REF: Glossary

Question 1

ALTERATIVE

Answer 1

An herb that gradually cleanses the blood by regulating the eliminative organs.

Question 2

ANALGESIC

Answer 2

Herbs used to allay pain when administered orally.

Question 3

ANTISPASMODIC

Answer 3

Herbs used to relieve nervous irritability and reduce or prevent excessive involuntary muscular contractions or spasms.

Question 4

ANTISEPTIC

Answer 4

Herbs used to prevent, resist, and counteract putrefaction (decay of cells and formation of pus).

Question 5

ANTIVIRAL

Answer 5

Herbs that destroy viruses or suppress their growth or multiplication.

Question 6

ASTRINGENT

Answer 6

Herbs that contract tissues make them denser and firmer, slowing down discharges.

Question 7

DECOCTION

Answer 7

An extract or substance obtained by boiling and simmering an herb or herbs in water.

Question 8

DECONGESTANT

Answer 8

An herb that reduces congestion in the respiratory

Question 9

DEMULCENT

Answer 9

Herbs having mucilaginous properties that are soothing and protective internally to irritated and inflamed surfaces and tissue.

Question 10

DIAPHORETIC

Answer 10

Herbs that produce perspiration and increased elimination through the skin.

• if hot, dry skin and full/fast pulse, use a relaxant diaphoretic
• if cold skin and weak pulse, use a stimulating diaphoretic

Question 11

DIURETIC

Answer 11

Herbs that increase the secretion and flow of urine.

Question 12

EMOLLIENT

Answer 12

An herb that contains mucilaginous properties and is used to soothe and soften the skin.

Question 13

EXPECTORANT

Answer 13

An herb that promotes the removal of catarrh and mucus from the bronchial tubes.

Question 14

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

Answer 14

A substance that helps and supports the heptaocytes or cells of the liver. Hepatic refers to the liver.

Question 15

INFUSION

Answer 15

A dilute liquid extract resulting from steeping or soaking an herb in water.

Question 16

IN-VIVO

Answer 16

A term referring to something that is “in the body.” Usually it refers to testing that is done “in-vivo,” or in the body, as opposed to “in-vitro,” which is outside the body or in a test tube or tissue culture.

Question 17

IRRITANT

Answer 17

An herb that irritates tissue, drawing blood to the area that promotes healing.

Question 18

LAXATIVE

Answer 18

An herb that looses the bowels and relieves constipation.

Question 19

POULTICE

Answer 19

A warm, soft, moist substance usually prepared with boiling water, spread on a cloth and applied to an inflamed part of the body, to draw pus or act as a counter-irritation.

Question 20

RUBEFACIENT

Answer 20

An herb that increases circulation and reddening of the skin.

Question 21

SIALAGOGUE

Answer 21

A drug or other agent that increases the flow of saliva.

Question 22

STIMULANT

Answer 22

An herb that increases activity in the body or in a specific organ.

Question 23

TONIC

Answer 23

An herb that invigorates and tones up the system.