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Anti-microbial/anti-septic: prevents the growth of bacteria and resists pathogenic (disease producing) micro-organisms. Anti-mucus: reduces production of excess mucus. Anti-oxidant: a group of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that protect our bodies from the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that can cause damage to cells, impairing our immune system and leading to infection and degenerative diseases. Anti-rheumatic: reduces pain and inflammation of rheumatic diseases. Anti-spasmodic: prevents or eases cramps in body organs or muscles. Astringent: constricts tissue, reducing discharge and secretions. Bath: one to two ounces of herb per quart of water, steep or decoct depending on the herb for 20 - 30 minutes. Add 1 -2 quarts for a foot-bath, 3 - 4 quarts to full bath. Carminative: stimulates the action of the digestive system and relaxes the stomach, aids in the release of gas and reduces intestinal cramping. Compress: external application of hot water based herbal treatment. Uses cloth to apply the herbal solution to the affected area, then covered with towels or blankets to retain heat. Diaphoretic: induces sweating by stimulating the kidneys. Diuretic: herbs that increase the flow of urine. Emmenagogue: herbs that help promote menstruation when delayed by stress of hormonal imbalance. These herbs will not produce an abortion. While some herbs can cause abortion, many of them are potentially toxic if misapplied. Herbal abortions should only be performed by trained health care providers, this ensures the effectiveness of the procedure and the safety of the woman undergoing the procedure. Expectorant: helps expel excess mucus from the respiratory system. Facial or steam inhalation: use the same proportions as an herbal bath. Use the infusion or decoction undiluted. Place in a large bowl, lean over the bowl close enough to feel the heat bit not so close as to cause scalding from the steam, use a large towel to create a tent over the head and shoulders. Breathe quietly for 10 to 15 minutes. Rise the face with cool water to tighten pores. Do not use this technique if you have fine red veins on your face. Infusion: a medicinal tea, made by pouring boiling water over herbs and letting them steep, covered, for a given period of time. Liniment: alcohol based herbal rub in liquid form. Generally used on sore muscles and sprains. Nervine: herbs that calm, tone and nourish the nervous system. Poultice: hot/warm, external application of herb, similar in style to a compress except that in this case the herbs themselves are included. Generally applied to the skin between layers of gauze or cheese-cloth, which it then wrapped in towels or blankets to retain heat. Stimulant: increases the energy of the body by quickening and enlivening the physiological functions of the target system. Tonic: herbs that strengthen, nourish and enliven specific organs of the body. Wash: external application of water based herbal solution, used for wounds, cuts and skin irritation. One to two tablespoons of dried herb per pint of water, used soft cloth to apply or pour the wash over affected area, using a basin to collect runoff, repeat several times.
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