Herbalism Terms
| from the American Botanical Council: | |
| Herb: The word herb (sometimes referred to as botanical) has several different meanings depending on the perspective:
In commercial terms – herb generally refers to plants used for culinary purposes. Additionally the terminology differentiates Temperate Zone plants from tropical and sub-tropical plants (i.e., spices). In horticultural terms – herb refers to “herbaceous,” which describes the appearance of the plant (i.e., a non-woody, vascular plant). In taxonomic terms – herb generally refers to the aboveground parts or the aerial parts (i.e., the flower, leaf, and stem). In terms of herbal medicine – herb refers to plants used in various forms or preparations, valued for their therapeutic benefits, and sold as dietary supplements in the U.S. marketplace. |
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| Term | Definition |
| Menstrum (Solvent) | the liquid used to extract the constituents from plant material. |
| Common Menstrum liquids: | |
| Water | Used to make infusions & decoctions. |
| Alcohol | Used to make tinctures, generally above 100 proof. |
| Glycerin | Used to make tinctures. Sweet, vegetable based menstrum good for childrens remedies. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Used to make tinctures, oxymels and culinary preparations. |
| Wine Vinegar | Used to make culinary preparations. |
| Honey | Sweet and preservative. |
| Olive Oil | Conditioning, cleansing, softening, absorbs easily, anti-oxidant. |
| Coconut Oil | Protective, conditioning, and helps to keep other carrier oils from going rancid. Solid in cool temps. |
| Grapeseed Oil | The lightest of the oils and virtually odorless. It is also very “drying”. |
| Sweet Almond Oil | An light oil used to soften, soothe, and re-condition the skin. |
| Witch Hazel | An astringent used in cosmetic preparations. |
| Rubbing Alcohol | Used to make liniments. |
| – | |
| Infusion | Herbs steeped in a water menstrum and strained. Sweeten and drink. |
| Decoction | Roots, bark, berries, and seeds boiled in a water menstrum and strained. Sweeten and drink. |
| Tincture | Plant constituents extracted in a menstrum. Tinctures are usually alcohol, glycerin or vinegar based. |
| Infused Oil | Extract of a plant using a carrier oil. |
| Essential Oil | A highly concentrated liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants, derived through distillation. |
| Salve | An ointment used to promote healing of the skin or as protection. |
| Liniment | Extract of a plant using alcohol or vinegar and applied topically. |
| Poultice | Topical application of a soft moist mass of bruised fresh herbs, usually wrapped in a cloth. |
| Electuary | Powdered herbs preserved in honey. |
| Oxymel | A honey and vinegar blend. |
| Beeswax | Used to thicken salves. |
| Vitamin E Oil | Used as a preservative in salves and infused oils. |
