Herbal Dictionary: i, J & K

A liquid extract that is obtained by steeping herbs in water, oil or alcohol to extract its therapeutic compounds or flavors and then straining the fluid to extract the solid parts

In this video, herbalist Susun Weed discusses herbal infusions, including their benefits, uses and preparation.

An infused oil is a mixture comprised of an herb's volatile oils and a carrier oil. The herb is steeped in the carrier oil for a period of time to extract its volatile oils

This video shows you how to prepare your own herbal infused oil. For the demonstration, he infuses calendula with sweet almond oil and comfrey with olive oil.

Immunity is the body’s ability to identify and fight infectious and potentially harmful microorganisms, enabling the body to prevent or resist disease as well as hinder organ and tissue damage.

An immune-stimulant herb helps to stimulate your body’s own innate immune system by activating or increasing the activity of its components, including two types of white blood cells: macrophages and Natural Killer cells. They also act to nourish and strengthen your body’s natural immunity to disease and toxins

Immunostimulant herbs are commonly used in the beginning stages of an infection such a cold, to help the body fight it off, and continued over the duration of the infectious illness to keep it at bay. Most of them are used for short periods of time because of their stimulating properties, which can cause an imbalance if used for extended periods.

Synonym: Immunostimulators

Immunostimulant Herbs

• Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus)
• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Ginseng, Korean (Panax ginseng)
• Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
• Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

Immunomodulator herbs work by stimulating, suppressing or modulating any aspect of the immune system, including both innate and adaptive arms of the immune system.

An insecticidal herb is one that kills or repels insects. These are usually herbs that secrete natural insect repellents as part of their own defense systems.

• Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)
• Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Cedar (Cedrus brevifolia)
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

A saline solution used in herbal medicine that consists of a mixture of sea salt dissolved in distilled water. The solution is prepared in the ratio of 1/4 teaspoon salt to 1 cup of purified water.

1. Ann McIntyre (1995), The Complete Women's Herbal.
2. David Hoffman (2013), Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies
3. Henriette's Herbal Page: Sodii Chloridum, B.P. Sodium Chloride
4. International Journal Of Pharmacy & Life Sciences: A Review on Herbal Immunoadjuvant
5. Rosemary Gladstar (2014), Herbs for Common Ailments: How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies for Home Health Care