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Glossary for herbs and Ingredients:

• Angelica, Latin name: Angelica archangelica, A atropurpurea
• Astragalus, Latin name: Astragalus membranaceus
• Bugleweed, Latin name: Lycopus virginicus
• Burdock Root, Latin name: Arctium lappa
• C. Monogyna, used as treatment for the heart and any heart conditions
• Chinese Ginseng, Latin name: Panax Ginseng
• Chinese Yam, Latin name: Dioscorea spp., D. opposita, D. batatas
• Codonopsis, Latin name: Codonopsis tangshen, C. Pilosula
• Dan shen, Red Root Sage, Latin name: Salvia miltiorrhiza
• Dang Qui, Tangkuei, Dong Quai, Latin name: Angelica sinesis
• Devil's Club, Latin name: Oplopanax horridum
• Fu ling, (Hoelen Fungus), Latin name: Poria cocos
• Fenugreek, Latin name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
• Gan jiang, Ginger, Latin name: Zingiberis officinalis
• Garlic, Latin name: Allium sativum
• Ginkgo, Latin name: Ginkgo biloba
• Gui pi, Cinnamon (Chinese cinnamon not Ceylon), Latin name: Cinnamonium cassia 
• Gymnema, Gumar ( "sugar destroyer" in Hindi), Sharduku, Latin name: Gymnema sylvestri
• Hawthorn, Latin name: Crataegus oxycanthoides,
• Jambol Seed, Latin name: Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana
• Maitake and Ganoderma (Reishi): Medicinal mushrooms have also shown some activity against diabetes.
• Motherwort, Latin name: Leonurus cardiaca for palpitations associated with anxiety, stress or female reproductive issues like menopause
• Tree Peony, Latin name: Paeonia suffruticosa
• Prickly Ash, Latin name: Xanthoxylum americanum or X. clava-herculis
• Reishi mushrooms, Latin name: Ganoderma lucidum
• Rue, Latin name: Ruta graveolens
• Sweet Melilot, Yellow or White Sweet Clover, Latin name: Melilotus officinalis, M. alba

Glossary for medical terms

• Adaptogenic : Helping the human organism adapt to stressful conditions.
• Aerophagy : An excess of air in the alimentary canal that is relieved through burping or flatulence. 
• 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 and the nutritional state of the body. 
• Amenorrhea : Absence or suppression of menstruation.
• Anaesthetic : Numbs the nerves and causes loss of sensation.
• Analgesic : A medicine which relieves or reduces pain.
• Anaphrodisiac : Reduces sexual desire.
• Anhydrotic : Stops sweating.
• Anodyne : A pain-relieving medicine, milder than analgesic.
• Antacid : Neutralizes the acid produced by the stomach. Do the self-test to see if excessive acid is the cause of indigestion.
• Anthelmintic : An agent that kills, 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. 
• Antidepressant : Reduces or prevents depression.
• Antidiarrhoeic : Relieves diarrhea.
• Antidote : Counteracts a poison.
• Anti-emetic : Prevents, counteracts 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 the production of milk secretion of nursing mothers.
• Antihistaminic : Neutralizing the effect or inhibiting production of histamine.
• Anti-inflammatory : Reducing or neutralizing inflammation.
• Anti-lithic : Aids in preventing the formation of stones or calculus in the kidneys and bladder.
• Antimicrobial : An agent that inhibits the growth or multiplication of microorganisms, or kills them.
• Antineuralgic : Stops nerve pain.
• 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, reduces or prevents inflammation.
• Antipruritic : Relieves or prevents itching.
• Antiputrid : Stops putrefaction.
• Antipyretic : Reduces fever. Same as febrifuge or refrigerant.
• Anti-rheumatic : An agent that relieves or cures rheumatism.
• Antisclerotic : Removes deposits from circulatory vessels.
• Antiscorbutic : An agent effective in preventing scurvy.
• Antiseptic : Preventing sepsis, decay, putrefaction; also, an agent that inhibits the growth of, and kills, germs, bacteria & microbes.
• Antispasmodic : Relieves or prevents spasms, cramps, and convulsions.
• Antisudorific : Reduces perspiration.
• Anti-syphilitic : Herbs that improve or cure syphilis. Also called antileutic.
• Antitoxic : Counteracts poisons.
• 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 : A gentle purgative of the bowels.
• Aperitif : Appetite stimulant.
• 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 (cerbrovascular 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, e.g. myrrh.
• Balsamic : Softens phlegm.
• 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.
• Bronchodilator : Expands the spastic bronchial tube.
• Calmative : An agent with mild sedative, tranquilising or calming effects.
• Cardiac : Stimulates or affects the heart.
• Cardioactive : Affecting the heart.
• Cardiotonic : Tones the heart muscle.
• 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, e.g. 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.
• Choleretic : Stimulates the production of bile.
• Chorea : Nervous disorder marked by muscular twitching of arms, legs and face.
• Cicatrisant : Helps the formation of scar tissue; healing.
• CNS : Central nervous system.
• Coagulant : Clots the blood.
• Condiment : Enhances the flavour 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, e.g. a mustard plaster or liniment.
• Cystitis : Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
• Cytophylactic : Protects the cells of the organism.
• 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.
• Decongestant : Relieves congestion.
• Demulcent : An agent that soothes and softens irritated tissue, particularly mucous membranes.
• 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 and internal organs. Same as blood purifier.
• Dermatomycoses : Skin infection caused by fungi.
• Detergent : An agent that cleanses boils, sores, wounds etc.
• Detersive : Detergent. Cleanses wounds and sores, and promotes the formation of scar tissue.
• Detoxicant : Removes toxins.
• Diaphoretic : An agent that induces sweating or perspiration.
• 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.
• Disinfectant : Kills infections and disease producing microorganisms.
• Diuretic : An agent that increases the secretion and elimination of urine.
• Drastic : A violent purgative.
• Dropsy : Generalized edema (swelling).
• Dyskinesia : Defect in voluntary movement.
• Dyspepsia : Indigestion.
• 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 the skin, and soothes inflamed and irritated tissues, 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, similar to estrogen, that induces female hormonal activity.
• Euphoriant : Brings on an exaggerated sense of physical and emotional well-being.
• 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 discharge of mucous secretions from the lungs and bronchial tubes.
• Farinaceous : Of the nature of flour or meal. Starchy or containing starch.
• Febrifuge : That which reduces or prevents fever. Same as antipyretic or refrigerant.
• Fistula : Abnormal tube like 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 or increases the secretion of milk in nursing mothers.
• 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.
• Germicide : Kills germs.
• Gleet : A urethral discharge, either of mucus or pus; commonly seen in the chronic form of gonorrheal urethritis.
• Hallucinogen : Induces hallucinations - an imagined or false sense of perception.
• Hemiplegia : Paralysis of one half of the body.
• Hemostatic : An agent that stops bleeding.
• Hepatic : An herb that promotes the well-being of the liver and increases the secretion of bile.
• 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, "potentised" 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.
• Hypertensor : Raises the blood pressure.
• Hypnotic : Induces sleep.
• Hypoglycemic : Causing a deficiency of blood sugar.
• Hypotensive : Causing or marking a lowering of blood pressure.
• Hypotensor : Lowers the 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. 
• Insecticide : Kills insects.
• Intercostal : Between the ribs.
• Larvicide : Kills the larvae of insects.
• 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 & soothes 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".
• Parasiticide : Kills parasites.
• Parturient : A substance that induces and promotes labour.
• 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.
• Regenerator : Promotes new growth or repair of structures or tissues.
• Rejuvenator : Assists in promoting a youthful appearance.
• Relaxant : Tends to relax and relieve tension, especially muscular tension and produces relaxation.
• Resolvent : Promotes the resolving and removing of swellings & abnormal growths, such as a tumour.
• Restorative : Restores consciousness and/or normal physiological activity.
• 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.
• Sedative : Calms the nerves, anxiety, allays excitement, induces relaxation, promotes drowsiness 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 promote or increase 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, typically strengthening and revitalising the body or specific organs. (see adaptogenic).
• Tranquiliser : Calms the nerves.
• 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 calibre.
• 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 intestinal worms.
• Vesicant : An agent that causes blistering, such as poison ivy.
• Vulnerary : An agent or herb used for healing wounds, sores, fresh cuts etc., usually used as a poultice.
• Whites(leukorrhea) : A whitish, viscid discharge from the vagina.
• Zymotic : Caused by or pertaining to any infectious or contagious disease.

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