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| Astringent. Causes the constriction of tissues; usually applied topically to stop bleeding, secretions, and surface inflammation and distention. |
| Demulcent. Soothes internal membranes. |
| Diaphoretic. Increases perspiration. |
| Diuretic. Increases the flow of urine. |
| Expectorant. Stimulates the outflow of mucus from the lungs and bronchial mucosa. |
| Herbal Preparations |
| Compress. Soak a cloth in a hot decoction of herb, squeeze out most of the liquid, and apply the hot cloth to the affected area. Once it has cooled, repeat the process. |
| Decoction. The method of choice for making tea out of bark and seeds. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of cold water. Bring mixture gently to a boil. Keep covered and simmer for about ten minutes. Prepare no more than twenty-four hours in advance of use. |
| Fluid extract. An extract of an herb that is made according to official pharmaceutical practice, with a strength of 1:1 (each ounce of extract has the solutes found in an ounce of the dried herb). |
| Fomentation. This is a hot, wet poultice used on painful and inflamed areas; it is usually mad e by dipping a towel in tea, applying it hot or warm to the swollen tissue, and changing it when cool. |
| Infusion. The method of choice for making tea out of leaves or flowers. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb (or 2 to 4 teaspoons of fresh herb) to a cup of boiling water. Infuse for ten minutes before straining. May be taken hot or cold, but do not prepare more than twenty-four hours in advance of use. |
| Plaster. Mix enough ground herbs or powdered seeds with boiling water to make a paste. Apply paste to a specific area, such as a boil, cover, and leave on for several minutes to several hours, as directed by the herbalist. Heat is sometimes applied over the plaster. |
| Poultice. Mix chopped herb or powdered seeds with boiling water to make a pulp. Place the pulp in a piece of cloth and apply to the affected area while hot. Replace when cool. |
| Tincture. An herbal extract made by steeping the herb for about six weeks in a mixture of water and alcohol. The strength should be listed, usually as a ratio (1:5). |
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