The Medical Herbalist
Herbalism FAQ
Top 10 Conditions treated by our Medical Herbalists
Different Herbal Traditions
Your Options Explained
A to Z of Herbs
Herbs A-D
Herbs E-L
Herbs P-Z
English to Latin Translations
Ways to Use Oils
Choosing An Oil
A to Z of Oils
Safety and Precautions
Aromatherapy Accessories
MYO Kits In Stock
Herbal Tincture
Infused Oil
Customised Cream
Herbal Tobacco
Natural Hairdyes
Herb Garden in a Container
Dry Skin Brushing
Therapies for Animals
Homeopathy & Flower Essences
Intro to Homeopathy
Homeopathy: FAQ
Homeopathy By Ailment
Homeopathy By Remedy
Bach Remedies A – Z
Cautions & Contraindications
Active ingredients: The ingredients contained in any formula that give the desired physiological effect ie. The components in a moisturising cream that improves the moisture content of the skin.
Adrenal glands: two organs situated one upon the upper end of each kidney. Stresses of modern life can exhaust the glands.
Acidophilus: A friendly bacteria found in the digestive system which combats the activities of invading micro-organisms associated with food poisoning and other infections.
Acido Alpha Hydroxyl Ceramides: Extract from sunflowers. A lipid that strengthens the skin's capacity to retain moisture, thereby supporting and sustaining skin's youthful smoothness and softness.
Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese treatment for relieving ills of the body by inserting needles into meridians. Acupuncture in our Glasgow Clinic
Acute: A short sharp crisis of rapid onset.
Adaptogen: A substance that helps the body to "adapt" to a new stress or strain by stimulating the body's own defensive mechanism.
Aetiology: a term denoting the cause or origin of a specific disease.
Agar-agar: gelling agent made from seaweed.
Algae: a seaweed
Alginate: Gelatinous substance obtained from seaweed and used as an emulsifier and thickening agent.
Alkalis: Substances with a pH above 7. Often used as neutralisers in cosmetics and toiletries.
Alkaloids: basic organic substances, usually vegetable in origin and having an alkaline reaction. Like alkalis they combine with acids to form salts. Some are toxic, insoluble in water.
Aloe Vera Extract: Effective healing agent and rich emollient. Used to counteract wrinkles, it is soothing and moisturizing.
Alteratives: Medicines that alter the process of nutrition, restoring in some unknown way the normal functions of an organ or system.
Allergy: Hypersensitivity to a foreign protein which produces a violent reaction eg. Hayfever, asthma, irritable bowel.
Allopathy: Conventional medicine.
Amenorrhoea: Suppression or normal menstrual flow during the time of life when it should occur.
Amino acids: Group of compounds containing both the carboxyl and the amino groups. They are the building blocks of proteins and are essential for the maintenance of the body.
Amphoteric: A normaliser "improve apparently contradictory symptoms".
Analgesics, pain relievers, anodynes: Herbs taken orally for relief of mild pain
Anaphrodisiac: a herb that reduces excess sexual desire.
Antacids: Remedies that correct effects of stomach acid and relieve indigestion.
Antigens: substances, usually harmful, that when entering the body stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies.
Antibacterial: Any agent or process that inhibits the growth and reproduction of bacteria
Antibody: a substance prepared in the body for the purpose of withstanding infection by viruses, bacteria and other organisms.
Anti-catarrhals: agents that reduce the production of mucus.
Antifungals: herbs that destroy fungi as in the treatment of thrush, candida etc.
Antihistamines: agents that arrest production of histamine and which are useful in allergic conditions.
Annato: a natural colourant derived from the seeds of a tropical tree.
Anthelmintics: Anti parasite.
Anthoposophical medicine: Holistic medicine based on the work of Dr Rudolf Steiner.
Antilithics: agents used for elimination or dissolution of stone or gravel in bladder or kidney problems.
Anti-neoplastics: herbs that prevent formation or destroy tumour cells
Anti-pruritics: agents to relieve intense itching.
Anti-spasmodics: agents for relief of muscular cramps, spasm or mild pain.
Anti-tussives: herbs that reduce cough severity, ease expectoration and clear the lungs.
Antioxidants: Substances that prevent the formation of free radicals which cause the oxidative deterioration that causes rancidity in oils or fats and also premature ageing. Natural sources include vitamins A, C and E.
Aperient: laxative
Aqueous coating:a natural water and vegetable cellulose coating which can be used as a coating to enhance tablet disintegration and dissolution.
Ascorbic acid: The chemical name for vitamin c.
Astringents: Products that cause a tightening and contractions of the skin tissues, generally used to tone skin and close pores. Can also arrest heavy bleeding.
Avocado Oil: Has excellent penetrating qualities, softens and regenerates skin. This emollient is valued for its high lipid and Vitamin A, D and C components.
Ayurveda Medicine: System of sacred medicine originating from Ancient India, dating from 1000 to 3000BC.
Barrier cream: cream that provides a protective coating when applied to the skin eg. hands and face.
Beeswax: A natural emulsifier and thickener.
Beta Carotene: An abundant source of Vitamin A with rich anti-oxidant properties. It is necessary for tissue repair and maintenance and accelerates the formation of healthy new skin cells. Vitamin A deters excess dryness.
Bisobolol: main active ingredient in chamomile which has excellent skin healing properties.
Bitters: Stimulate the autonomic nervous system. Bitters increase appetite, assist assimilation.
Botanical Extract: An extract of herbs and plants. The extracting solvent can be water, oil, alcohol or any synthetic solvent such as propylene glycol.
Bronchodilators: herbs that expand the clear space within the bronchial tubes, opening up airways and relieving obstruction.
Candida albicans: A yeast that causes thrush and in more severe cases, symptoms can affect the whole body.
Capricin: A caprylic acid formulation that facilitates absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Caramel: Coloring agent derived from liquid corn syrup.
Carcinogens: substances that bring about a malignant change in body cells.
Carmine: Natural red pigment obtained from cochineal.
Carminatives: Anti-flatulents, aromatic herbs used to expel gas from the stomach and intestines.
Castor Oil: A superb conditioner that has been proven to strengthen the hair shaft.
Catabolism: An aspect of metabolism which is concerned with the breaking down of complex substances to simpler ones, with the release of energy.
Cetyl Alcohol: Derived from coconut and palm oils. This is not a drying alcohol. Used as an emollient and to protect skin from moisture loss.
Chlorophyll: stored energy of the sun. Green colouring matter of plants.
Cholagogues: A group of agents which increases the secretion of bile and its expulsion from the gall bladder.
Choleretic: An agent which reduces cholesterol levels by excreting cholesterol.
Citric Acid: Derived from citrus fruit . A natural preservative that helps to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.
Clay: Deep-cleansing and highly absorbent. Bentonite and green clay are two types of natural clay.
Compresses: External applications to soften tissue, allay inflammation or alleviate pain.
Contra-indicated: not indicated, against medical advice, unsuitable for use.
Cornstarch: Used as a safe base for our eye shadows, blushers and loose powders.
Coumarins: Powerful anti-coagulant plant chemicals. Used to prevent blood clotting.
Counter-irritant: An agent which produces vaso-dilation of peripheral blood vessels by stimulating nerve-endings of the skin to generate irritation intended to relieve deep-seated pain.
Cramp: Sustained contraction of a muscle.
Decoction: A preparation obtained by bringing to the boil and simmering dense herbal materials ie. Bark, root and woody parts for a plant to extract active constituents.
Decongestant: Herb which is used to loosen mucus within bronchi and lungs.
Demulcent: Anti-irritant. A herb rich in mucilage that is soothing, bland, offering protection to inflamed or irritable mucous surfaces.
Depurative: Blood purifier. Alterative.
Detoxifiers: Plant medicines that aid removal of a poison or poisonous effect, reducing toxic properties.
Diaphoretics: Herbs that induce increased perspiration.
Diuretics: Agents that increase the flow of urine from the kidneys and so excrete excess fluid from the body.
Douche: A term used to describe the cleansing of certain parts of the body eg. Washing wounds and ulcers, eye douches etc.
Eliminative: A herb to disperse and promote excretion from the body.
Emetic: A herb to induce vomiting. Given to expel poisons.
Emmenagogues: Plant substances which initiate and promote the menstrual flow.
Emollient: Any substance that prevents water loss from the skin. Most natural oils perform this function.
Emulsifier: A substance that holds oil in water or water in oil. They are necessary in the manufacture of cream and lotions.
Emulsion: A mixture of two incompatible substances. Most creams on the cosmetic market are emulsions.
Enzyme: A biological catalyst that acts to speed up chemical reactions. Digestive enzymes are necessary for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats ie.pepsin.
Enuresis: Bed wetting.
Essential Fatty Acids: A fatty acid that must be supplied in the diet as the body cannot produce it itself.
Expectorants: Herbs that increase bronchial mucous secretion by promoting liquefaction of sticky mucous and its expulsion from the body.
Fatty Acid: A monobasic acid containing only the chemicals carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Found in vegetable and animal fats, they are important for maintaining a healthy skin and are excellent emollients.
Febrifuge: Anti-fever
Fixed Oil: A fixed oil is chemically the same as a fat, but is generally liquid ie. Almond oil, grapeseed oil.
Flavanoids: natural chemicals that prevent the deposit of fatty material in blood vessels.
Flaxseed Oil: Rich source of omega 3 essential fatty acids. (Also known as Linseed Oil)
Fructose: A natural sugar found in honey and fruits
Fumigant: a herb, usually a gum, which when burnt releases mixed gases into the atmosphere to cleanse against air borne infection eg. myrrh or frankincense.
Galactagogue: herb to increase flow of breast milk in nursing mothers.
Glycerin (vegetable): A humectant and emollient, it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby keeping moisture in your skin.
Glycoside: an organic substance which may be broken into two parts, one of which is always sugar.
Grain Alcohol: A natural solvent that evaporates easily.
Green Tea Extract: Works towards lightening the skin by actively slowing the transport of melanin to the skin's surface. Has well known antioxidant qualities.
Guar Gum: A fibre derived from the guar plant and used as a binder in tablet manufacturing.
Haemostatics: agents that arrest bleeding.
Hepatic: a herb that assists the liver in its function and promotes the flow of bile.
Histamine: A chemical released via the body's immune system in response to allergens.
Hypoallergenic: In the strictest sense means without fragrance, but more broadly refers to products that are unlikely to cause skin irritation.
Hyaluronic Acid: Derived from yeast cells, it is extremely hydroscopic. Binds water in the interstitial spaces between skin cells, forming a gel-like substance which holds the cells together.
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil: Source of essential fatty acids.
Infusion: The liquid resulting from making a herbal tea.
Iron Oxides: Natural mineral derived colour pigments.
Kaolin: Clay used to absorb oils.
Laxative: agent used for persistant constipation to help expel faecal matter from the bowel.
Lecithin: Natural antioxidant and emollient. High in essential fatty acids. A stabiliser and emulsifier from soya beans, corn, peanuts and egg-yolk. Cholesterol reducer.
Lymph: a straw coloured fluid which circulates many tissues of the body and serves to lubricate and cleanse them. MLD in the clinic
Magnesium Carbonate: Mineral derived from dolomite, it is used in our face powders to achieve the correct shade or tone.
Mannitol: A natural sugar substitute derived from the manna plant and seaweed.
Menorrhagia: abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, more than normal flow and longer lasting.
Menthol: Nature constituent of peppermint oil. Used for its antiseptic properties.
Meridians: The energy channels which run through the body and are used in acupuncture, reflexology and other similar therapies.
Metabolism: the reactions involved in the building up and decomposition of chemical substances in living organisms.
Metrorrhagia: bleeding from the womb between periods.
Mineral Salts: Used for colour pigments in our temporary hair colour.
Mucilage: a slimy product formed by the addition of gum to water. Used internally and externally to soothe irritated and inflamed membranes and surfaces.
Mucolytics: agents that disperse or dissolve mucus.
Natural glycerine: used to stabilise and disperse liquid nutrients inside a capsule. A clear colourless syrupy liquid with a sweet taste derived from natural fats and oil.
Nerve restoratives: herbs used to provide support and restoration of the nervous system caused by stress, disease or faulty nutrition.
Nutrient: a non-irritating, easily digested agent which provides body nourishment and stimulates metabolic processes.
Orexigenic: a herb which increases or stimulates the appetite.
Oxytocic: a herb which hastens the process of childbirth by initiating contraction of the uterine muscle.
Parabens (parahydroxybenzoic acid esters): a family of neutral, broad-spectrum antibacterials which have been used extensively for many years in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as mild preservatives and have not been tested on animals for a long time. They are found in nature, but the ones used in cosmetics are synthetically produced. They have a long history of relatively safe use. Like all synthetic components they are used minimally and only when necessary. Effective levels are 0.1 – 0.3% concentration in the overall product.
Peripheral: refers to the outermost parts of the body.
Poultice: poultices are packs of powders, dried or fresh herbs, enclosed in a muslin bag or wrapped in folds of a flannel or linen and soaked in boiling water, then applied to the affected area of the body.
Prostaglandins: hormone like messengers in the body responsible for the control of important body functions.
Proteinuria: presence of albumin in the urine.
Pruritus: itching.
Purgative: an agent that encourages evacuation of matter from the bowel.
Rice Bran Wax: Derived from rice bran, used as emollient and to protect skin from moisture loss.
Reflux: a backward flow of food to the mouth from the gullet or stomach.
Refrigerant: a cooling preparation taken orally or applied externally.
Resin: a thick-solid, insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol, exude from trees or plants which are used as antiseptics.
Rubefacient: external use. An agent to draw a rich blood supply to the skin, increasing heat to the tissues to aid the body in absorption of properties from creams, lotions etc.
Rose Essential Oil: Soothing, harmonizing effect on the skin. Considered the 'queen' of all essential oils, its gentle yet powerful nature has the ability to help repair broken capillaries.
Salicylates: salts of salicylic acid sometimes used in rheumatism, gout and acid conditions.
Saponins: constituents of some plants that produce a soap like frothing effect when agitated in water.
Sedatives: herbs that relax the central nervous system.
Seasalt Minerals: Thickener and disinfectant in shampoos.
Sesame Oil: Rich emollient properties and provides natural sun protection.
Sialagogue: herbs that increase production of saliva and assist digestion of starches.
Silica (hydrated): A purified mineral, used as an anti-caking agent in the production of vitamin tablets.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: A surfactant detergent derived from coconut oil to make toothpaste, hair care and bath care products foam.
Sorbitol: Gives a velvety feel to the skin. Derived from cherries, plums, pears, apples and seaweed.
Soybean Oil: A vitamin-rich emollient that absorbs well into the skin. Has a nourishing, softening and moisturizing effect on skin.
Stearic Acid: Fatty acid derived from cocoa butter, used as an emollient.
Spasmolytic: another name for anti-spasmodic.
Stimulants: herbs that spur the circulation, increase energy and physical function.
Styptic: a substance that stops bleeding usually by contracting the tissue.
Sudorifics: similar to diaphoretics but are used to stimulate more profuse abundant sweating.
Systemic: referring to the whole of the body.
Tannins: present in tea and coffee and many herbs. Coagulate protein and inhibit the laying down of fatty deposits. Astringent.
Urinary antiseptic: a germicidal action of a herb destructive to harmful bacteria in the urine when excreted from the body via the kidneys, bladder and ureters.
Urinary demulcent: a soothing anti-irritant used for the protection of sensitive surfaces of the kidney tubules and ureters against friction, irritation.
Urinary haemostatics: urinary astringents that arrest bleeding from the kidneys.
Vasoconstrictors: agents that constrict blood vessels causing an increase in blood pressure.
Vasodilators: herbs that promote dilation of the blood vessels causing a reduction of blood pressure.
Vegetable cellulose: Substance derived from various plant fibres and used as a filler and disintegrant in the production of tablets.
Vermifuge: a substance that expels or destroys intestinal worms.
Vesicant: a blistering agent.
Vitamin A: Potent anti-oxidant, used in combination with vitamins E and C as a natural preservative. Necessary for tissue repair and maintenance and accelerates the formation of healthy new skin cells. It benefits the treatment of skin disorders and oxidant, used as a natural preservative. Anti-inflammatory properties, aids in healing.
Vitamin E: A powerful natural anti-oxidant, used in combination with vitamins A and C as a natural preservative. It slows signs of aging and the degeneration of skin cells.
Vulnerary: a plant whose external application has a cleansing and healing effect on open wounds, cuts and ulcers by promoting cell repair.
Wheatgerm Oil: Rich in vitamin E, penetrates well to prevent loss of moisture and benefit cells.
Zinc Oxide: A non-chemical natural sun block.
Massage Therapist are the worst massage clients
Beard Oil Recipes
Stand Up Straight – 5 Myths about Posture
Deep Tissue Massage – Why don't we list it in our clinic massage therapies.