Herbal Glossary

This glossary will help you to find information on many terms involved with herbs that your body can use. For information on herbs, see the section entitled "Herb Benefits".

Herbal Preparation

• Infusions: Infusions are most often the preferred method for delicate herb extractions, leaf herbs and fresh plants. Infusing an herb is almost exactly like preparing tea.
• Decoctions: Decoctions are most often the preferred method for tough and fiber rich plant materials as well as bark and roots.
• Tinctures: Alcohol based ingestable herb preparations. If an herb is not water soluble, its chemicals can be extracted with alcohol. The resulting supplement will normally retain its potency for several years.
• Macerations: The simplest method of extraction, macerations are used for water soluble, fresh herbs.
• Poultices and Compresses: This method of preparation is used for herbs that are intended to be used as a topical agent.

Beneficial Herbs

• Alfalfa: This herb acts as purifier of the blood and is usually found in the form of sprouts. This herb can easily be ingested to reap its full benefits. In addition to being a valuable herb, alfalfa also contains many vitamins and minerals that are essential to your body's proper function.
• Angelica: This herb acts in the regulation of female mestrual cycles and can also serve as a valuable decongestant. In addition, it is often used in the stimulation of appetites and the elimination of toxins from the skin.
• Astragulus: Astragulus is often used as a preventative herb to help the body fight and resist the common cold. This herb can easily be ingested to reap its full benefits. One of the most valuable benefits of this herb is its ability to produce interferons. These proteins can be used to eliminate viral infections.
• Bayberry: Most often used to relieve diarrhea and in the reduction of secretions. It may also be effective in the reduction of chills and the relief of tension related disorders.
• Black Cohosh: Women will find this herb to be very valuable as it is most often used to balance women's hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb can easily be ingested to reap its full benefits. In labor, this herb can be used to induce labor an regulate contractions.
• Black Walnut: This valuable herb is one of the few that is most valuable in the form of mouthwash or gargle. It is readily found at most supermarkets and is related to the common Walnut with which most people are familiar. This herb also acts as a purifier of the blood.
• Cayenne: Cayenne is one of the most readily available herbs on the market. Its most common form is in the seasoning Cayenne Pepper. This herb can be readily digested in its seasoning form without being robbed of its benefits.
• Catnip: Most often used to alleviate discomfort in the stomach and the relief of gas. It has also often been used to aid in the reduction of the symptoms associated with the common cold and flu.
• Cloves: This readily available herb is often used as a valuable agent in the prevention of viral and bacterial infections by acting as an anti-septic. It has also frequently been used to reduce vomiting and upset stomach.
• Dandelion: This herb is the same as the "weeds" that you can typically find growing in your yard. It mainly acts as an agent for the removal of toxins from certain organs in your body, especially the liver. This herb can easily be ingested to reap its full benefits.
• Echinacea: This herb can be readily used to protect and promote a healthy immune system. The herb when presented in liquid form is actually quite sweet. One of the most common locations of this herb is in natural cough drops and cold treatments.
• Dill: This herb is often used in the alleviation of gas in young children or infants. It also has applications as a tranquilizer. One of its most frequent uses is in the hardening of stool to alleviate diarrhea.
• Garlic: This herb is the exact same as what you may have used to season or add flavor to a recent dish. It is readily available at your local supermarket and has many benefits. It can be ingested as a seasoning or used in a gargle to alleviate the effects of a throat infection (along with salt and water).
• Ginger: Often used to improve blood circulation and promote healthy and active sweat glands. It has often been used to relieve pain associated with viral conditions in the throat and gastrointestinal system.
• Marshmallow Root: This root must usually be purchased in an herb store or healthy food market as it is normally difficult to find in the wild. It is normally used as a topical agent or gargle to alleviate skin disorders and issues that occur in the mouth, especially in teething infants.
• Motherwort: This herb is often combines with Hawthorne berries to aid in the improvement of blood circulation and a healthy heart. Much like St. John's Wort, this herb can be used to relieve anxiety and reduce tension.
• St. John's Wort: This herb is often found in a capsule form to treat mild cases of depression and anxiety. Even though this is its most frequent application, it is also often used for many medical conditions that may arise.
• Thyme: This common seasoning has been shown to be valuable in the reduction of bacterial growth. In addition, it can act as a powerful expectorant and stimulate the nervous system.
• Wild Cherry Bark: This bark is helpful in the reduction of coughs associated with colds. It is important to know that some coughs may be caused by infections in the chest and those types of infections are not normally treatable with herbal remedies.
• Yellow Dock: This relatively rare herb is helpful in the treatment of conditions that commonly arise on the skin such as eczema. This herb is also often used to fight or prevent infections by acting as an anti-biotic.