Earlier this year I began a sort of quick and easy herbal course for the Soapnuts.  I sent out three lessons, and then, between moving, computer problems, and morning sickness, took a bit of a hiatus.  I have started working on them again, so, insh'Allaah, they will again be posted to the list as they are completed. 

I decided this month, instead of profiling a particular herb, I would combine two of the previous lessons as a bit of a review.  These lessons focused on terminology used when dealing with herbs, and should be helpful to anyone who wants to begin to incorporate herbs into their lifestyle.   

The first group of terms encompasses the actions of the herb.  This is very important, as, with any sort of treatment, one should know exactly what the substance they are using does within their body systems.  It is also important, as some herbs are contraindicated in certain situations, and you can know this partly through knowing the different actions of each herb.  For example, one would avoid all abortifacients during pregnancy.

Terminology for the Medicinal Actions of Herbs 

Abortifacient- Induces the premature expulsion of a fetus
Pennyroyal 

Alterative- Also known as blood purifiers, these gradually restore body functions to normal.  Assist in nutrient and protein assimilation, as well as the removal of metabolic waste.  Tend to be cooling to the system. Excellent in formulas for dealing with colds and flu.
Oregon Grape Root, Nettle, Red Clover, Burdock, Goldenseal,  Dandelion root and leaf, Echinacea, Yellow Dock Root, Gota Kola,  Chrysanthemum, Uva Ursi, Plantain, Chickweed 

Analgesic/anodyne- Pain relieving.  Depending on the herb, it may be used internally or externally.
Lobelia, Skullcap, Chamomile, Passionflower, Catnip, Valerian, Cramp Bark, Wild Yam 

Antacid- Neutralizes acid in stomach and intestine
Fennel seed, Slippery Elm, Cardamom, Irish Moss, Psyllium Seed 

Antielmintic/vermifuge- Expels and destroys parasites and worms from digestive tract and skin
Garlic, Pomegranate, Aloe, Wormwood, Black Walnut, Thyme, Pumpkin Seeds

Antiabortive- Assists in preventing premature expulsion of fetus
Red Raspberry, Cramp Bark, Lobelia, False Unicorn Root 

Antiasthmatic- Help in the relief of asthmatic conditions and symptoms.  May dilate bronchial passages, relax lungs, and aid in elimination of mucus.  (See pectorals for herbs specific to the lungs)
Mullein, Coltsfoot, Lobelia, Elecampane, Wild Cherry bark, Cramp Bark, Black Cohash 

Antibilious- Used in conditions caused by too much bile, such as nausea, constipation, gas, etc caused by bile excess
Dandelion leaf and root, Goldenseal, Mugwort, Wild Yam 

Antibiotic/antimicrobial- Helps stop the growth of bacteria and microbes, viruses and fungi.  Many stimulate the body's own immune system to bring it to bear on the invading organisms
Myrrh, Chaparral, Garlic, Eucalyptus, Thyme, Goldenseal, Echinacea, Anise

Anticatarrhal- Reduces excess mucus
Ginger, Sage, Cayenne, Garlic, Mullein, Yarrow, Gota Kola 

Antiemetic- Assists in combating nausea and vomiting
Lavender, Fennel, Dill, Cloves 

Antilithic-Useful in the prevention of kidney and gall bladder stones
Marshmallow root, Cleavers, Dandelion root, Cornsilk, Parsley root, Oregon Grape Root

Antipyretic-Reduces fever, cool the blood.  May neutralize harmful acids in the blood in addition to lowering body temperature.  (see febrifuge)
Elderflower, Peppermint, Lobelia, Cayenne, Honeysuckle, Kudzu 

Antiseptic- Fights the growth of bacteria and micro organisms topically.  This includes astringent herbs.
Myrrh, Goldenseal, Sage, Calendula, Garlic

Antispasmodic- Help to prevent or ease muscle and bodily cramps and spasms.  They are used in many formulas to assist in relaxing the body so that it can heal itself.
Lobelia, Valerian, Skullcap, Blue Cohash, Black Cohash, Wild Yam, Kava Kava, Dong Quai, Chamomile, Hops, Passionflower 

Antitussive- Soothes and prevents coughs
Coltsfoot, Elecampane 

Aphrodisiac- Enhances or increases sexual response and overall sex drive.  Improves sexual potency.
Damiana, Ginseng, Astralagus, False Unicorn Root, Kava Kava 

Aromatic- High in volatile oils, having a pleasant scent and strong taste
Anise, Dill, Fennel, Ginger, Rosemary, Cardamom, Peppermint, Chamomile, Cinnamon 

Astringent- Useful in the reduction of excessive discharge, by tightening and toning tissue.  Usually also drying.  Good for diarrhea, skin problems, discharges, burns and hemorrhages.
Witch Hazel bark, Uva Ursi, Red Raspberry Leaf, Blackberry Root, Myrrh, Yellow Dock root, Calendula, Bayberry bark, White Oak bark

Bitter- Bitter tasting herbs that stimulate the digestive system
Goldenseal, Horehound, Wormwood 

Carminative- Reduces the production of gas, and aids in its expulsion
Cardamom, Chamomile, Peppermint, Ginger, Cayenne, Anise, Caraway, Fennel, Catnip, Dill 

Cathartic- Evacuates bowels (Either a laxative, or mild action, or a purgative, or strong action) 

Cell proliferant- Promotes healing and restoration of damaged tissues and cells
Saw Palmetto, Comfrey

Demulcent- High in mucilage, these herbs are soothing to inflamed and/or irritated tissues.  When steeped in cold water, have a slippery feel to them.  Good used internally for tissue irritation for conditions such as coughs and passage of kidney stones. Externally make excellent treatments for dry or irritated skin.  Also good for treatment of UTI's and constipation.
Licorice root,  Mullein, Slippery Elm, Irish Moss, Oatmeal, Comfrey, Chickweed, Marshmallow root, Flaxseeds, Plantain

Deodorant- Eliminates strong odors
Echinacea, Blackberry

Diaphoretic- Causes copious perspiration by stimulating the kidneys.  Must be drunk hot.  Good for the common cold, flu, and fevers.
Peppermint, Catnip, Elder, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Sage, Yarrow

Diuretic- Increases production and removal of urine.  Used for treating UTI's, kidney stones, water retention and skin problems.  Most effective at room temperature or cool.
Dandelion leaf and roof, Cornsilk, Nettle, Parsley, Yarrow, Uva Ursi, Plantain, Burdock root, Elderflowers

Emetic- Causes vomiting and quick removal of stomach contents. In small quantities these are most often NOT emetic, but work on the body systems in various ways.
Lobelia, Ipecacuanha, Elecampane, Blessed Thistle, Black Mustard Seed, Bayberry bark

Emmenogogue- Promotes menstruation, many are used as tonics for the female reproductive system.  In sufficient quantities to induce abortion, have strong effects on other systems and may be dangerous, thus this is inadvisable.  These should all be avoided during pregnancy.
Rue, Angelica, Pennyroyal. General tonics are: Raspberry leaf, Yarrow, Blessed Thistle, and Motherwort

Emollient- Softens, soothes and protects the skin
Slippery Elm, Chickweed, Flax Seed, Marshmallow root, Comfrey (see demulcents). Vegetable oils such as olive, sesame, and apricot kernel are also emollient. 

Expectorant- Assists in the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory system.  Best combined with demulcents if condition is irritated.
Elecampane, Lobelia, Wild Cherry Bark, Anise, Coltsfoot, Mullein, Horehound, Sage.  Steam inhalation of essential oils such as eucalyptus are also expectorant. 

Febrifuge- Brings down high temperatures (see antipyretics)
Elderflower, Peppermint, Lobelia, Cayenne

Galactagogue- Increases breast milk production
Nigella Sativa, Raspberry leaf, Blessed Thistle, Anise, Fennel, Fenugreek, Cumin, Vervain 

Haemostatic- Arrests internal bleeding and hemorrhaging. This includes astringents and coagulants.
Shepherd's Purse, Goldenseal, Cayenne, Yarrow, Horsetail, Mullein, Uva Ursi, Bayberry bark, Witch Hazel bark, Nettles, Yellow Dock, White Oak bark

Hepatic- Liver tonic, increases bile secretion
Oregon Grape Root, Dandelion leaf and root, Wild Yam, Goldenseal 

Hypnotic- Nervine relaxant, sedative
Skullcap, Valerian, Passionflower 

Insecticide- Repels and/or destroys insects
Jean Argus recommends anise oil with sassafras oil 

Laxative- Promotes bowel movements in a more gentle manner than a purgative.  Do not use purgatives on children or those with weakened overall health.  Take warm for best results.
Senna, Rhubarb root, Cascara Sagrada, Licorice root, Slippery Elm, Carob, Yellow Dock, Dandelion, Irish Moss, Flaxseeds, Psyllium Seed 

Lithotriptic- Helps to dissolve, eliminate, and prevent bladder and kidney stones.
Marshmallow root, Cleavers, Dandelion root, Cornsilk, Parsley root for kidney stones; Oregon Grape Root and Cascara Sagrada for gall bladder. 

Mucilaginous- Soothing to inflamed mucus membranes
Marshmallow root, Slippery Elm, Irish Moss 

Nephritic- Related to treatment of kidney disorders 

Nervine- Reduces tension and anxiety, tonic to the nervous system
Chamomile, Peppermint, Passionflower, Catnip, Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Valerian, Lavender 

Nutritive- Nourishing herbs
Cayenne, Carrots, Dulse, Dandelion, Nasturtium, Irish Moss, Oatstraw, Garlic, Alfalfa, Parsley 

Oxytocics- Stimulate uterine contractions to assist and/ or induce labor
Squawvine, Raspberry leaf, Blue Cohash, Black Cohash, Rue 

Parasiticides- Eliminates and destroys parasites and worms in the body
Garlic, Pomegranate, Aloe, Wormwood, Thyme oil and Cinnamon oil 

Parturient- Stimulates uterine contractions 

Pectoral- Tonic and treatment for the respiratory system
Elecampane, Licorice, Mullein, Coltsfoot 

Purgative- Quickly and dramatically eliminates the contents of the bowels 

Rubefacient- Increases circulation and warmth at surface of skin, drawing out inflammation and congestion from deeper areas.  Often cause irritation and redness at point of contact.  Very useful in treatment of arthritis and joint problems.
Mustard, Cayenne, Ginger, Horseradish.  Essential oils of cubeb, cinnamon, and eucalyptus. 

Sedative- Calming and soothing, often reducing motor function 
Valerian, Skullcap, Chamomile, Passionflower, Wood Betony, Kava Kava 

Sialagogue- Aids digestion (particularly of starches) by increasing the secretion of saliva
Ginger, Cayenne, Echinacea, Yerba Santa 

Soporific- Induces sleep
Hops, Valerian 

Stimulant- Increases energy and activity of the body temporarily.  Break up obstructions, increase circulation, and warm the body.  Often used in small amounts in other formulas to increase their effectiveness.
Ginseng, Peppermint, Astralagus, Cayenne, Ginger, Garlic, Onion, Juniper Berries, Cinnamon, Anise, Angelica, Bayberry Bark 

Stomachic- Tones and strengthens the stomach, improving digestion and appetite (see tonics) 

Styptic- Arrests hemorrhage and bleeding
Shepherd's Purse, Yarrow 

Tonic- Nourishes, restores and strengthens a given body system.  These often effect the whole body, but focus on one system in particular.  Each of the following is specific to a certain system.
Dong Quai, Raspberry leaf, Ginseng, Catnip, Lemon Balm, Hawthorne Berries, Dandelion Root, Licorice root

Vermifuge- Expel intestinal parasites.  Use with caution, as can be toxic in large doses.
Garlic, Pomegranate, Aloe, Wormwood, Fennel, Mugwort, Cayenne   

Vulnerary- Useful in treating wounds and cuts, especially as a poultice.  Promotes cell repair and growth.
Plantain, Chickweed, Comfrey, Calendula, St Johnswort, Rosemary, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, Aloe Vera 

Chemical Constituents of Herbs

The actions of herbs on the body are often quite obvious, and their uses down through the ages are based on their success as a therapeutic method.  For example, the scent of lavender has long been used to calm the senses and brighten the spirit.  Now we know that this is, in large part, because of the volatile oils present in the flowers.  Another example is foxglove, long used for treating certain heart ailments.  It is obviously helpful, but why?  Because it contains cardiac glycosides, which have a direct action on the heart. 

Why bother with these terms?  Well, there are two reasons that they can be useful. 

First of all, these terms are used for describing the medicinal actions of the herb on the body.  So, if you read that slippery elm, for example, has a high level of mucilage, you know that it will be useful in treating irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract.  There is a lot of information available about herbs nowadays, and being familiar with the terminology used can make it easier to understand at a glance. 

Secondly, knowing the chemical makeup of a plant can help you in your decision of menstruum for maximum effectiveness.  We will discuss this in more detail later, but basically, different solutions are most effective for different herbs.  Thus, myrrh does not extract well in water, so one would choose to use it in a tincture or in a powder. 

So, it is a good idea to be familiar with these terms, but I would caution you not to take them too seriously.  The wonderful , amazing, miraculous thing about herbs is how they work as a whole.  Scientists will try to isolate active components, and replicate them with cheapie deapie chemicals, and stick them in a pill, and tell you it will make you better.  What he often does not realize (or, at least ,acknowledge) is that there is a lot more at work in that plant than just that one component.  This is known as synergy- the way that all the chemicals in the plants work together to effect health.  Add on to this the energy that you yourself put into the creation of your herbal medicine, and there is yet another dimension to be considered.  Learn the terms, and use them to assist you in your herbal journey, but always keep in mind that Allaah gifted us with the whole plants, and that is truly the way that they work best. 

This is by no means a complete list of terms, I simply tried to choose those that I see used most commonly. 

alkaloids-  These are nitrogen containing compounds that can have a very powerful effect on the body, often being toxic in large doses. They most strongly effect the nervous system…think of the caffeine in coffee, and the nicotine in tobacco, and you are thinking of two examples of alkaloids.  They are present in many other herbs, such as St Johnswort and comfrey, acting as a catalyst to the healing constituents in these herbs.  Goldenseal is high in berberine alkaloids, which are highly antimicrobial, and thusly should be used in small amounts. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which have been linked in some studies to liver damage.  The highest concentration of these is in the root of the plant.  Herbs that have high concentrations of alkaloids are often restricted by law in many countries, and are best used in the care of a trained herbalist or holistic physician.  Soluble in alcohol, slightly in water. 

bitters- These substances, obviously, taste bitter, and are used most often in treating digestive tract conditions.  They stimulate and increase the secretion of bile from the liver, as well as the digestive juices in the stomach and intestines, and saliva in the mouth.  They can improve sluggish digestion, and help in the stabilization of blood sugar. They often have other properties as well, such as being sedative, or immune enhancing, or antimicrobial.  Bitters are often used in treating skin conditions such as eczema, allergies.  The bitter taste of them is essential in their effectiveness, so taking them as pills or capsules is not really as effective as taking them in tea or even tincture form.  Some of the most popular bitters are dandelion root, hops, feverfew, and goldenseal. 

coloring matter- The coloring matter in many plants is useful in dying cloth, wool, hair…you name it.  For example, henna and alkanet root.  Anthocyanins, present in blue, red, or purple colored fruits and flowers, aid in keeping the blood vessels healthy.  Solubility depends on the particular coloring material being discussed 

flavenoids- These tend to  lend a pretty, yellow, orange, or red color to the plants they are a part of, such as cowslip.  They are often diuretic, or anti inflammatory and antispasmodic.  They nourish the cardiovascular system, help maintain healthy circulation, and are often used in the treatment of allergies. Some plants high in flavenoids are licorice, burdock, and plants rich in Vitamin C, like oranges.  

glycosides-  Cardiac glycosides such as digitoxin, found in foxglove, are useful in treating heart failure, as they have a strong, direct action on the heart, strengthening it and assisting in regulating its beating.  Cyanogenic glycosides, which are based in cyanide, are sedative and relaxant to muscles, but must be used in very small doses, under the care of a qualified herbalist or holistic physician.  Vary in solubility, most are soluble in water and alcohol. 

mucilage- This gel like substance draws water to it, swelling up into a viscous fluid.  Sounds a little eeewwww, but it is very soothing and calming for irritated conditions, inside and out, forming a protective surface on mucous membranes in the body.  Marshmallow is a great addition to formulas for cough and respiratory irritation for this very reason.  Some, such as psyllium, have a mildly laxative effect, making them useful in mild constipation. Because they do absorb water, they are useful in the absorption of excess fluid in the upper respiratory system and various wounds.  Mucilage enhances the healing power of other agents, such as tannins. Soluble in water, especially cold water. 

phenols- Phenols are antiseptic and useful in the reduction of inflamed internal tissues, however they tend to be irritating to the skin.  Salicylic acid, found in such herbs as wintergreen and white willow, is the predecessor of aspirin.  Thymol, which is present in thyme, is also a phenol. 

saponins- These are substances that form a soap like lather when mixed with water, and which also act in the emulsification of oils.  They are not absorbed readily when taken orally, but do enhance the absorption of other substances, like calcium.  Adaptogens are usually high in saponins, for example ginseng, licorice, and wild yam.  Some saponins, known as triterpenoid saponins are expectorant. Examples of these are found in mullein and   Steroidal saponins resemble hormones produced in the body, and support these hormones, as well as the adrenal system.  This makes them useful in the treatment of some stress induced conditions, as well as assisting the immune system in doing its work. They should never be used on broken skin, as they are capable of dissolving red blood cells. Soluble in vinegar, water, and alcohol 

tannins- You will know if a plant is high in tannins as soon as you taste it.  Your mouth will go dry immediately!  This is because their main action is astringent.  Tannins bind albumen, a protein which is found in both the skin and mucus membranes, forming a layer of protection against infection and irritation.  This in turn prevents infecting organisms from invading the body, and helps to hasten the healing process. Their astringent properties make them ideal for sore throat gargles, diarrhea, wound compresses, weepy rashes, and more.  Some herbs high in tannins are witch hazel, plantain and red raspberry leaves.  Soluble in water, glycerin, vinegar, and alcohol. 

vitamins and minerals-  Many herbs are worth adding to your diet on a regular basis, as they are high in essential vitamins and minerals.  For example, rose hips have an appreciable amount of vitamin C, and dandelion is chock full of potassium, so, unlike other diuretics, it won't flush all the potassium from your system.  A good way to sneak a little extra nutrition into your diet, as so many herbs are not only nutritious, but delicious! Soluble in water, alcohol, and oil. 

volatile essential oils- Plants that have a high concentration of volatile oils are those that are highly scented, like rosemary, lavender, chamomile, and dill. The compounds that make up these oils, as well as their actions on the body, are widely varied.  In general, though, they tend to be antimicrobial and antiseptic, and thus supportive to the immune system.  Many others are anti inflammatory and have an antispasmodic action on the body, making them useful in steams for respiratory conditions.  Examples of these are chamomile and lavender.  Some, such as thyme, are expectorant, making them a prime ingredient in cough syrups.  The essential oils of plants are used in a wide variety of aromatherapeutic applications, as we will study later, insh'Allaah.  These are not greasy or oily, as opposed to fixed oils, like olive.  Soluble in alcohol, fixed oils, and, to a small extent, water and glycerin. 

DISCLAIMER:  This information is for educational purposes, based on the study, education, and experience of the author, and is not meant to replace the advice of a trained physician.  Soapnuts and the author are not responsible for any outcome of your use of this information.