Page 6 - Terminology-Herbology
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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:


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