D
- Deciduous
- A plant that sheds its leaves at the end of the growing season.
- Decoction
- A water-based herbal extract made by simmering plant material in water.
Often called teas, decoctions are made from the tougher parts of the plant as the bark, berries, leaves, roots, or seeds, whose components are not readily released by simple infusion.
- Demulcent
- Any substance that softens and soothes such damaged or inflamed surfaces as the gastric mucous membranes.
Slippery elm is the most noted example.
- Deobstruent
- Any herb with laxative properties.
- Diaphoretic
- A substance that produces sweating or perspiration, which helps the skin eliminate waste from the body and helps the body ensure a clean and harmonious inner environment.
- Dicotyledon
- An angiosperm having two seed leaves or cotyledons.
- Distilled Water
- The purest water in which to make cosmetics or herbal preparations as tap water or rain water contain too many impurities.
- Diterpenes
- Components found in many herbs, including rosemary.
It is a potent antioxidant, anticancer agent, and anti-liver-toxin agent.
- Diuretic
- A substance that increases the volume of urine excreted.
- Doctrine of Signatures
- A belief that plants have a sign, or an appearance, that indicates for what ailment or part of the body it should be used.
- Dropsy
- An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body tissues or cavities, usually related to underlying disorders.
- Drupe
- A fleshy fruit and one with one or more seeds, each surrounded by a stony layer, e.g., Apricot.
- Dysentery
- An infection of the lower intestinal tract that produces pain, fever, and severe diarrhea.
- Dysmenorrhea
- Difficult or painful menstruation.
- Dyspepsia
- Disturbed digestion, or indigestion.
