By no means is this glossary exhaustive, but it may help you to demystify some of the terms often used in our site as well as other sites or books.
Abortifacient:
Induces the premature expulsion (abortion) of a fetus. Same meaning as Ecbolic. For example, pennyroyal.
Adaptogenic:
Helping the human organism adapt to stressful conditions.
Ague:
An intermittent fever, sometimes with chills, as in malaria.
Alkaloid:
A large, varied group of complex nitrogen-containing compounds, usually alkaline, that react with acids to form soluble salts, many of which have physiological effects on humans. Includes nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, etc.
Alterative:
A medicinal substance that gradually restores health.
Amenorrhea:
Absence or suppression of menstruation.
Analgesic:
A pain-relieving medicine.
Anhydrotic:
Stops sweating.
Anodyne:
A pain-relieving medicine, milder than analgesic.
Antacid:
Neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach.
Anthelmintic:
An agent that destroys and expels worms from the intestines. Same as vermifuge.
Anti-aphrodisiac:
Suppressing sexual desire.
Antibacterial:
Destroys or stops the growth of bacteria.
Antibilious:
An herb that combats biliousness. The term biliousness refers to a group of symptoms consisting of nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, constipation, and gas that is caused by an excessive secretion of bile.
Antibiotic:
An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of, or kills, a living organism; usually used in reference to bacteria or other microorganisms.
Anti-convulsant:
Reducing or relieving convulsions or cramps.
Anti-emetic:
Prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting.
Anti-epileptic:
An agent that combats the convulsions or seizures of epilepsy.
Antifungal:
An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of fungi, or kills them outright.
Antigalactagogue:
Prevents or decreases secretion of milk.
Antihistaminic:
Neutralizing the effect or inhibiting production of histamine.
Anti-inflammatory:
Reducing or neutralizing inflammation.
Anti-lithic:
Aids in preventing the formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder.
Antimicrobial:
An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of microorganisms, or kills them.
Anti-oxidant:
Preventing oxidation; a preservative.
Antiparasitical:
Destructive to parasites.
Anti-periodic:
Prevents the periodic recurrence of attacks of a disease; as in malaria.
Antiphlogistic:
An agent that counteracts inflammation.
Antipyretic:
Reduces fever. Same as febrifuge or refrigerant.
Anti-rheumatic:
An agent that relieves or cures rheumatism.
Antiscorbutic:
An agent effective against scurvy.
Antiseptic:
Preventing sepsis, decay, putrefaction; also, an agent that kills germs, microbes.
Antispasmodic:
Preventing or relieving spasms or cramps.
Anti-syphilitic:
Herbs that improve or cure syphilis. Also called antileutic.
Antitumor:
Preventing or effective against tumors or cancers.
Antitussive:
Preventing or relieving cough.
Antivenomous:
Acts against poisonous matter from animals and snakes.
Antiviral:
An agent that inhibits growth or multiplication of viruses, or kills them.
Antizymotic:
Herbs that can destroy disease-producing organisms.
Aperient:
Causes a gentle bowel movement.
Aphasia:
Inability to express oneself properly through speech or loss of verbal comprehension; sensory and motor areas may be involved.
Aphrodisiac:
Increasing or exciting sexual desire.
Apoplexy:
The result of a stroke (cerebrovascular accident (CVA)).
Aromatic:
Agents which emit a fragrant smell and produce a pungent taste. Used chiefly to make other medicines more palatable.
Ascaris:
Roundworm (also called maw-worm and eelworm) found in the small intestine causing colicky pains and diarrhea, especially in children.
Ascites:
Excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity.
Asthenia:
Lack or loss of strength, usually involving muscular system.
Astringent:
An agent that causes tissue to contract.
Bactericidal:
An agent that kills bacteria.
Balsam:
The resin of a tree that is healing and soothing. Example: myrrh
Bitter tonic:
Bitter-tasting properties which stimulate the flow of saliva and gastric juice. Used to increase the appetite and aid in the process of digestion.
Bolus:
A suppository injected into the rectum or vagina.
Calmative:
An agent with mild sedative or calming effects.
Cardioactive:
Affecting the heart.
Carminative:
An agent that relieves and removes gas from the digestive system.
Cataplasm:
Another name for poultice.
Catarrh:
An inflammation of the mucous membranes with a free discharge. This has special reference to the air passages of the head and throat. For example; hayfever, rhinitis, influenza, bronchitis, pharyngitis, asthma.
Cathartic:
A powerful purgative or laxative, causing severe evacuation, with or without pain.
Cephalic:
Referring to diseases affecting the head and upper part of the body.
Cholagogue:
An agent that increases bile flow to the intestines.
Chorea:
Nervous disorder marked by muscular twitching of arms, legs and face.
CNS:
Central nervous system.
Condiment:
Enhances the flavor of food.
Cordial:
A stimulating medicine or drink.
Counterirritant:
An agent that produces inflammation or irritation when applied locally to affect another, usually irritated surface to stimulate circulation. (Example: a mustard plaster or liniment).
Cystitis:
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Cytotoxic:
An agent that is toxic to certain organs, tissues, or cells.
Decoction:
A preparation made by boiling a plant part in water. Compare with Infusion.
Demulcent:
An agent that is locally soothing and softening.
Demulcent febrifuge:
Reduces heat while building bodily fluids.
Deobstruent:
Removes obstructions by opening natural passages or pores of the body.
Depurative:
Tends to purify and cleanse the blood. Same as blood purifier.
Dermatomycoses:
Skin infection caused by fungi.
Detergent:
An agent that cleanses boils, sores, wounds, etc.
Detoxicant:
Removes toxins.
Diaphoretic:
An agent that induces sweating.
Digestant:
Contains substances (i.e. ferments, acids) which aid in digestion.
Digestive:
An agent that promotes digestion.
Discutient:
An agent that dissolves or causes something, such as a tumor, to disappear. Also called discussive.
Diuretic:
An agent that induces urination.
Drastic:
A violent purgative.
Dropsy:
Generalized edema (swelling).
Dyskinesia:
Defect in voluntary movement.
Dyspnea:
Sense of difficulty in breathing, often associated with lung or heart disease.
Ecbolic:
See abortifacient.
Emetic:
An agent that induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue:
A substance that promotes or assists the flow of menstrual fluid.
Emollient:
An agent that softens and soothes the skin when applied locally.
Enteritis:
Inflammation of the small intestine.
Enterorrhagia:
Hemorrhage from the intestine.
Enuresis:
Involuntary urination.
Ephidrosis:
Abnormal amount of sweating.
Epigastric:
Upper middle region of the abdomen.
Eructation:
Belching.
Erysipelis:
An acute disease of skin and subcutaneous tissue with spreading inflammation and swelling.
Esculent:
Edible or fit for eating.
Estrogenic:
A substance that induces female hormonal activity.
Exanthematous:
Refers to any eruptive disease or fever. An herbal remedy for skin eruptions such as measles, scarlet fever, etc.
Exophthalmic:
Protrusion of the eyeball.
Expectorant:
An agent that induces the removal (coughing up) of mucous secretions from the lungs.
Farinaceous:
Of the nature of flour or meal. Starchy or containing starch.
Febrifuge:
That which reduces fever. Same as antipyretic or refrigerant.
Fistula:
Abnormal tubelike passage from a normal cavity or tube to a free surface or to another cavity.
Flux:
Excessive flow or discharge. For example, in dysentery or excessive menstruation.
Fungicidal:
An agent that kills fungi.
Galactagogue:
Promotes secretion of milk.
Gastralgia:
Pain in the stomach.
Gastroenteritis:
Inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract.
Gastroptosis:
Condition in which the stomach occupies an abnormally low position in the abdomen.
Gleet:
A urethral discharge, either of mucus or pus; commonly seen in the chronic form of gonorrheal urethritis.
Hemiplegia:
Paralysis of one half of the body.
Hemostatic:
An agent that checks bleeding.
Hepatic:
An herb that promotes the well-being of the liver and increases the secretion of bile. For example; golden seal.
Herpatic:
A remedy for skin eruptions, ringworm, etc.
Homeopathic:
Relating to homeopathy, a system of medicine founded in the late 1700’s by Samuel Hahnemann. The system is based on the principle that “like cures like”. Practitioners believe that a substance that produces a set of symptoms in a well person will, in minute,” potentized” doses, cure those same symptoms in a diseased individual.
Homeostasis:
Equilibrium of internal environment.
Hydrogogue:
Promotes watery evacuation of bowels.
Hydrophobia:
Rabies.
Hyperchlorhydria:
Excess of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretion.
Hypertensive:
Causing or marking a rise in blood pressure.
Hypochondriac:
Upper lateral region on each side of the body and below the thorax; beneath the ribs.
Hypnotic:
Tends to produce sleep.
Hypoglycemic:
Causing a deficiency of blood sugar.
Hypotensive:
Causing or marking a lowering of blood pressure.
Immunostimulant:
Stimulating various functions or activities of the immune system.
Infusion:
A preparation made by soaking a plant part in hot water (or cold water, for a cold infusion); in essence, a “tea”. Compare Decoction. Intercostal: Between the ribs.
Laxative:
A mild purgative. An herb that acts to promote evacuation of the bowels.
Leukorrhea:
A whitish, viscid discharge from the vagina.
Lithotriptic:
Causing the dissolution or destruction of stones in the bladder or kidneys.
Lung fever:
A severe lung infection, as pneumonia.
Maturating:
An agent that promotes the maturing or bringing to a head of boils, carbuncles, etc.
Menorrhagia:
Excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Mitogenic:
An agent that affects cell division.
Monoplegia:
Paralysis of a single limb or a single group of muscles.
Mortification:
Gangrene.
Moxa:
A dried herb substance burned on or above the skin to stimulate an acupuncture point or serve as a counterirritant. A famous technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine, using dried, pressed leaves of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris).
Mucilaginous:
Pertaining to or resembling or containing mucilage: slimy. Herbs that have a soothing effect on inflamed mucous membranes.
Mydriatic:
Dilates the pupil.
Narcotic:
An addicting substance that reduces pain and produces sleep.
Nauseant:
An herb that causes nausea and vomiting. Somewhat similar to an emetic.
Nervine:
An agent that affects, strengthens, or calms the nerves.
Neurasthenia:
Severe nerve weakness; nervous exhaustion.
Neurodermatitis:
Inflammation of skin with itching that is associated with emotional disturbance.
Nutrient or Nutritive:
Nourishing, increases weight and density.
Ophthalmic:
Healing for disorders and diseases of the eye.
Ophthalmicum:
A remedy for diseases of the eye.
Osteomyelitis:
Inflammation of the bone, especially the marrow.
Oxyuris:
Genus of nematode intestinal worms which includes pinworms (also called threadworm and seatworm).
Panacea:
An agent good for what ails you, or what doesn’t ail you. A “cure-all”.
Parturient:
A substance that induces and promotes labor.
Pectoral:
Relieves disorders of the chest and lungs, as an expectorant.
Phagocytosis:
Ingestion and digestion of bacteria and particles by phagocytes.
Plethora:
Overfullness of blood vessels or of the total quantity of any fluid in the body.
Portal:
Concerning entrance to an organ, especially that through which blood is carried to liver.
Poultice:
A moist, usually warm or hot mass of plant material applied to the skin, or with cloth between the skin and plant material, to effect a medicinal action.
Prophylactic:
Agent which wards off disease.
Pruritis:
Severe itching.
Pterygium:
Opaque triangular thickening of tissue extending from inner canthus to border or cornea with apex toward the pupil of the eye.
Puerperal:
Period following childbirth.
Pungent:
Irritating or shapely painful. Producing a sharp sensation of taste or smell.
Purgative:
An agent that causes cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with griping (painful cramps).
Pyelitis:
Inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and its calices.
Quicksilver:
An old term for mercury.
Quinsy:
Peritonsillar abscess or tonsillitis.
Refrigerant:
Relieves fever and thirst. A cooling remedy. Lowers body temperature.
Relaxant:
Tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension.
Resolvent:
Promotes the resolving and removing of abnormal growths, such as a tumor.
Rhinitis:
Inflammation of nasal mucosa.
Rubefacient:
An agent that causes reddening or irritation when applied to the skin.
Saponin:
A glycoside compound in plants, which, when shaken with water, has a foaming or “soapy” action.
Scald head:
Ringworm, or some similar affliction, of the scalp. May also refer to a disease of the hair follicles with formation of small yellow crusts and a very offensive odor; usually affects the scalp.
Scorbutic:
Concerning or affected with scurvy.
Scrofula:
Tuberculosis involving the lymph nodes of the neck, usually occurs in early life. Now very rarely seen.
Sedative:
Calms the nerves, allays excitement, induces relaxation, and is conducive to sleep.
Sialagogue:
Promotes the flow of saliva.
Sleeping disease:
Sleeping sickness; commonly found in Africa. Also viral encephalitis in which lethargy is a prominent feature.
Soporific:
Herbs that help to produce sleep.
Spasmolytic:
Checking spasms or cramps.
Specific:
A remedy having a curative effect on a particular disease or symptom.
Spermatorrhea:
Abnormally frequent involuntary loss of semen without orgasm.
Spondylosis:
Abnormal immobility and fixation of vertebral joints.
Stimulant:
An agent that causes increased activity of another agent, cell, tissue, organ, or organism.
Stomachic:
Substances which give strength and tone to the stomach. Also used to stimulate the appetite.
Strangury:
A slow and painful passage of the urine due to spasm of the urethra and urinary bladder.
Styptic:
Checking bleeding by contracting blood vessels.
Subcostal:
Beneath the ribs.
Sudorific:
Herbs that cause heavy perspiration.
Tetters:
A once popular name for various eczematous skin diseases. May also refer to a skin disease of animals communicable to man with intense itching.
Tincture:
A diluted alcohol solution of plant parts.
Tinea capitis:
Fungal skin disease of the scalp.
Tisane:
A term used frequently in Europe referring to popular herbal infusions, such as chamomile flowers, etc., which are commonly taken as a beverage or for mildly medicinal effects.
Teratogen:
A substance that can cause the deformity of a fetus.
Tonic:
An ambiguous term referring to a substance thought to have an overall positive medicinal effect of an unspecified nature (see adaptogenic).
Tuberculostatic:
Arresting the tubercle bacillus (the germ responsible for causing tuberculosis).
Uterotonic:
Having a positive effect on an unspecified nature of the uterus.
Vasoconstrictor:
An agent that causes blood vessels to constrict, or narrow the caliber.
Vasodepressant:
Lowers blood pressure by dilatation of blood vessels; having a depressing influence on circulation.
Vasodilator:
An agent that causes blood vessels to relax and dilate.
Vermicidal:
Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms; a vermifuge. Also Vermicide.
Vermifuge:
Having worm-killing properties; an agent that kills worms.
Vesicant:
An agent that causes blistering, such as poison ivy.
Vulnerary:
An agent or herb used for healing wounds, fresh cuts, etc., usually used as a poultice.
Whites:
See leukorrhea.
Zymotic:
Caused by or pertaining to any infectious or contagious disease.