Herbal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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herbal

[ˈhɜːrbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

medicine

Relating to or made from herbs, especially those of medicinal value.

Synonyms

botanical, natural, plant-based.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herbal

Used when referring specifically to medicines, teas, or products made from herbs (leaves, flowers, or seeds) and often in the context of traditional or alternative medicine.

  • She drinks herbal tea to relax before bed.
  • He prefers using herbal remedies for his allergies.
botanical

Used in a scientific context or when describing plants in terms of their classification, study, or general plant properties.

  • She is studying botanical sciences.
  • The botanical garden has a wide variety of exotic plants.
natural

Broad term used to describe something that is not artificial or synthetic. Often used in the context of food, beauty products, or lifestyle choices to imply healthiness or environmental friendliness.

  • She only buys natural skincare products.
  • Natural foods have fewer preservatives.
plant-based

Often used in the context of diets or products to indicate that they are derived from plants rather than animals. Frequently seen in discussions about vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.

  • He follows a plant-based diet for health reasons.
  • This plant-based burger tastes just like meat.

Examples of usage

  • Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.
  • Many people prefer herbal remedies over traditional medications.
  • The herbal tea had a calming effect on the patient.
Context #2 | Noun

product

A product made from herbs, typically used for medicinal purposes.

Synonyms

herb-based, herbal product, herbal remedy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
herbal

Might be a duplicate; see 'herbal' for context and examples.

herb-based

Used to emphasize that the primary ingredients or components are herbs. Commonly used for products or treatments specifically highlighting their herbal composition.

  • The company specializes in herb-based skincare products
  • It’s an herb-based supplement for improving immunity
herbal remedy

Refers to a treatment or medicine derived from herbs, often used in alternative medicine. Typically suggested for healing or relieving symptoms naturally.

  • Ginger tea is a common herbal remedy for nausea
  • She used an herbal remedy to soothe her sore throat
herbal product

Specifically refers to a product that is made from herbs. Often used in marketing, health, and wellness contexts.

  • Many people prefer herbal products over synthetic ones
  • This store sells a wide range of herbal products

Examples of usage

  • She purchased a variety of herbal supplements from the health food store.
  • The herbal shampoo contained extracts of lavender and rosemary.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The use of herbal plants dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Chinese who recorded herbal remedies on papyrus and bamboo.
  • Many cultures have traditionally used herbs for medicinal purposes, leading to the establishment of herbal medicine as a respected practice worldwide.

Culinary Uses

  • Herbs like basil, cilantro, and rosemary are staples in various cuisines, enhancing flavors and providing health benefits.
  • The difference between herbs and spices primarily lies in which part of the plant is used; herbs come from the leafy part while spices usually come from seeds, bark, or roots.

Health and Wellness

  • Many people turn to herbal remedies for health issues, believing that they can be gentler alternatives to conventional medicine.
  • Popular herbs like chamomile and peppermint are known for their calming effects and are often used in teas to soothe the mind and body.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of herbal tea popularity has transformed it into a cultural phenomenon, with varieties like chamomile and matcha becoming integral to wellness trends.
  • Numerous indie brands have emerged, focusing on herbal-infused products from skincare to snacks, promoting a natural aesthetic.

Botanical Science

  • Herbs are often categorized into two types: annuals, which complete their life cycle in one year, and perennials, which return year after year.
  • Understanding the growing conditions for different herbs is crucial; factors such as soil type, sunlight, and water can significantly affect their growth and flavor.

Origin of 'herbal'

The word 'herbal' originated from the Latin word 'herba', which means 'grass, green plants'. The use of herbs for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. Herbal remedies have been an integral part of traditional medicine systems around the world. In modern times, there has been a resurgence of interest in herbal medicine due to its natural and holistic approach to healing.


See also: herb, herbaceous, herbarium, herbicide, herbivore.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,756, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.