Herbal therapy uses its own herbal lingo which is found in the herbal glossary. In order to better understand herbs and its effects, it is best to first acquaint one self with these terms and refer to the herbal glossary.
Herbal glossary paves the way for an educated consumer that knows the basic and most popular herbs and their uses. In the course of your study about herbs and its various effects, you will most likely often meet some terms which are found in the herbal glossary. It is necessary to understand herbal lingo to facilitate use of herbal products and be well-informed about them.
Terms which one will most likely come across in the herbal glossary include:
Astringent is an herbal property that contracts, firms, strengthens skin and other tissue and reduces secretions.
Compress means a cloth soaked either in infusion or decoction and is pressed against the skin.
Decoction is water extracted from bark or roots which is prepared by boiling low for 10-20 minutes. This herbal preparation is usually stronger than infusion.
Demulcent refers to a substance that soothes inflamed mucous membranes.
Digestive pertains to improving digestion.
Diuretic is increasing the flow of urine.
Elixir is an alcohol-based medication.
Emollient in herbal glossary pertains to substances that soothes, softens and protects dry or chapped skin.
Essential oil is scented oil derived from herbs which is used in various herbal medicines.
Expectorant is a substance that makes clogged up mucous easier to cough up.
Infusion is a drink that is made by steeping plants or plant extracts in hot water for 10-20 minutes. This process will make it stronger than tea.
Poultice is another term in herbal glossary which pertains to an herbal paste made from fresh herbs and applied externally to the body.
Regulating in herbal glossary refers to the ability of the herbs to balance and normalize body functions.
Sedative means relaxing, calming and soothing effects.
Stimulant in herbal glossary means invigorating, stimulating and energizing effects.
Tincture is a term in herbal glossary that pertains to the herb extract that is steeped in alcohol for several weeks and which is available commercially and is usually taken in drops.
Tonic in herbal glossary is an agent to maintain or restore health in one organ system or the whole body.
Topical pertains to herbal formulations that are only to be applied externally.
Vulnerary in herbal glossary refers to herbs that affects wound healing and are skin regenerative.
Written by:
G. Metcalf
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