FAQs

Herbalism & plant medicine is a world of its own with a language all its own.

If you are new to herbal medicine there may be words and concepts that are new to you. Below you will find terms for certain herbal medicine preparations, medicinal actions (what they do), and other terms commonly used in herbalism. If you still have questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

+ What can herbal medicine help with?

A few conditions herbal medicine can help support:

  • Stress/Mood
  • Anxiety & Depression
  • Immune Health
  • Sleep
  • Cognitive Function
  • Digestion
  • Skin Issues
  • Physical Pain
  • Connection to spirit

+ WHAT IS A TINCTURE?

Tinctures are concentrated liquid herbal extracts that are made by soaking roots, berries, leaves, barks, fruits of one or more plants in alcohol, water, vinegar, or glycerine over a period of time. Tinctures are taken in dosages regulated by the drop.

+ WHAT IS A GLYCERITE?

A Glycerite is an extract of an herb that uses vegetable glycerin as its method of extraction. Glycerine a is very sweet, clear, odorless, nontoxic, with the consistency of a thick syrup.

Glycerites are great for people who want to avoid alcohol, recovering alcoholics, people who can’t use alcohol because of religious beliefs, people with liver problems or people who just don’t like the taste of alcohol tinctures.

+ WHAT IS A SALVE?

Salves can also be called balms or ointments. They are a semi-solid mixture of an herbal oil base that is solidified with wax (beeswax or candelilla wax).

Salves are used topically on the skin for pain, skin irritations, burns, bug bites, scraps, cuts, and other conditions.

+ WHAT IS AN ELIXIR?

An elixir is a sweet herbal preparation, sometimes made with brandy or other alcohol and sweetener such as honey or glycerine.

+ What is a tonic?

An herbal tonic is used to help restore, tone and invigorate systems in the body and promote general health and well-being.

+ What is wildcrafting?

Wildcrafting is the practice of harvesting plants from their natural, or wild habitat, for food or medicinal purposes.

+ What is an Adaptogen?

Adaptogens are herbs, roots, or mushrooms that work to adapt the body's ability to resist stress and restore the body to its normal physiological function.