkaloids

A

Alcohol, vinegar, glycerin, and to a lesser extent-water.

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10
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Bitter principles

A

Water, alcohol, vinegar, glycerin

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11
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Minerals

A

Water, vinegar

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12
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Mucilage

A

Cold water

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13
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Resins

A

Alcohol, warm oil

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14
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Sugars

A

Cold water, hot water, alcohol

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15
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Tannins

A

Cold water, glycerin

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16
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Volatile oils

A

Alcohol, hot water (short term), oil

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17
Q

what are two parts combined to form a tincture?

A

the menstruum, which extracts the phytochemicals from the herbal material and

the herbal material itself.

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18
Q

What are rinses and washes used for?

A

Rinsing mucous membrane surfaces, and is helpful as a mouthwash, douche, or as a solution in a neti pot, eye cup or peri bottle.

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19
Q

What are infused oils?

A

Carrier oils that have been infused with plant material in order to extract some of the plant constituents.

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20
Q

What is a salve?

A

Topical applications made of infused oil and wax.

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21
Q

What is a balm?

A

A salve that remains high in the delightful aroma of the herbs that are infused into it.

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22
Q

What is a poultice?

A

a traditional variation on crushed/chewed herbs, with additional water. The herbal material is made into a paste using hot liquids, then spread thickly onto a cloth and applied while hot, directly to the body.

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23
Q

What is the action of an emollient poultice?

A

supplies moisture and a soft and soothing quality to ease inflammation, lubicrate tissues, and support the body’s healing process.

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24
Q

What action does a Rubefacient poultice have?

A

Causes skin redness which is a sign of their primary activity: moving the blood to the surfaces of they skin by dilating capillaries. - it uses this to move congestion and soothe inflammation.

25
What action does a therapeutic poultice have?
Exercise a specific influence on the body and are used for a variety of purposes such as to stave off infection, ease the pain of wounds or arthritis, and ease swellings.
26
What is a herbal action?
Herbal actions refer to specific effects that herbs have on the body.
27
What is an 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.
28
What are Adaptogen's used for?
they are used to improve immune response, increase stamina, and normalize sexual function, among other things.
29
What is Alterative actions?
Herbs that work on a general level to tonify the systems of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and waste removal.
30
What are Alteratives used for?
to specifically promote elimination of waste through the kidneys, liver, colon, skin or lungs. Alteratives are typically used for skin issues, arthritis, chronic conditions, and as general "tune-up" for the body.
31
What is Analgesic actions?
Herbs that diminish pain without inducing unconsciousness.
32
What are Analgesics used for?
headaches, cramps, toothaches, arthritis, and other causes of pain.
33
What is anticatarrhal actions?
herbs that thin and promote the flow of mucus/phlem associated with allergies, colds or the flu
34
What are Antimicrobials?
an herb that aids the body in destroying or resisting pathogens. (these are divided into more specific categories depending on the pathogens against which they are effective)
35
What is an antioxidant?
an herb that prevents damage from free radicals, molecules in the body that can cause damage to healthy tissues and cells.
36
How are free radicals formed in the body?
when we are exposed to environmental toxins, waste products of our own metabolism, and ultraviolet radiation.
37
What is an astrigent?
an herb that causes tissues to contract, typically due to its high tannin content.
38
What are astringents used for?
hemorrhoids, swollen tonsils, and excess secretions.
39
What is a bitter?
an herb that has a bitter taste and stimulates the release of digestive secretions through a taste bud reflex.
40
What are bitters used for?
to promote the digestion of food an assimilation of nutrients.
41
What is carminative actions?
an herb that aides the body in expelling gas, eases bowel griping, and soothes intestinal discomfort.
42
What are some carminatives?
anise seed, cardamom seed, dill seed, fennel seed, ginger rhizome, peppermint leaf
43
What is a demulcent?
an herb that soothes and protects irritated, damaged and inflamed tissues.
44
What are demulcents used for?
internally for sore throats, lung irritation, and gut and urinary tract inflammation.
45
What is a diaphoretic?
An herb that, when taken hot, induces perspiration.
46
What are diaphoretics used for?
to encourage fevers to "break" and to aid the body in expelling pathogens through the skin.
47
What is a diuretic?
an herb that increases the flow of urine.
48
What is a diuretic used for?
conditions such as water retention, kidney stagnation, and urinary tract infections.
49
What is an emmenagogue?
Encourages menstruation, both by stimulating menses and increasing flow.
50
what is an expectorant?
An herb that helps expel excess or stuck mucus from the respiratory system.
51
What are expectorants used for?
colds, the flu, and other sources of lung congestion.
52
What is a hepatic action?
an herb that supports the function of the liver in a range of ways.
53
What are nervine actions?
An herb that can have a nourishing, calming, or stimulating effect on the nervous system.
54
What are nervines used for?
Anxiety, panic, nervous tension and headaches
55
What is a tonic action?
An herb that strengthens the body through a general tonifying effect or through specific affinities for certain organs.
56
What is an aromatic
highly fragrant herbs with a high volatile oil content
57
What do volatile oils do
relax smooth muscles and ease our nervous system into rest and digest mode, which helps our ability to digest and assimilate food
58
what is a bitter
Help digest and assimilate nutrients by increasing digestive secretions throughout the gastrointestinal tract

Intro herbalism (8 decks)

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