Commonly Used Herbology Terms and Definitions

July 23, 2010 by Becki Baumgartner
Filed under Herbology

Extract: The pharmacological definition of an extract is the concentrated substance obtained by dissolving a drug in some solvent, as ether or alcohol, and then evaporating the preparation. Some herbalists, however, refer to an extract as a liquid form of herb made using oil as the solvent (rather than alcohol).

Macerate: To macerate is to soften and/or break something down into component parts by soaking it in a liquid for a certain period of time; also known as “steeping”.

Menestruum: Menestruum a liquid that dissolves a solid. It can also be called a “solvent”, especially when used to extract a drug from a plant

Simpling: Simpling is the practice of using single herbs alone. In medieval times in Europe, the art cultivating and using herbs was called “Simpling” and the herbs themselves were named “Simples”. Simpling can be very effective, even though some herbalists have a condescending attitude towards this practice. (Simpling is more often associated with folk herbalism rather than academic or monastic herbalism.)

There are Three Main Principles of Simpling:

Use herbs that grow nearby. The type of illness common in a particular area is somewhat dependent on the environment of that area. In the same fashion, herbs that grow in that area take on the characteristics of the environment and are very well suited to treat the ailments associated with the climate and environmental conditions of that particular area. One of the easiest ways to begin using herbs is to learn about the ones growing in or around your own backyard. A single herb can treat many different conditions.
Use mild herbs. Mild herbs can be taken freely and will gently affect all body systems. This will aid healing in many areas at the same time, and heal many different minor afflictions. You may be surprised at how your minor afflictions are intertwined!
Use often or use large doses. Since you are using very mild herbs, only large does will have the power to overcome most illnesses. A good way to do this is to use a wildcrafted herb to make herbal tea and drink it freely, or a make homemade extract which is generally taken in doses of one teaspoon three times per day. (Tierra, The Way of Herbs, 1998.)

Solvent: A solvent is a substance, usually liquid, that is used to dissolve or can dissolve another substance.

Tincture: The pharmacological definition of a tincture is a dilute solution consisting of a medicinal substance in alcohol or in alcohol and water, usually 10% to 20% by volume. Some herbalists, however, refer to a tincture as being a liquid form of herb made using alcohol as the solvent (rather than oil).

Wildcrafting: Wildcrafting is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural or “wild” habitat, for food, medicinal, or other purposes. It applies to uncultivated plants wherever they may be found, and is not necessarily limited to wilderness areas. Note: When wildcrafting, please be kind to nature and ensure sustainability of the species by taking no more than 1/3 of a single plant.

Sources:

Tierra, M. (1998). The Way of Herbs. New York: Pocket Books
YourDictionary.com. (n.d.) Extracted July 23, 2010 from http://www.yourdictionary.com

Commonly Used Herbology Terms and Definitions

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