This page will be constantly updated as I blog more. My goal in this is to help the layman understand the science behind why herbs work. If there is a word you run across that you think should be on this list, let me know! Beware, sometimes when I am updating this…I’m a little loopy so some of the definitions will be very simple and…include some very crude meanings. Wittiness is not my strong suit.

Commonly Used Terms

• Astringent – causing the contraction (tightening) of body tissues, typically of the skin.
• Alkaloid – a compound that contains nitrogen. Alkaloids have a strong reaction in the human body. They can be drugs like morphine or poisonous like strychnine.
• Decoction – the liquor resulting from concentrating the essence of a substance by heating or boiling, especially a medicinal preparation made from a plant. Different from regular tea brewing.
• Diaphoretic –  it makes you sweat.
• Diuretic – it makes you urinate (pee).
• Emetic – it makes you vomit. Puke. Upchuck. Throw-up.
• Expectorant – it makes you cough up phlegm/mucus. Basically snot. It specifically refers to the mucus that fills lungs and throats due to colds and flus.
• External/Externally – referring to using on the outside of the body. This can include salves, liniments, poultices, etc.
• Flavonoids – plant-based chemicals that increase saliva and stomach acid to help improve digestion.
• Hepatic – relating to the liver.
• Laxative – it makes you defecate. Poop. Crap. S**t.
• In Vitro – a test done in a test tube, not on a human subject or other living organism.
• Infusion – a drink, remedy, or extract prepared by soaking the leaves of a plant or herb in liquid. Typically what one thinks of as tea.
• Internal/Internally – referring to using inside of your body. This can include teas, decoctions, tinctures, or capsules
• Rhizome – the part of the stem that is underneath the ground. It is usually more like a root than a stem and can actually produce roots that will send new shoots above ground.
• Solvent – the liquid in which a solute (in this case, herb) is dissolved to form a solution.
• Systemic – relating to a system, especially as opposed to a particular part. For our purposes, we are talking about the body in its entirety.
• Tannins – a yellowish or brownish bitter-tasting organic substance present in some galls, barks, and other plant tissues, consisting of derivatives of gallic acid.