Herbal Vocabulary Guide

Here's a short list of some keywords that should be known when starting your herbalism or tea journey! It is important to understand these so we know what kind of effect herbs and plants will have on our bodies. Please be sure to consult your physician prior to beginning any supplement.
Herbal Terms to Know:
Abortifacient: An herb or plant that causes an abortion to occur
Adaptogen: An herb that improves resistance to stress
Alterative: An herb that detoxifies and increases vitality
Anesthetic: An herb that causes loss of sensation in a body part
Analgesic: An herb that relieves pain
Annual: A plant that flowers and dies in one season
Antibacterial: An herb that inhibits the growth of bacteria
Anthelmintic: An herb that destroys intestinal worms; (vermifuge)
Anti-catarrhal: An herb that suppresses the buildup of phlegm
Anticonvulsant: An herb that is helpful in the treatment of seizures
Antifungal: An herb that destroys fungi or inhibits their growth
Antihistamine: An herb that counteracts the action of histamine which results in the reduction of an allergic response
Anti-inflammatory: An herb that reduces inflammation
Antimicrobial: An herb that destroys micro-organisms
Antioxidant: An herb that inhibits oxidation and protects cells from damage
Anti-parasitic: An herb that kills parasites
Antipyretic: An herb that reduces a fever
Antiseptic: An herb that prevents infection
Antispasmodic: An herb that reduces muscle spasms
Antiviral: An herb that destroys viruses or inhibits their growth
Aperient: An herb that is a mild laxative
Aphrodisiac: An herb that stimulates sexual excitation
Astringent: An herb that reduces bleeding or discharge by precipitating proteins from surfaces of cells
Biennial: A plant that takes two years to complete its growth cycle
Bitter: An herb that stimulates the secretion of digestive juices
Carcinogenic: An herb that can cause cancer
Carminative: An herb that relieves flatulence
Cleansing: An herb that promotes excretion of waste products
Cooling: An herb that reduces internal "heat" through the excretion of toxins
Deciduous: A term used to refer to trees or shrubs that lose their leaves at the end of the growing season
Decongestant: An herb that relieves congestion
Demulcent: An herb that soothes irritated tissues
Depressant: An herb that reduces nervous activity
De-toxicant: An herb that removes poison from the body
Diaphoretic: An herb that promotes sweating and reduces fever
Dioecious: A term used to refer to plants that have male and female parts on separate plants
Diuretic: An herb that increases urine output
Emetic: An herb that causes vomiting
Emmenagogue: An herb that induces menstruation
Emollient: An herb that soothes and softens the skin
Expectorant: An herb that encourages the expulsion of phlegm
Febrifuge: An herb that reduces fever
Galactogogue: An herb that increases the flow of breast milk.
Hepatic: An herb that acts on the liver
Herbaceous: A term used for plants that completely die off each year, no stem left above ground
Insecticidal: An herb that kills insects
Laxative: An herb that encourages bowel movements
Mucilaginous: An herb that contains a thick and sticky substance that coats and protects mucous membranes in the body
Nervine: An herb that supports the functioning of the nervous system
Nutritive: An herb that supports the whole body as a food
Oxytocic: An herb that promotes contractions of the uterus
Perennial: A plant that lives longer than 2 years
Purgative: An herb that acts as a strong laxative
Relaxant: An herb that relaxes tense body tissues
Restorative: An herb that restores good health
Rubefacient: An herb that increases blood flow and reddens the skin, promotes toxin removal
Sedative: An herb that reduces stress and tension
Sialagogue: An herb that stimulates secretion of saliva
Stimulant: An herb that increases bodily activity
Tonic: An herb that supports the overall functioning of the body and promotes a feeling of wellbeing
Vermifuge: An herb that promotes the expulsion of intestinal worms
Vulnerary: An herb that promotes healing of wounds
Warming: An herb that stimulates circulation and digestion