Glossary

Therapeutic Actions

ADAPTOGEN

Stress relieving, beneficial to the Endocrine System.

ANALGESIC

Pain relieving.

ANTI-ANAEMIC

Promoting iron levels in the blood.

ANTICATARRHAL

Relieving mucosal inflammation.

ANTICOAGULANT

Reducing the clotting of blood.

ANTICONVULSIVE

Reducing the risk of seizures.

ANTIEMETIC

Reducing nausea and vomiting.

ANTIFUNGAL

Inhibiting the growth of fungus.

ANTIHISTAMINE

Inhibiting the release of histamine, stopping allergic reactions.

ANTILITHIC

Treats stones in the urinary system.

ANTIOXIDANT

Promoting the body to scavenge free radicals.

ANTIPRURITIC

Itch reducing agent.

ANTITUSSIVE

Soothes and treats a cough.

APERIENT

Gentle laxative.

ASTRINGENT

Tightens tissues, contracts.

CATHARTIC

Powerful laxative.

CHOLAGOGUE

Encouraging the flow of bile.

CHOLERETIC

Stimulating the production and excretion of bile.

DECONGESTANT

Relieving of excess mucus in the respiratory tract.

DEMULCENT

Soothing mucus membranes.

DEPURATIVE

Cleansing impurities.

DIAPHORETIC

Promoting perspiration.

DIURETIC.

Promoting urination.

EMMENAGOGUE

Promoting menstruation.

EMOLLIENT

Softening of the skin.

EXPECTORANT

Increasing the expulsion of mucus.

FEBRIFUGE

Reducing fever.

GALACTAGOGUE

Promoting the production of breast milk.

HEMOSTATIC

Arresting or stopping the flow of blood.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

Protecting the liver from toxins.

HORMONAGOGUE

Affecting hormone production.

HYPNOTIC 

Creating drowsiness or stupor.

MUCOLYTIC

Dispersing mucus

NARCOTIC

Dampening to the central nervous system

NERVINE

Soothing to the nervous system and nerves.

OPHTHALMIC

Promoting eye health

OXYTOCIC

Speeding up urination.

PALLIATIVE

Providing relief but no cure.

PARTURIENT

Aiding childbirth

PROPHYLACTIC

Protecting and preventing disease.

PURGATIVE

Aiding to purge the colon.

REFRIGERANT

Cooling.

REGENERATIVE

promotes cell renewal and regeneration.

SEDATIVE

Soothing.

SIALAGOGUE

Promotes salivary excretion.

SPASMOLYTIC

Relieving spasms and cramps.

STIMULANT

Increasing function.

STYPTIC

Constricting blood vessels.

SUDORIFIC

Promoting perspiration.

TONIC

Strengthening and restoring.

VASOCONSTRICTIVE

Constricting blood vessels.

VASODILATOR

Relaxes blood vessels.

VERMIFUGE

Kills parasitic worms.

VULNERARY

Promoting wound health and healing.

WOUND HEALING

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, overall promoting cell regeneration.

Modes of Administration

DECOCTION

Extract consisting of a hard plant part boiled in water.

INFUSION

An extract made by steeping a softer plant part in not yet boiling water.

POULTICE

A moistened mass of herbs applied topically.

TINCTURE

An alcohol extract of a plant.