There are many words used to describe herbs and their actions on the body. The following is a guide to understanding these unique terms.
Choleretic
an agent that stimulates the formation of bile.
Concentration
the amount of material in a solution in relationship to the amount of solvent; expressed as the ratio.
For example:
1:5 concentration means that 5 parts of an extract contains the equivalent of one part of the raw herb;
4:1 concentration means that 1 part of an extract contains the equivalent of 4 parts of the raw herb.
Counterirritant
an agent that causes a distracting irritation intended to relieve another irritation.
Decoction
extract of a crude drug made by boiling or simmering (cooking) herbs in water; stronger than a tea or infusion.
Demulcent
an oily or mucilaginous substance that soothes irritated tissue, especially mucous membranes.
Diaphoretic
an agent, taken internally to promote sweating (also called sudorific).
Diuretic
an agent that promotes urine production and flow.
Source: www.cncahealth.com