GLOSSARY OF HERBAL TERMS

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GLOSSARY OF HERBAL TERMS

Abortifacient: brings on an abortion, often only in very large, nearly toxic doses

Alkaloid: compound that contains nitrogen, and often has many medicinal applications, like morphine

Alterative: gently improves the condition of the body, a very general term

Anodyne: general pain reliever

Anthelmintic: annoys the wiggles out of parasitic worms in the digestive system, stimulating

Anticatarrhal: cuts down on mucus or stops its production

Antilithic: work against kidney and other stones in the urinary system

Anti microbial: annoys the micro-organisms that have invaded your body/skin

Analgesic: pain reliever

Antineoplastic: tumor inhibitors

Anti rheumatic: rheumatic problem relievers

Antiseptic: has a drawing tightening or constricting effect, especially to halt germ growth

Antispasmodic: relax the nerves, especially when related to digestion or colic problems

Aromatic: smelly things that are so strong that they penetrate muscles and improve circulation, (think mustard packs or eucalyptus oil )

Astringent: like an antiseptic with the constricting abilities, but more specifically used to counter secretions (pus, mucus, yuckies)

Bitter: appetite and digestion stimulators, usually highly nutritious as well

Blood purifier: an old fashioned term for things that were supposed to rid your blood of toxins. More isunderstood about the human body now and this term is rarely used. If you have an old herbal that mentions it, look to newer ones to see the new classification. Does it stimulate circulation? Does it help the liver?

Carminative: no more gas! like gas X, beano, etc. Either speed the expulsion of it for relief, or prevent the development of it in the first place

Cathartic: laxative

Cholagogue: promotes the flow of bile into the small intestine

Decoction: extract made by boiling herbs and then simmering them for some time, straining and using, reserved for use with roots and bark or other things that the processing won't destroy the physical or magical attributes

Demulcent: soothes the damage to internal tissues

Diaphoretic: promote sweating, you may have experienced this with ginger or hot peppers

Diuretic: increase the flow of urine, use with caution, may cause dehydration

Dysmenorrhea: incapacitating menstruation with cramps and other pains

Elixir: a syrup or other liquid usually sweetened to be palatable, often contains alcohol or another substance to emulsify and suspend a medicine (like an extract)

Emetic: makes you vomit, like syrup of ipecac used to rid stomach of poison

Emmenagogue: things that promote menstruation

Errhine: makes you sneeze and makes more mucus

Euphoriant: makes you feel PERFECTLY good and right for a short time. Often addictive and dangerous, a familiar plant that has euphoriant properties are opium poppies. Opiates like Codeine, are controlled substances in the United States.

Expectorant: help to expel mucous from lungs and throat (spit it out! don't swallow infectious substances)

Extract: a substance that has been chemically, magically or physically isolated from a plant

Febrifuge: relieves fever

Galactogenic: promotes milk flow and production in mothers

Glycoside: a group of plant compounds that frequently have medicinal properties and when broken down chemically yield different types of sugars.

Hallucinogenic: produces hallucinations which are defined in many different ways such as delirium, seeing beyond the veil, going nuts, expanding your mind, etc. opinions vary

Hepatic: improves the liver and aids in ridding the body of toxins

Infusion: made by pouring boiling water over the materials/herbs and letting it steep, usually stronger than a tea, can also be made by adding concentrated extracts to water

Lactifuge: increases flow of milk for mothers

Nervine: relieve anxiety, and prevent over anxiety

Ointment: a substance that is the consistency of butter, petroleum jelly, lipbalm, flying ointment, etc. (see Unguent)

Purgative: super laxative, promote bowel movements and stimulate intestinal activity

Rubefacient: stimulate circulation when topically (to the skin) applied. The word means "making redder"

Salicin: glycoside substance in a plant that is related to many pain relievers like aspirin. Poplars and willows are common sources of this substance

Saponin: glycoside substance in a plant that makes foamy soap like bubbles in water. Useful as natural soaps or added to standard soaps. A high saponin content herb frequently has laxative properties when taken internally.

Scopolamine: an alkaloid from plants in the nightshade family (belladonna) that is poisonous. Used as a sedative and a truth serum. Usually tastes strange, bitter-like, like the taste of soap but not so much as a saponin

Sedative: extreme nervous system relaxant

Stomachic: general physical body boosters, like a tonic

Styptic: stop bleeding or shrink capillaries to stop hemorrhages, also internally for migraines

Tisane: any herbal tea, usually not as strong as an infusion, often made with flowers (but not limited to that)

Tonic: generally improves the systems of the body

Unguent: a substance that is the consistency of butter, petroleum jelly, lip balm, flying ointment, etc. (ointment)

Vermifuge: intestinal worm killers

Wash: a preparation used to cleanse (magically or physically) the skin or an area (especially floors and walls)

 

 

 

 

Zeline Wright

AKA Opossum Sally

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Message: 4

Sat, 29 Oct 2005 20:53:03 -0700 (PDT)

Opossum Sally <opossumsal

Essential Oils for Skincare

Essential Oils for Skincare

Normal Skin:

Roman Chamomile, Olibanum, Geranium, Lavender, Rose, Neroli

Oily Skin:

Lavender, Lemon, Bergamot, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Tea Tree, Cedarwood,Juniper

Dry Skin:

Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood

Combination Skin:

Geranium, Lavender, Rose, Neroli

Acne:

Cedarwood, Roman Chamomile, Vetiver, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, Lavender, Tea Tree, Rosemary

Dehydrated Skin:

Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Lavender, Rose

Sensitive Skin:

Use only half of the recommended drops of Roman Chamomile, Lavender and Rose

Puffy Skin:

Lavender, Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile, Rose Ageing Skin: Sandalwood, Rose, Olibanum

Cellulite:

Juniper, Cedarwood, Lemon, Grapefruit, Patchouli

Babies:

Use only half recommended drops of Roman Chamomile, Neroli and Lavender.

 

"A clean house is a sign of a misspent life"

 

 

 

 

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