Herbalism glossary — adaptogen, nervine, demulcent + 50 herbal terms · PlantSage
The lexicon
— Every technical term used across the plant catalogue, defined once, cited where possible. Click any term to see its full entry and cross-links.
Adaptogen
Herbs that modulate stress response.
Nervine
Calms or tones the nervous system.
Demulcent
Soothes irritated mucous membranes.
Carminative
Eases gas and bloating.
Tonic
Strengthens and restores over time.
Astringent
Tightens and tones tissues.
Antispasmodic
Relieves smooth-muscle cramping.
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces inflammation, acute or chronic.
Sedative
Promotes sleep and slows arousal.
Expectorant
Clears mucus from the airways.
Anxiolytic
Reduces anxiety without sedation.
Hepatic
Supports liver function.
Diuretic
Increases urine output.
Galactagogue
Promotes breast-milk production.
Emmenagogue
Promotes menstrual flow.
Bitter
Stimulates digestion via the bitter taste reflex.
Cholagogue
Promotes bile flow from the gallbladder.
Laxative
Promotes bowel movement.
Aperient
Mild laxative — gentle bowel support.
Stomachic
Tones and strengthens stomach function.
Antiemetic
Reduces nausea and vomiting.
Antitussive
Suppresses cough.
Pectoral
Supports lung and chest health.
Cardiotonic
Strengthens heart muscle and function.
Hypotensive
Lowers blood pressure.
Vasodilator
Widens blood vessels, improving flow.
Immunomodulator
Tunes immune system rather than just boosting it.
Antimicrobial
Inhibits bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
Antiviral
Inhibits viral replication or attachment.
Antifungal
Inhibits fungal growth.
Analgesic
Relieves pain.
Anodyne
Soothes pain through nerve calming.
Vulnerary
Heals wounds.
Emollient
Softens and soothes skin.
Styptic
Stops bleeding.
Phytoestrogen
Plant compound with estrogen-like activity.
Aphrodisiac
Increases libido or sexual function.
Hypoglycemic
Lowers blood sugar.
Antioxidant
Neutralises oxidative damage.
Nootropic
Enhances cognition.
Neuroprotective
Protects nerve cells from damage.
Alterative
Gradually restores healthy elimination.
Rubefacient
Warms by drawing blood to the skin.
Decoction
Water extraction by simmering.
Infusion
Water extraction by steeping.
Tincture
Alcohol-water extraction for shelf-stable concentrates.
Glycerite
Vegetable glycerin extraction (alcohol-free).
Poultice
Moist herbal mass applied topically.
Fomentation
Hot herbal cloth applied to skin.
Infused Oil
Plant extracted into carrier oil.
Alkaloid
Nitrogen-containing plant compounds with potent effects.
Glycoside
Sugar-bound plant compounds.
Tannin
Polyphenols that bind and precipitate proteins.
Saponin
Soap-like plant compounds.
Flavonoid
Pigmented polyphenols with broad benefits.
Volatile Oil
Aromatic plant compounds, fragrant and bioactive.
Mucilage
Sticky polysaccharide gels.
Polyphenol
Multi-ring antioxidant plant compounds.
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