Acne: an inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands and hair follicles of the skin.
Alimentary canal or tract: the digestive tube from the mouth to the anus, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, large and small intestines, and rectum.
Alterative: helps to alter or correct minor functional disorders of the system. Also called a blood purifier.
Anemia: a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells or in hemoglobin.
Anhydrous: lacking water.
Antibiotic: natural substance that inhibits growth or destroys micro-organisms. Used to treat infectious diseases.
Antiseptic: substance that checks the growth or action of micro-organisms.
Aphrodisiac: excites sexual desire.
Aromatic: has an agreeable odor, and has slightly stimulative action or properties.
Arthritis: inflammation of a joint, accompanied by pain and swelling.
Astringent: an agent that has a binding or constricting effect, as when it checks hemorrhages or secretions by coagulation of proteins on a cell surface.
Blood purifier: see alterative.
Bronchitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchial system.
Canker: an ulcerous sore on the lips, cheek, or tongue.
Calminative: expels gas from the stomach, bowels, and intestines.
Catarrh: simple inflammation of the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract.
Colic: cramping of the stomach or intestines.
Cystitis: inflammation of the bladder.
Decoction: the liquid left after boiling the herb root or bark to extract the properties.
Demulcent: soothing properties in specific herbs that allay the action of stimulating or overacting herbs. Soothing to irritated mucous membranes.
Diaphoretic: increases perspiration. Aids in removing toxins and wastes through the skin.
Diuretic: increases the flow of urine and aids in elimination of waste products and toxins through the urine.
Eczema: acute or chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. May manifest as crusts, scales, or pustules—alone or in combination. More of a symptom than a disease.
Emollient: use externally and internally for a soothing or healing effect.
Enzymes: complex proteins that are capable of inducing chemical changes in other substances without being changed themselves.
Epidermal: outer layer of skin.
Excretions: waste matter. The elimination of waste products from the body.
Expectorant: facilitates the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.
Exudation: oozing of fluids or accumulation of fluid in a cavity.
Flatulence: excessive gas in the alimentary canal.
Gastritis: inflammation of the stomach lining.
Germicidal: any agent that destroys germs or micro-organisms.
Gravel: the formation of small concretions in the urinary passages.
Hepatitis: inflammation of the liver.
Infusion: the process of steeping herbs in boiling or hot water to extract the properties of the herb. Used as a tea.
Laxative: corrects constipation by increasing bowel movements.
Mucilaginous: gummy or sticky substance that is soothing to areas that are inflamed.
Mucous membrane: membrane lining passages and cavities communicating with the air.
Mucus: a protective lubricant coating by cells and glands of the mucous membranes.
Nervine: treatment for the nervous system. Quiets nervous irritation due to excitement, fatigue, grief, or headaches.
Pleurisy: inflammation of the membranes that envelope the lungs and thorax.
Poultice: herbs that are finely ground and then moistened, and applied to affected area.
Psoriasis: chronic, genetically determined lesions of the skin.
Relaxant: substance that relieves stress, strain, and tension.
Rheumatism: painful inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints.
Sedative: soothes nervous excitement and has a quieting effect upon the nervous system without having a narcotic effect.
Spasm: involuntary contraction of a muscle or a muscle fiber.
Steep: to extract the essence of an herb by soaking it in liquid.
Stimulant: increases functional actions of the body.
Tonic: restores strength to the whole system and helps different organs.
Uterine: relates to the uterus or the womb.