Herbal Terminology Page

Herbal Terminology

Analgesic A substance that relieves pain.
Antibacterial A substance that works to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Antidepressant A substance that relieves depression.
Antiemetic A suvstance that relieves vomiting or nausea.
Antifungal A substance that has the ability to inhibit the growth of fungi.
Antihidrotic A substance that inhibits sweating.
Anti-inflammatory A substance that counteracts inflammation.
Antimicrobial A substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
Antioxidant A substance that blocks or slows oxidation, which produces free radicals - potentially destructive compounds that can cause cell damage.
Antiseptic A substance that prevents the growth of microorganisms.
Antispasmodic A substance that prevents or relieves spasms or cramps.
Antiviral A substance that works against viruses.
Aromatic Having a strong smell that can potentially have theraputic use.
Astringent A substance that increases the tone of tissues.
Ayurvedic Pertaining to Ayurveda, a science of healing that originated in India.
Carminative A substance that stimulates the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract.
Cathartic Having a strong laxative effect.
Cholagogue A substance that promotes the flow of bile.
Counterirritant A substance that, when applied locally, produces skin-surface redness that reduces inflammation in adjacent tissues. (See Rubefacient.)
Decoction A liquid in which an herb has been simmered in order to extract its active properties. This method is used for roots and bark.
Demulcent A substance that softens and soothes irritation of mucus membranes.
Diaphoretic A substance that promotes perspiration.
Digestive A substance that aids in digestion.
Diuretic A substance that expels water, thus increasing the flow of urine.
Dyspepsia Indigestion, or difficulty in digesting.
Eczema An inflammatory skin condition.
Emmenagogue A substance that promotes menstruation.
Emollient A topical substance applied to soften and smooth the skin
Essential oil The concentrated oil found in herbs that contain their active ingredients. The oil often has a distinctive, strong aroma.
Expectorant A substance that promotes the elimination of mucus from the respiratory tract.
Free radicals Unstable compounds that can take oxygen from healthy cells, causing them damage and possibly destroying them.
Galactagogue A substance that promotes the flow of breast milk in a nursing mother.
Hemostatic A substance that stops bleeding.
Hypnotic A substance that has the ability to induce sleep.
Hypotensive A substance that lowers blood pressure.
Infused oil Oil that has had herbs introduced to it in order to transfer the properties of the herbs into the oil.
Internal cleanser A substance which, when taken internally, will aid in removing potentially harmful agents from the body.
Lymphatic A substance that can stimulate and cleans the lymphatic system.
Nervine A substance that tones the nervous system.
Property A quality or trait that belongs to a particular herb.
Relaxant A substance that promotes relaxation.
Rubefacient A substance applied locally to stimulate and increase blood flow to the skin's surface.
Salve A substance that can be spread on the skin, made by combining an oil with an emulsifier such as beeswax, to achieve a stiff consistency.
Sedative A substance that promotes a feeling of calm and quiet in the face of excitement or nervousness.
Spasmolytic See Antispasmodic.
Stimulant A substance that increases functional activity and energy in the body. This can be a temporary increase.
Stomachic A substance that enhances stomach function.
Tea or infusion Hot water in which herbs have been steeped in order to transfer the plant properties to the liquid. This method is used for more delicate plant parts such as leaves and flowers.
Tincture A liquid made from alcohol or glycerine and water to which herbs have been steeped to extract their properties.
Tonic A substance that increases tone, energy, and vigor in a specific part of the body.
Topical Pertaining to the surface of the skin.
Ulceration an open wound in the skin that involves underlying tissue.
Vasodilatory A substance that causes blood vessels to widen.
Visceral Related to the internal organs of the body.
Vulnerary A substance that promotes the healing of new cuts and wounds.

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