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Intro herbalism > Herbalism definitions > Flashcards

Herbalism definitions Flashcards

1
Q

Menstruum (solvent)

A

The liquid used for an extract, suchas glycerin, alcohol, vinegar or water

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2
Q

Active constituent

A

A molecule that can alter some biochemical process in the body; also known as a photochemical. Most herbs contain many active chemicals that work together to alter processes of the body, usually in a subtle way.

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3
Q

Garbling

A

Separating the useful parts of the plant from the unusable ones.

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4
Q

Maceration

A

The process of steeping an herb in a menstruum..

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5
Q

Marc

A

The waste herb material left after the extract making process.

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6
Q

Precipitate

A

Solids that form at the base of a solution

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7
Q

Proof and percent

A

The proof of alcohol is twice the percentage of the alcohol content measured by volume. Thus, an 80 proof vodka is 40% alcohol by volume and the other 60% of the solution is water.

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8
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Acids

A

Water, alcohol

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9
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Alkaloids

A

Alcohol, vinegar, glycerin, and to a lesser extent-water.

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10
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Bitter principles

A

Water, alcohol, vinegar, glycerin

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11
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Minerals

A

Water, vinegar

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12
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Mucilage

A

Cold water

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13
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Resins

A

Alcohol, warm oil

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14
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Sugars

A

Cold water, hot water, alcohol

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15
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Tannins

A

Cold water, glycerin

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16
Q

Solvents for herbal extraction:

Volatile oils

A

Alcohol, hot water (short term), oil

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17
Q

what are two parts combined to form a tincture?

A

the menstruum, which extracts the phytochemicals from the herbal material and

the herbal material itself.

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18
Q

What are rinses and washes used for?

A

Rinsing mucous membrane surfaces, and is helpful as a mouthwash, douche, or as a solution in a neti pot, eye cup or peri bottle.

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19
Q

What are infused oils?

A

Carrier oils that have been infused with plant material in order to extract some of the plant constituents.

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20
Q

What is a salve?

A

Topical applications made of infused oil and wax.

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21
Q

What is a balm?

A

A salve that remains high in the delightful aroma of the herbs that are infused into it.

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22
Q

What is a poultice?

A

a traditional variation on crushed/chewed herbs, with additional water. The herbal material is made into a paste using hot liquids, then spread thickly onto a cloth and applied while hot, directly to the body.

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23
Q

What is the action of an emollient poultice?

A

supplies moisture and a soft and soothing quality to ease inflammation, lubicrate tissues, and support the body’s healing process.

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24
Q

What action does a Rubefacient poultice have?

A

Causes skin redness which is a sign of their primary activity: moving the blood to the surfaces of they skin by dilating capillaries. - it uses this to move congestion and soothe inflammation.

25
Q

What action does a therapeutic poultice have?

A

Exercise a specific influence on the body and are used for a variety of purposes such as to stave off infection, ease the pain of wounds or arthritis, and ease swellings.

26
Q

What is a herbal action?

A

Herbal actions refer to specific effects that herbs have on the body.

27
Q

What is an Adaptogen?

A

an herb that aids the body through a nonspecific boost in resistance to external stressors, supports the body’s ability to adapt to change, and may stimulate or modulate immunity.

28
Q

What are Adaptogen’s used for?

A

they are used to improve immune response, increase stamina, and normalize sexual function, among other things.

29
Q

What is Alterative actions?

A

Herbs that work on a general level to tonify the systems of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and waste removal.

30
Q

What are Alteratives used for?

A

to specifically promote elimination of waste through the kidneys, liver, colon, skin or lungs. Alteratives are typically used for skin issues, arthritis, chronic conditions, and as general “tune-up” for the body.

31
Q

What is Analgesic actions?

A

Herbs that diminish pain without inducing unconsciousness.

32
Q

What are Analgesics used for?

A

headaches, cramps, toothaches, arthritis, and other causes of pain.

33
Q

What is anticatarrhal actions?

A

herbs that thin and promote the flow of mucus/phlem associated with allergies, colds or the flu

34
Q

What are Antimicrobials?

A

an herb that aids the body in destroying or resisting pathogens. (these are divided into more specific categories depending on the pathogens against which they are effective)

35
Q

What is an antioxidant?

A

an herb that prevents damage from free radicals, molecules in the body that can cause damage to healthy tissues and cells.

36
Q

How are free radicals formed in the body?

A

when we are exposed to environmental toxins, waste products of our own metabolism, and ultraviolet radiation.

37
Q

What is an astrigent?

A

an herb that causes tissues to contract, typically due to its high tannin content.

38
Q

What are astringents used for?

A

hemorrhoids, swollen tonsils, and excess secretions.

39
Q

What is a bitter?

A

an herb that has a bitter taste and stimulates the release of digestive secretions through a taste bud reflex.

40
Q

What are bitters used for?

A

to promote the digestion of food an assimilation of nutrients.

41
Q

What is carminative actions?

A

an herb that aides the body in expelling gas, eases bowel griping, and soothes intestinal discomfort.

42
Q

What are some carminatives?

A

anise seed, cardamom seed, dill seed, fennel seed, ginger rhizome, peppermint leaf

43
Q

What is a demulcent?

A

an herb that soothes and protects irritated, damaged and inflamed tissues.

44
Q

What are demulcents used for?

A

internally for sore throats, lung irritation, and gut and urinary tract inflammation.

45
Q

What is a diaphoretic?

A

An herb that, when taken hot, induces perspiration.

46
Q

What are diaphoretics used for?

A

to encourage fevers to “break” and to aid the body in expelling pathogens through the skin.

47
Q

What is a diuretic?

A

an herb that increases the flow of urine.

48
Q

What is a diuretic used for?

A

conditions such as water retention, kidney stagnation, and urinary tract infections.

49
Q

What is an emmenagogue?

A

Encourages menstruation, both by stimulating menses and increasing flow.

50
Q

what is an expectorant?

A

An herb that helps expel excess or stuck mucus from the respiratory system.

51
Q

What are expectorants used for?

A

colds, the flu, and other sources of lung congestion.

52
Q

What is a hepatic action?

A

an herb that supports the function of the liver in a range of ways.

53
Q

What are nervine actions?

A

An herb that can have a nourishing, calming, or stimulating effect on the nervous system.

54
Q

What are nervines used for?

A

Anxiety, panic, nervous tension and headaches

55
Q

What is a tonic action?

A

An herb that strengthens the body through a general tonifying effect or through specific affinities for certain organs.

56
Q

What is an aromatic

A

highly fragrant herbs with a high volatile oil content

57
Q

What do volatile oils do

A

relax smooth muscles and ease our nervous system into rest and digest mode, which helps our ability to digest and assimilate food

58
Q

what is a bitter

A

Help digest and assimilate nutrients by increasing digestive secretions throughout the gastrointestinal tract

Intro herbalism (8 decks)

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