When you research an herb for magical or medicinal use, you will encounter a lot of new words.  Some of these are a bit outdated but are frequently encountered because people simply repeat what they see in old herbals (such as M. Grieve’s Modern Herbal^*).  You should try to become familiar with this brief list of terms.  There are only 20 of them and if you prefer you can print out the flashcards. Herbal-Vernacular-Flashcards.  This PDF is only 60 kb (4 black and white pages) and once you print it out simply cut on the solid lines and fold on the dotted lines.

I have included a few herbs in the examples for each of these terms, but have not added their binomials (“scientific” names) yet.  I will be adding these names around the middle of this month, but meanwhile do not use these herbs without proper identification.

Adaptogenic: promotes well-being and improves the ability of the body to adapt to stressors.  Many adaptogens tend to help regulate or normalize organ and system functions on a broad basis such as ginseng.  All adaptogens are alteratives (see below).  Ginseng, Basil, and Goji Berry are commonly used as adaptogens.

Alterative: something that gradually helps the body to restore normal function, vitality, and health- nourishing and improving overall tone   Not all alteratives are adaptogens.  Burdock, Dandelion, and Cleavers are good alteratives.

Analgesic: pain reducer – Poppy, Angelica, and Peru Balsam for example.

Anodyne: pain reducer – Wild Lettuce, Lemon Balm, and Mugwort in addition to those listed under analgesic.

Anthelmintic: destroys or helps to expel parasitic worms, synonymous with vermifuge (see below).  Epazote, Feverfew, Sabadilla in addition to those listed under vermifuge.

Blood Cleanser/Purifier:  An outdated term that is rather ambiguous.  It has been replaced with alterative (see above).  Milk Thistle, Burdock, Red Clover

Carminative: stimulates and supports the digestive system, aids in preventing or expelling gas, relaxes the stomach.  Lemon balm and Mugwort are common carminatives.  Lemon Balm, Mugwort, Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia Annua)

Diaphoretic: promotes perspiration (sweating).  Helps reduce fevers and eliminate toxins because it causes perspiration.  Yarrow, Cayenne, Ginger, Coffee, Garlic, Lemon Balm, and Catnip are common diaphoretics.

Discutient or Discussive:  disperses morbid matter such as tumors

Diuretic: Increases or promotes urine. Burdock, Lemon Grass, Coffee, Tea

Emetic: promote vomiting.  Ipecac is the most well known, Blessed Thistle, Lobelia, and Vervain are also sometimes used.

Emmenagogue: stimulates and normalizes menstrual flow, increasing blood flow to the uterus and pelvic areas.  Very dangerous during pregnancy as they may be abortifacient.  Blue Cohosh, Pennyroyal, Angelica, Lemon Balm, Rue.  Although not required for memorization, Abortifacient means that it causes the termination of pregnancy or damages the embryo.  These herbs can be very dangerous and should only be used by experienced herbalists.  Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, and Pennyroyal have all been used in such a way historically.

Emollient: Herbs containing mucilage, softening the skin, and/or forming a protective film to prevent the loss of moisture in the skin.  These are usually oils such as Apricot or Camelia, but some Mallows and bio-fermented sea kelp are also used as emollients.

Expectorant: these support the body’s removal of excess mucus from the respiratory system.  Some also increase the production of mucus to help expel it easier, but this can cause excess phlegm and mucous in the respiratory system and should be used with caution.  Elder, Black Cherry, Yerba Santa

Oxytocic or Uterotonic: herbs that help induce labor by stimulating contractions in the uterine.  Goldenseal, Angelica, Raspberry Leaves

Sedative: produces a calming effect, reducing stress or anxiety.  Valerian, Passion Flower, Chamomile, Lemon Balm

Stimulant: herbs that increase alertness and stamina.  Yohimbe, Fenugreek, American Ginseng, Coffee, Tea

Tonic: improves general well-being, improves body tone and strength, boosts the immune system.  Garlic, Cayenne, Ginger

Vermifuge:  Same as anthelmintic (see above): destroys or helps to expel parasitic worms.  Mugwort, Wormwood, and Vervain are commonly used as a vermifuge along with those listed under anthelmintic.

Vulnerary: promotes healing of external cuts and wounds.  Comfrey, Calendula, and Arnica are popular.

A Modern Herbal is a classic text written by Sophie Emma Magdalene Grieve, otherwise known to herbalists as “Ma Grieve” or “Maud Grieve”.