There are many words used to describe herbs and their actions on the body. The following is a guide to understanding these unique terms.
Emetic
a substance that induces vomiting.
Emmenogogue
an agent, taken internally, to promote menstrual flow.
Emollient
an externally applied agent that softens or soothes skin.
Essential oil
any of a class of volatile oils that impart the characteristic odors of plants; used especially in perfumes, food flavorings and aromatherapy; also called volatile oil.
Expectorant
an agent that increases bronchial secretions and facilitates their expulsion through coughing, spitting or sneezing.
Extract
a concentrate, made by steeping raw plant material(s) in solvent (alcohol and/or water), after which the solvent is allowed to evaporate.
Flatulence
gas in the stomach or intestines.
Source: www.cncahealth.com