Herbal Terminology
Herbal Language 101:
If you have ever opened an herbal book or joined an herbal class and thought, “Wait… what does this even mean?” you are not alone! Herbalism has its own language, and it takes time and patience for it to all click. Let’s review a few foundational terms you will see again and again on your herbal path.
A Materia medica is your herbal reference guide. It is a collection of notes about herbs that includes what the plant is, how it has been traditionally used, how it feels in the body, where it grows, and any observations you gather over time. Think of it as a living herbal journal that grows alongside your relationship with the plants. Each page focuses your study and research on a specific plant. Learn the ins & outs of that plant, work with it externally or internally (if possible, and safe to do so), get to know it spiritually, and write about it all in your materia medica!
Energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants based on the experience of how they taste, feel and work in the body. Some common examples are warming, cooling, drying, and moistening. Each herbal tradition has its own variations of these concepts but at their core, they often work similarly.
Constituents are the natural compounds found inside a plant that help explain how it works. These are things like bitter compounds, essential oils, flavonoids, or tannins. Constituents give herbs their taste, aroma, and many of their therapeutic qualities, but herbalism always looks at the whole plant rather than isolating just one piece.
"Most of the best plant medicines are the sum of their constituents, and cannot be reduced to the actions of specific compounds. Although a painting is MADE from three primary colors, it is seldom enough to describe it by how much blue or red is present. A plant may contain HUNDREDS of compounds, although these, too, may be reduced to “primary” colors, such as sugars, alkenes, lignans, terpenoids, etc." - Michael Moore, Herbalist
Actions describe what an herb does in the body and how the body responds to it. An action might be calming, stimulating, or nourishing. Actions help herbalists choose herbs by matching what the body needs with the way a plant supports balance and function over time.
Menstruum or solvent refers to the liquid used to extract the plant’s goodness. Alcohol, water, glycerin, vinegar, and oil are all common choices. The menstruum you choose matters because different liquids extract different constituents, impacting how the final remedy works.
Learning these terms is like learning the alphabet of herbalism. Once you understand them, you can read labels, study herbs, and make remedies with so much more confidence and intention. We will be diving deeper into these terms and so much more on our weekly study group on Instagram at kinroot.wellness.
I believe herbal knowledge should feel empowering and accessible, not overwhelming. If you would like to dive deeper, I offer one on one educational sessions online or in person. Contact me at kellie@kinrootwellness.com to learn more.
Resources:
An introduction to herbal energetics | Western herbal medicine | Herbal Reality
The Naturopathic Herbalist | a place for all things herbal medicine
