Glossary
Medicinal Properties Glossary
Alterative: Supports gradual restoration of balance by improving elimination, circulation, or metabolic function over time rather than acting acutely.
Analgesic: Helps reduce the sensation of pain.
Anodyne: Relieves pain and discomfort; often implies a calming or soothing quality rather than strong pain suppression.
Antidepressant: Supports mood and emotional well-being; traditionally refers to uplifting or stabilizing effects rather than treatment of clinical depression.
Anti-inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation, swelling, heat, or irritation in tissues.
Antimicrobial: Inhibits the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.
Antiseptic: Helps prevent infection by discouraging microbial growth, especially on skin or surfaces.
Antispasmodic: Relieves involuntary muscle contractions or spasms, including those affecting digestion or the nervous system.
Antiviral: Helps inhibit viral activity or supports the body’s response to viral infection.
Anxiolytic: Reduces anxiety, nervous tension, or excessive mental agitation.
Aromatic: Contains volatile compounds with noticeable scent; often influences mood, digestion, or the nervous system through aroma.
Bitter: Stimulates digestive secretions and appetite through bitter taste receptors; often supports liver and digestive function.
Carminative: Relieves gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort by easing tension in the gastrointestinal tract.
Cholagogue: Stimulates the flow of bile, supporting digestion and liver function.
Cicatrisant: Promotes wound healing and tissue repair.
Demulcent: Soothes and protects irritated or inflamed tissues, especially mucous membranes, by coating them.
Depurative: Traditionally believed to support cleansing or purification by aiding elimination through liver, kidneys, or skin.
Diaphoretic: Promotes perspiration, often used traditionally in fever or acute illness.
Digestive (Stomachic): Supports healthy digestion by improving appetite, secretion, tone, or comfort of the digestive system.
Diuretic: Increases urine production to support fluid balance and elimination.
Emmenagogue: Stimulates or regulates menstrual flow; traditionally associated with uterine activity.
Emollient: Softens and moisturizes tissues, particularly skin.
Febrifuge: Traditionally used to reduce fever.
Hepatic: Supports liver function or bile activity.
Hypnotic: Encourages sleep or drowsiness without strong sedation.
Immunomodulant: Helps regulate immune activity, supporting appropriate response rather than simply stimulating or suppressing immunity.
Lymphatic: Supports movement and drainage of lymphatic fluid, often associated with swelling or stagnation.
Muscle Relaxant: Relieves muscle tension or rigidity.
Nervine: Supports the nervous system; may calm, nourish, or tone nerve function depending on the herb.
Nutritive: Provides vitamins, minerals, or nourishing compounds that support overall health.
Refrigerant: Traditionally considered cooling; helps reduce heat or inflammation.
Sedative: Calms the nervous system and promotes relaxation without heavy suppression or impairment.
Sialagogue: Stimulates saliva production, often associated with digestive or immune activation.
Splenic: Traditionally believed to support spleen function or blood quality (historic usage).
Stimulant: Increases activity or alertness of bodily systems (note: few of your herbs fall strongly here).
Tonic: Supports long-term strength, resilience, or balance of a system when used regularly and appropriately.
Vasoconstrictor: Narrows blood vessels, potentially reducing bleeding or swelling.
Vulnerary: Supports wound healing and tissue repair, especially when applied topically.
Preparation Glossary
Water-Based Preparations
Infusion: A preparation made by pouring hot (not boiling) water over delicate plant material, usually leaves, flowers, or aromatic herbs, and allowing it to steep. This method extracts volatile oils, minerals, and gentle constituents without damaging them. Infusions are typically steeped 10–30 minutes and consumed fresh.
Tea: A general, non-technical term for an herbal beverage made with water. In herbalism, “tea” may refer to either an infusion or a decoction, depending on the plant used. It’s culturally familiar but imprecise, which is why practitioners usually specify the method.
Decoction: A preparation made by simmering tougher plant material—roots, bark, seeds, or woody stems—in water for an extended period, usually 20–60 minutes. This method extracts minerals, starches, alkaloids, and deeply bound constituents that infusions cannot reach.
Cold Infusion (Cold Brew): An infusion made with cool or room-temperature water over many hours. This method is used for mucilaginous herbs, mineral-rich plants, or constituents that are damaged by heat. The result is gentler, often soothing, and slower-acting.
Alcohol- and Solvent-Based Preparations
Tincture: A concentrated herbal extract made by soaking plant material in alcohol (or alcohol combined with water or glycerin). Alcohol preserves the extract and efficiently pulls a wide range of plant constituents. Tinctures are taken in small doses and have a long shelf life.
Glycerite: An alcohol-free extract made using vegetable glycerin. Glycerites are sweet, shelf-stable, and suitable for those avoiding alcohol, though they are less effective at extracting certain compounds.
Fluid Extract: A highly concentrated liquid extract standardized so that one part extract equals one part herb by weight. These are potent, precise, and typically commercially prepared rather than homemade.
Oil-Based Preparations
Infused Oil: An oil that has absorbed the medicinal properties of herbs through slow infusion over time or gentle heat. Used externally for skin care, massage, and topical remedies. The oil acts as both solvent and delivery system.
Salve: A semi-solid topical preparation made by thickening infused oil with beeswax or another firming agent. Salves protect, soften, and deliver herbs to the skin over time.
Balm: Similar to a salve but often firmer and more aromatic, frequently including essential oils. Balms emphasize sensory experience as well as medicinal effect.
Powders, Solids, and Food-Like Forms
Powder: Dried plant material ground into a fine consistency. Powders may be taken internally in capsules, added to food, or used externally. They preserve the whole plant but act more slowly than extracts.
Capsule: A measured dose of powdered herb enclosed in a gelatin or vegetarian capsule. Capsules offer convenience and precise dosing without taste.
Electuary: A mixture of powdered herbs blended with honey or another sweet base. Electuaries preserve herbs, improve palatability, and are often used for respiratory or tonic formulas.
Syrup: A sweetened liquid preparation made by combining strong tea or decoction with sugar or honey. Syrups are soothing, shelf-stable, and especially useful for coughs and throat remedies.
Topical & External Methods
Poultice: Fresh or dried herbs applied directly to the skin, usually crushed and moistened. Poultices deliver herbs locally and are traditionally used for wounds, inflammation, or pain.
Compress: A cloth soaked in an herbal infusion or decoction and applied to the body. Compresses are less messy than poultices and useful for repeated application.
Liniment: A topical liquid preparation, often alcohol-based, used for muscle pain, circulation, or inflammation. Liniments are rubbed in and not intended for broken skin.
Aromatic & Volatile Preparations
Essential Oil: A highly concentrated volatile oil distilled from plants. Essential oils are potent and must be used with care, typically diluted for topical use or inhaled aromatically. They are not interchangeable with infused oils.
Hydrosol: The aromatic water left after essential oil distillation. Hydrosols are gentle, water-based, and suitable for skin care or subtle internal use, depending on the plant.
Steam Inhalation: A method of inhaling herbal vapors by adding herbs or essential oils to hot water. Used primarily for respiratory support and sinus relief.
Practice & Framework Glossary
Constituents: The chemical compounds within a plant that contribute to its effects. Different preparation methods extract different constituents.
Extraction: The process of drawing medicinal compounds out of plant material using a solvent such as water, alcohol, oil, or glycerin.
Menstruum: The solvent used in extraction. Common menstruums include water, alcohol, oil, and glycerin.
Dose: The amount of an herbal preparation taken at one time. Dose varies by plant, preparation method, and individual context.
Fresh vs. Dried Herb: Fresh herbs contain water and volatile compounds; dried herbs are more concentrated by weight and often more shelf-stable. Preparation methods adjust accordingly.