Medical Terms - EveHerbs

Including Old World and New World Latin Terms

Term	Category	Meaning	See Also
Angina	Disease	A condition where the demand for oxygen by the heart exceeds supply. a condition marked by severe pain in the chest, often also spreading to the shoulders, arms, and neck, caused by an inadequate blood supply to the heart. Angina pectoris is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. It occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get as much blood as it needs. This usually happens because one or more of the heart's arteries is narrowed or blocked, also called ischemia. What are the 3 types of angina? Types of Angina Stable Angina / Angina Pectoris. Unstable Angina. Variant (Prinzmetal) Angina. Microvascular Angina.
Anascara	Disease	Collection of fluid in the tissues. General dropsy. It is not confined to isolated parts of the body such as ankles Due to kidney or heart disease.
Ague	Disease	A term once used for acute fever, particularly with alternating heat and shivering. Sometimes used to denote malaria
Purgative	Action	A purgative is a medicine that causes you to get rid of unwanted waste from your body. emetic An agent that causes vomiting purge Something that purges, especially a medicinal purgative. laxative (related) A food or drug that stimulates evacuation of the bowels. cathartic Of or effecting catharsis; purging eliminative Of, pertaining to, or producing elimination eliminatory (Anatomy) Of or relating to the system through which elimination of digestive waste occurs; excretory. evacuant Causing evacuation, esp. of the bowels; cathartic or emetic evacuative That causes evacuation; cathartic; purgative excretory Of or for excretion expiatory Of or pertaining to expiation lustrative Serving to purify of sin purgatorial Of, relating to, or resembling purgatory. purificatory That purifies; purificative aperient A mild laxative. Lustral Of, relating to, or used in a rite of purification. Of, used in, or connected with ceremonial purification Of or pertaining to (ritual) purification	See Laxative, Aperient
Alterative	Action	Alteratives are herbs that gradually restore the proper function of the body and increase health and vitality. Restorative. They are blood cleansers that favorably change the character of the blood and lymph to detoxify and promote renewal of body tissue. The term has been superseded by the word "Adaptogen"
Hypoglycemic	Action	Substance capable of lowering the level of glucose in the blood (blood sugar)
- itic	Definition	formd adjectives pertaining to inflammation; words ending in -itic can be used as both adjectives and nouns and, as nouns often indicate a drug or agent antineur-itic laryng-itic nephr-itic arthr-itic. words ending in -itic or -tic can refer to a person suffering from a certain disability or condition: neuri-tic arthr-itic
- itis	Definition	forms nouns indicating an inflamed condition: inflammation: gastr-itis hepat-itis laryng-itis periton-itis
Abortifacient	Action	induces abortion, miscarriage, or premature removal of a fetus. Some emmenagogues may be abortifacient and should be avoided during pregnancy
Acetract	Preparation	a herbal preparation that uses vinegar to extract minerals and aromatic compounds from fresh or dried plant material.
Adaptogen	Action	works through the endocrine system to modulate the physical, mental, and emotional effects of stress and increase resistance to physiological imbalances and disease by strengthening the immune system. Adaptogens are a category of herbs known for their balancing effects, and they support our bodies’ natural responses to stress, fatigue and more.* Their actions let you take them over long periods and as a rapid response to short-term situations.* Some common adaptogens are Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea).*
Adjuvant	Action	Aids the action of a medicinal agent. An added ingredient that serves a particular purpose in a given medicine: synergy, antimicrobial, increase reaction etc.
Aetheroleum	Plant parts
Allopathy	Medical System	Also known as "conventional medicine" in Western societies, allopathy focuses on treating the symptoms of diseases primarily through prescription drugs and surgery. This approach utilizes a process of reductionism (focusing on the symptoms exhibited in a part of the organism rather than focusing on the organism as a whole.)
Alterative	Action	strengthens and nourishes the body, often through the removal of metabolic wastes
Amphoteric	Action	normalizes function of an organ or body system. These medicinals can up regulate or down regulate bodily processes and are said to possess opposing actions depending on what is needed.
Analeptic	Action	restorative or stimulating effect on central nervous system
Analgesic	Action	relieves pain	Antinociceptive
Anaphrodisiac	Action	reduces capacity for sexual arousal
Anesthetic	Action	induces loss of sensation or consciousness due to the depression of nerve function
Anti-infectious	Action	counteracts infection
Anti-inflammatory	Action	controls inflammation, a reaction to injury or infection
Antianemic	Action	prevents or helps with anemia
Antibacterial	Action	destroys or stops the growth of bacteria
Antibilious	Action	eases stomach stress
Anticatarrh	Action	reduces inflamed mucous membranes of head and throat
Anticoagulant	Action
Antidepressant	Action	acts to prevent, cure, or alleviate mental depression
Antidiabetic	Action	prevents or relieves diabetes
Antidiarrhetic	Action	prevents or treats diarrhea
Antiemetic	Action	stops vomiting
Antifungal	Action	destroys or inhibits the growth of fungus
Antihemorrhagic	Action	controls hemorrhaging or bleeding
Antimalarial	Action	prevents or relieves malaria
Antimicrobial	Action	destroys microbes
Antinociceptive	Action	inhibits nociception, the sensation of pain	Analgesic
Antioxidant	Action	prevents or inhibits oxidation
Antipruritic	Action	prevents or relieves itching
Antipyretic	Action	reduces fever (febrifuge)
Antirheumatic	Action	eases pain of rheumatism, inflammation of joints and muscles
Antiseptic	Action	produces asepsis, removes pus, blood, etc.
Antispasmodic	Action	calms nervous and muscular spasms or convulsions
Antitussive	Action	controls or prevents cough
Antiviral	Action	opposes the action of a virus
Anxiolytic	Action	reduces anxiety
Aperient	Action	relieves constipation; mild laxative. A laxative, either in the form of a medicine or a food such as asparagus or hops, which has the effect of moving the bowels, or aiding digestion and preventing constipation.
Aperitive	Action	stimulates the appetite for food
Aphrodisiac	Action	increases the capacity for sexual arousal
Aquaretic	Action	increases blood flow to the kidneys without increasing sodium and chloride resorption, thereby retaining electrolytes while increasing urine output; increases intravascular fluid volume which increases vascular resistance and blood pressure
Aromatherapy	Action	The art and science of the controlled use of essential oils extracted from plants to promote physical and psychological well-being. The oils are generally diluted in a carrier or base oil and used topically or via inhalation. While it is still unclear how aromatherapy works, it may be that the essential oils interact with receptor sites in the central nervous system.

Aromatic	Action	a herb containing volatile oils, fragrant odor and slightly stimulating properties
Asepsis	Process	sterile; free of germs, infection, and any form of life
Astringent	Action	constricts and binds by coagulation of proteins
Ayurvedic Medicine	Medical System	Literally meaning the "science of life." Ayurveda is a 5,000-year-old system of medicine originating in India that combines natural therapies with a highly personalized, holistic approach to the treatment of disease, which is believed to be the result of disharmony between the person and the environment. Ayurvedic medicine works to balance the three basic types of energy (doshas) that occur in everyone and everything: vata, pitta, and kapha.
Balsamum	Plant parts	Refers to a solution of resin and volatile oil usually produced by special cells in some plants.
Binomial, or Latin binomial	Definition	The two-part scientific Latin name used to identify plants. The first name is the genus and is a general name that may be shared by a number of related plants. The second is the species name, which refers to the name that is specific to that individual plant, e.g., Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia.
Bitter	Action	stimulates appetite or digestive function
Bronchial	Action	relaxes spasms or constriction of the bronchi or upper part of the lungs, thereby improving respiration
Bulbus	Plant parts	Refers to the bulb or an underground bud (specialized stem structure) of a plant, from which both a shoot and roots may extend.
Carcinostatic	Action	halts or inhibits the development or continued growth of cancer, carcinomas, or malignant tumors
Cardiotonic	Action	increases strength and tone (normal tension or response to stimuli) of the heart
Carminative	Action	causes the release of stomach or intestinal gas. A carminative, also known as carminativum (plural carminativa), is an herb or preparation intended to either prevent formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or facilitate the expulsion of said gas, thereby combatting flatulence.
Carrier oil	Preparation	Oils derived from seeds, kernels, or nuts of a plant, such as avocado, sunflower, apricot, or coconut. Carrier oils are used to dilute concentrated essential oils so they can be “carried” safely into the skin for therapeutic benefits.

Cathartic	Action	Produces bowel movements. In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is in contrast to a laxative, which is a substance that eases defecation, usually by softening feces. It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is in contrast to a laxative, which is a substance that eases defecation, usually by softening feces. It is possible for a substance to be both a laxative and a cathartic. Laxatives are milder in action and deal with evacuation of rectum. With use of laxatives, there is elimination of formed stools. Cathartics are severe in action and deal with evacuation of colon. With their use, liquid form of stool is eliminated. Purgatives: In between the two.	Laxatives, Purgatives
Caustic	Action	contains acidic compounds that have an escharotic or corrosive action that is capable of burning or eating away living tissues
Cholagogue	Action	increases flow of bile from gallbladder
Cicatrizant	Action	aids formation of scar tissue and wound healing
Compress Herbal	Preparation	soaking a clean soft cloth in a strained, strong herbal infusion or decoction, used warm or cold, held in place onto the affected area to alleviate pain or reduce inflammation.
Cordial	Preparation	Cordials are made by combining herbs (often fresh herbs or fruit juices) with alcohol, such as brandy. The mixture is then left to macerate. After the herbs are strained, an equal amount of sweetener is added.
Cordial	Preparation	stimulating beverages shared between friends and loved ones to invoke a sense of well-being. They are meant to warm, stimulate, and aid digestion.
Cortex	Plant parts	Refers to the bark of the plant. Bark can be collected from the root, stem, or branches.
Counterirritant	Action	produces an inflammatory response for affecting an adjacent area
Cream	Preparation	a semisolid emulsion of oil (often herb-infused) and water (often an infusion or decoction).
Crude drug	Preparation	A naturally occurring substance that has undergone only the process of collection and drying, i.e., plants, parts of plants, extracts, or exudates.
Decoction	Process
Decoction	preparation	A decoction is a water extraction that uses a continuous heat supply, usually a simmer of 10 to 60 minutes. This technique is typically used for denser herb parts, such as roots, bark, seeds, berries and mushrooms.
Decoction	Preparation	An extract, often referred to as a tea, made by simmering dense plant material (primarily the bark, rhizomes, roots, and seeds) in water. Natural dyes are often made this way also.
Demulcent	Action	soothes and protects inflamed and irritated mucous membranes both topically and internally
Deobstruent	Action	removes obstructions to clear or open natural ducts of the fluids and secretions of the body
Dermatitis	Symptom	inflammation of the skin evidenced my itchiness, redness, and various lesions
Detergent	Action	cleanses wounds and sores of infected or damaged tissue
Diaphoretic	Action	increases perspiration (synonym: sudorific)
Digestive	Action	promotes or aids the digestion process
Disinfectant	Action
Disinfectant	Action	destroys pathogenic microbes, germs, and noxious properties of fermentation
Diuretic	Action
Diuretic	Action	increases urine flow
Dyspepsia	Symptom	Indigestion. Upper abdominal discomfort, described as burning sensation, bloating or gassiness, nausea, or feeling full too quickly after starting to eat.
Ecbolic	Action	tends to increase contractions of uterus, facilitating childbirth
Eclectic Medicine	Medical System	A branch of American medicine popular in the latter half of the 19th and first half of the 20th century that made use of therapies found to be beneficial to patients including medicinal plants, as well as physical therapy practices. “Eclectics” were doctors who practiced with a philosophy based on “alignment with nature.”
Electuary	Preparation	powdered herbs combined with enough honey to create a spreadable paste.
Elixir	preparation	An elixir is a type of sweetened herbal preparation. Elixirs start with tea or herbs to which alcohol (usually brandy) is added. The herbs are removed after the mixture soaks (this is called maceration), and finally a sweetener (traditionally honey or sugar) is added, usually with some essential oil.
Elixir	Preparation	a clear, sweet liquid containing at least one active ingredient, used for medicinal purposes; contains honey or simple syrup and may contain alcohol (brandy or vodka).
Emetic	Action	produces vomiting and evacuation of stomach contents
Emmenagogue	Action	regulates and induces normal menstruation
Emollient	Action	softens and soothes the skin
Enema	Preparation	Injection of fluid (herbal teas, coffee etc) into the rectum via a tube to relieve constipation, convey medication or nutriment, as a stimulating nervine, relaxant, or to re-activate after collapse and shock or or bowel infections.
Errhine	Action	stimulates sneezing, increasing flow of mucus in nasal passages
Escharotic	Action	a caustic substance that destroys tissue and causes sloughing
Essential Oil	Preparation	Essential oils are the highly concentrated, volatile oils extracted from a plant. Most often, essential oils are extracted using steam distillation.
Essential Oils	Preparation	Highly concentrated aromatic volatile oils extracted via steam distillation from the leaves, flowers, bark, and other parts of plants that contain high amounts of the essential oils. Therapeutic use generally includes dilution of the highly concentrated oil in a carrier oil.
Estrogenic	Action	causes the production of estrogen or mimics the actions of estrogens
Euphoriant	Action	produces a sense of bodily comfort; temporary effect and often addictive
Expectorant	Action
Expectorant	Action	facilitates removal of mucus and other materials
Eyebaths/eyewash	Preparation	using gentle herbs as a dilute, cool infusion to bath the tissue surrounding the eye to reduce itchiness, redness, or infection. Care must be taken to ensure that no plant material remains in the eyewash.
Febrifuge	Action	reduces or relieves fever
Flatulence	Symptom
Flos	Plant parts	Refers to the flowers of the plant usually consisting of a single flower or the entire inflorescences (e.g., head, umbel, panicle, spike, etc.).
Flower Essences	Preparation	In the 1930s, Dr. Edward Bach developed an approach to healing using vibrational medicine from flowers known as "flower essences." Flower essences are made by a sun infusion of flowers in a bowl of spring water and preserved with alcohol. The essences are believed to embody the distinct imprint or energetic pattern of each flower species, and are used internally or topically to balance emotional states. The underlying philosophy focuses on stabilizing emotions in order to dissipate illness and stimulate internal healing processes. Flower essences contain the “essence” of a plant and are extremely diluted before use. The flowers are infused in water, most often under the sun, and then preserved with a small amount of alcohol or glycerin, to create what is called the “mother essence.” That essence is further diluted to create a “stock bottle.” The stock bottle is then used in drop-size amounts multiple times daily in a bottle of water over the long term.
Fluid extract	Preparation	A concentrated liquid herbal preparation containing equal parts herb or crude drug with a hydro-ethanolic solvent made so that each 1 mL of liquid contains 1 g of the herb or crude drug that is used.
Folium	Plant parts	Refers to the leaves of the plant. Usually the middle leaves of plants are collected.
Food as Medicine	Medical System	Considered the foundation of good health in numerous traditional medicine systems, eating a diverse and colorful whole foods diet offers an array of nutrients and phytochemicals known to be fundamental to preventing and treating disease.
Fructus	Plant parts	Refers to the fruit (the ripened ovary of the flower-bearing seeds) or berry of the plant. In pharmacognosy, fructus is not always synonymous with the botanical definition.
Galactagogue	Action	promotes the flow of milk
Garble	Action	to remove the useful part of the plant from that which has less potent or no medicinal effects. e.g., removing petals from the calyx or removing leaves from the stem.
Gargle	Preparation	swishing a disinfectant or anti-inflammatory liquid herbal preparation as a herbal mouthwash.
Gel	Preparation	a semi-solid colloidal dispersion of a solid substance with a liquid or gas, such as a jelly.
Glycerite	Preparation	Glycerites start with dried or fresh herbs infused in a menstruum that is glycerin-based. Water may be included in the menstruum. A glycerite can also be referred to as an “alcohol-free extract.”
Glycerite	Preparation	a liquid preparation of a herb or medicinal substance dissolved in or mixed with vegetable glycerin.
Hemagogue	Action	promotes the flow of blood
Hemostatic	Action	controls or stops the flow of blood
Hepatic	Action	having to do with the liver
Herba	Plant parts	Refers to the aerial parts or the aboveground parts of plants which may include the flower, leaf, and the stem of the plant, and occasionally fruits too.
Herbal Medicine	Medical System	An approach to wellness and healing which uses plant or plant-derived preparations to treat, prevent, or cure various health conditions and ailments, herbal medicine is incorporated into various medical systems. Although it does not have a specific point of conception, it is estimated that 80% of the world’s population relies on medicinal plant preparations for their primary healthcare needs, according to the World Health Organization. Despite the extensive use which can be attributed to the use of plants in traditional medical systems, our knowledge of the plants and their values remain largely unexplored.
Herpetic	Action	treats skin eruptions relating to the herpes virus
Homeopathy	Medical System	A system of medicine founded in the late 18th century in which remedies consist of diluted substances from plants, minerals and animals. It is based on a theory that "like cures like." Remedies specifically match different symptom pattern profiles of illness to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. A system of therapeutics introduced by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann in 1796 based on the “law of similar,” homeopathy or homeopathic medicine states that all diseases are best treated by diluted drugs or substances that produces effects similar to the symptoms of specific conditions or diseases in healthy individuals. This is similar to the theories applied to the use of vaccinations.
Hydrosol	Preparation	Hydrosols are the water by-product of the steam distillation of essential oils. They are often used as sprays or as a base for other topical herb forms.
Hypertensive	Action	raises blood pressure
Hypnotic	Action	strong-acting nervous system relaxant (nervines) that supports healthy sleep
Hypoglycemant	Action	lowers blood sugar
Hypotensive	Substance capable of lowering the level of glucose in the blood (blood sugar)	lowers blood pressure
Infused Oil	Preparation	These are often used on their own as topicals or as a base for other forms of herb-based topicals. Dried or fresh herbs are infused into a carrier oil, such as Olive, Sesame (not toasted) or Jojoba. The infusion can be warmed over low heat or allowed to macerate at room temperature for a certain amount of time. The herbs are strained out and the remaining liquid is what’s used. The infused oil can then be used as a base for salves, balms, lotions or creams. Fixed or fatty oils (such as Avocado oil, Hemp seed oil or Coconut) can also be infused with culinary herbs that are taken orally and used in cooking.
Infused Oils	Preparation	A process of extraction in which the volatile oils and other fat-soluble compounds of a plant are obtained by soaking the plant material in a carrier oil for two to four weeks or via gentle heating. The oil is then strained off and used alone or in making therapeutic skin salves, ointments, lotions and creams.
Infused Vinegar	Preparation	Infused vinegar is the liquid remaining after dried or fresh herbs have been extracted into vinegar and the marc has been pressed and removed.
Infusion	Preparation	An infusion is a tea made by pouring water over plant material, then allowing it to steep for 3 to 20 minutes. Infusions usually involve more delicate parts of the plant such as dried flowers, fruit, leaves or other parts, though fresh plant material may also be used. The water is usually freshly boiled, but you can also make cold infusions. Infusions are considered one of the oldest and simplest preparations used in herbalism.
Infusion	Preparation	An extract, often referred to as a tea but more accurately a tisane, made by pouring boiling water over fresh or dried plant material (usually flowers, fruit, or leaves), which is allowed to steep for 10-20 minutes before drinking. Cold infusions are prepared when the goal is to extract polysaccharides, mucilage, and nutrients often reduced or damaged by hot water. Infusions are an easy and affordable way to administer herbs. They may be used therapeutically or as a beverage tea, depending on the herb(s) and amounts used.
Kampo	Medical System	Japan’s traditional medicine system which has been used since the Han period (206BC to 220 CE of ancient China. The Shang han lun is a therapeutic handbook for the application of herbal prescriptions based on the use of raw herbs.
Lactifuge	Action	reduces the flow of milk
Laxative	Action	loosens bowel contents
Lignum	Plant parts	Refers to the wood or the secondary thickening of the stem. This may or may not include the bark.
Liniment	Preparation	Liniments are used topically and rubbed into the skin. They can vary in consistency from watery to thick, such as a balm. They are made from herbs extracted in any substance that is liquid at body temperature, including alcohol, soap or, less commonly, oil.
Liniment	Preparation	A plant extract prepared in a base of alcohol, witch hazel, or vinegar to be applied topically to sore muscles, sprains, bruises, boils, burns, or sunburns to soothe pain and reduce inflammation.
Lithotriptic	Action	a substance that causes kidney or bladder stones to dissolve
Lotion	Preparation	a liquid preparation containing water and/or alcohol that is used to emulsify or suspend insoluble plant material, to be used topically for skin conditions that are itchy, inflamed, infected, or painful.
Maceration	Preparation	An extraction process that occurs for a specified period of time during which fresh or dried plant material, cut into small pieces, are immersed in a liquid solvent or menstruum so that the medicinally active plant material maintains contact with the liquid component, releasing its chemical components into it. Maceration is a method of making extractions. It’s the process of soaking the herb or plant matter in the menstruum, or solvent, for a period of time that varies based on the ingredients. Maceration allows a menstruum to soak up an herb’s constituents. The process is complete when the liquid inside an herb is the same strength as the liquid outside.
Marc	Preparation	The plant material that is used in making an herbal extraction or preparation. Marc is what’s left over after maceration and extraction into a menstruum. For example, marc could be the herbs in a soaked tea bag or those that were used to make a tincture or elixir after they have been pressed and separated from the liquid extract.
Masticatory	Action	increases flow of saliva upon chewing
Materia Medica	Definition	a Latin term from early pharmacy meaning medical material/substance
Mel	Preparation	Mels are made of honey infused with dried or fresh herbs, which can either be removed by straining or (if powdered first) stirred into the mixture.
Menstruum	Preparation	The liquids used to extract an herbal preparation are called the menstruum, or solvent. Depending on the preparation and the herbs used, the menstruum could be water, alcohol (ethanol), vinegar, glycerin or any combination.
Mucilaginous	Action	polysaccharide-rich compounds that coat and soothe inflamed mucous membranes
Narcotic	Action	induces drowsiness, sleep, or stupor, and lessons pain
Naturopathy		A holistic medical system that treats health conditions by utilizing what is believed to be the body’s innate ability to heal. Naturopathic physicians aid healing processes by incorporating a variety of natural methods based on the patient’s individual needs.
Nephritic	Action	of or in the kidneys; renal. -itic = Combining form denoting disorder of. formd adjectives pertaining to inflammation; words ending in -itic can be used as both adjectives and nouns and, as nouns often indicate a drug or agent antineur-itic laryng-itic nephr-itic arthr-itic
Nephritis	Disease state	Inflammation of the kidneys
Nervine	Action	a nerve tonic
Nociception	Definition	The sensation of pain
Nootropic	Action	enhances memory, improves cognitive function and mood, reduces oxidative and eschemic damage to the brain
Nutritive	Action	a herb containing nutrients required to nourish and build the body
Oleum	Plant parts	Refers to the fixed oil preparation pressed or squeezed from the plant material.
Orexigenic	Action	stimulates or increases the appetite
Oxymel	Preparation	Oxymels are a subcategory of mels. The name comes from oxymeli in Latin, meaning acid and honey. Equal parts vinegar and honey, and sometimes water, are infused with dried or fresh herbs, macerated, then strained. They are the herbal version of a shrub, a vinegar-based drink generally made from fruit.
Oxymel	Preparation	a remedy form ancient Greece and Persia that combines a herb infused vinegar with honey; oxy means acid and honey means mel.
Parturfaciant	Action	induces contractions of labor at childbirth
Percolation	Preparation	Percolation is a method of extraction. The process involves filtering a menstruum through finely powdered, dried herbs that have been packed into a cone-shaped percolator. The herb is traditionally moistened with a small amount of menstruum for 12 to 24 hours to allow for in-cone maceration and expansion. After, the remaining menstruum is poured over the herbs and the liquid extract slowly drips out, as gravity pulls the menstruum down through the herb.
Percolation	Preparation	A process to extract the soluble constituents of a plant with the assistance of gravity. The material is moistened and evenly packed into a tall, slightly conical vessel; the liquid (menstruum) is then poured onto the material and allowed to steep for a certain length of time. A small opening is then made in the bottom, which allows the extract to slowly flow out of the vessel. The remaining plant material (the marc) may be discarded. Many tinctures and liquid extracts are prepared this way.
Pericarpium	Plant parts	Refers to the peel or rind of the fruit.
Pharmacognosy	Definition	The study of natural products, i.e., plant, animal, organism, or mineral in nature, used as drugs or for the preparation of drugs. Derived from the Greek pharmakon meaning drug and gnosis meaning knowledge.
Pharmacology	Definition	the study of the origin, nature, chemistry, uses and biochemical effects of drugs; it includes pharmacognosy, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics, and toxicology.
Pharmacopoeia	Definition	a medical textbook or official publication containing a list of medicinal drugs or herbal medicines with their properties, inherent effects and instructions for use.
Phytochemicals	Definition	Chemical compounds or chemical constituents produced as a result of the plant’s normal metabolic processes. The chemicals are often referred to as secondary metabolites, of which there are several classes including alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, fats, flavonoids, glycosides, gums, iridoids, mucilages, phenols, phytoestrogens, tannins, terpenes, terpenoids, and others. Extracts contain many chemical constituents, while chemicals that have been isolated from the plant are considered pharmaceutical drugs, e.g., salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin, originally isolated from the meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, syn. Spiraea ulmaria, Rosaceae).
Phytochemicals or Constituents	Definition	“Phyto-” means “plant,” so “phytochemicals” are chemicals produced by plants. These chemical compounds or constituents are formed in a plant’s normal metabolic processes. Phytochemicals are often referred to as primary or secondary metabolites, depending on their purpose in the plant. There are several classes, including alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, fats, flavonoids, glycosides, gums, iridoids, mucilages, phenols, phytoestrogens, tannins, terpenes and terpenoids.
Phytoestrogens	Definition	A type of phytochemical with some influence on the estrogenic activity or hormonal system in humans. This rather broad term does not mean that the plant mimics human estrogen, but rather can compete for estrogen receptor site access blocking harmful estrogens, such as xenoestrogens, which can result in harmful effects.
Phytomedicines	Definition	Medicinal substances that originate from plants. This may include specific phytochemicals as well as whole plants or herbal preparations.
Plaster	Preparation	a medicated or protective dressing that consists of spreading powdered, slightly moistened herbs onto a cloth and covered with plastic to protect clothing and trap body heat.
Poultice	Preparation	Herbal powders can be moistened slightly with warm water to create a paste called a poultice, which is then applied topically. Poultices can also be made with fresh herb material that is blended with a small amount of water.
Poultice	Preparation	A therapeutic topical application of a soft, moist mass of plant material (bruised fresh herbs), usually wrapped in a fine woven cloth and applied to the affected area.
Purgative	Action	causes the evacuation of intestinal contents; laxative
Pyroleum	Plant parts	Refers to the tar from dry distilled plant material.
Radix	Plant parts	Refers to the root of a plant, though radix is sometimes synonymous with rhizome
Refrigerant	Action	relieves thirst with its cooling properties
Relaxant	Action	tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension
Renal	Action	strengthens, cleanses or treats imbalance or disease states affecting the kidneys
Resina	Plant parts	Refers to the resin that is secreted by the plant or by distillation of the balsamum.
Resorbent	Action	aids reabsorption of blood from bruises
Rhizoma	Plant parts	Refers to the rhizome or a creeping horizontal stem, generally bearing roots on its underside.
Rubefacient	Action	reddens skin, dilates the blood vessels, and increases blood supply locally
Salve	Preparation	a semi-solid medicinal ointment prepared by combining an herb infused oil with beeswax.
Sedative	Action	exerts a soothing, tranquilizing effect on the body
Semen	Plant parts	Refers to the seed of a plant, usually removed from the fruit, and may or may not contain the seed coat.
Sialagogue	Action	increases the production and flow of saliva
Solvent	preparation	The liquids used to extract an herbal preparation are called the menstruum, or solvent. Depending on the preparation and the herbs used, the menstruum could be water, alcohol (ethanol), vinegar, glycerin or any combination.
Soporific	Action	induces sleep
Stimulant	Action	increases body or organ function temporarily
Stomachic	Action	aids the stomach and digestive action
Sudorific	Action	increases perspiration (synonym: diaphoric)
Sudorific	Action	increase perspiration
Suppository	Preparation	a solid, conical-shaped medicinal substance designed to melt at body temperature within the rectum or vagina to deliver localized herbal treatment.
Syrup	Preparation	Syrups are made with herbal tea and sweetener (usually sugar, but honey or other sweeteners can be used). The ratio of tea to sweetener can be equal or 1:2.
Syrup	Preparation	an herbal preparation that combines an infusion or decoction with an equal amount of simple syrup (concentrated sugar solution) or honey.

Tincture	Preparation	An extract of a plant made by soaking (macerating) herbs in a solution of alcohol or of a specific ratio of alcohol to water. Tinctures macerate for two to six weeks in a dark place after which the liquid extract is strained from the plant material and used therapeutically. Tinctures start with dried or fresh herbs infused in a menstruum that is alcohol-based. Water or a small amount of glycerin may be included in the menstruum
Tisane	Preparation	Originally from the Greek ptisanē, to crush, tisanes are infusions of fresh or dried herbs used as a medicinal beverage
Tonic	Preparation	Tonics are herbs that are gentle enough to be taken daily for long-term dietary support. Usually these include nutritive herbs. Common tonics include Maca (Lepidium meyenii), Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lingzhi). stimulates energy and increases strength and tone
Traditional Chinese Medicine	Medical System	A 3,000-year-old holistic system of medicine combining the use of medicinal herbs, acupuncture, food therapy, massage, and therapeutic exercise. Chinese physicians look for the underlying causes of imbalance in the "yin" and "yang" which lead to disharmony in the "qi" (energy) in the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine addresses how illness manifests itself in a patient and treats the patient, not the ailment or disease.
Trophorestorative	Action	nourishes and restores balance to the body. Trophorestorative herbs typically have a strong affinity for an organ or organ system and correct deficiency and weakness not only through temporary stimulation but by deeply nourishing that organ or organ system.
Unani-Tibb	Medical System	Also known as Unani Medicine, Arabian medicine, or Islamic medicine, Unani is a Persian word meaning Greek and Tibb is an Arabic word meaning medicine. The origins of Unani-Tibb are based on the system of Greek medicine developed by Hippocrates and Galen and later refined by the Persian scholar-physician, Ibn Sina, also known as Avicenna (980-1037 CE)
Vermifuge	Action
Vermifuge	Action	expels worms from the intestines
Vulnerary	Action	aids in healing wounds