Terms & Definitions

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Acicular herb with needle like leaves such as pine needles.Algin, a gel like substance found in herbs. (KELP)

Alkaloid nitrogen containing compound found in herbs. Usually a central nervous system depressant.

Anti-Oxidants substances which help to control or inhibit free radical oxidation on the cellular level.

Analgesic referring to herbs which depress pain.

Anthelmintic refers to herbs which expel parasites.

Anti-Asthmatic substance which relieves the conditions of asthma.

Anti-Dyspeptic substance which relieves indigestion.

Anti-Bilious relieving stomach distress.

Antiseptic substances which kill or inhibit the growth of germs.

Anti-Spasmodic substances which relieve the unnatural contraction or spasming of muscles.

Aromatic referring to herbs with strong odors.

Astringent herbs which draw or tighten particularly in reference to skin tissue.

Anti-Fungal substances which kill or inhibit growth of funguses.

Anodyne refers to a class of herbs considered to be pain relieving in property.

Anti-Emetic referring to herbs with stomach settling properties.

Anti-Pyretics referring to fever reducing herbs.

Alterative traditional term used by herbalists meaning blood cleansing.

Adaptogen traditional term used by herbalists to describe a category of herbs they view as normalizers of body functions.

AHPA American Herbal Products Association.

Bioflavonoids substances which are sometimes referred to as vitamin P.  Have an important relationship with vitamin C.  Important nutrients for their strengthening influence on secondary blood vessels, and are found in many herbs.

Biennial herb that completes it's life cycle in two years.

Bitter referring to a class of herbs which stimulate digestion and saliva flow.

Carminitive pertaining to a number of herbs having warming and circulative effects on the body.

Cleansing traditional term used by herbalists to describe detoxification.

Cellulose nondigestible carbohydrate found in the outer layers of plants. Important for bulk producing ability.

Chlorophyll green pigment found in plant tissues including many herbs. It is rich in copper and trace elements.

Carotenoids number of substances having anti-oxidant properties which are related to vitamin a that are found in many herbs.

Cardiotonic substances which are viewed as having normalizing effects on the heart.

Catarrh severe inflammation of the mucous membranes.

Cathartic (Laxative) herbs which stimulate bowell movement.

Choleretic stimulates bile production.

Condiment referring to herbs which are used for culinary flavoring.

Decoction preparation of herbs by boiling, straining, and refrigeration.

Decongestant herb which relieves congestion.

Demulcent referring to herbs which soothe mucous membranes.

Diaphoretic referring to herbs that increase perspiration.

Distillation process of preparing herbs for use by boiling and condensing steam, often referred to as Steam Distillation.

Diuretic referring to herbs which increase urine flow.

Detoxification used by herbalists to describe elimination of toxins from the body.

Elixer herbal formula containing alcohol and sugar.

Emollient herbs which soothe skin.

Essential Oils sometimes referred to as volatile oils. Oils found in herbs that dissipate in air.

Epectorant referring to herbs which expel mucous.

Extract the preparation of an herb's most active ingredients by chemical or physical means.

Emetic pertaining to substances which induce vomiting. The opposite effect is termed Anti- Emetic.

Fomentation (Compress) a hot or cold cloth dipped in herbal solution and applied to the skin.

Glycerine sweet thick colorless liquid derived from the distillation of fats. It is used today as a medium for what are termed Alcohol Free herbs.

Herbaceous pertaining to herbs with non-woody stems.

Herbalist one who specializes in the preparation and use of herbs.

Hepatic refering to the liver.

Infusion prepared by adding herbs or extracts to boiling water.

Inflammation the swelling of tissue resulting from disease or injury.

Lignin type of fiber found in some herbs. Important for it's bulk producing effect.

Materia Medica dictionary of medical or herbal terms.

Mucilage (see AlGIN) (refer to SLIPPERY ELM).

Narcotic referring to herbs which induce drowsiness such as Valerian.

Naturalized herb that is introduced to an area from somewhere else that becomes established in the new area often by growing wild.

Nervine herbs which have tranquilizing effects.

Nutraceutical term used by scientists to describe the therapeutic use of plants or herbs.

Ointment herbs prepared in creme form for external application.

Phytochemicals term used to describe substances found in herbs and other plants which promote good health.

Perennial herbs that have life cycles longer than two years.

Pharmacology the study of drugs, their application, actions, and healing properties. In herbal terms this is called Herbology.

Pharmacopeia listing of drugs and their actions, such as an Herbal Pharmacopeia.

Phytotherapy treating with plant or herbal substances.

Poultice/Plaster thick cloth or bandage prepared with herbs for external use. or a paste prepared from herbs and applied externally.

Parasite term used to describe life forms that sustain themselves by living off other life forms (WORMS ETC).

Rubefacient herb which stimulates circulation to outer body areas. (Cayenne).

Resin semi-hard substance produced by some herbs. Resins are usually yellow or brown and are sticky in nature.

Rhizome sometimes called a root a rhizome is actually an underground or under water stem of an herb.

Sapponin frothy producing substance found in some herbs.

Species division of plants or herbs which contain individuals capable of reproducing with each other.

Stimulant herb which increases or speeds up the central nervous system.

Synergistic combination of herbs used to achieve a desired effect.

Stomachic herbs which are viewed to strengthen the stomach.

Syrup thick liquid herbal preparation.

Spagyric specialized process of preparing herbs in which the whole plant is used.

Tannins compounds found in herbs which have strong astringent properties.

Tincture liquid form of herb that is mixed and preserved with alcohol.

Vasodilator herbs which open blood vessels.

Vermifuge see (Anthelmintic).