Self Help Glossary
| Astringent | An agent with a drawing together or binding effect. Used to stop hemorrhages, mucous or infectious discharges. |
| Antispasmodic | Relieves or prevents muscle spasms |
| Anodyne | Relieves pain |
| Antiseptic | Cleansing agent. Inhibits the growth of bacteria. |
| Counterirritant | An agent applied to skin (usually in poultice form) that produces irritation (redness, stinging, and finally blistering). The irritation usually affects the area underneath the skin. Use counterirritant with caution and remove when skin begins to sting or bum. |
| Decoction | Herb tea made by simmering a root or bark in water |
| Emmenagogue | Promotes or induces menstruation |
| Herb | Whole plant, stem, leaves and flowers. |
| Infusion | Herb tea made by steeping leaves or flowers in boiling water. |
| Leukorrhea | White or yellowish discharge from the vagina. Can be healthy or infectious. |
| Nervine | Plants that relax and sooth nerves. The stronger ones are sedatives and will induce sleep. |
| Parturient | Induces and promotes labor contractions |
| Poultice | Hot, moist herbs placed between two layers of cloth (cotton or flannel) laid on body to soothe or draw out infection. Keep it hot and change when it cools. |
| Tonic | Strengthens or tones body. Usually tonics contain many minerals, vitamins and/or hormones. |
