We'll start of with the simple ones, such as diuretic, which is term used to describe a substance that causes urination. The way it works is, that the kidneys have what are called "gates" where water is withheld to keep the body hydrated, this is usually a good thing, however, urination is one of the primary ways the body releases toxins produced within itself. Diuretics are mostly commonly used to help flush out toxins by "opening" those "gates" and allowing the water to pass through.
The next term is actually a set of two Antiseptic, and Antibacterial. While not exactly the same, one helps prevent infection, usually associate with the skin, the "septic" part represents sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection. Antibacterial (Also known as antibiotic), on the other hand can stop internal bacterial infection, everything from E. coli to streptococcus, as well as bacteria on the skin.
Another good term to know is Analgesic, which is another name for a pain killer, or pain reliever. The word analgesia, is the state of being relieved from pain.
Here are some more:
Diaphoretic - Causes increased sweating, useful for relieving the body of toxins through the sweat.
Anticatarrhal - Reduces or relives mucous or congestion
Adaptogen - Helps the body take on stress, and supports healthy function
Antioxidant - prevents the breakdown of tissues and stops "oxidation" meaning, it prevents cells from dying.
Anti-inflammatory - Stops inflammation and swelling, inflammation being tissue that has become irritated, on skin it often is accompanied by redness and "heat" to the area.
Antihemorrhagic - Reduces or stops bleeding
Antispasmodic - Relieves muscle cramps or reduces muscle tone, to prevent cramping
Astrigent - It tightens the mucous membranes of the skin, which can stop bleeding, and reduce secretions such as sebum or skin oil. Typically used on the face, neck and chest.
Laxative - The other side of the diuretic, this causes bowel movements.
Bitter - A term used primarily for herbs that aid in digestion, typically have a "bitter" taste.
Demulcent - Coats and soothes body surfaces such as mucous membranes, like those in the digestive tract.
Antirheumatic - Relieves rheumatic symptoms, pain, stiffness, inflammation, swelling, etc.
Aphrodisiac - Excites the libido, causes sexual arousal.
Antiemetic- Reduces or relieves nausea and sickness.
Autoimmune- When the immune system attacks the body because it believes there are foreign attackers.
Ayurveda -Traditional Indian and Sri Lankan medicine
Carminative- Relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion.
Depurative- A specific detoxifying agent.
Detoxification - The removal of toxins from the body
Emetic - Causes vomitting
Stimulant - Increases activity in the body.
Sedative - Reduces activity, slowing down nerves. (Can help ease anxiety, as well as pain)
Relaxant - Relaxes the body.
Emollient - Softens or soothes the skin.
Expectorant - Stimulates coughing to remove phlegm from the throat
Antifungal - Relieves or prevents fungal infection.
Estrogenic - Has estrogen like effects on the body.
Antidepressant - Helps to ease or stop depressive or sad moods.
Antitumor - Prohibits or slows the growth of tumors.
Immune-enhancer - A substance that helps to boost the immune system
Styptic - A term referring to a substance that stops bleeding
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Aerial - The above-ground parts of the plant
Tuber - Swollen part of an underground stem (ex. Potato)
Rhizome - A horizontal, underground stem that puts out shoots to grow new plants, and roots to aid water uptake
Wild-crafting - Gathering herb material from the wild.
Tincture - A form of herbal preparation where herb material is soaked in either alcohol or vinegar for a length of time before being strained and taken daily with a dropper.
Infusion - Another name for making tea, by pouring boiling water over herb material.
Decoction - Similar to an infusion, however requires boiling the herbs in with the water over a heat source.Tonic- Has a restorative reaction within the body, restoring tissues or organs.
(More preparations will be mentioned on my preparation page.)
Hopefully this clears up a lot of the terminology commonly used in herbal medicine, there are many more, this was just to give you a base idea of what a lot of it means. There is a term for almost any kind of effect an herb or drug has on the human body. There are also many ways to prepare herbs to have these effects.
For example an herb such as one used for bug bites pr stings and skin irritation (Such as Broad-leafed Plantain) is best used made into a poultice, which requires crushing the fresh herb (Often times with a little bit of water) and applying it to the affected area.
We will discuss the different types of preparations on my next post a long with a page dedicated to making the different preparations.
~Lindsey Shemwell (The Budding Botanist)
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