The terms used in herbalism and holistic healing arts might seem obsure to someone not familiar with them. For reference we’ve assembled a list of terms used in traditional Western herbal medicine to describe chemical properties and medicinal uses of herbs:
- alkaloid - a nitrogenous, basic, and often medicinal, plant compound
- allergen - a compound that produces an allergic reaction
- alterative - a compound that alters body metabolism
- analeptic - a restorative
- analgesic - an agent that relieves pain
- anodyne - an agent that relieves pain through reducing nerve excitability
- anthelmintic - a preparation to rid the body of worms
- anthraquinones - a ketonic tricyclic anthracenes with laxative action
- anti- - prefix for terms designating amelioration, relief, or removal
- antiacid - an agent to relieve excess stomach, blood or bowel acidity
- antiasthmatic - an agent to dilate bronchioles or break up mucus
- antibiotic - an agent to inhibit growth of, or destroy, bacteria
- anticarcinogen - an agent to counteract cancer
- anticatarrhal - an agent to counteract mucus formation
- antidepressant - an agent that counteracts mental depression
- anti-diarrheal - an agent to relieve diarrhea
- antiemetic - an agent that relieves stomach sickness and vomiting
- antihyperlipidemic - an agent to reduce arterial plaques
- antilithic - an agent to removes stones; lithotryptic
- antipsychotic - see tranquilizer
- antipyretic - an agent to reduce fever; febrifuge
- antisecretory - an agent that dries the body tissues
- antiseptic - an agent for skin application to destroy bacteria
- antispasmodic - an agent to lessen muscle spasms; spasmolytic
- aperient - a gentle laxative
- aphrodisiac - an agent to awaken sexual desires
- astringent - an agent that coagulates protein
- balsams - resinous mixtures containing cinnamates and benzoates
- beta-carbolines - tricyclic MAO inhibitors, hallucinogens
- bradycardia - a slowed heartbeat
- C-5, C-10 - used to denote number of carbon atoms
- carcinogen - a substance that predisposes cancer development
- carminative - a substance to relieve the body of excess gas
- catalyst - a preparation that makes other remedies more effective
- cathartic - see purgative
- cholagogue - an agent to promote flow of bile into small intestine
- CNS - abbreviation for central nervous system
- depressant, CNS - a compound that reduces mental function
- coumarins - bicyclic, aromatic molecules that antagonize vitamin K
- CV - abbreviation for cardiovascular
- decoction - a boiled extract, used for the preparation of roots
- decongestant - an agent to relieve nasal congestion
- demulcent - a compound that protects abraded tissues
- dextrins - partial hydrolysis products of starch
- diaphoretic - a compound that increases perspiration; sudorific
- diuretic - an agent promoting urination
- dyspepsia - an impairment in digestion
- emetic - an agent to induce vomiting
- emollient - an agent that smooths and protects the skin
- emmenagogue - a preparation that hastens the onset of menses
- euphoriant - an agent to stimulate mental or physical pleasure
- expectorant - preparations used to break up phlegm in lungs
- fatty acids - hydrolysis products of fats
- febrifuge - see antipyretic
- flavonoids - a class of tricyclic molecules
- galactogogue - an agent to increase the flow of milk
- GI - abbreviation for gastro-intestinal
- glyco- - a prefix indicating the attatchment of a sugar to a molecule
- glycosides - sugar esters
- gums - water swellable carbohydrate derivatives
- HCN - hydrogen cyanide, a respiratory poison
- hemolytic - a compound capable of dissolving red blood corpuscles
- hemorragic - a compound that leads to internal bleeding
- hemostatic - a compound that retards bleeding; styptic
- hepatic - an agent used in maintenance of liver function
- hypotensive - an agent to reduce blood pressure
- infusion - a water extract; a tea
- laxative - an aid to solid waste elimination
- lithotriptic - see antilithic
- MAO - monoamine oxidase, a major brain detoxification enzyme
- miotic - a compound that dilates the pupils
- moxybustion - the smoke used in acupuncture
- mucilage - tacky, water-insoluble sugar derivatives
- mydriatic - an agent used to dilate the pupils
- MW - abbreviation for molecular weight
- nervine - an agent that relieves nervousness; mild tranquilizer
- oleoresins - natural mixtures of resins and volatile oils
- oxytocic - an agent to promote uterine contractions during childbirth
- parasiticide - an external or internal agent to destroy parasites
- parasympathomimetic - an agent that excites the parasympathetic nervous system, such as tobacco
- pectins - partially methoxylated uronic acid sugars
- pedicullicide - an agent to control lice
- PMS - premenstrual syndrome
- purgative - a strong laxative and emetic agent
- refrigerant - an agent to cool the body down
- resins - water-insoluble mixtures of resins, their acids, and alcohols
- rubefacient - an agent that brings a blush to the cheeks and increases skin circulation
- saponins - glycosides with a soaplike water suspension
- sedative - mild depressant; somnorific
- sialogogue - an agent that promotes the flow of saliva
- spasmolytic - see antispasmodic
- sp - abbreviation for species (singular)
- spp - abbreviation for species (plural)
- sterols - molecules related to cholesterol and some hormones
- stimulant - an agent to increase body metabolism
- stimulant, CNS - a compound that excites mental function
- stomachic - a preparation for the benefit of the stomach; also a tonic
- sudorific - see diaphoretic
- tachycardia - a raised heart beat rate
- tannins - bitter principles of plants containing plant polyphenols
- terpenes - hydrocarbon volatile oils, often with a strong smell
- tonic - an agent that restores normal tone to the body
- tranquilizer - an agent that reduces phychotic behavior
- vermifuge - see anthelmintic
- vulnerary - an agent to increase the healing of wounds
- waxes - esters of fatty acids with high molecular weight alcohols
- xanthines - CNS stimulants with a purine type structure such as caffeine
