Herbal Glossary

Absolute: a highly concentrated, semi-solid or solid perfume material, usually obtained by alcohol extraction from the concrete.

Acid: leaving a burning sensation in the mouth.

Alkaloids: naturally occurring chemical compounds that contain nitrogen. May be toxic if taken in large amounts.

Alliaceous: garlic- or onion-like.

Balsam: a resinous semi-solid mass or viscous liquid exuded from a plant, characterized by its high content of benzoic acid.

Bane: that which destroys life or energy; poison.

Botanomancy: divination through the use of herbs.

Chaplet: wreath or crown of flowers and herbs, worn on the head to promote energy or healing.

Charm Bag: sachet, medicinal bag.

Concrete: a concentrate, waxy, solid or semi-solid perfume material prepared from previously live plant matter, usually using a hydrocarbon type of solvent.

Cultivar: a plant which has been consistently grown and kept under cultivation, rather than one which originated in the wild.

Fixative: a material that slows down the rate of evaporation of the more volatile components in a perfume.

Herb: a plant used in magickal, culinary, or medicinal arts.

Herbal: pertaining to herbs; written collection of information about herbs.

Macerate: to soak a substance, thereby softening it and allowing it to break down into its constituent parts.

Mucilage: a gel-like substance that forms a viscous fluid when water is added to it. It has demulcent properties, and plant containing it often make soothing laxatives.

Sachets: a small packet filled with herbs and/or other objects.

Saponins: naturally-occurring chemical compounds that form a soap-like lather when mixed with water.

Simple: an infusion made from a single herb.

Steep: to soak herbs in hot liquid.

Volatile Oils: made up of many different chemical compounds, volatile oils are found in highly scented herbs. All have antiseptic and antimicrobial actions and some have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which others act as expectorants.

Wortcunning: herbal knowledge; the use of herbs.