Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Plant S Glossary
Scrofula
- infection and enlargement of the lymph glands. Diseases such as this were once great scourges, hence we find frequent references to cures in the old herbals. It is essentially a form of tuberculosis, no longer common because of sanitation and modern medicine.
Scurvy
- a membrane and skin disease, today quite uncommon in western countries, where the vitamin C of citrus fruits, rose hips, et cetera, is easily come by.
Sedatives
- drugs which tend to calm or tranquilize the nervous system.
As will be noted later, a number of herbal infusions have sedative properties.
Sialagogue
- an agent which promotes the flow of saliva.
Specific
- a drug or remedy having a distinctive influence on a disease.
Stimulants
- medicines which temporarily increase mental or physical activity. In using this word one must distinguish between narcotics, which stimulate and then depress; tonics, which stimulate by raising the general health over a period of time; and true stimulants which quicken vital action and digestion, raise body temperature, and increase general awareness, all on a transitory basis. Among the bestknown plant stimulants are culinary herbs such as anise, cinnamon, cloves, dill, ginger, horseradish, nutmeg, pepper, peppermint, and sage; while among more commonly known medicinal herbs are elecampane, horehound, hyssop, lavender, lobelia, marjoram, rue, spearmint, and yarrow.
Stomachics
- medicines which excite the action of the stomach by stimulating secretions; something in the nature of a cordial. Drugs which may otherwise be listed as aperient or tonic are in this category, but a number of distinct species are rated of value as stomachics.
Styptics
- rnedicines which cause contraction of blood vessels.
Sudorifics
- herbs which cause copious sweating. Sweating, natural or induced, is necessary to normal or improved health.