Herbs of The Earth

Some common medicinal terms used when working with herbs and medicinal plants; These are terms and phrases that you may encounter in this column, so I am including this to assist you in understanding the material that will be presented.

MEDICINAL TERMS

antibiotic

any agent that halts the growth of indwelling micro-organisms

anti-Inflammatory

anything that reduces inflammation of a body tissue

antiseptic

any agent that destroys pathogenic bacteria

antispasmodic

any agent that inhibits muscle spasms and/or cramps

astringent

any agent that causes organic tissue to contract, thereby reducing secretion

carminative

any agent that assists the release of gas from the intestines

demulcent

anything that acts as a soothing agent for irritated tissue

digestive

any agent that assists in digestion and absorption of nutrient in foods

diuretic

any agent which assists in the collection and expulsion of excess moisture retained in bodily tissues

emetic

any agent which induces regurgitation

emollient

any agent which soothes tissues when applied externally

expectorant

any agent which acts to promote and advance the removal of liquid and/or mucous from the respiratory system of the body

laxative

any agent that aids in evacuation of the bowels

mineral

any agent occurring naturally within the earth that is beneficial to the human body - elements that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body - found in foods which have taken them from the ground. (Exceptions: Salt and iodine...)

macro mineral

those minerals that are found in great amounts in the human body

micro minerals

those minerals are those which are found in less than .005% of body weight.

purgative

any agent that causes a forceful and energetic evacuation of the bowels

purifier

any agent that acts to clear from material defilement or imperfection, to free from guilt or moral or ceremonial blemish, to free from undesirable elements

reducer

any agent that works to lower the functioning of some aspect of the human body; to diminish; to shrink tissues; to lessen stress, contraction, or spasm; to decrease in size, shape, or heat factor

reliever

any agent that works to free from discomfort or to ease and/or remove the burden to the physical organism; to lessen by degree or mass

rubefacient

to make red - that which causes redness of the skin - a substance for external application that causes redness of the skin

sedative

any agent that significantly reduces stress and anxiety, thereby inducing a more restful sleep period

soothe

to please by attention - relieve - alleviate - bring comfort - bring quietude

stimulant

any agent that acts to stimulate or excite the processes of the physiological body

vitamin

any of various organic substances which are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals and some plants; co-enzymes and precursor to co-enzymes in the regulation of metabolic processes, but do not provide energy or serve as building units, and are present in natural foods or sometimes produced within the body

HERBAL PREPARATIONS

cold extract

preparation with cold water will effectively preserve the most volatile ingredients and extract only minor amounts of mineral salts and bitter principles.

compress

an herbal remedy made by soaking a cloth in an infusion or decoction that has been cooled. The cloth is wrung out and applied directly to an affected are. It is left on until it reaches body temperature.

decoction

an herbal remedy which is prepared by boiling to extract active ingredients - extract primarily mineral salts and bitter principles of plants, rather than vitamins and other volatile ingredients

essence

an herbal preparation that is derived by dissolving an ounce of an herb's essential oil in a pint of alcohol. This is a good way to preserve volatile essential oils.

fomentation

an herbal compress made by soaking a cloth in an infusion or decoction and ringing out the excess. Apply as hot as possible to affected tissue area - less active in effect than poultice

herbal bath

any submersion of the body, any part of the body, or any organism, into herbally treated or minerally treated water for the purpose of healing.

infusion

a beverage, made like tea, by combining boiling water with any herbal plant, (usually the green parts or the flowers) and steeping to extract their active ingredients.

juice

chopped fresh plants which are pressed to squeeze out the juice and water is added, the procedure repeated, and pressed again to get the rest. This is a good method for extracting water soluble constituents, especially those sensitive to heat. It is excellent for getting vitamins and minerals from the plant, but the juice must be taken within a short time after pressing, since the vitamin content declines rapidly and fermentation sets in.

ointment

1 part herbal remedy and 4 parts petroleum jelly, lard, or similar substance. The ingredients are boiled until the desired properties are extracted. Also, any decoction added to olive or other vegetable oil which is simmered until the water is completely evaporated.

poultice

any herbal preparation used to apply a remedy to a skin area with moist heat by wrapping crushed, fresh or dried, herbs with a hot soft adhesive substance (such as moist flour or corn meal or a mixture of bread and milk) and applied directly to the skin

powder

dried herbal plants which are ground with a mortar and pestle

syrup

boiling sugar and water to a consistency that will hold medicinal herbal ingredients; or the boiling of the herbs in honey, which is then strained through cheesecloth.

tincture

any powdered herb mixed with alcohol and water, which is cured over time, then strained and stored.

tonic

any agent that strengthens and/or aids the healing process of a biological organism or any of its organs.

vapor

a way to provide medication by inhalation - herbal remedies can be absorbed through the skin in a vapor bath setting.