adaptogen. An herb that helps the body, mind, and spirit adapt to stress. It modifies the response of the body to stressful situations so that peace and calm can prevail.
analgesic. An herb that lessens pain.
antibacterial. Combating bacterial infections in and on the body.
antifungal. Inhibiting fungal growth.
antihistamine. An herb that stops the histamine response to an allergen.
anti-inflammatory. An herb that soothes swelling and inflammation, internally or externally.
antioxidant. A substance in an herb (or any food) that helps the body rid itself of free radicals.
antiviral. Destroying viruses in the body.
astringent. A substance that tightens the tissues of the body — internally and/or externally.
bentonite clay. A powerful healing clay that, when mixed with water, becomes electrically charged and swells into a healing sponge of sorts. Because it carries a negative charge, it will pull impurities, such as heavy metals and toxins, out of the skin.
compress. A cloth that has been soaked in an herbal solution and applied externally to a painful, inflamed, or infected area of the body.
decoction. Basically, a tea that is made by simmering the hardy parts of plants (bark, roots, stems, and seeds) in water for 10 minutes or longer.
demulcent. An herb that soothes mucus membranes with its own brand of mucilaginous qualities.
diaphoretic. An herb that induces sweating (usually used to break a fever).
diuretic. An herb that increases the elimination of water from the body (increases urination).
drawing salve. An herbal salve made with pine tar and renowned for drawing out splinters, insect venom, and infection.
essential oil. The aromatic oil that is distilled from plants.
expectorant. An herb that helps expel mucus from the body, especially in the lungs.
flower essences. Liquid extracts made from the vibrant (and vibrational) energy of fresh flowers, used therapeutically to ease specific mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical issues.
French green clay. A cosmetic clay used in skin-healing and detoxifying preparations, French green clay is a powerful drawer of oil, toxins, and impurities from the skin. Because of this quality, it is best used on oily and troubled skin.
infusion. What we, in the herbal world, call a tea. It’s made by steeping herbs in hot water for a period of time.
mucilage. The gelatinous substance found in some herbs that helps soothe mucus membranes of the body.
nervine. An herb that soothes the nervous system.
poultice. An external application of moistened herbs applied to an affected area of the body.
rhizome. Not a root itself, it is the often-fleshy stem that grows horizontally away from the root. It’s found just under the surface and has nodes on it from which other stems can grow.
salve. An ointment made by combining an oil extraction of an herb with enough beeswax to make it solid yet malleable.
sedative. An herb that soothes and (often) induces sleep.
stimulant. An herb that acts, in general, to increase action in the body — from energy levels to circulation to eliminating waste.
tincture. A preparation of herbal matter that most often involves alcoholic extraction but can include vinegar, honey, and/or glycerin.
white cosmetic clay. A fine, light clay used in skin-healing and detoxifying preparations. This clay, while a good drawer of toxins, oils, and impurities, is gentle and best suited for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.