- What the name of each preparation means
- The differences between those preparations that are similar to one another (for example do you know the difference between a tisane, tea or infusion?)
- Which preparation is best used for what purpose or condition
- Which preparations are interchangeable in
their function or in their effectiveness
- A brief description of how to make or use the preparation (In the future each term will link to a page with more detailed information)
- And even more...
Before you know it, you will be able to sail through those herb books and recipes with confidence and ease (and without the aid of this herbal preparations dictionary!)
Easy Cross References within the
Herbal Preparations Dictionary
To make things easier for you, we have cross-linked these terms:
- with other terms in this Herbal Preparations Dictionary
and
- to terms listed in our other dictionaries
So, if we use a term you don't understand while defining the term you are looking up, you can click on the word you don't know and get to its meaning too!
Did I make that clear as mud? ;-)
After a while, just from reading you will become familiar with the terms and absorb their meanings with little effort. So...
Don't worry about memorizing these terms!
Not only in the Herbal Preparations Dictionary (or any of our other dictionaries) but also any where else in this site, you are bound to come across a word or two you don't know or whose meaning you have forgotten. Run your mouse cursor over it, and a tooltip will appear giving a brief definition. (You can try it now by putting your mouse pointer on the blue word "tooltip" in the previous sentence!)
If the tooltip is not enough, just click on the word (it is also a link), and you will be taken to its fuller definition in the appropriate dictionary!
Remember: This is NOT school! Too many times we beat ourselves up when we think we are not learning fast enough. Don't do it! Enjoy yourself as you learn about herbs and their incredible properties!
Coming (wish I could say soon) but will only say eventually....
In the future you will be able to click on each term in the Herbal Preparations Dictionary and be taken to a page dedicated to that word. It will include the term's:
- Pronunciation
- Definition
- Its root word definition (which will help you learn other related herbal terms
- Examples of herbs that possess that term's property or therapeutic value
- Personal anecdotes related to the term
How to Use Our
Herbal Preparations Dictionary
Just like any other dictionary, the main function of this Herbal Preparations Dictionary is to be a reference tool.
Looking for a particular term? Click on the letter it begins with and then scroll through the alphabetical listing beneath that letter until you find it!
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
WXYZ
A
active principle: naturally occuring chemical(s) or compound(s) in an herb that have medicinal or therapeutic effects.
Also called the active ingredients.
allopathy: In another herbal preparations dictionary you might find allopathic medicine defined as conventional medicine.
Authors within the field of alternative medicine suggest the meaning of allopathic medicine is derived from a literal translation of its word parts. From the greek allo means "other" and pathos means "suffering".
Alternative practitioners use this label in reference to the "other suffering" or the adverse side effects caused by the drugs and treatments (such as chemotherapy) that conventional doctors prescribe.
alternative medicine: Usually defined in an herbal preparations dictionay as the treatment and prevention of disease by techniques that are regarded by modern Western medicine as scientifically unproven or unorthodox.
The term can encompass a wide range of therapies, including chiropractic, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, meditation, biofeedback, massage therapy and naturopathy.
Also referred to as holistic medicine.
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B
bath: An application of an herbal solution to the whole body accomplished by placing an infusion, a few drops of an essential oil or fresh/dried herbs to the bath water.
blend: A combining of two or more herbs to create a mixture that synergistically works to benefit a particular system of the body.
body-wash: Different from the herbal bath in that the herbal solution is sponged over the body as opposed to soaking the body in a tub filled with the herbal solution.
body-soak: See herbal bath .
bolus: A suppository made with powdered herbs and a fat that is solid at room temperature (cold-pressed organic coconut oil is best) but melts at body temperature.
Placed in the vagina or rectum, it delivers healing or soothing properties to these tissues as it melts.
Same as a suppository.
brew: A general term applied to herbal solutions involving the steeping of herbs in a liquid of some sort.
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C
capsule: Powdered or ground herbs that are placed in gelatin capsules and then swallowed. Often used for herbs that are unpleasant to the taste or just for the convenience.
Unfortunately, the body is not able to extract all the active ingredients from herbs taken this way.
capsule filler: Handy device used to fill multiple gelatin capsules with powdered or ground herbs simultaneously. A real time-saver!!
carrier oil: Any type of vegetable oil in which an herbal substance (such as an essential oil or the herb itself is infused.
It is always best to used a cold-pressed extra-virgin oil for this. You want to avoid absorbing the solvents present in other oils from absorbing into your body via the skin.
Remember: Your skin is not a barrier, but a living organ! It has many important functions which you want to protect.
Types of oils you can use: Coconut, Almond, Avocado, Safflower, Olive. I use Extra-virgin Olive Oil most often because it is easy to find, and by itself has many beneficial properties for the skin.
complementary medicine: Usually referred to in an herbal preparations dictionary as a group of therapeutic and diagnostic disciplines that exist largely outside the institutions where conventional health care is taught and provided.
As its name suggests, complementary medicine differs from alternative medicine in that it does not offer a competing (or 'alternative') viewpoint to that of allopathic medicine.
Even so, the two are commonly categorised together as complementary and alternative medicine (or CAM for short).
compound: Any herbal preparation that involves two or more herbs. Usually prepared to enhance the effects of the herbs blended together.
compress: An herbal preparation made by dipping a natural fiber cloth (such as 100% cotton washcloth) into a hot herbal infusion or other water extract, wringing it out so it doesn't drip and placing it on the part of the body needing therapy.
Usually used to draw out poison, reduce inflammation or reduce pain.
Contrast with a poultice where the actual herb is placed directly on the body.
concentrate: A fluid extract of herbs that is strengthened by allowing some of the fluid to evaporate.
This is accomplished by allowing the alcohol in a tincture to evaproate at room temperature or by simmering an infusion or other water extract until the fluid volume is reduced.
Simmering an infusion is not recommended as most of the important active principles in the infusion will escape in the steam or be altered by cooking.
concoction: The combining of herbs to create a blend.
cordial: A stimulating herbal medicine or drink usually made from some form of alcohol.
cream: Emulsified herbal preparation.
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D
decoction: A water-based preparation made by boiling the herb parts (usually the root, seeds or bark) for some time.
Not as effective as an infusion or a tincture as the herb is cooked thereby destroying many of its active ingredients.
dehydration: The act of removing all water and liquid from herbs to preserve them for later use.
Please Note: Do not dry herbs at temperatures above 118 degrees as the essential oils and therefore the active principles are lost!
distillation: In herbalism, a liquid made by condensing the vapor from a heated mixture of herbs and water which is then cooled.
The condensed essential oil is then separated from the water and is the concentrated essence of the herb.
douche: A stream of water, containing a beneficial herbal infusion, that is applied to a body part or cavity for hygienic or therapeutic purposes.
dry: To dehydrate.
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E
elixir: A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in herbal medicine taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste.
Often used with children and made by putting a few drops of tincture in a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup or glycerine.
emulsion: A suspension of tiny droplets of one liquid (such as an herbal extract) in a second liquid (such as a carrier oil).
By making an emulsion, one can mix two liquids that ordinarily do not mix well, like oil and water.
enamel wear: Cookware coated with enamel to prevent the absorption of metals into food or other preparations.
enema: The injection of liquid (in herbalism usually an infusion) into the rectum through the anus for cleansing, for stimulating evacuation of the bowels or for other therapeutic purposes.
essence: An alcoholic solution of an essential oil. Usually made by placing a few drops of an herb's essential oil into alcohol for dilution.
essential oil: The volatile components of aromatic herbs which are usually steam distilled out of the plant yielding a very concentrated "oil".
Used extensively in aromatherapy, but also in many other ways in herbal medicine.
Please note: most essential oils must be be diluted in a carrier of some sort before use. Vegetable oils such as sweet almond or extra virgin olive oil for use on the skin, alcohol to yield an essence or water for an inhalant or a bath. Very few essential oils can be used neat.
expression: Another name for juice.
extract: The beneficial herbal properties withdrawn from the plant by the use of a solvent.
Solvents used are:
- water (preferrably distilled)
- alcohol (usually vodka or brandy)
- vinegar (raw apple cider is best)
- glycerin
- oils (only extra virgin cold pressed)
eyewash: A fluid, commonly saline or a dilute herbal infusion, used in the aid of rinsing the eye.
May also describe the apparatus used to physically wash the eyes in the case of contamination by foreign materials or substances.
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F
facial wash: Usually a water based herbal preparation such as an infusion used to rinse the delicate skin of the face.
facial steam: After water is brought to a boil, it is removed from the heat and beneficial herbs are added.
A towel is placed over the head while bending over the steaming pot, creating a mini herbal sauna for your face!
fomentation: Same as a compress.
foot-soak: A warm or comfortalby hot herbal infusion in which the feet are soaked.
The soles of the feet are very sensitive and absorptive. This is a very soothing way to absorb the beneficial properties of an herb into your body. Especially good for young children, the elderly who have a difficult time getting into a tub, and a busy Mom who has no time for a long soak in the tub!
formula: A prescription of herbal ingredients in a fixed proportion; a recipe for any herbal preparation.
freeze: The process of preserving herbs by subjecting them to freezing temperatures.
Best used for preserving herbal juices and small delicate leaves or flowers.
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G
gargle: One teaspoon of tincture diluted in 1/2 cup of water or 1/2 cup of an infusion used for acute throat infections.
Gargle with your head well back until the 1/2 cup is gone. Repeat as needed (usually 3-4 times a day).
glass wear: Cookware made of heat resistant glass.
Considered the best cookware for herbal preparations because it is totally inert. No substances from the cookware will be absorbed into the herbal preparation.
glycerine: An odorless, colorless, sweet syrupy liquid, CH(OH), prepared by the hydrolysis of fats and oils.
It is used as a solvent in some herbal preparations, and in skin lotions or soap because of its humectant properties.
Also called glycerol or glycerin
glycerite: An herbal prepartion made with glycerine as the solvent.
grinder: An electric or hand operated device that grinds herbs into fine particles or powder for filling capsules.
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H
hand-soak: A warm or comfortalby hot herbal infusion in which the hands are soaked.
The palms of the hands, even when coarsened or thickened by work, are very sensitive and absorptive. This is a very soothing way to absorb the beneficial properties of an herb into your body. Especially good for young children who like to play in water!
herb: Botanists define an herb as a soft-stemmed plant, which dies after flowering.
Herbalists define an herb as any part of a plant (even trees and shrubs) which can be used for medicine, cooking, cosmetics or as a scent or dye.
herbal honey: A delicious and easy way to give herbal remedies to children.
Can be made by:
- infusing herbs into honey like you would when making a tincture
- mix some powdered herb into the honey
- add a few drops of herbal tincture to the honey
- add a few drops of essential oil to the honey
herbal medicine: The use of natural plant substances (botanicals) to treat and prevent illness. The practice has always existed, and flourishes today as the primary form of medicine for as much as 80% of the world's population.
Over 80,000 species of plants are in use throughout the world. Along with acupuncture, herbal medicine is considered primary health care in China, where it has been in documented use for over 2,500 years.
Herbs may be used directly in many forms and are used in the production of pharmaceutical drugs. Approximately 25% of the prescription drugs sold in the United States are plant based. Many more herbal ingredients are present in over-the-counter drugs, such as laxatives. Common medicines that come from plants include aspirin from willow bark (Salix species) and digitalis from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea).
Scientific interest in herbal medicine in the United States has lagged grossly behind that in the countries of Asia and Western Europe. In Germany, for example, one third of graduating physicians have studied herbal medicine and a comprehensive therapeutic guide to herbal!
We need to catch up!
herbal vinegar: An herbal extract made with wine vinegar or most often raw apple cider vinegar as the solvent.
Used most in cooking but can be used in place of alcohol based tinctures for those who desire to avoid the use of alcohol.
Unfortunately, vinegar is not as effective as alcohol and water in pulling out herbs' active principles.
holistic medicine: Refers to a philosophy of medical care that views physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life as closely interconnected and equally important to treatment.
While frequently associated with alternative medicine, it is also increasingly used in mainstream or allopathic medical practice as part of a broad view of patient care. .
homeopathy: System of medicine whose fundamental principle is the law of similars—-that like is cured by like.
When a drug was found to produce the same symptoms as did a certain disease, it was then used in very small doses in the treatment of that disease.
It had been observed that quinine given to a healthy person caused the same symptoms that malaria did in a person suffering from that disease. Therefore, quinine became the preferred treatment for malaria. .
humectant: A substance that promotes retention of moisture used in soaps and lotions such as glycerine.
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I
infused oil: An herbal preparation which extracts out the fat soluble components of an herb.
Made by mixing dried, crushed herbs into a high quality cold pressed, extra-virgin oil such as olive, and allowed to steep for at least 4 weeks before straining for use.
infusion: A therapeutic fluid made by:
- pouring just boiled water over an herb
OR
- adding an herb to water that has just reached the boiling point but has been removed from the heat source>
Cover the herb and water solution (so the beneficial essential oils do not escape in the steam), and allow to steep until it is cool to the touch.
Then strain into a glass bottle or jar and refridgerate. It will keep fresh this way for 2 to 3 days.
inhalant: Prepared and used in the same way as a facial steam but inhaled slowly and deeply to allow the remedy to be absorbed into the nasal passages and lungs.
irritant: Usually refered to in herbalism as a counter-irritant. Used to stimulate circulation to an external area of the body to enhance blood flow and therefore speed healing.
A good example is the use of Stinging Nettles on arthritic joints.
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J
juice: The natural fluid, fluid content, or liquid part that can be extracted from a plant or one of its parts.
Made easiest by using a juicer, but can be made by grinding the herb in a blender, placing the plant matter in a strainer lined with cheese cloth and then pressed with the hands.
This is considered the best way to extract the healing properties of an herb.
Also called an expression.
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K
None that I know of!
L
liniment: An oil or alcohol base containing herbal extracts achieved by infusion or by the mixing of an oil and a tincture.
They are usually rubbed or massaged into the skin, and contain stimulating herbs or essential oils of stimulating herbs (such as cayenne or ginger) to enhance their absorption.
lotion: An herbal preparation made by suspending or emulsifying an insoluble material in a liquid (usually water or alcohol) base.
It's intended for external application without rubbing, in such skin conditions as itching, infection, allergy or pain by acting as a cleansing, softening, or astringent agent.
lozenge: Powdered herbs are mixed in some mucilaginous preparation such as Slippery Elm, often sweetened with glycerine and shaped into pills.
It is then consumed orally by sucking for a soothing action on the throat and mucous membranes, or chewed for an easy and palitable way to take whole herbs. An easier way to get children and those who have a difficult time swallowing capsules to take herbs.
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M
maceration: The process of extracting the beneficial properties of an herb into a solvent. Same as infusion.
massage oil: An herbal oil infusion used in therapeutic massage.
mortar and pestle: A mortar and pestle is a tool used to grind and mix dried herbs. The pestle is a heavy stick whose end is used for pounding and grinding, and the mortar is a bowl. The herb is ground between the pestle and the mortar.
mouth wash: Made of 1/2 cup of herbal infusion or a dilution of one teaspoon of herbal tincture in 1/2 cup of water. Rinse thoroughly around in the mouth for a few seconds and then spit out. Repeat until all is used.
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N
naturopathy: A holistic approach to health care which strives to create favourable conditions in which the body's own natural powers of healing will eliminate any illness and then continue to maintain health.
The symptoms of an illness are seen as part of the healing process, so these are not suppressed as in allopathic medicine. Instead, the body is strengthen and encouraged to correct its own disturbed equilibrium.
neat: Not diluted or mixed with other substances; undiluted; straight.
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O
oil extract: A preparation where the herb's properties are drawn out into a cold-pressed extra-virgin oil.
Same as infused oil.
oil infusion: Same as an infused oil.
ointment: Soft, semi-solid herbal preparation made by adding melted beeswax to a warmed oil infusion which will harden or set up after it is poured into containers and allowed to cool.
oxymel: A mixture of honey and vinegar used as an expectorant.
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P
pessary: A vaginal suppository or bolus.
pill: Same as capsule.
plaster: A medication applied externally by placing it over a body part and then covering it with a cloth or towel. Can be applied warm or cold.
potion: A drink or liquid dose of medicine.
poultice: A hot plaster.
powder: Finely ground or crushed dried herbs.
principle: See active principle .
pulverize: To pound, crush, or grind an herb to a fine powder.
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Q
None known!
R
None that I know of!
S
salve: A softer ointment made by adding less beeswax to the preparation.
shrub: A concentrated herbal vinegar made with fruit (usually blackberries, elderberries, blueberries, etc.) and raw apple cider vinegar.
After steeping for a minimum of 4 weeks, the fruit is strained out of the vinegar. The vinegar is measured and an equal amount of honey or real maple syrup is added.
This concentrate is the shrub. Add a small amount to a glass and fill the glass with fresh water and ice.
This refreshingly heathly drink goes back to pre-revolutionary America!
sitz bath: A bathtub shaped like a chair in which one bathes in a sitting position, immersing only the hips and buttocks in a comfortably warm herbal infusion.
Especially useful for the treatment of hemorrhoids or the postpartum mother.
soak: A prolonged bath in which the entire body or just one portion of the body is immersed in a comfortably hot herbal infusion.
specific: An herb that is useful against a particular (or specific) disease or symptom.
steam facial: See facial steam.
steam inhalant: See inhalant.
stupe: The actual cloth used for a compress.
suppository: A solid, conical mass of medicinal substance designed to melt at body temperature within a body cavity other than the mouth, especially the rectum, urethra or vagina.
Also called a bolus.
synergy: The interaction of different agents, such that the total effect is greater than the sum of the parts.
This effects occurs between the elements within a single herb and between many different herbs.
syrup: The addition of honey, maple syrup or glycerine to an herbal tincture or infusion to mask the taste of a bitter herb, or to make it easier for children to take. Can also be soothing to a sore throat or one irritated by a cough.
Syrups can be made with sugar, but should not because:
- sugar lowers the immune system
- sugar feeds candida and other harmful microbes
- the herbal tincture must be heated to melt the sugar thereby decreasing its potency and effectiveness
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T
tablet: A small flat pellet of powdered herbs made the same as a lozenge, but without the sweetener.
Smaller in size than a lozenge because it is meant to be swallowed whole rather than chewed or sucked upon.
tea: A drink made by steeping an herb in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Can be taken either hot or cold.
Not as concentrated as an infusion which steeps for a much longer period of time.
tea bag: Definition of term.
tea ball: Definition of term.
throat spray: Diluted herbal tincture or an herbal infusion poured into a bottle mister and used to spray the back of the throat during acute throat infections.
tincture: A 50/50 mixture of distilled water and alcohol used to extract the active ingredients from an herb.
This creates a more concentrated extract than other methods, and has a much longer shelf life.
Preferred by many herbalists because water and alcohol are the two universal solvents and therefore pull out more of an herb's properties.
tisane: A weak tea.
tonic: An agent that is used to give strength to a system by restoring or maintaining health in the whole body or in its individual organs.
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U
unguent: Same as an ointment.
V
vaporization: Vaporization is a process by which the active ingredients of an herb or a blend of herbs are released through the application of low temperature heat without combustion. This causes the release of the herb's
essential oils into an inhalable steam. The particles of the essential oil are small enough to be absorbed into the alveoli (tiny air sacs that cover the surface of the lower lung)
where they are almost immediately taken into the blood stream.
This method requires the use of a special vaporizor.
Similar results can be obtained through an herbal inhalant.
vinegar infusion: See herbal vinegar and shrub.
volatile oil: Same as essential oil.
WXYZ
wash: Liquid herbal preparation (usually and infusion)used to bathe or wash an external area of the body needing treatment.
Hope you found this Herbal Preparations Dictionary helpful! Please feel free to contact me with any additional terms you would like to see, or your suggestions to improve it! We look forward to hearing from you!
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