Glossary of Herbal Terminology

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No. Terms Definition
1. Absorbant
Attaches to other substances and either neutralizes or renders harmless.
2. Abortifacient
Causes premature abortion of the embryo. Examples are pennyroyal, aloe, sandalwood.
3. Adaptogens
A plant property that increases the resistance to stress. Examples are ginseng root, nettle leaf, sarsaparilla, licorice root and ashwagandha
4. Alkaloid
One of a varied family of alkaline, nitrogen-containing substances, usually plant-derived, reacting with acids to form salts. Normally intensely bitter, alkaloids form a body of substances widely used in drug and herbal therapy. They are usually biologically active and have a toxic potential. The term is more pharmaceutical and medical than chemical since alkaloids come from a variety of otherwise unrelated organic compounds. (Examples: caffeine, morphine, berberine)
5. Alterative
Modifies nutrition in order to overcome morbid condition. Known as 'blood cleansers' in the past, these herbs improve lymphatic circulation, boost immunity and help clear chronic conditions, particularly of the skin.These herbs help chronic conditions because they aid in the elimination of metabolic toxins. Alteratives may be prescribed for sores, boils, tumours and cancers. In addition they reduce fevers, detoxify the liver, kill parasites and worms, help in the treatment of infectious, contagious diseases and epidemics. Flu, acne, herpes, and venereal diseases also respond to this type of herb. Examples are ginseng, aloe, sandalwood, red clover,  burdock, bayberry, black pepper, cinnamon, myrrh, and safflower.
6. Amoebicidal
These herbs treat illness caused by amoeba e.g. amoebic dysentery.
7. Analgesic or anodynes
These herbs reduce or eliminate pain. Examples are camphor, chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, echinacea, lavender flower, feverfew herb, cabbage leaves, wintergreen leaf, passionflower herb and flower.
8. Anaphrodisiac
The opposite of an aphrodisiac. These herbs decrease or delay sexual desires/feelings
9. Anaesthetics
Induces anaesthesia or numbness. Examples are ashok, calamus, gudmar, and jatamansi.
10. Anthelmintic
Antiparasitic – these herbs destroy and dispel worms, parasites, fungus and yeast. They are also known as vermicides or vermifuges. Examples are Pau d'arco, goldenseal, wormseed, wormwood, ajwan, cayenne, peppers, and pumpkin seeds.
11. Anodyne
These herbs are pain relievers. Also known as analgesics. Examples are ashok, barberry, cedar, and ginger.
12. Antacid These herbs combat nausea, stomach ache, and other bilious symptoms that are caused by an excessive secretion of bile.
13. Antibilious Inhibits the growth of bacteria.Examples are turmeric and echinacea.
14. Antibiotic Eliminates mucus conditions.
15. Anticaterrhal A drug that counters depression
16.
Antidepressant
A drug that counters depression
17.
Antidiabetic
Support diabetes, may also help body to utilise insulin more effectively. Examples of herbs are amalaki, blackberry, fenugreek, gudmar, senna, and shilajit.
18. Antidiarrhoeal Useful for helping stop diarrhoea. Examples are Blackberry, comfrey, gentian, red raspberry, and yellow dock, black pepper, and ginger.
19. Antiemetic Prevents and alleviates nausea and vomiting. Examples are Cloves, coriander, ginger, and raspberry.
20. Antiepileptic Herbs that help to combat epileptic seizures.
21. Anti-haemorrhagic Prevents or alleviates haemorrhage
22. Anti-inflammatory Reduces inflammation
23. Anti-lithic Helps to prevent the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder
24.
Anti-oxidant
A plant property that prevents free radical of oxidative tissue or cell damage.
25.
Anti-periodic
This medicine prevents the periodic recurrence of attacks of a disease e.g. malaria. Examples are barberry, chirayata, guduchi, kutaj, and vacha.
26.
Antiphlogistic
Herb that counteracts inflammation
27.
Antipyretic
Reduces fever, destroys fever toxins and induces perspiration to increase the loss of heat. Similar to febrifuge or refrigerant.Example are amalaki, black pepper, brihati, nirgundi, safflower, sandalwood.
28.
Antirheumatic
Herb that relieves or cures rheumatism
29.
Antiscorbutic
Effective in the prevention or treatment of scurvy
30.
Antiseptic
A herb, drug or other substance that prevents decay or putrefaction. A substance that inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms without necessarily destroying them. Examples are aloe, chitrak, gokshura, gudmar, sandalwood and turmeric.
31.
Anti-spasmodic
Relieves or prevents involuntary muscle spasm or cramp.Examples are chamomile, ashwagandha, basil, calamus, guggul, licorice, myrrh, sage, gotu kola, jatamanshi, peppermint, sandalwood, and spearmint.
32.
Anti-spasmodic
These herbs can act against poisonous matter from animals
33.
Antitussive
Herbs that destroy pathogens or disease producing organisms
34.
Anti-venomous
A mild or gentle laxative. Softens stools without purging. Example: Rhubarb
35.
Aperient
Herbs that destroy pathogens or disease producing organisms
36.
Aphrodisiac
A mild or gentle laxative. Softens stools without purging. Example: Rhubarb
37.
Aphrodisiac
Restores or increases sexual power and desire. There are two types: a) Tonics - These herbs tone and develop the sexual organs. b) Stimulants - These are prescribed to increase the functioning of the reproductive organs. Examples are angelica, ahwagandha, asparagus, fenugreek, fo-ti, ginseng, gokshura, hibiscus, kapikachu seeds, pippali, rose, saffron and shatavari.The nutritive tonics such as aghwagandha, bala, fo-ti, ghee, licorice, marshmallow, sesame seeds and shatavari increase semen and breast milk.
38.
Appetiser
These herbs stimulate the appetite. Examples are cardamom, coriander
39.
Aperient
These herbs produce a natural movement of the bowel
40.
Aromatic
Herb with a pleasant, fragrant scent and a strong taste. These may be used to help to disguise the taste of other herbs in preparations. Examples are cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, peppermint, and turmeric.
41.
Astringent
These cause a local contraction of the skin, blood vessels, and other tissues and this stops the discharge of blood, mucus, etc. Usually used locally as a topical application. Examples are amalaki, arjuna, ashok, cinnamon, jasmine, sandalwood, and yarrow.