1) Materia Medica

What it means: Your personal encyclopedia of herbs—profiles with names, actions, parts used, preparations, dosing ranges, energetics, safety, and notes from practice.
Examples: A page on Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) covering “relaxing nervine, carminative, anti-spasmodic,” tea vs. tincture, and cautions.
Student tip: Aim for 150+ herbs over time. Include your own observations—not just copied info.

2) Tincture (with Menstruum, Marc & Ratio)

What it means: A liquid extract made by soaking plant material (the marc) in a solvent (the menstruum—usually alcohol + water). The ratio tells you herb weight to solvent volume (e.g., 1:2).
Examples: Fresh milky oats tincture 1:2 in 95% alcohol; dried root 1:5 in 40–60%.
Student tip: Always record ratio, solvent %, plant part, and date on your label.

3) Infusion vs. Decoction

What it means: Two water-based methods. Infusion = steeping delicate parts (leaves/flowers) in hot water. Decoction = simmering tougher parts (roots/barks/seeds).
Examples: Peppermint infusion; burdock root decoction.
Student tip: When in doubt: leaves/flowers = infusion; roots/barks = decoction.

4) Adaptogen

What it means: An herb that helps the body adapt to stress and supports resilience (usually gently, over weeks), without being a stimulant or sedative.
Examples: Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Rhodiola rosea (rhodiola), Schisandra chinensis (schisandra).
Student tip: Pair with lifestyle basics (sleep, protein, movement) and reassess after 2–4 weeks.

5) Alterative

What it means: “Terrain-support” herbs that gradually nudge metabolism, elimination, and tissue tone toward balance—often supporting liver, lymph, kidneys, skin, and gut.
Examples: Arctium lappa (burdock), Galium aparine (cleavers), Urtica dioica (nettle leaf), Mahonia/Berberis spp. (Oregon grape/barberry).
Student tip: Think long game. Track changes in skin, bowels, energy, and tissue “puffiness.”

6) Carminative

What it means: Aromatic herbs that ease gas, bloating, and digestive spasm; they often improve appetite and comfort around meals.
Examples: Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Mentha spp. (mint), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile).
Student tip: Lightly crack seeds (like fennel) before steeping to boost potency.

7) Demulcent

What it means: Mucilage-rich herbs that soothe and coat irritated tissues (GI, urinary, throat, sometimes skin).
Examples: Althaea officinalis (marshmallow), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice/DGL), Ulmus rubra (slippery elm).
Student tip: For maximum mucilage, use cool infusions (soak 4–8 hours) or long steeps.

8) Nervine (Relaxing, Tonic, or Stimulating)

What it means: Herbs that support the nervous system. Relaxing calm tension; tonic nourish over time; stimulating sharpen focus gently.
Examples: Relaxing—Passiflora incarnata (passionflower), Scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap).
Tonic—milky oats (Avena sativa tops).
Stimulating—Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) in small amounts.
Student tip: Match to the person: anxious and wired ≠ the same as fatigued and foggy.

9) Vulnerary

What it means: Herbs that promote tissue repair—especially skin and mucosa—often mildly anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial.
Examples: Calendula officinalis (calendula), Plantago major (plantain), Symphytum officinale (comfrey—external use only, not on open wounds).
Student tip: For first-aid kits, keep an infused oil or salve of calendula or plantain on hand.

10) Emmenagogue (Safety-Aware Term)

What it means: Herbs traditionally used to encourage or normalize menstrual flow—ranging from gentle circulatory support to stronger uterine stimulants.
Examples: Gentle: Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Stronger: Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort).
Student tip: Always screen for pregnancy and use gentle options first; stronger emmenagogues are practitioner-level and timing-specific.