Earthnotes Herbalist Glossary |
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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.
A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T V W |
P | ||
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♠ = toxic agent, AVOID  
♣ = danger/caution, mild to severe apply ♥ = AVOID if pregnant See corresponding herb pages for more information | ||
TERM | DEFINITION | NATURAL AGENTS ASSOCIATED with the TERM |
PARTURIENT | Relating to childbirth | ♣ ♥ = Cohosh, Blue |
PECTORAL | An herbalist term for an agent used to treat conditions of the chest (ie. pulmonary) | Anaphalis; Astragalus hoantchy; Balsam of Peru; Beggartick; Chickweed; Lady's Bedstraw; Nasturtium; Pearly Life Everlasting; Pussytoes, Lesser; Pussytoes, Plantain-leaved ♣ = Apricot; Bayberry; Bethroot; Birch, Sweet; Black Cherry; Coltsfoot; Comfrey ♥ = Coltsfoot |
PHOTOTOXIC | An agent which in combination with overexposure of light, x-rays, or ultraviolet rays can cause damage to cells; of particular interest in cancer research | Beggartick, Hairy |
PHYSIC | Same as Laxative | See Laxative |
PURGATIVE | Produces vigorous evacuation of the bowels, possibly with griping and/or watery discharge (hydragogue); a strong laxative | Akebia; Amalaki; American Ivy; Ampelopsis; Annatto; Ash; Ash, White; Aster, Red-stalked; Atractylodes macrocephela (mild); Balmony (large doses); Bog Rush; Bowman's Root; Cairo Morning Glory; Candle Nut; Cucumber; Lady's Bedstraw; Senna ♣ = Bead Tree; Bindweed (hydragogue); Bindweed, Hedge; Bindweed, Jalap; Bindweed, Sea; Blackberry lily; Broom, Dyer's (mild); Butternut; Celandine; Walnut, Black ♥ = Blackberry Lily; Butternut; Celandine (hydragogue) ♠ = Alder Buckthorn; Arrowwood; Asarabacca; Blackroot; Blue Flag (liver); Broom, Scotch; Bryony; Castor Bean |