Decoding Botanicals - A Growing Glossary: Unpacking the language of plants, one term at a time

To help you get the most out of my blog posts and Instagram content, I’ve put together a handy list of terms you’ll see throughout. Each one is linked where it first appears in my blog for easy reference.

Check back often - I update this glossary regularly to keep things clear and helpful!

Gotu Kola

Adaptogens: assists the body during times of stress; helps during times of physical, emotional, and mental helps; allows one to adapt

Herbal examples:

• Ashwaghanda (Withania somnifera)

• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

• Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

• Reishi (Ganoderma spp.)

• Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Analgesic: relieves pain

Arnica

Herbal examples:

• Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

• Arnica (Arnica montana)

• St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

• Willow (Salix alba)

• Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Red clover

Alteratives: blood cleansers; work as metabolic tonics to eliminate toxins from the body through the kidneys, liver, colon, lungs and skin; assist and support the body improving function

Herbal examples:

• Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

• Nettle (Urtica dioica)

• Cleavers (Galium aparine)

• Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Anodynes: ease discomfort in acute pain by reducing sensitivity of the nerves

Herbal examples:

• Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

• Kava (Piper methysticum)

Anthelmintics

Antiarthritics

Antiemetics

Antilithics

Antiscorbutics

Antisepctives

Anstispasmodics

Antisyphilitics

Aperients

Aprhodisiacs

Aromatics

Chamomile

Anxiolytic: reduce anxiety

Herbal examples:

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula spp.)

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

• Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

Bitters (simple)

Carminatives

Cathartics

Cholagogeus

Convulstants

Correcitves (Corrigents)

Counterirritants

Demulcents

Deobstructants

Deodourants

Depressants

Detergents

Diaphoretics

Disinfectants

Diuretics

Ecbolics

Emetics

Emmenagogues

Emollients

Evacuants

Expectants

Febrifuges

Galactagogues

Hemostatics

Hepatics

Hypnotics

Laxatives

Local anesthetics

Narcotics

Nephrities

Nervines

Nutritives

Pectorals

Peristaltics

Prophylatics

Purgatives

Refrigerants

Sedatives

Sialogogues

Soporifics

Sorbefacients

Specifics

Stimulants

Stomachics

Syptics

Sudorifics

Taenicides

Tonics

Vermicides

Vermifuges

Vulnerarires