Common Terms in Herbalism

Adaptogen: Herbs that improve the ability of the body to adapt to stress. They promote well-being, balance and health. Adaptogens help regulate or normalize organ and system function on a broad basis.

Adjuvant: Herbs which enhance a body’s response to a remedy. An adjuvant aids the action of other ingredients of a formula to encourage assimilation, balance energetic or other qualities, or catalyze the overall response.

Analgesic: A substance that relieves pain.

Anodynes: Herbs used to relieve pain.

Antiemetics: Herbs used to lessen nausea and prevent or relieve vomiting.

Aperient: Chiefly used to describe a mild laxative, aperients also encourage the appetite or digestion, typically preparing the digestive environment.