| Adaptogen |
Works
with the adrenal glands to combat stress. Adaptogens
usually have no side effects. |
| Alterative |
Gradually
restores the proper function of the body. They act
to alter the body's processes of metabolism so
tissues can best deal with everything from nutrition
to elimination. |
| Analgesic |
Reduces
and eliminates pain. |
| Anodyne |
Soothing,
relaxing, elimination of pain. |
| Aperient |
An
aperient herb acts as a mild laxative by stimulated
evacuation of the bowels. |
| Aperitive |
Stimulates
the appetite. |
| Aphrodisiac |
Arouses
or intensifies sexual desire. |
| Antacid |
Neutralizes
or counteracts acid in the stomach. |
| Anthelmintic |
Expels
or destroys parasitic intestinal worms. |
| Anti-bilious |
Helps
combat excessive urination by promoting a healthy
gallbladder and liver. |
| Antibiotic |
Destroys
or inhibits the growth of microorganisms used to
treat infectious diseases. |
| Anti-candidal |
Helps
combat yeast on the skin or mucous membranes. |
| Anti-carcinogenic |
Prevents
the development of cancer. |
| Anti-catarrhal |
Help
removes excess mucous from various parts of the
body. |
| Anti-emetic |
Prevents
or stops vomiting. |
| Antifungal |
Prevents
or destroys fungi associated with fungal infections. |
| Anti-inflammatory |
Reduce
inflammation. They are good for the relief of aches
and pains, but inflammation is usually only a
symptom of an underlying problem. |
| Antilithic |
Destructive
to gall, kidney and/or bladder stones. |
| Anti-microbial |
Helps
the body resist pathogenic micro-organisms which in
turn strengthens the immune system. |
| Antioxidant |
Prevents
or delays deterioration caused by oxidation. |
| Antiparasitic |
Destroys
or inhibits the growth of human or animal parasites. |
| Antipyretic |
Reduces
fever. |
| Anti-rheumatic |
Can
help ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis or other
muscle/joint conditions. |
| Anti-scorbutic |
Can
cure or prevent scurvy. |
| Antispasmodic |
Eases
muscle tension and spasms. Can help relieve cramps
and sometime psychological tension as well. |
| Antiseptic |
Prevents
infection by inhibiting the growth of
microorganisms. |
| Antitussive |
Relieves
or suppresses coughing. |
| Aromatic |
Fragrant. |
| Astringent |
Bind
mucous membranes, skin and other exposed tissue.
When used to stop internal or external bleeding it
is called styptic. |
| Bitter |
Herbs
that taste bitter are good for the whole body,
especially the digestive system. |
| Calmative |
A
sedative having relaxing effects on the body. |
| Carminative |
Carminatives
stimulate the digestive tract to work properly. They
ease digestive pains and help remove gas. |
| Cathartic |
Purges
the bowels, such as a laxative. |
| Cholagogue |
Stimulates
the flow of bile from the liver. |
| Demulcent |
Soothe
and protect irritated and inflamed internal tissue.
When a demulcent herb is used externally, it is
called an emollient. |
| Detoxicant |
Removes
or diminishes poisons from the body. |
| Diaphoretic |
Increases
perspiration. |
| Digestant |
Aids
or stimulates digestion. |
| Discutient |
Serves
to disperse morbid matter. |
| Diuretic |
Increases
the amount of urine expelled from the body.
Diuretics usually have other beneficial actions to
the urinary system. |
| Emmenagogue |
Promotes
normal and regular menstrual flow. Emmenagogue is
also used to describe herbs that are beneficial to
anything in the female reproductive system. |
| Emollient |
Soothes
and protects irritated or inflamed skin. |
| Expectorant |
Removes
excess mucous from the lungs. |
| Febrifuge |
Reduces
fever. |
| Fungicide |
Prevents
or destroys fungi associated with fungal infections. |
| Galactagogue |
Promotes
the secretion and flow of milk. |
| Hemostatic |
Stops
bleeding or hemorrhaging. |
| Hepatic |
Good
for the overall health of the liver which in turn is
good for the overall health of your body. They can
be used to detoxify the liver. |
| Hormonal |
Effects
hormones to stimulate physiological activity such as
growth. |
| Hypertensive |
Increase
low blood pressure. |
| Hypotensive |
Reduce
elevated blood pressure. |
| Immunostimulant |
Stimulates
and strengthens the immune system. |
| Insecticide |
Kills
insects. |
| Laxative |
Stimulates
the evacuation of the bowels. |
| Lithotriptic |
Dissolves
gall, bladder and kidney stones. |
| Mucilant |
Acts
as a laxative. |
| Nervine |
A
nervine herb will be in some way beneficial to the
nervous system. |
| Nutritive |
Nourishing
to the body. |
| Oxytocic |
Induces
childbirth by stimulating contractions of the
uterus. |
| Parasiticide |
Destroys
parasites. |
| Pectoral |
Good
for treating disorders of the chest and lungs. |
| Proliferant |
Increases
the growth of cells. |
| Pungent |
Having
an acrid taste or smell. |
| Refrigerant |
Acts
as a cooling agent to reduce fever. |
| Rubefacient |
Irritating
to the skin. |
| Sedative |
Sedatives
relax, soothe and tranquilize to relieve anxiety,
stress, irritability and are effective as sleep
aids. |
| Sialagogue |
Increases
the flow of saliva. |
| Soporific |
Induces
sleep. |
| Stimulant |
Quickens
and excites physical activity in the body. |
| Stomachic |
Stimulates
digestion in the stomach. |
| Styptic |
Binds
tissue to stop internal or external bleeding. |
| Sudorific |
Increases
perspiration. |
| Tonic |
Restores,
refreshes and invigorates the body. |
| Vasoconstrictive |
Constricts
blood vessels. |
| Vasodilator |
Dilates
the blood vessels causing relaxation and rest. |
| Vermifuge |
Expels
intestinal worms. |
| Vulnerary |
Used
in the healing of wounds. |
