Page 6 - Terminology-Herbology

Drug: A pure substance or combination of pure substances Exocarpium: The outer skin
(isolated from natural sources, semi-synthetic, or purely
chemical in origin) intended to mitigate, treat, cure or prevent Expectorant: Promotes the thinning and ejection of mucus
a disease in humans (and other animals). or exudate from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea; sometimes
the meaning is extended to all remedies that quiet a cough.
E F

Ecbolic: See abortifacient.
Farinaceous: Having a mealy texture or surface.
Emetic: Causes vomiting. There are three types of emetics-
central, local and general. Central emetics (e.g., chamomile) Febrifuge: Reduces body temperature and fever. Same as
act through the vomiting center of the brain. Local emetics antipyretic and refrigerant.
irritate the nerves of the gastric mucus membrane (e.g., Flos: The flowers of plant usually consisting of a single
mustard). General emetics act through the blood on the
vomiting center. flower or the entire inflorescences (i.e., head, umbel, panicle,
spike, etc.).
Emmenagogue: Herb that brings on menstruation. Herbalists
also believe that these herbs clear blood congestion, blood Flower Essences: In the 1930s, Dr. Edward Bach developed
an approach to healing using “flower essences.” Flower
clot; build the blood; moisten female reproductive organs; essences are made by infusing flowers or other plant parts in
counteract aging and poor nutrition.
spring water and then adding alcohol as a preservative. The
Emollient: A substance that is usually used externally to essences are used internally or topically to balance emotional
soften and soothe the skin. states. The underlying philosophy focuses on stabilizing
emotions in order to dissipate illness and stimulate internal
Epispastic: Brings an abnormal sense of vigor. healing processes.

Epispastic: Substances causing a blister or producing a Folium: The leaf of plant. Usually the middle leaves of plants
serous discharge by producing inflammation. From Greek are collected.
epispastikos, from epispan to attract, from span to draw;
alluding to the ancient belief that blisters consisted of Fructus: The fruit (the ripened ovary of the flower-bearing
humours drawn to the surface of the skin. seeds) or berry of the plant. In pharmacognosy, fructus is not
always synonymous with the botanical definition.
Errhine: Herbs promoting or inducing nasal discharge. n. A
medication that promotes or induces such discharge. G

Escharotic: A caustic substance that destroys tissue and
causes sloughing Galactogogue: Increases breast milk secretion.

Esculent: Edible or fit for eating. Germicide: Destroys germs and worms. (see disinfectant)

Essential Oils: Aromatic volatile oils extracted from the Germifuge: Expels germs. (see germicide)
leaves, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants. Therapeutic
use generally includes dilution of the highly concentrated oil. H

Estrogenic: Herbs that promote or produce estrus.
Hemagogue: An agent that promotes the flow of blood
Euphoriant: Produces a sense of bodily comfort; temporary
effect and often addictive Hemostatic: Astringent, alterative, stops bleeding, purifies
blood.
Exanthematous: Refers to any eruptive disease or fever.
An herbal remedy for skin eruptions such as measles, scarlet Hepatic: Promotes the well-being of the liver and increases
fever, etc. the secretion of bile.

Exhilarant: Herbs that enliven and cheer the mind. Herb: The word herb (sometimes referred to as botanical)
has several different meanings depending on the perspective:

6 AlphaScienceLabs.com