The Complete Herbal
Guide to Herbal Terminology

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A

Adaptogen

Invigorates or strengthens the system (aka - tonic).

Alterative

Hastens renewal of tissue.

Anaesthetic

Causes temporary loss of bodily sensations.

Analgesic

Relieves pain.

Anodyne

Alleviates pain, an analgesic.

Anthelmintic

Destroys or expels intestinal worms.

Antibacterial

Destroys or stops the growth of bacteria.

Antibiotic

Kills microorganisms and cures infections.

Antihypertensive

Reduces high blood pressure.

Anti-inflammatory

Reduces inflammation.

Antimutagen

A substance that reduces or interferes with the mutagenic effects of another substance.

Antioxidant

Antioxidants have the ability to prevent oxidisation and neutralise free radicals.

Antiperiodic

Prevents the periodic return of disease, such as the use of quinine against malaria.

Antiscorbutic

Prevents or cures scurvy.

Antiseptic

Destroys or inhibits the multiplication and growth of micro-organisms.

Anti-spasmodic

Relieves muscle spasms.

Anti-viral

Cures infection or disease caused by a virus.

Aperient

Promotes evacuation of the bowel (laxative, purgative or drastic purgative).

Aphrodisiac

Increases sexual exitement.

Aromatic

Has a smell or aroma.

Astringent

Contracts tissue, including blood vessels, lessening secretions.

B

Bacteriostatic

Hampers the growth of bacteria.

Bitter

Tastes bitter and increases appetite, stomachic.

C

Cardiac

Pertaining to the heart.

Carminative

Alleviates flatulence and associated colic.

Cathartic

Evacuates the bowel.

Cholagogue

Promotes the flow of bile, thus aiding in digestion and constipation.

Contraceptive

Capable of preventing conception.

D

Demulcent

Alleviates irritation and soothes inflammation, especially of the mucous membranes, mucilaginous.

Deobstruent

Clears obstructions.

Detergent

Cleansing

Diaphoretic

Increases perspiration and sweating.

Diuretic

Increases the flow of urine.

E

Emetic

Causes vomiting.

Emmenagogue

Helps menstrual dishcharge.

Emollient

Softens and soothes skin or mucous membranes.

Expectorant

Promotes secretion from the respiratory tract by coughing.

F

Febrifuge

Reduces fever.

G

Galactogogue

Increases the flow of milk.

H

Haemostatic

Stops bleeding.

Hepatic

Pertaining to the liver.

Hypnotic

Promotes sleep which resembles natural sleep.

Hypotensive

Reduces blood pressure.

I

Insecticide

Kills insects.

Irritant

Causes irritation.

J

K

L

Laxative

Mild aperient to evacuate the bowel.

M

Mucilaginous

Moist or sticky.

Mutagen

An agent, such as a chemical, ultraviolet light, or a radioactive element, that can induce or increase the frequency of mutation in an organism.

Mydriatic

Causes dilation of the pupil of the eye.

N

Narcotic

Promotes unusually deep sleep.

Nephritic

Pertaining to the kidney.

Nervine

Helps restore nerves.

Nutritive

Nourishing.

O

P

Parasiticide

Kills parasites.

Pectoral

Pertaining to the chest or breast.

Purgative

Causes evacuation of fluid excrement.

Q

R

Refrigerant

Cooling.

Relaxant

Relaxes and relieves tension

Resolvent

Reduces inflammation.

Rubefacient

Causes redness and often blisters the skin.

S

Sedative

Lessens activity, including anxiety and tension.

Stimulant

Excites or increases functions.

Stomachic

Increases the appetite.

Styptic

Stops bleeding.

Sudorific

Causes perspiration and sweating.

T

Taeniacide

Destroys or expels tapeworm.

Tonic

Strengthens and improves vigour and well being.

U

V

Vesicant

Causes blistering, rubefacient.

Vulnerary

Aids the healing of wounds.

W

X

Y

Z

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