Aglycone

The non-sugar portion of a glycoside molecule. Often the pharmacologically active part released after the sugar is cleaved by digestive enzymes or gut bacteria. For example, quercetin is the aglycone of rutin.

Aqueous Extract

An extract made using water as the solvent. Includes teas, infusions, and decoctions. Water-soluble constituents are extracted: polysaccharides, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, mucilage, minerals, and some alkaloids. Does not extract resins or essential oils effectively.

Ayurveda

A traditional medicine system originating in India, with roots over 3,000 years old. Ayurveda classifies herbs, foods, and treatments according to three body-mind types (doshas): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Herbs are understood in terms of taste (rasa), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka), and their effect on the doshas. Key Ayurvedic herbs include ashwagandha, shatavari, tulsi, triphala, and brahmi (bacopa).

Bioavailability

The proportion of an ingested compound that reaches systemic circulation and is able to have an effect. Many herbal constituents have poor oral bioavailability (curcumin is the classic example). Bioavailability depends on absorption in the gut, first-pass metabolism in the liver, solubility, and the presence of synergistic compounds. This is why food-based and whole-herb preparations often outperform isolated compounds in clinical practice.

Botanical Name

The Latin binomial identifying a plant species, consisting of genus and species (e.g., Lavandula angustifolia). Common names vary widely by region and language; botanical names are universal. When purchasing herbs, using the botanical name ensures you get the correct species.

Capsule

A preparation method in which powdered or granulated herb is enclosed in a gelatin or vegetarian (cellulose) shell. Convenient and tasteless, though typically absorbs slower than liquid preparations. Dosage and quality vary considerably between products.

Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system of medicine developed over thousands of years, using herbs, acupuncture, diet, and movement to maintain health and treat disease. Herbs are classified by flavor (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, salty), temperature (hot, warm, neutral, cool, cold), and the meridians or organ systems they enter. Formulas typically combine multiple herbs designed to work synergistically. Key concepts include Qi, Yin/Yang, and the Five Element theory.

Cold Infusion

An herbal preparation made by steeping plant material in cold or room-temperature water for several hours or overnight. Preferred for mucilaginous herbs (marshmallow root) where heat can destroy the delicate polysaccharide structure. Extracts water-soluble constituents without heat-sensitive compound degradation.

Compress

A cloth soaked in a strong herbal infusion or decoction and applied to the body. Used for muscle pain, bruising, inflammation, skin conditions, and wound support. Either hot (for chronic pain and tension) or cold (for acute inflammation and fever).

Contraindication

A condition or circumstance in which a particular herb or preparation should not be used because it may cause harm. Common contraindications in herbal medicine include pregnancy, breastfeeding, specific medical conditions (such as liver disease or kidney disease), and concurrent medications with known herb-drug interactions.

Decoction

A preparation method in which tough plant material (roots, bark, seeds, dried berries) is simmered in water for 15-45 minutes to extract active constituents. Appropriate for denser plant parts where simple infusion is insufficient. Standard ratio is typically 1 oz dried herb per 1 pint water.

Doctrine of Signatures

A historical theory in Western herbalism suggesting that a plant's physical characteristics (color, shape, texture) indicate its medicinal uses. For example, lungwort's spotted leaves resembling lungs were thought to indicate respiratory use. While interesting historically, this is not a reliable guide to a plant's pharmacology. It is documented here as a historical concept, not a therapeutic framework.

Dosha

In Ayurveda, the three fundamental bioenergetic principles governing physiology and psychology: Vata (air/space, movement), Pitta (fire/water, transformation), and Kapha (earth/water, structure). Herbs are selected partly based on their effect on an individual's dominant dosha and current imbalances.

Dry Herb Ratio (DHR)

In tincture-making, the ratio of dry herb weight to solvent volume used. A 1:5 DHR means 1 gram of dry herb extracted in 5 ml of solvent. Lower ratios (1:3, 1:2) produce stronger tinctures. This ratio is listed on quality product labels and matters for accurate dosing.

Eclectic Medicine

A 19th-century American medical movement that emphasized botanical medicine and rejected harsh mineral-based treatments of conventional medicine at the time. Eclectic physicians such as John Uri Lloyd and Harvey Wickes Felter documented extensive use of North American and imported herbs. The Eclectic tradition heavily influenced modern Western herbalism.

Elixir

A sweetened, alcohol-based herbal preparation. Similar to a tincture but with added sweetener (honey, sugar, or glycerin) to improve palatability. Sometimes used interchangeably with "glycerite" though technically distinct.

Ethnobotany

The scientific study of the relationships between plants and human cultures, including traditional knowledge of plant use for food, medicine, ritual, and material culture. Ethnobotanical documentation is a primary source for identifying traditionally used plants that may have pharmacological activity.

Family (Plant Family)

A taxonomic grouping of related plant genera sharing structural and biochemical characteristics. Common medicinal plant families include Lamiaceae (mint family: lavender, rosemary, thyme), Compositae or Asteraceae (daisy family: chamomile, echinacea, calendula), and Apiaceae (carrot family: fennel, dill, angelica). Plants in the same family often share similar types of constituents and properties.

Folk Medicine

Traditional healing practices passed down through generations within a cultural community, outside of formal medical institutions. Uses locally available plants, foods, and practices. Distinct from codified traditional medicine systems (TCM, Ayurveda) in that it is typically oral and community-based. Much of what is now documented in materia medica originated in folk medicine traditions.

Formula

A combination of two or more herbs designed to work together for a specific health purpose. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, formulas follow classical structures with a chief herb (君 jun), deputy herbs, assistant herbs, and envoy herbs. In Western herbalism, formulas typically combine herbs addressing the same condition through complementary mechanisms.

Genus

The first word of a plant's Latin binomial name, grouping closely related species together. For example, Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida all belong to the genus Echinacea but are different species with somewhat different constituent profiles and uses.

Glycerite

An herbal extract using vegetable glycerin as the solvent instead of alcohol. Sweet-tasting and appropriate for people avoiding alcohol. Glycerin extracts water-soluble and some fat-soluble constituents but is generally less effective than alcohol for extracting resins and essential oils. Shelf life is typically shorter than alcohol tinctures.

Herb

In botanical terms, a non-woody seed plant. In culinary and medicinal practice, the term extends to include any plant, tree bark, root, flower, fungus, or seaweed used for flavoring, medicine, or ritual. On this site, "herb" is used in the broad medicinal and culinary sense.

Herb-Drug Interaction

When an herbal preparation alters the effect of a pharmaceutical medication. Interactions may increase or decrease drug levels, enhance or reduce drug effects, or cause additive side effects. St. John's Wort (induces CYP3A4 enzymes, reducing many drug levels) and ginkgo (antiplatelet effects, caution with blood thinners) are common examples. Always disclose herb use to healthcare providers.

Infusion

An herbal preparation made by pouring hot water over plant material (usually leaves or flowers) and steeping for 5-15 minutes, like making tea. Standard ratio is typically 1-2 teaspoons dried herb per cup of water. A long infusion (overnight in a quart jar) is sometimes called a nourishing herbal infusion, extracting more minerals from nutritive herbs.

Latin Name

See: botanical name.

Liniment

An herbal preparation in an alcohol or oil base applied to the skin by rubbing. Used for muscle pain, bruising, and joint stiffness. Not taken internally. St. John's Wort oil and arnica liniments are common examples.

Materia Medica

Latin for "healing materials." A reference work documenting the therapeutic properties, preparations, and uses of medicinal substances. Dioscorides wrote an influential Materia Medica in the 1st century AD covering over 600 plants. Today the term refers to any systematic collection of herb profiles, as used on this site.

Mojo Bag

A small cloth bag filled with herbs, roots, stones, and other items used in African American folk magic (Hoodoo) traditions. Carried on the person or placed in a specific location to attract love, money, protection, or other intentions. Also called a gris-gris bag or nation sack.

Nootropic

A substance that supports cognitive function, including memory, focus, processing speed, and mental clarity. The term was coined by Romanian scientist Corneliu Giurgea in 1972. Herbal nootropics include bacopa, ginkgo biloba, lion's mane mushroom, gotu kola, and rosemary.

Officinale / Officinalis

A Latin species name meaning "of the shop" (the apothecary). Historically designated the species considered the official medicinal form of a plant genus. Plants with this designation include Lavandula officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Valeriana officinalis. It is a taxonomic designation, not a quality certification.

Parts Used

The specific portion of the plant used medicinally. Different parts of the same plant can have different constituent profiles and uses. For example, dandelion root is primarily used as a liver and digestive tonic while dandelion leaf is used as a nutritive diuretic. Always confirm which part of the plant your preparation is derived from.

Pharmacognosy

The branch of pharmacy dealing with the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources, including plants, fungi, and animals. Involves identification, chemical analysis, and biological activity of plant constituents.

Phytotherapy

The use of plants and plant-derived preparations for therapeutic purposes. The formal medical term for herbal medicine as practiced in clinical settings. Widely used in European medicine, particularly in Germany (where herbal medicines are regulated through the Commission E), France, and the UK.

Poultice

Fresh or moistened dried plant material applied directly to the skin and held in place with a cloth or bandage. Used for wounds, insect bites, bruises, skin inflammation, and drawing out infections. Plantain leaf is a classic emergency poultice herb used directly from the ground.

Preparations

The methods by which herbs are processed and delivered. Common preparations include infusions (teas), decoctions, tinctures, glycerites, capsules, powders, salves, poultices, liniments, and compresses. The appropriate preparation depends on the plant part, the constituents being targeted, and the intended use.

Qi

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced "chee") is understood as the vital energy or life force that flows through the body along pathways called meridians. Deficiency or stagnation of Qi is associated with various health conditions in TCM theory. Tonic herbs such as ginseng and astragalus are said to tonify Qi. This is a framework within TCM, not a term used in Western pharmacology.

Rasayana

An Ayurvedic term for rejuvenating tonics used to restore vitality, delay aging, and support overall health. Includes ashwagandha, shatavari, amalaki (amla), and triphala. The concept is similar to adaptogen in function but embedded in a different theoretical framework.

Salve

A topical preparation made by infusing herbs into oil and then thickening with beeswax. Used on skin for wound healing, inflammation, pain, and protection. The typical ratio is 1 oz beeswax per cup of infused oil, adjusted for desired firmness. Calendula, plantain, comfrey, and St. John's Wort are commonly used in salves.

Smudging

The burning of dried plant material, especially sage, for the purpose of cleansing a space, person, or object. Rooted in Indigenous American traditions. Used in ceremonial and spiritual practice across many cultures. The smoke is traditionally wafted using a feather. Many Indigenous communities have expressed concern about the commercialization of this practice outside its cultural context.

Standardized Extract

An herbal preparation manufactured to contain a specified percentage of one or more active compounds. For example, milk thistle standardized to 80% silymarin, or ginkgo standardized to 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones. Standardization improves consistency between batches but may not capture the full synergistic profile of the whole plant.

Syrup

An herbal preparation made by combining a concentrated decoction or infusion with honey or sugar, typically in a 1:1 ratio. Used for sore throats, coughs, and respiratory conditions. Honey's antimicrobial properties extend shelf life and add therapeutic benefit. Elderberry syrup is one of the most popular herbal syrups.

Tincture

An herbal extract made by soaking plant material in an alcohol-water mixture for 4-6 weeks, then pressing out the liquid. Alcohol extracts both water-soluble and fat-soluble constituents, including resins and essential oils that water alone cannot extract. Typical alcohol percentages range from 25-60% depending on the herb. Shelf stable for several years. Dosage is usually measured in drops or milliliters.

Tisane

A plant-based infusion that does not contain tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). All "herbal teas" are technically tisanes. The word comes from the Greek ptisanē (peeled barley, a medicinal broth). Used interchangeably with "herbal tea" in common language.

Traditional Use

A history of use documented within a cultural or historical context, typically before modern scientific research methods. On this site, "traditionally used for" indicates documented cultural practice, not a proven medical claim. Traditional use can suggest where research attention is warranted, but does not by itself confirm efficacy or safety.

Unani

A traditional medicine system based on ancient Greek medicine (Hippocrates, Galen) as adapted and developed through Islamic scholars including Avicenna (Ibn Sina). Widely practiced in South Asia and the Middle East. Classifies herbs and foods by qualities (hot/cold, moist/dry) and their effects on the four humors.

Western Herbalism

A broad term for herbal traditions of Europe and North America, drawing from Greek and Roman medicine, Eclectic medicine, folk traditions, and modern phytotherapy. Less systematized than TCM or Ayurveda; often blends historical plant knowledge with current research. American herbalists like Rosemary Gladstar, Michael Tierra, and David Hoffman are prominent modern figures in the Western herbal tradition.

Whole Herb

A preparation using the entire plant part rather than an isolated or standardized extract. Whole herb preparations retain the full spectrum of constituents, including minor compounds that may act synergistically with the primary actives. Often contrasted with standardized extracts.