Abortifacient

A substance that induces miscarriage.

Adaptogen

A substance that increases the body’s resistance to physical, mental, biological and environmental stress and promotes normal physiological function.

Alterative

A substance that cleanses and nourishes the interstitial fluid.  See ‘depurative’.  

Analgesic/Anodyne

A substance that relieves the sensation of pain.

Anxiolytic

A substance that reduces anxiety.

Aperient

A mild laxative.

Aromatic Digestive

A substance with a strong and generally pleasant taste and/or smell.  Aids digestion and is warming to the body.

Astringent

A substance that precipitates proteins on exposed tissues and mucous membranes and thus produces a protective coating or barrier.

Ayurvedic

Traditional system of Indian medicine which means ‘a science of life’.

Bitter

A bitter tasting substance that stimulates digestive secretions via bitter taste buds in the mouth and by direct contact with the gastrointestinal tract.  Promote appetite and digestion and improve general health.

Bulk Laxative

A substance that increases the volume of faeces, producing larger, softer stools. 

Carminative

A substance that soothes intestinal spasm, griping pain and flatulence by relaxing intestinal muscle and sphincters.

Cathartic

A substance that causes evacuation of the bowels.  Has a stronger action than a laxative.  Also known as a ‘purgative’.

Cholagogue

A substance that stimulates contraction of the gall bladder to increase the release of bile.

Choleretic

A substance that increases the production and release of bile from the liver.

Compress

A cloth pad soaked in a herbal infusion, decoction or diluted tincture and applied to a painful area.

Counterirritant

A substance that causes superficial inflammation of the skin in order to relieve a deeper pain. 

Cream

A mixture of water with oils or fats which softens and blends with the skin.

Decoction

A more vigorous extraction of a plants active ingredients than an infusion.  Used for roots, bark, twigs and some berries.  Heat in water and simmer for up to 1 hour.

Demulcent

A substance that soothes and protects inflammed or irritated mucous membranes such as within the digestive or urinary tracts.  Rich in mucilage.

Depurative

A substance that improves the body’s detoxification and elimination processes to reduce accumulation of metabolic waste.  Formerly known as ‘blood cleansers’ or ‘alteratives’.  Used to treat chronic skin and musculoskeletal conditions.

Diaphoretic

A substance that promote sweating and controls a fever, making the fever response more efficient.

Diuretic

A substance that increases urinary output.

Doctrine of Signatures

Theory that the appearance of a plant indicates it’s inherent medicinal properties.

Douche

Introduction of water and/or a cleansing agent into the vagina.

Dropsy

Traditional term for excess fluid in the tissues.  Oedema.

Eclectic

System of medicine developed in the USA in the 19th century.

Emetic

A substance that causes vomiting.

Emmenagogue

A substance that promotes menstrual flow and activity.  Should be avoided in pregnancy except to induce labour.

Emollient

A substance that soothes, softens and protects inflammed skin.

Expectorant

A substance that promotes loosening and removal of excess mucous from the respiratory tract. 

Febrifuge

A substance that reduces fever (antipyretic).

Fluid Extract

Similar to a tincture but the (herb)weight:volume ratio is higher (1:1) and therefore a more potent medicine.  Tend to be made commercially to pharmaceutical grades. 

Galactagogue

A substance that increases production and promotes the flow of breast milk.

Galenical

Traditional system of Western medicine based on the four humours theory of Ancient Greece.  A humour is a theoretical body fluid.

Haemostatic

A substance that stops blood flow.  See ‘styptic’.

Hepatic

A substance that improves the tone and functioning of the liver.  Hepatic tonic is a preferred term.

Hypnotic

A substance that induces drowsiness and sleep.  Also known as a ‘soporific’.

Immunomodulator

A substance that strengthens and balances the activity of the immune system.

Infusion

A herbal medicine prepared by steeping the plant material (flowers and leafy parts) in water.  Prepared in much the same way as a tea but water should be just off the boil to retain volatile oils and kept covered.

Mucilage

A gelatinous substance from various plants that contains proteins and polysaccharides and is similar to plant gums.

Mucolytic

A substance that helps break up and disperse mucus in the respiratory tract.

Laxative

A substance that facilitates bowel movements.

Liniment

A medicinal fluid preparation (tincture + infused oil) that is rubbed into unbroken skin to soothe pain or relive stiffness.

Lotion

A water-based mixture that is applied to the skin to cool or soothe.

Lymphatic

A substance that assists detoxification by it’s stimulating effect on lymphatic tissue and often also improves immune function.

Narcotic

A substance that induces stupor and is intoxicating in large doses.

Nervine

A substance that affects the nervous system.  May be stimulating, relaxing or sedating.

Nootropic

A substance that enhances mental function – learning, memory, concentration.

Ointment

A substance used to soothe or heal skin that contains only oils or fats (no water).  Does not blend with the skin but forms a protective layer over it.  Also know as a ‘salve’ or ‘unguent’.

Orexigenic

A substance that stimulates appetite.

Oxytocic

A substance that causes contraction of the uterine muscle during labour.

Partus Preparator

A substance taken to prepare the body for labour.  Treatment usually begins at the start of the third trimester.

Pharmacognosy

The branch of pharmacology that deals with drugs in their natural state and with medicinal herbs or other plants.

Phytoestrogen

A plant chemical that exerts subtle oestrogen like effects possibly by altering oestrogen production and through interaction with oestrogen receptors.

Phytotherapy

The treatment of illness using medicinal plants.  Herbal medicine.

Posology

The science or study of dosage.

Poultice

Whole herb applied to a wound or muscle injury and covered with a dressing.  Generally applied hot.

Purgative

See cathartic.

Refrigerant

A substance that has cooling properties, particularly when applied to the skin.

Rubefacient

A mild counterirritant.  Stimulates local blood flow to the skin.

Salve

See ointment.

Sedative

A substance that reduces activity, particularly in the nervous system, and reduces nervous tension.

Sialagogue

A substance that stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Signetur

Latin for ‘let it be labelled’.  Used to indicate dose on herbal prescriptions and abbreviated to ‘sig’.

Simple

A single herb used on it’s own.

Soporific

See hypnotic.

Spasmolytic

A substance that reduces or relieves smooth (involuntary) muscle spasms.

Stomachic

A substance that has a beneficial effect on stomach function and improves appetite.

Styptic

A substance that stops external bleeding when applied locally.

Thymoleptic

A substance that elevates mood.

Tincture

A herbal medicine prepared by steeping the plant in a mixture of alcohol and water.  The alcohol helps to extract the active chemicals and acts as a preservative.  Vary in (herb)weight:volume ratio and %alcohol depending on the nature of the plant material. 

Tonic

A substance that improves the tone, functioning and vigour of a specific organ or the entire body.

Topical

Local application of a herbal medicine eg. to the skin or eye.

Trophorestorative

A substance that has a healing, nourishing and supportive action on a specific organ or the entire body.

Tussis

A cough.

Unguent

See ointment.

Vasoconstrictor

A substance that constricts or narrows blood vessels.

Vasodilator

A substance that dilates or widens blood vessels.

Vermifuge

A substance that kills or assists in the expulsion of worms and intestinal parasites.

Vulnerary

A substance that promotes the healing of wounds when applied topically.