Herbal
Medical
Glossary
Medical
Glossary
 |
| |
 |
alternatives-by-t-j.com
Analgesic=
pain-relieving.
Astringent=
causing contraction of tissues and reducing secretions.A
substance used to stop bleeding, mucous discharge and fluid
loss.
Carminactive=
helps to expel, or reduce the formation of excess gas in the
intestines.
Cathartic=
laxative.
Demulcent=
viscous substance that is soothing to inflamed tissue.
Digestive=
aiding the digestive process.
Diuretic=
increasing the flow and volume of urine.
Emetic=
causing vomiting.
Emollient=
softening and soothing substance, used externally.
Expectorant=
expels mucous from the respiratory system.
Mucilage=
sticky substance occurring in many plants that relieves irritations
and inflammations.
Pharmacopeia=
a catalogue of officially-recognized drugs.
Purgative=
promotes dramatic emptying of the bowrls
pain-relieving.
Astringent=
causing contraction of tissues and reducing secretions.A
substance used to stop bleeding, mucous discharge and fluid
loss.
Carminactive=
helps to expel, or reduce the formation of excess gas in the
intestines.
Cathartic=
laxative.
Demulcent=
viscous substance that is soothing to inflamed tissue.
Digestive=
aiding the digestive process.
Diuretic=
increasing the flow and volume of urine.
Emetic=
causing vomiting.
Emollient=
softening and soothing substance, used externally.
Expectorant=
expels mucous from the respiratory system.
Mucilage=
sticky substance occurring in many plants that relieves irritations
and inflammations.
Pharmacopeia=
a catalogue of officially-recognized drugs.
Purgative=
promotes dramatic emptying of the bowrls
Everyday Use Terms
Bathing with Herbs
Herb Relaxing Stimulating
------------------------------------------------------------------
Basil x
Chamomile x
Comfrey x
Jasmine x
Lavender x
Lemon Verbena x
Lime Flowers x
Marigolds x
Peppermint x
Pine x
Rosemary x
Vervain x
Herb Relaxing Stimulating
------------------------------------------------------------------
Basil x
Chamomile x
Comfrey x
Jasmine x
Lavender x
Lemon Verbena x
Lime Flowers x
Marigolds x
Peppermint x
Pine x
Rosemary x
Vervain x
Making Herbal Remedies
Here are the terms for making
home treatments:
Infusion=
you use the leaf of the herb
to make an infusion, its like making
tea.
Heat water to a boil pour over herb
leaves, let sit (steep)for a while
and then strain .
Infusions are different from teas.
Infusions are medicine,because
they are more concentrated:
1 oz. of dried herb to 1 pt. water.
It is usually put in refrigerator and
you take a sip several times a
day.
Decoction=
The part of plant that is hard :
root,seeds,or the woody stem.
The herb is cooked in simmering
water then strained and stored.
Tincture=
Is a very concentrated form,it has
a base of alcohol like
Vodka,Brandy or Grain alcohol.
Dried or fresh chopped herb then
steeped in the alcohol for several
weeks then strained. Use 4 oz. of
herb to 1 pt. of alcohol. This
tincture is strong; one dose is a few
drops,diluted in juice,water or tea.
The above is all taken internally.
Poultice=
It is used for external use:
sore muscles,bruises,rashes,burns
,and so fourth. In a poultice ,herbs
are put directly on the skin.
Sometimes the herbs are chopped
and mixed with water sometimes
oatmeal to make a paste,so its
easier to spread. A bandage or
cloth is added to hold the
poultice in place.
Here are the terms for making
home treatments:
Infusion=
you use the leaf of the herb
to make an infusion, its like making
tea.
Heat water to a boil pour over herb
leaves, let sit (steep)for a while
and then strain .
Infusions are different from teas.
Infusions are medicine,because
they are more concentrated:
1 oz. of dried herb to 1 pt. water.
It is usually put in refrigerator and
you take a sip several times a
day.
Decoction=
The part of plant that is hard :
root,seeds,or the woody stem.
The herb is cooked in simmering
water then strained and stored.
Tincture=
Is a very concentrated form,it has
a base of alcohol like
Vodka,Brandy or Grain alcohol.
Dried or fresh chopped herb then
steeped in the alcohol for several
weeks then strained. Use 4 oz. of
herb to 1 pt. of alcohol. This
tincture is strong; one dose is a few
drops,diluted in juice,water or tea.
The above is all taken internally.
Poultice=
It is used for external use:
sore muscles,bruises,rashes,burns
,and so fourth. In a poultice ,herbs
are put directly on the skin.
Sometimes the herbs are chopped
and mixed with water sometimes
oatmeal to make a paste,so its
easier to spread. A bandage or
cloth is added to hold the
poultice in place.
One thing to remember:
No Herb is 100% safe
No Herb is 100% safe
| No Herb is 100% safe-same as medicine |
more coming
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT HERBS
Some type of selection criteria is a must to choose the
right herb for the specific herbal remedy required. There
are over half a million plants that can be used in healing
remedies, medical herbalist usually use about 350
different herbs in their practice. A set of guidelines has to
be used to choose from half a million herbs to a more
realistic number.
HERBAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Medicinal herbs can be classified in different ways
according to needs. They are sometimes listed by:
Alphabetical order -Chamomile, Echinacea, Marigold,
etc.
Botanical family (Taxonomic) - Compositae,
Laminaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae, etc.
Constituents (Biochemical)- alkaloids, coumarins,
tannins, iridoids, etc.
Plant parts (Morphological) -flowers, seeds, root, whole
plant, etc.
Therapeutic effects -astringents, diaphoretics,
diuretics, tonics, etc.
Geographical - American, Asian, European, etc.
When choosing your herbs for medicinal purposes,
the constituents and therapeutic effects are the
most important.
ACTION BASED - it is the easiest way for anyone to begin
using herbs. All the herbs have biochemical action/s and
specific effects in the body. Knowing these actions and
the specific pathology will help you decide which actions
are required and then which herbs will deliver these
actions.
Some of the most used actions are:
Alternatives
Herbs that will slowly restore the proper function of the
body increasing health and vitality. This may sound
unclear, but their value is certain. They act by altering the
metabolic body's processes so tissues can be dealt with a
range of processes from nutrition to elimination. E.g..
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), Blood root
(Sanguinaria canadensis), Golden seal (hydrastis
canadensis).
Anti-microbials
Anti-microbial herbs can help the body to destroy or
resist pathogenic micro-organisms, topically as in skin
infections and internally for systemic infections. E.g.
Garlic (Allium sativum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Sage
(Salvia officinalis).
Anti-inflammatory
Herbs/constituents that aid the body to fight inflammation
in different areas. E.g. Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) White willow
(Salix alba), Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), Marigold
(Calendula officinalis).
Astringents
Remedies that contain constituents that have a binding
action on mucous membranes, skin and other exposed
tissue. They contract blood vessels and some body
tissues (mucous membranes) with the effect of reducing
secretion and excretions. Astringents are sometimes
used to stop external or internal bleeding. E.g. Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium), Couchgrass (Agropyron repens),
Tormentil (Potentilla tormentilla), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis
virginiana).
Bitters
Very important to the digestive system, these are
remedies that have a bitter taste which triggers a sensory
response in the mouth that is directed by the nerves to
the central nervous system. From there a message goes
to the stomach increasing the digestive hormone gastrin,
leading to a great range of ramifications of value to the
digestive process and general body health. E.g.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), Feverfew (Tanacetum
parthenium), Gentian (Gentiana lutea), Centaury
(Erythraea centaurium).
Anti-Spasmodic
Anti-spasmodics help by preventing or easing spasms or
cramps in the muscles, they also reduce tension in the
body, and many of them are also nervines, sometimes
they will also ease psychological tension. E.g. Passion
Flower (Passiflora incarnata), Valerian (Valeriana
officinalis), Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), Lobelia
(Lobelia inflata), Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa).
Carminatives
Carminatives are herbal remedies that have a high
content of volatile oils, they are used to stimulate the
digestive system to work properly. They are very effective
to expel gas and easing griping pains from the stomach
and the intestines, they also tone the mucous surfaces
and increase peristaltic action (esophagus, stomach and
intestine movement, which propels its contents onward).
They are also used with other herbs to make
formulations more palatable, carminatives are also
known as aromatics. E.g. Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum),
Caraway (Carum carvi), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita),
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Ginger (Zingiber officinale),
Peppermint (Mentha piperita).
Demulcents
Demulcent are herbs rich in mucilage which can soothe
and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissues (mucous
surfaces). If they are used on the skin, demulcents are
called emollients, which have a protective and soothing
action upon the surface of the body. E.g. Corn Silk (Zea
mays), Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Marshmallow root
(Althaea officinalis), Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva), Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus).
Diuretics
Diuretics are herbs that increase the flow of urine from
the kidneys, excreting excess fluid from the body, they will
not cause potassium depletion or stress the kidneys. As
these are herbs which offer some beneficial action in the
urinary system, they can also include urinary demulcents
and anti-inflammatory herbs. E.g. Dandelion leaf
(Taraxacum off. folia), Celery (Apium graveolens), Corn
silk (Zea mays), Couchgrass (Agropyron repens), Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium).
Expectorants
Expectorants are herbs that aid the body to remove
excess mucous from the lungs by stimulating the
cleansing activities of the lungs. E.g. Thyme (Thymus
vulgaris), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Elecampane
(Inula helenium), Marshmallow (Althea officinalis),
Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa), Wild Cherry (Prunus
serotina).
Nervines
Nervines are plant remedies that have a beneficial
effect/s in the nervous system, some of the different
types of nervines are: tonics, relaxing, stimulating,
antispasmodics, antidepressant, analgesic.
Nervine tonics - Oats (Avena sativa), St. Johns Wort
(hypericum perforatum), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora).
Nervine relaxants - Vervain (Verbene officinalis),
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia).
Antispasmodics -
Valerian (valeriana officinalis), Viburnum (Viburnum
opulus).
Anti-depressants
- Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), Oats (Avena sativa),
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis).
Analgesics - Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina),
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Wild Yam (Dioscorea
villosa).
Energy enhancers
Energy enhancers are herbs that strengthen, and tonic
herbs which support the adrenal glands, thyroid and
nervous tissue. E.g.. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Gotu
kola (Centella asiatica), Kelp (Fucus vesiculosis),
Ginseng (Panax ginseng).
Circulatory stimulants
Herbal remedies which dilate the blood vessels,
strengthen the heart and enhance circulation. They can
direct the action to a specific area of the body, limbs or
central organs, these herbs could be warming in nature.
E.g. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum
spp.), Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), Cayenne
(Capsicum minimum).
Uterine tonic
Herbs that strengthen and tonify the uterine muscle and
lining, some will improve the circulation to these organs,
useful to restore normal menses. E.g.. Black Haw
(Viburnum prunifolium), Partridge Berry (Mitchella
repens), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Ladies Mantle
(Alchemilla vulgaris),
Some type of selection criteria is a must to choose the
right herb for the specific herbal remedy required. There
are over half a million plants that can be used in healing
remedies, medical herbalist usually use about 350
different herbs in their practice. A set of guidelines has to
be used to choose from half a million herbs to a more
realistic number.
HERBAL CLASSIFICATIONS
Medicinal herbs can be classified in different ways
according to needs. They are sometimes listed by:
Alphabetical order -Chamomile, Echinacea, Marigold,
etc.
Botanical family (Taxonomic) - Compositae,
Laminaceae, Rosaceae, Rubiaceae, etc.
Constituents (Biochemical)- alkaloids, coumarins,
tannins, iridoids, etc.
Plant parts (Morphological) -flowers, seeds, root, whole
plant, etc.
Therapeutic effects -astringents, diaphoretics,
diuretics, tonics, etc.
Geographical - American, Asian, European, etc.
When choosing your herbs for medicinal purposes,
the constituents and therapeutic effects are the
most important.
ACTION BASED - it is the easiest way for anyone to begin
using herbs. All the herbs have biochemical action/s and
specific effects in the body. Knowing these actions and
the specific pathology will help you decide which actions
are required and then which herbs will deliver these
actions.
Some of the most used actions are:
Alternatives
Herbs that will slowly restore the proper function of the
body increasing health and vitality. This may sound
unclear, but their value is certain. They act by altering the
metabolic body's processes so tissues can be dealt with a
range of processes from nutrition to elimination. E.g..
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia), Blood root
(Sanguinaria canadensis), Golden seal (hydrastis
canadensis).
Anti-microbials
Anti-microbial herbs can help the body to destroy or
resist pathogenic micro-organisms, topically as in skin
infections and internally for systemic infections. E.g.
Garlic (Allium sativum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Sage
(Salvia officinalis).
Anti-inflammatory
Herbs/constituents that aid the body to fight inflammation
in different areas. E.g. Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum
procumbens), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) White willow
(Salix alba), Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), Marigold
(Calendula officinalis).
Astringents
Remedies that contain constituents that have a binding
action on mucous membranes, skin and other exposed
tissue. They contract blood vessels and some body
tissues (mucous membranes) with the effect of reducing
secretion and excretions. Astringents are sometimes
used to stop external or internal bleeding. E.g. Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium), Couchgrass (Agropyron repens),
Tormentil (Potentilla tormentilla), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis
virginiana).
Bitters
Very important to the digestive system, these are
remedies that have a bitter taste which triggers a sensory
response in the mouth that is directed by the nerves to
the central nervous system. From there a message goes
to the stomach increasing the digestive hormone gastrin,
leading to a great range of ramifications of value to the
digestive process and general body health. E.g.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), Feverfew (Tanacetum
parthenium), Gentian (Gentiana lutea), Centaury
(Erythraea centaurium).
Anti-Spasmodic
Anti-spasmodics help by preventing or easing spasms or
cramps in the muscles, they also reduce tension in the
body, and many of them are also nervines, sometimes
they will also ease psychological tension. E.g. Passion
Flower (Passiflora incarnata), Valerian (Valeriana
officinalis), Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), Lobelia
(Lobelia inflata), Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa).
Carminatives
Carminatives are herbal remedies that have a high
content of volatile oils, they are used to stimulate the
digestive system to work properly. They are very effective
to expel gas and easing griping pains from the stomach
and the intestines, they also tone the mucous surfaces
and increase peristaltic action (esophagus, stomach and
intestine movement, which propels its contents onward).
They are also used with other herbs to make
formulations more palatable, carminatives are also
known as aromatics. E.g. Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum),
Caraway (Carum carvi), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita),
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Ginger (Zingiber officinale),
Peppermint (Mentha piperita).
Demulcents
Demulcent are herbs rich in mucilage which can soothe
and protect irritated or inflamed internal tissues (mucous
surfaces). If they are used on the skin, demulcents are
called emollients, which have a protective and soothing
action upon the surface of the body. E.g. Corn Silk (Zea
mays), Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Marshmallow root
(Althaea officinalis), Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva), Mullein
(Verbascum thapsus).
Diuretics
Diuretics are herbs that increase the flow of urine from
the kidneys, excreting excess fluid from the body, they will
not cause potassium depletion or stress the kidneys. As
these are herbs which offer some beneficial action in the
urinary system, they can also include urinary demulcents
and anti-inflammatory herbs. E.g. Dandelion leaf
(Taraxacum off. folia), Celery (Apium graveolens), Corn
silk (Zea mays), Couchgrass (Agropyron repens), Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium).
Expectorants
Expectorants are herbs that aid the body to remove
excess mucous from the lungs by stimulating the
cleansing activities of the lungs. E.g. Thyme (Thymus
vulgaris), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Elecampane
(Inula helenium), Marshmallow (Althea officinalis),
Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa), Wild Cherry (Prunus
serotina).
Nervines
Nervines are plant remedies that have a beneficial
effect/s in the nervous system, some of the different
types of nervines are: tonics, relaxing, stimulating,
antispasmodics, antidepressant, analgesic.
Nervine tonics - Oats (Avena sativa), St. Johns Wort
(hypericum perforatum), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora).
Nervine relaxants - Vervain (Verbene officinalis),
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Lavender
(Lavandula angustifolia).
Antispasmodics -
Valerian (valeriana officinalis), Viburnum (Viburnum
opulus).
Anti-depressants
- Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), Oats (Avena sativa),
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis).
Analgesics - Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia erythrina),
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Wild Yam (Dioscorea
villosa).
Energy enhancers
Energy enhancers are herbs that strengthen, and tonic
herbs which support the adrenal glands, thyroid and
nervous tissue. E.g.. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Gotu
kola (Centella asiatica), Kelp (Fucus vesiculosis),
Ginseng (Panax ginseng).
Circulatory stimulants
Herbal remedies which dilate the blood vessels,
strengthen the heart and enhance circulation. They can
direct the action to a specific area of the body, limbs or
central organs, these herbs could be warming in nature.
E.g. Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum
spp.), Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), Cayenne
(Capsicum minimum).
Uterine tonic
Herbs that strengthen and tonify the uterine muscle and
lining, some will improve the circulation to these organs,
useful to restore normal menses. E.g.. Black Haw
(Viburnum prunifolium), Partridge Berry (Mitchella
repens), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Ladies Mantle
(Alchemilla vulgaris),