glossary
/ˈɡlɒs(ə)ri/
an alphabetical list of words relating to a specific subject, text, or dialect, with explanations; a brief dictionary.

Throughout this blog I use terms that many may not be familiar with. Due to my training as a naturopath and herbalist I tend to use the terms I was taught without thinking that others may not have a clue about the words I am babbling forth. This is particularly relevant when it comes to the descriptions in the monographs that outline the medicinal actions and uses of various plants and substances. To make it easier to navigate my Blog and avoid any potential misunderstandings I include this glossary of terms for you to refer to so that you can better understand what I am on about. The first section is on the types of herbal preparations commonly referred to, Section 2 describes some of the medical terminologies used in herbal medicine, Section 3 is a brief overview of Latin Terminologies related to herbalism and Section 4 outlines some of the terminologies relevant to Curanderismo.

Section 1 : Types of Herbal Preparations

• Acetract: An extract of a plant made by soaking herbs in a dark place with a desired amount of vinegar (acetic acid) for two to six weeks. The menstruum for an acetract can be 100% vinegar or a combination of alcohol and 5 to 10% vinegar.
• Compress: topical application used to soften tissue and relieve inflammation or pain. Made by placing a piece of soft cloth in hot water that has had herbal materials added (i.e. tea or decoction). This is then wrung out and placed on the area.
• Decoction: A tea made from boiling plant material, usually the bark, rhizomes, roots or other woody parts, in water.
• Elixir: an elixir is an extraction of a herb using honey and alcohol
• Essential Oils: Aromatic volatile oils extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants. Therapeutic use generally includes dilution of the highly concentrated oil. As these oils are highly concentrated extreme care must be taken when using them. Some may be irritant to the skin and most are irritant to the mucous membranes (of the mouth, eyes, vagina) if used undiluted. Generally speaking internal use is not recommended due to the strength of the oils. INTERNAL USE SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS. Many essential oils can be abortifacient and extreme care should be taken when used during pregnancy.
• Glycetract: (also called a Glycerite) An extract of a plant made by soaking herbs in a desired amount of glycerine. Generally a mixture with 60% or more glycerine to 40% or less water is a safe ratio. If you are using fresh picked herbs then 100% glycerine can be used as the moisture content of the herb will provide the water and dilute the mixture somewhat. The shelf life of a glycetract is shorter than that of a tincture. A glycetract has a shelf life of 14-24 months, versus an alcohol extract with a shelf life of 4-6 years. Glycerine can also be added to alcohol extractions. Glycerin does not extract resins, fixed oils, or volatile oils very well.
• Infused Oils: A process of extraction in which the volatile oils of a plant substance are obtained by soaking the plant in a carrier oil for approximately two weeks and then straining the oil.
• Infusion: A tea made by pouring water over plant material (usually dried flowers, fruit, leaves, and other parts, though fresh plant material may also be used), then allowed to steep. The water is usually boiling, but cold infusions are also an option. May be used therapeutically, as hot tea is an excellent way to administer herbs.
• Inhalation: this refers to the use of steam, which is inhaled. Typically hot water is poured over essential oil containing herbs or essential oils.
• Liniment: Extract of a plant added to either alcohol or vinegar and applied topically to employ the therapeutic benefits.
• Maceration: An extract made by soaking plant material in a menstruum usually at room temperature. The liquid used may be water (as in the case with mucilaginous herbs such as marshmallow) or edible oil (such as olive or almond). Unlike tinctures and acetracts macerations (particularly oil based ones) can be produced using sunlight to aid in the extraction process, this is sometimes called a “solar infusion”
• Menstruum: : a substance that dissolves a solid or holds it in suspension.
• Microdosis: (or Microdosing). This is a method used essentially to make an infusion out of a tincture. Place 5-10 drops of a tincture into a teacupful of boiled water Allow to cool a little (you still want it to be fairly warm though) and drink 4-5 cups per day
• Miel: A herbal extract using honey as the menstruum.
• Oxymel: An acetract that has honey added to it.
• Poultice: A therapeutic topical application of a soft moist mass of plant material (such as bruised fresh herbs), usually wrapped in a fine woven cloth.
• Tincture: An extract of a plant made by soaking herbs in a dark place with a desired amount of alcohol for two to six weeks. The liquid is strained from the plant material. The alcohol content of the tincture depend on the constituents being extracted from the herbs and may range from 25 to 90% (General Considerations for % of alcohol: Alkaloids – 40%- 60% : Acids & Sugars – water soluble : Saponins – 60%- 70% : Glycosides – 35%- 60% : Tannins – water soluble : Mucilage – warm water soluble : Gums & Resins – 75%- 90%). Tinctures often come with a listed strength (i.e 1:1, 1:2, 2:1), The easiest way (for me anyway) is to think of this number ratio as a fraction with the first number equalling grams (g) (or milligrams – with 1g=1000mg) and the second number equalling millilitres (ml) . So in a 1:1 tincture for every ml of liquid you get 1000mg of herb. A 1:2 is 1/2 the strength, with every 2ml of liquid supplying 1000mg of herb. And the opposite is true. A 2:1 extract supplies 2000mg of herb for every 1ml of liquid (double the strength)

Section 2 : Definitions of Actions

• abortifacient – inducing abortion
• acrid – A heating, irritating herb that causes a feeling of warmth in the mouth or on the skin or mucous membranes
• adaptogenic – A herb that helps the body adapt to stress, increase endurance, speed recovery from illness and work, and strengthen immune function
• adjuvant – A herb that is added to a formula or mixture of herbs in order to enhance or change its overall activity, reduce side effects of herbs or formulas, enhance activity or taste.
• adrenal cortex stimulant:
• adrenal tonic – A herb that supports adrenal function, to counteract fatigue or adrenal exhaustion from constant stresses. (see also adaptogenic)
• allelopathic – the effects (stimulatory and inhibitory) of a plant on the development of neighboring plants through the release of secondary compounds. Autoallelophaty is the beneficial or harmful effect of a plant species on itself.
• alexeteric – herbs which are used against poison or infection in the body
• alterative – Herbs or foods that slowly alter the activity of a tissue, organ system, or an organism by enhancing nutrition, energy, or vitality, without overtly stimulating; an older term for an adaptogen or tonic
• amoebicidal: used to treat illnesses caused by amoeba i.e. amoebic dysentery
• amphoteric – A herb which harmonizes and normalizes the function of an organ or body system, balancing to two seemingly contradictory conditions (such as diarrhoea and constipation, or high and low blood pressure). A herb which acts in two seemingly different ways, to bring about balance to the body
• anaesthetic: used to numb sensation in certain areas of the body or induce sleep, to result in a temporary loss of sensation or awareness.
• analeptic – restorative or stimulating effect on central nervous system
  analgesic – relieves pain
• anaphrodisiac – reduces capacity for sexual arousal
• anodyne – a herb that relieves pain (see analgesic)
• anesthetic – induces loss of sensation or consciousness due to the depression of nerve function
• antacid: neutralizes stomach acidity and is used to relieve heartburn, indigestion or an upset stomach.
• anthelmintic – kills or removes intestinal worms (helminths)
• antiallergic – Herbs that counteract allergies. Generally, the herbs have an anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect in the body.
• antianemic – preventing or curing anaemia
• antiarrhythmic: used to suppress abnormal rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias)
• anti-atherosclerotic: an agent that prevents or counteracts atherosclerosis (a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries)
• antibacterial – destroying or stopping the growth of bacteria
• antibilious – easing stomach stress
• anticatarrhal – reduces inflamed mucous membranes of head and throat\
• anticholesteremic – Herbs that have a tendency to lower blood cholesterol.
• anticoagulant – mildly inhibits blood coagulation through platelet activity.
• anticonvulsant: used in the treatment of epileptic seizures.
• antidepressant – therapy that acts to prevent, cure, or alleviate mental depression
• antidiabetic – preventing or relieving diabetes
• antidiarrhetic- also called antidiarrhoeal – substances use to prevent or treat diarrhoea
• antidipsotropic: used to suppress alcoholism
• antidiuretic : a substance that helps to control fluid balance in an animal’s body by reducing urination, opposing diuresis (increased urination)
• antiecchymotic: used to treat subcutaneous bleeding (also sometimes called bruising – although a bruise and an ecchymosis are not the same thing)
• antiemetic – counteracts nausea or vomiting
• antifibrinolytic: inhibitors of fibrinolysis (a process that prevents blood clots from growing and becoming problematic)
• antifungal – destroying or inhibiting the growth of fungus
• antihaemorrhagic – controlling haemorrhaging or bleeding
• antihepatotoxic – liver detoxifier
• antihydrotic – (internal usage) herbs that counteract dampness or “drain” dampness – (external usage) herbs that slow the production of sweat
  antihyperhidrotic: see antihydrotic
• anti-infectous – counteracting infection
• anti-inflammatory – controlling inflammation, a reaction to injury or infection
• antilithic – Dissolves and removes urinary gravel or stones (calculi). Helps prevent their formation.
• antimalarial – preventing or relieving malaria
• antimicrobial – destructive to microbes
• antimutagenic: agents that are able to counteract the effects of mutagens. This group of agents includes both natural and synthetic compounds.
• antineoplastic: inhibit or halt the development of a neoplasm (a tumor).
• anti-nociceptive: the action or process of blocking the detection of a painful or injurious stimulus by sensory neuronsantioedema:
• antioxidant – prevents or inhibits oxidation
• antiparasitic: indicated for the treatment of parasitic diseases, such as those caused by helminths, amoeba, ectoparasites, parasitic fungi, and protozoa
• antiperiodic – refers to an herb or substance that helps relieve cyclic fevers, as in malaria.
• antiphlogistic – reduces inflammation or fever – ( anti-inflammatory).
• antiplasmodial: counters parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Blood sucking insects transmit plasmodia parasites when they bite i.e. malaria
• antiplatelet – Inhibits platelet activity, supposedly reducing blood viscosity and coagulation.
• anti-prostatic: helps prevent enlargement of the prostate gland
• antiprotozoal: any agent that kills or inhibits the growth of organisms known as protozoans. Protozoans cause a variety of diseases, including malaria and Chagas’ disease.
• antipruritic – preventing or relieving itching
• anti-psoric: Any remedy for the itch.
• antipyretic – agent that reduces fever (febrifuge)
• antirheumatic – easing pain of rheumatism, inflammation of joints and muscles
• antiscorbutic – relieves and prevents scurvy
• antiseptic – Inhibits the growth of harmful organisms (bacteria, etc.), kills on contact
• antispasmodic – calming nervous and muscular spasms or convulsions, especially in smooth muscle (uterus, intestine, blood vessels, bronchi
• antitoxin: has the ability to help the body remove as well as neutralize toxins from the blood, organs, and tissues.
• anti-traumatic: helps the body deal with trauma and speed up the healing process.
• antitumor: inhibits tumour growth, or prevents its formation.
• antitussive – controlling or preventing cough
• antiuraemic: reduces the levels of urea in the blood (especially in kidney failure)
• antiviral – opposing the action of a virus
• antizymotic: Herbs that destroy pathogens or disease producing organisms. A substance that prevents fermentation or decomposition.
• amphoteric – A herb which harmonizes and normalizes the function of an organ or body system, balancing to two seemingly contradictory conditions such as diarrhoea and constipation, or high and low blood pressure for example. An herb which acts in two seemingly different ways, to bring about balance to the body.
• aperient – a gentle stimulating tonic to digestion, a very mild laxative
• aperitive – stimulating the appetite for food
• aphrodisiac – substance increasing capacity for sexual arousal
• appetizer: stimulates the appetite.
• aquaretic: a gentle herbal diuretic, such as dandelion leaf, that increases the body’s output of urine, helping to relieve oedema : aquaresis, the excretion of water without electrolyte loss.
• aromatic: have a strong and often pleasant odour. This oil-based aroma can stimulate and relax the body via the digestive and/or nervous systems, and are the basis for much of aromatherapy.
• asepsis – sterile, a condition free of germs, infection, and any form of life
• astringent – agent that constricts and binds by coagulation of proteins a cell surface
• attenuant: attenuate (dilute) humours and secretions – Any medicine that thins or dilutes the fluids (including blood)
• azoturic: a remedy that increases the elimination of nitrogenous waste products from the body through the urine or faeces.
• bacteriostatic: hampers the growth of bacteria.
• balsam: a resinous, aromatic, sticky plant exudate containing phenolic acids (benzoic acid derivatives), having stimulating, warming and anti-microbial properties.
• bitter – stimulates appetite or digestive function
• bronchodilator: dilates the bronchi, the large air passages leading into the lungs, allowing freer movement of air in and out.
• bronchospasmolytic: used to treat bronchospasm, relieving that part of bronchial obstruction, which is due to an increased tone of the bronchial musculature.
• calmative: a mild sedative or relaxing herb.
• cardiac: beneficial to the heart
• cardiotonic – increases strength and tone (normal tension or response to stimuli) of the heart
• carminative – causing the release of stomach or intestinal gas
• catarrhal – pertaining to the inflammation of mucous membranes of the head and throat
• cathartic – an active purgative, producing bowel movements
• cholagogue – an agent that increases flow of bile from gallbladder
• choleretic: substances that increase the volume of secretion of bile from the liver
• chondroprotective: delays progressive joint space narrowing characteristic of arthritis and improves the biomechanics of articular joints by protecting chondrocytes.
• cicatrizant – aiding formation of scar-tissue and healing wounds
• corrosive: destructive to living tissue. Used to stimulate new granulation in a stagnant ulcer. Indications: Ulcers that won’t heal, warts–USE WITH CAUTION!
• counterirritant – agent producing an inflammatory response for affecting an adjacent area (see Irritant)
• COX inhibitor – COX inhibitors are medications that directly target cyclooxygenase (COX) an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain
• decongestant: reduces congestion, especially in the nasal passages.
• demulcent – soothing action on inflammation, especially of mucous membranes
• deobstruent: clears obstructions
• deodorant: destroys or lessens body odours.
• depurative: a purifying or cleansing agent.
• detersive: has the power of cleansing ulcers or carrying off foul matter
• diaphoretic – increases perspiration (syn: sudorific)
• digestant: promotes good digestion.
• discutient: an agent that serves to disperse morbid matter.
• diuretic – increases urine flow
• dysmenorrhea – painful menstruation
• dyspepsia – imperfect or painful digestion
• ecbolic – tends to increase contractions of uterus, facilitating childbirth
• eccoprotic: has a gentle purgative action
• emetic – produces nausea and vomiting
• emmenagogue – agent that regulates and induces normal menstruation
• emollient – softens and soothes the skin
• errhine – bringing on sneezing, increasing flow of mucus in nasal passages
• escharotic – (eroding) a caustic substance that destroys tissue and causes sloughing
• estrogenic – causes the production of estrogen
• euphoriant – produces a sense of bodily comfort; temporary effect and often addictive
• expectorant – facilitates removal of secretions
• febrifuge – an agent that reduces or relieves a fever
• flatulence – excessive gas in the stomach or intestine
• fumigant: the use of smoke to treat a condition i.e moxa
• galactagogue – an agent that promotes the flow of milk (syn: galactogenic)
• germicidal: destroys germs
• haemagogue – an agent that promotes the flow of blood
• haematic – see haematinic
• haematinic – herbs which increase the haemoglobin content of red blood cells. Often used to treat iron deficienct anaemia. Also called hematinic or haematic
• haemostatic – controls the flow or stops the flow of blood
• hallucinogen :induces hallucinations
• hematinic – see haematinic
• hepatic – having to do with the liver, tonifies and strengthens the liver
• hepatotonic – tones, balances, strengthens the liver
• herpetic – treating skin eruptions relating to the herpes virus
• hormonal regulator: has a tendency to normalize hormone output from the glands
• hydragogue : causes a watery discharge
• hypertensive – raises blood pressure
• hypnotic: helps promote sleep.
• hypocholesterolaemic: cholesterol lowering agent
• hypoglycemant – agent that lowers blood sugar (syn hypoglycaemic)
• hypolipidaemic: any agent the reduces the level of lipids and lipoproteins (lipid-protein complexes) in the blood.
• hypotensive – lowers blood pressure
• hypothyroidal: reduces the thyroxin output of the thyroid gland
• immune stimulant: has a tendency to activate various immune functions, such as macrophage activity (syn immunostimulant)
• immunomodulatory: modifies the immune response or the functioning of the immune system (as by the stimulation of antibody formation or the inhibition of white blood cell activity)
• irritant: An irritating herb such as cayenne. These Herbs are often called “counterirritants” because they stimulate nerve endings on areas of the skin that in turn send a signal to internal tissues or organs that are connected to the same nerve pathway. This process can help send more blood and energy to the area to remove congestion and stimulate healing.
• lactifuge – reduces the flow of milk
• laxative – substance that acts to loosen the bowels contents
• lymphagogue: an agent that promotes lymph production or lymph flow.
• lymphatic: stimulates the flow of lymph in the lymph vessels.
• masticatory – increases flow of saliva upon chewing
• maturative : promotes suppuration (pus)
• metabolic; regulates or stimulates the metabolic processes
• mucolytic: helps break up and disperse sticky mucus in the respiratory tract
• mucous membrane tonic: improves the tone, vigour, and function of the mucous membranes (particularly of the respiratory tract)
• mydriatic: causes dilation (opening) of the pupil of the eye
• myotic: causing an unnatural contraction of the pupil of the eye
• narcotic – induces drowsiness, sleep, or stupor and lessons pain
• nauseant: induces nausea
• nephritic: supports the health of the kidneys
• nervine – a nerve tonic, affects the nervous system
• neuralgia – severe sharp pain along the course of a nerve
• nootropic: enhances cognition and memory and facilitate learning.
• nutritive: nourishes the body.
• odontalgic: used in a toothache
• orexigenic: an appetite stimulant, a substance that increases appetite and may induce hyperphagia (an abnormally great desire for food; excessive eating – i.e. the “munchies”)
• oxytocic: stimulates uterine contractions
• parturfaciant – induces contractions of labour at childbirth
• partus preparator: used during the last weeks of pregnancy to tone the uterus and prepare for labour and expedite recovery.
• pectoral: affects diseases of the respiratory tract
• peripheral vasodilator:
• phytoestrogenic: plant compounds that mimic oestrogen within the body
• phytotoxic: poisonous to plants.
• pungent: hot-tasting herb that acts on a common group of nerve cell receptors having the effect of warming the body and improving digestion and circulation
  purgative – strong laxative, causes the evacuation of intestinal contents
• pyrogenic: induces (brings about/creates) fever
• radioprotective: protects against radiation
• reflex demulcent: demulcents work locally to reduce irritation. In the throat, demulcents calm ticklish dry coughs and prevent coughing. By reflex through the vagus nerve, they also reduce irritation in the urinary tract. i.e marshmallow
• refrigerant: relieves fever, internal heat
• resolvent: reduces inflammation
• resorbent – aids reabsorption of blood from bruises
• restorative: restores balance and strength to the body and its systems; a tonic, sometimes called a “roborant.”
• rheumatism – a general term for acute or chronic conditions characterized by inflammation of the muscles and joints (includes arthritis, gout, bursitis, myositis, and fibromyositis).
• rubefacient – agent which reddens skin, dilates the vessels, and increases blood supply locally
• schistosomicidal: destructive to schistosomes. Schistosomes are parasitic blood flukes that enter humans by attaching to the skin, penetrating it, and then migrating through the venous system to the portal veins where the parasites produce eggs and eventually, the symptoms of acute or chronic disease
• sedative – exerts a soothing, tranquilizing effect on the body
• sialagogue: promotes the secretion of saliva.
• soporific – inducing sleep
• spasmolytic: able to relieve spasm of smooth muscle, usually refers to the gut
• spermatogenic: increases production of sperm
• splenic: relating to the spleen
• sternatory: causes sneezing
• stimulant – temporarily increases body or organ function
• stomachic – aids the stomach and digestion action
• stupefying: deprives of sensibility
• styptic: stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
• sudorific – acts to increase perspiration
• synergist: a substance, organ, or other agent that participates in an effect of synergy. (Synergy – the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.)
• taeniacide: kills tape worms
• thymoleptic: raises mood, counteracts depression
• thyrogenic: an action originating from the thyroid gland. Herbs that affect the nutrition or activity of the thyroid gland.
• tonic – a substance that increases strength and tone
• trophorestorative: has a healing and restorative action on a specific organ or tissue
  uterine tonic: improves the nutrition and function of the uterus,
• vagotonic: Overactivity or irritability of the vagus nerve, adversely affecting function of the blood vessels, stomach, and muscles. sympathetic imbalance, producing bradycardia (slowing of the heartbeat), decreased heart output, and faintness, constipation, and sweating
• vasodilator – widens (dilates) blood vessels, lowering blood pressure as a result
• vasoprotective: acts to alleviate certain conditions of the blood vessels.
• venotonic – strengthen blood vessels (veins)
• vermicide: destroys intestinal worms
• vermifuge – causes expulsion of intestinal worms; an anthelmintic.
• vesicant: produces blisters
• vulnerary – stops external bleeding and promotes the healing of wounds

Section 3 : Latin Plant Terminology

These are old terms that are rarely used these days. They are still commonly used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine and I have put them here for interests sake.

• Aetheroleum: Refers to the essential or volatile oil as a distinct aromatic product obtained from the plant.
• Balsamum: Refers to a solution of resin and volatile oil usually produced by special cells in some plants.
• Bulbus: Refers to the bulb or an underground bud (specialized stem structure) of a plant, from which both a shoot and roots may extend.
• Cortex: Refers to the bark of the plant. Bark can be collected from the root, stem, or branches.
• Flos: Refers to the flowers of plant usually consisting of a single flower or the entire inflorescences (i.e., head, umbel, panicle, spike, etc.).
• Folium: Refers to the leaf of plant. Usually the middle leaves of plants are collected.
• Fructus: Refers to the fruit (the ripened ovary of the flower-bearing seeds) or berry of the plant. In pharmacognosy, fructus is not always synonymous with the botanical definition.
• Herba: Refers to the aerial parts or the aboveground parts of plants which may include the flower, leaf, and the stem of the plant, and occasionally fruits too.
• Lignum: Refers to the wood or the secondary thickening of the stem. This may or may not contain the bark as well.
• Oleum: Refers to the fixed oil preparation pressed or squeezed from the plant material.
• Pericarpium: Refers to the peel or rind of fruit.
• Pyroleum: Refers to the tar from dry distilled plant material.
• Radix: Refers to the root of a plant, though radix is sometimes synonomous with rhizome
• Resina: Refers to the resin that is secreted by the plant or by distillation of the balsamum.
• Rhizoma: Refers to the rhizome or a creeping horizontal stem, generally bearing roots on its underside.
• Semen: Refers to the seed of a plant, usually removed from the fruit, and may or may not contain the seed coat.

As the focus of my Blog is the healing tradition of Mexico known as Curanderismo I have included the following list of terms. Many of these will be the focus of individual Posts which may (or may not) have already been published. Keep an eye out for these. Many terms can either be listed as masculine or feminine. A curandero is the male form whilst a curandera is the female form of the word. Keep this in mind as I often list only one version.

Section 4 : Curanderismo and Related Terminology

• Acupunturista: Acupuncturist. Mesoamerican acupuncture, some practitioners may also include aspects of Chinese acupuncture and many of the energy channels used in Mesoamerican acupuncture echo those used in the Chinese tradition
• Barridas, Sweeping. Auric cleansing done by sweeping the body with a bundle of aromatic herbs
• Bilis: Strong suppressed anger, eating while experiencing strong conflict/anger; can lead to susto.
• Botanica: (also known as a hierbería or botica) a small shop that sells herbal and other traditional remedies, together with charms, incense, candles, and other items used for religious or spiritual purposes.
• Brujeria, brujo, bruja. (Witch) Person who uses coercive spiritual practices to cause harm to another. Any long-lasting, serious illness that does not respond to a medical doctor’s treatments may be attributed to brujería.
• Caida de Mollera: Fallen fontanelle. A condition that affects young babies. The fontanelle (or fontanel)(colloquially, soft spot) is an anatomical feature of the infant human skull comprising any of the soft membranous gaps (sutures) between the cranial bones that make up the calvaria (the top part of the skull) of a fetus or an infant. Caida de Mollera involves the fontanelle caving in on the soft palate. The symptoms of caida de la mollera include: the inability of the infant to suck or grasp firmly the nipple of a bottle or breast; diarrhoea; vomiting; fever; excessive crying and restlessness.’
• Compuesta: a treatment (musculoskeletal manipulation) performed by a huesero
• Confianza: confianza conveys a deep trust and respect of the curandera as someone who views her relationship with theirclient as a sacred relationship and responsibility.
• Consejeras: (or Señoras) female counsellors
• Curación: hands-on subtle energy healing
• Curandera/o: a traditional native healer/shaman found in Latin America, the United States and Southern Europe. Curanderismo blends religious beliefs, faith, and prayer with the use of herbs, massage, and other traditional methods of healing. Curanderismo can be defined as a set of traditional beliefs, rituals, and practices that address the physical, spiritual, psychological, and social needs of the people who use it. Curanderismo in Mexico is based on Aztec, Mayan, African and Spanish influences. The Spanish verb curar means to heal. A person may be “called” to become a curandero as it can be seen as a gift from God. Sometimes the curandero had no previous inclination to become a healer but they suffer a near fatal accident or illness and when they pull through it they find they have been given an ability to heal. Curanderos may be part of a family lineage and they informally apprentice themselves to a family member who is already a practising curandero.
• Empacho, Blockage. Stomach or intestinal discomfort. (See Post on Empacho)
• Espiritista: (Spirit Medium). Someone who enters into trance to channel a famous healer. El Niño Fidencio, a revered Mexican curandero, has a large following of mediums that channel his spirit called Fidencistas.
• Envidia. Acute jealousy or envy, directed toward another.
• Granicero: Weather Worker. Ritual specialists, who in indigenous tradition manipulate the weather. A granicero sometimes receives their gift after surviving being struck by lightning
• Hierbero: Herbalist
• Huesero: Bone-setter, trained in the indigenous methods of adjusting or setting bones and performing spinal alignment. Hueseros, aside from being prehispanic chiropractors, also deal with sprains, strains and fractures as what in modern terms would be called an osteopath. Hueseros, like the barefoot doctors of China, use no equipment (such as x-rays) but rather they rely on body clues obtained from observing factors such as the colour and temperature of the patients skin, the build up of fluid or by physically touching the patient and gauging the extent of the range of movement of particular joints or limbs
• Latido (anorexia or hyperglycemia) loosely translated into English as “nervous stomach”. It is a psychological condition generally caused by going a prolonged amount of time without eating. Symptoms include anorexia, inability to hold food, nausea
• Limpia, Cleansing. Purification rituals using prayer and sacred tools.There are many different types of limpias. The limpia usually precedes hands-on healing
• Limpias espirituales. Spiritual cleansing.
• Maestra (teacher). A respectful mode of addressing a female curandera.
• Mal Aire/Mal Viento: Literally, bad or harmful air or wind. Caused by breathing in cold night air, moving rapidly from a warm to a cold ambient environment, or working up a sweat and not allowing for a proper cooling down period are among some of the causes.
• Mal de Ojo: Evil Eye, may affect infants especially and adults and caused by a person with a “strong gaze.” Mal de ojo is sometimes associated with black magic and witchcraft. The symptoms of mal de ojo include: fever; vomiting; diarrhoea; crying; loss of appetite and weight; sleeping restlessly; trembling; restlessness; irritability; headaches; drooping or sunken eyes; listlessness; rashes; sores; aches and pains.
• Muina: “anger illness,” rage, subject may subject may become paralysed (related to Bilis)
• Nahual (or Nagual): a human being who has the power to shapeshift into an animal form. It is generally believed that one must make a deal with the Devil to obtain this gift.
• Nervios, nerves. Marked by anxiety, palpitations, symptoms of depression, uncharacteristic behaviors.
• Partera, Traditional birth attendant. Midwive who attends births, helps deliver babies, and provides prenatal, postpartum, and well-woman care.
• Pláticas (Heart to Heart talks). In a cultural clinical setting, this term is used to refer to a part of the session wherethe client is given the opportunity to speak from the heart to clarify issues
• Sobadora: Traditional Bodyworker. Practitioner who uses massage and other forms of bodywork
• Susto or Espanto: literally, “fright” (sometimes referred to as “magical fright”)(more commonly known as soul loss). It is a spiritual, emotional, and energetic illness that is caused when an aspect of the soul is “shocked” out of the body after a traumatic emotional or physical event. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a modern incarnation of the condition. Before healing can properly occur the errant portion of the soul must be “retrieved”. Espanto is considered a more serious form of susto.
• Temascalera/o. Sweat-lodge keeper who conducts purification ceremonies.
• Temazcal: a type of sweat lodge/sauna, which originated with pre-Hispanic Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. The word temazcal comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli (“house of heat”). The temazcal is usually a permanent structure, unlike sweat lodges of other regions. It may be a circular dome made to represent the uterus and there is often an element of rebirth in the ceremony of the temazcal.
• Tirisia (anxiety): Tirisia is defined as “a sorrowful mien and lack of appetite,” and is common in small children when separated from their mothers. Described as depression or homesickness caused by a disruption of one’s routine, like moving from one home to another. The symptoms of tirisia include: anxiety; depression; a sallow look; bad skin colour; dead and straw-like hair; split nails; excessive crying; sleepiness.
• Yerbera: Herbalist