Terms Used in Traditional Herbal Medicine
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
