Page 27 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Umbel - Multiple flowers are arranged into an umbrella shaped structure. Numerous pedicels grow from a sin-
gle point at the top of the stem and each pedicel produces a single flower. Umbels can be simple or compound.
For example, queen Anne’s lace, carrot, onion, and wax flowers.
Undulate (leaf) - The leaf margins are broadly wavy. For example, some species of oak trees, bay tree, and
taro have undulated leaves.
Winnow - The act of separating the grain or seed from the bracts and pedicels (also known as chaff) after
threshing using a light breeze.

Medical Terminology List

Analgesic - To have pain-relieving properties.
Astringent - To cause the cells and tissues to tighten and contract.
Cholagogue - To cause an increase in the amount of bile being released by the liver and gall bladder.

Demulcent - Usually high in mucilage, a demulcent creates a protective barrier over the mucus membranes
along the gastrointestinal tract.
Diaphoretic - To cause sweating.
Diuretic - To cause an increase in urine production, which subsequently reduces the amount of water and salts
in the body.
Dysentery - A bacterial infection of the lower intestines and colon which causes diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Emetic - To cause vomiting.
Emollient - To have moisturizing and lubricating properties.

Expectorant - To soften phlegm and sputum to make it easier to cough up and expel.
Febrifuge - To reduce fever and high temperatures.
Pectoral - To treat discomfort, pain and illness around the chest and lungs.
Purgative - To have a laxative effect by loosening stools as well as lubricating bowel movements.
Rheumatism - A type of disease that causes pain, swelling, inflammation and loss of movement in the joints,
tendons, ligaments, muscles and bones. Arthritis causes the same symptoms in joints.
Stomachic - To increase appetite and promote healthy digestion.
Vasodilator - To dilate or open the arteries, veins and other blood vessels, which increases blood circulation.
Vermifuge - To expel or kill intestinal worms and parasites.

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