| HERBAL MEDICAL TERMS DEFINED:
Alternatives are herbs that can help purify or cleanse the blood. These herbs are slow acting, but will help to stimulate and tone the eliminative organs, such as the kidneys, liver and lymphatic system. Increases vitality, mainly through improving the breakdown and excretion of waste products. Alternatives are used while recovering from a long-term or chronic illness. {Examples: Burdock root, Yellowdock root, Red Clover blossoms, Sarsaparilla root} Analgesic herbs help to reduce pain and some inflammation. They can consist of herbs that are taken internally or herbs that are applied externally. Analgesic herbs are "natures" own aspirin. {Examples Internal: White willow bark, Devils Claw, Chamomile, Rosemary} Anthelmintic (or commonly known as antibiotic herbs) are herbs that will either kill or expel intestional parasites. Anthelmintic herbs are divided into four categories. 1. Vermifuges which expel worms. 2. Vermicides which destroy worms. 3. Taenifuges which expel tapeworms. 4. Taenicides which kill tapeworms. The difference between killing and expelling depends on the strength, dosage and length of time that the herb stays in the intestinal tract. {Examples: Garlic, Wormwood, Southernwood, Pumpkin seeds, Tansy, Rue} Anti-Inflammatory herbs are herbs that help reduce inflammation. These herbs are usually applied externally to the affected area. But some herbs, such as Chamomile, White willow bark, and Devils Claw are taken internally. {Examples external application: Witch Hazel, Calendula, Mullein leaf} {Examples internal: White willow bark, Devils Claw, Chamomile} Anti-catarrhal (or commonly known as anti-oxidant herbs) are herbs that help the body to eliminate or remove mucus. {Examples: Cayenne, Ginger, Sage, Boneset, Eyebright, Garlic, Yarrow} Antispasmodics are herbs that help relieve or prevent cramping or spasms. These herbs are usually included in blends to help the body relax and this, in turn, makes more energy for healing. Antispasmodics will help to relax the entire body and they will also help with crampy diarrhea and gas. {Examples: Valerian root, Skullcap, Black Cohosh, Kava Kava, Wild Yam} Astringents are herbs that help to constrict. This action is useful when there is hemorrhages or secretions are a problem. Herbal astingents usually contain tannins. {Examples: Raspberry Leaf, Plantain, Bayberry, Yellowdock root, Witch Hazel} Cardiac tonics are herbs that help the heart and circulation. This helps with regulating blood pressure too. {Examples: Hawthorne Berries, Motherswort} Carminative are herbs or spices that will help to relieve gas, colic and digestive discomfort. They stimulate the digestive system and help to relax the stomach. {Examples: Ginger, Peppermint, Aniseed, Fennel seed} A demulcent herb is very high in mucilage and helps to soothe inflamed tissues. This herb works well when combined with diuretics for treating urinary tract problems, and also when combined with expectorants when treating upper respiratory problems. {Examples: Marshmallow root, Slippery Elm back, Comfrey Root} Diaphoretic herbs are used to increase elimination of toxins through sweating. These herbs will certainly increase perspiration. {Examples: Yarrow flowers, Elder flowers, Boneset, Peppermint} Diuretic herbs increase the flow of urine. These herbs will help with water retention and swelling in the legs of horses that "stock up". Whenever a diuretic is given, a mild demulcent should be added to soothe the kidneys. {Examples: Buchu leaf, Dandelion leaf or root, Parsley, Uva Ursi} Emmenagogues are herbs that help to promote and normalize the female system. These herbs will usually stimulate menstrual flow and stimulate the uterus. These herbs must NOT be given to horses in foal. {Examples: Black Cohosh, Vitex Berry, Fenugreek seed, Dong Quai root} Expectorants are herbs that help to remove mucus from the upper respiratory systems. {Examples: Horehound, Garlic, Licorice, Mullein, Aniseed} Hepatic herbs will stimulate the liver and help detoxify the system. These herbs are specific for the liver and kidneys. {Examples: Milk thistle seed, Cleavers, Wormwood, Dandelion root, Yellowdock root} Nervines are herbs that will aid the nervous system by toning and strengthening. Some herbs will stimulate the system, while others are considered sedatives. All herbs that affect the nervous system are included here. For herbs that will "calm", please see Sedative. {Examples: Chamomile, Lavender, Passionflower, Rosemary, Hops, Wood Betony, Blue Vervain} Oxytocic Herbs are herbs that help stimulate contractions in the uterus and are helpful during delivery and expelling the afterbirth. (One must use caution if feeding Blue Cohosh or Black Cohosh!) {Examples: Blue Cohosh, Raspberry leaf, Squaw Vine, Black Cohosh, Wormwood} Rubefacients are herbs that, when applied to the skin, increase the flow of blood to that area. These herbs may work like mild blisters. {Examples: Cayenne Pepper, Ginger, Horseradish, Thyme Oil, Pine Oil} Sedative Herbs are herbs that will help to calm the nervous horse and also relieve tension throughout the entire body. Sedatives can include antispasmodics and nervines. {Examples: Catnip, Passionflower, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Vervain, Valerian, Skullcap, Hops} Vulnerary Herbs will help promote healing of wounds and cuts. These herbs are to be applied directly to a cleaned area only. {Examples: Calendula, Chickweed, Plantain, Comfrey, Aloe, Elder flower} |
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