HERBAL VOCABULARY

Analgesics: Any substance that reduces pain, either by relieving muscle spasms, reducing
inflammation or directly affecting the nerves that carry pain impulses. Examples include cramp
bark, dong quai, lobelia, chamomile, poppy and kava kava.
Antacids: Herbs that neutralize stomach acid or counteract the effects of excess acid in the
gastrointestinal tract. Fennel, dandelion, slippery elm, Irish moss, kelp and licorice are all natural
antacids.
Anti-abortives: Women who have a history of spontaneous abortions often seek the help of an
herbalist in the hope that herbs will prevent miscarriage and allow them to carry their
pregnancies to term. Herbs that are attributed with anti-abortive properties include red
raspberry, cramp bark, lobelia and false unicorn root. Supposedly, these agents wont prevent
inevitable miscarriages, such as those due to genetic anomalies.
Anti-asthmatics: Herbs that have traditionally shown benefit for treating asthma. Some, such
as lobelia, purportedly prevent bronchospasm and dilate the airways. Others reduce airway
inflammation and break up mucous plugs. Some anti-asthmatic herbs are smoked to get their
active ingredients into the lungs quickly. (This practice should be approached with extreme
caution, as introducing any combustible material into the lungs of an asthmatic could do more
harm than good.) Lobelia, yerba santa, coltsfoot, pleurisy root, mullein, wild yam, comfrey,
elecampane and wild cherry bark are examples of anti-asthmatics.
Antibiotics: A plethora of herbs are known to inhibit the growth and replication of bacteria, fungi
and other microorganisms. Since plants are stationary and cannot avoid exposure to infectious
agents, they have developed defense mechanisms often essential oils that ward off
pathogens. Garlic, thyme, juniper berries, buchu, cedar, chaparral, echinacea, goldenseal,
myrrh, eucalyptus and grapefruit seed extract are representative examples of herbal antibiotics.
Anti-catarrhals: Catarrh is a medical term for excess mucous (phlegm). Many viral illnesses are
associated with catarrhal phases, during which mucous production is the prominent (and
sometimes overwhelming) symptom. Black pepper, cayenne, ginger, sage, cinnamon, gotu kola,
mullein, comfrey, yerba santa and wild cherry bark possess anti-catarrhal properties.

Antipyretics: Pyresis (meaning fire) refers to the fever that accompanies most infectious
processes (colds, bacterial infections, etc.) and many inflammatory disorders (e.g., lupus or
rheumatoid arthritis). Herbs that prevent or reduce fevers or that are generally cooling in
character include alfalfa, boneset, basil, skullcap, gotu kola, chickweed and seaweed. Willow,
which is rich in salicylic acid, was the original source for one of our most effective antipyretics,
aspirin.
Antiseptics: Much like antibiotics, antiseptics prevent the replication of bacteria, fungi and
viruses. The term antiseptic is usually applied to an agent that is applied externally to prevent
bacterial growth. While many antiseptic herbs can be taken internally, some should only be used
on the skin. Goldenseal, chaparral, calendula, and a variety of essential oils (thyme, garlic, pine,
juniper, sage, etc.) make good antiseptics.

Antispasmodics: Herbs that reduce or prevent muscle spasms, whether theyre in skeletal
muscle or in the smooth muscles of the body (GI tract, airways, urogenital tract, etc.).
Antispasmodics are included in many herbal formulas, as they allow afflicted individuals to relax
and direct their energies toward healing. Dong quai, black cohosh, blue cohosh, chamomile,
valerian, skullcap, kava kava and thyme possess antispasmodic properties.
Aphrodisiacs: Like the fabled unicorn, most herbs that reputedly improve sexual potency and
boost libido are the product of fancy, rather than fact. Nonetheless, those that have found favor
among herbalists include damiana, false unicorn (no irony there!), ginseng, angelica, astragalus,
kava kava, burdock and yohimbine.
Astringents: Any agent that tends to shrink or constrict living tissue. This is a particularly
important herbal property, as it has so many applications in human illness. Astringents slow
bleeding, reduce swelling and decrease secretions. For the most part, herbs astringent
properties stem from tannins, which are found in most plants but are particularly concentrated in
barks, roots and nuts. Bayberry, oak, witch hazel, wild cherry, blackberry, uva ursi, rhubarb and
yarrow are all excellent astringents.
Carminatives: Herbs and spices that reduce intestinal gas, bloating and cramping. Peppermint,
fennel, anise, cumin, basil, ginger, dill and chamomile are carminatives.
Cholagogues: If you know that chole is a Greek root for bile or gall, youll understand why

cholagogues are substances that promote the movement of bile from your gallbladder to your
small intestine. A number of herbs possess this property, including aloe vera, barberry, Oregon
grape, goldenseal, licorice and dandelion root. (People with gallstones or liver problems should
use cholagogues with care, as these herbs can precipitate a gallbladder attack.)
Contraindication: A condition in which an element of a plant (or, drug) should not be used
because it may be harmful to the person. (Example: a pregnant person should not take an
emmenagogue, because it could contribute to a miscarriage.) Relative contraindications means
that two plants should not be used together because taken in combination they may be harmful.
(Example: Someone who is very sensitive to acids should be wary to limit the number of acidic
things they use.)
Demulcents: Herbs that soothe or protect inflamed mucous membranes, usually by coating
them with mucilage. Marshmallow, comfrey leaf, Irish moss, slippery elm, chickweed, licorice,
psyllium, flax, aloe vera, chia seeds, mullein and fenugreek are good demulcents.
Diaphoretics: These sweat-inducing herbs can be invaluable during febrile illnesses; theyre
also frequently used before and during ceremonial sweats. Diaphoretic herbs are often
administered in hot infusions, as this further promotes sweating. Lemon balm, catnip, ginger,
cayenne, elder flowers, yarrow flowers, peppermint, blessed thistle and hyssop are valuable
diaphoretics.
Diuretics: Herbs that are used to promote the flow of urine. This is beneficial for people with
fluid retention and edema, obesity, bladder infections (which should also be treated with
antibiotics) and other conditions where excess fluid is problematic or where increased urinary
flow would be useful. Diuretics are often combined with cholagogues and tonics (see below) in
detoxification formulas. Agrimony, parsley, horsetail, dandelion leaf, buchu, juniper and nettles
are popular diuretics.
Emetics: Agents that induce vomiting and empty the stomach. Ipecac is the herbal emetic that
is familiar to most people. Lobelia, elecampane, blessed thistle, black mustard seed and
bayberry are additional examples. (When used in low doses, many of these herbs do not induce
vomiting but have other salutary effects on the body.)
Emmenagogues: Herbs that promote menstrual flow and help regulate irregular cycles.
Because emmenagogues can stimulate uterine contractions, they have been used in the past to

induce abortions. This is an extremely dangerous practice, as these herbs can exert other toxic
effects when theyre taken in doses high enough to evacuate the uterus. Emmenagogues should
not be used during pregnancy or when a woman is trying to conceive. Pennyroyal, juniper
berries, black cohosh, rue, angelica and wild ginger are emmenagogues.
Emollients: Compounds that smooth, moisten and soothe the skin. Herbal oils (almond,
sesame, apricot, wheat germ, etc.) or herbs with high mucilage content (marshmallow, comfrey
root, slippery elm, chickweed, etc.) make good emollients.
Expectorants: Herbs that liquefy mucous or promote its expulsion from the respiratory
passages. Some of these herbs loosen mucous by virtue of their high mucilage content, while
others stimulate the cilia that propel mucous along the airways. Examples include wild cherry
bark, yerba santa, mullein, coltsfoot, horehound and anise.
Galtactogogues: As the name suggests, these are herbs that stimulate milk secretion, a
property that can be helpful for a new mother whose milk hasnt quite come in yet. Anise seed,
blessed thistle, fennel, cumin and vervain are galactogogues.
Hemostatics: Any agent that slows or arrests active bleeding. Most hemostatics are potent
astringents that shrink blood vessel walls, but they might also directly affect the coagulation
process by acting on platelets or clotting proteins. Blackberry, goldenseal, horsetail, white oak
bark, yellow dock and yarrow are effective hemostatics.
Laxatives: This one needs no explanation. Herbs that promote bowel activity include senna,
aloe vera, Cascara sagrada and rhubarb. (When taken in large or repeated doses, these herbs
are known as purgatives.)
Lithotriptics: Herbs that help dissolve urinary and gallbladder stones or gravel. Gravel root,
cleavers, parsley, dandelion, nettle and horsetail are used for dealing with kidney and bladder
stones, while Cascara sagrada, Oregon grape root, wild cherry bark and globe artichoke are
used for gallstones.
Nervines: Agents that reduce tension and anxiety and promote healthy nervous system
function. Valerian, skullcap, lobelia, and ladys slipper are representative examples.

Oxytocics: Substances used to support or accelerate labor by stimulating uterine contractions.

Oxytocic herbs have traditionally been employed by women whose due dates had passed or in
whom labor had commenced but was progressing slowly. The use of oxytocics should be limited
to situations where a midwife or other qualified individual is in attendance; using them
inappropriately could result in placental abruption, fetal distress or other obstetrical
complications. Angelica, black cohosh, blue cohosh, juniper berries, rue, uva ursi and wild
ginger are oxytocics.
Parasiticides: Herbs that help eliminate parasites from the gastrointestinal tract or skin. Garlic,
wormwood, thyme oil, rue, chaparral and pennyroyal are effective parasiticides; when taken
internally, these agents should be used under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner,
as they can be toxic if theyre misused.

Rubefacients: Herbs that increase blood flow to the skin wherever theyre applied, thereby
inducing redness and warmth. The purpose of a rubefacient is to draw inflammation from deeper
areas to the surface and remove congestion from underlying tissues. These herbs, which are
frequently applied as poultices, are most commonly used for treating arthritis, sprains, strains
and other joint problems. Examples include cayenne, black pepper, mustard seed oil, pine oil,
thyme oil, cinnamon and eucalyptus.
Sedatives: Like nervines, sedatives calm the nerves; however, sedatives are more likely to
promote drowsiness although larger doses of nervines can be quite sedating, too. Hops,
skullcap, kava kava, wood betony and passionflower are good sedatives.
Sialagogues: Herbs that promote salivation. This is useful for people who suffer from dry mouth
or who have problems digesting starches. (Amylase, a starch-digesting enzyme, is found in
abundance in human saliva.) Yerba santa, echinacea, black pepper, cayenne, ginger and
licorice all help increase salivary flow.
Stimulants: In contrast to nerviness and sedatives, stimulants increase your energy levels,
improve circulation and promote warmth. Many herbs possess stimulant properties, including
cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, anise, ginseng, ginger, astragalus, ephedra, sarsaparilla,
onion, garlic and elecampane.

Stomachic: Aids in digestion, promotes appetite.

Tonics: Herbs that promote the function of a particular body part or organ system. (Most tonics,
by nature, affect your entire body, even though theyre targeted to a particular system.) A few
examples of tonics include hawthorn (heart), lobelia (nerves), gentian (stomach), parsley
(urinary tract), Oregon grape root (gallbladder), dandelion root (liver) and ginseng (reproductive
system).
Vulneraries: Herbs that improve wound healing by encouraging cell growth and tissue repair.
Aloe vera is a well-known vulnerary; cayenne, comfrey, calendula, marshmallow and slippery
elm are additional examples.