Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Herbal Pharmacology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Herbal Pharmacology 1. Herbal vs. Botanical One of the most common confusions is between the words 'herbal' and 'botanical.' While both relate to plants, 'herbal' specifically refers to the medicinal use of plants, whereas 'botanical' is a broader term encompassing all aspects of plants, including their taxonomy and morphology. 2. Infusion vs. Decoction When it comes to preparing herbal remedies, 'infusion' and 'decoction' are often used interchangeably. However, there's a distinct difference. An infusion is made by steeping the plant material in hot water, while a decoction involves boiling the material. The choice between the two methods depends on the plant's properties and the desired outcome. 3. Tincture vs. Extract Both tinctures and extracts are concentrated forms of herbal remedies. However, the difference lies in the solvent used. Tinctures are made by soaking the plant material in alcohol, whereas extracts can use various solvents, including water, alcohol, or oil. This distinction affects the final product's potency and shelf life. 4. Syrup vs. Elixir