Glossary of Herbal Terms » Herbal Healing Inc.
Adaptogen Increases the body’s ability to handle stress.
Alterative Produces a gradual improvement in the nutritional state of the body.
Analgesic Relieves or reduces pain.
Anesthetic Numbs the nerves and causes a loss of sensation.
Anthelmintic Expels or kills intestinal worms.
Antibacterial Prevents the growth of and kills bacteria.
Anticoagulant Prevents clotting of the blood.
Antidote A remedy to counteract a poison.
Antiemetic Counteracts nausea and stops vomiting.
Antilithic Prevents formation of stones or calculus.
Antimicrobial Inhibits the growth of micro-organisms.
Antipruritic Relieves or prevents itching.
Antisclerotic Removes deposits from circulatory vessels in the body.
Antiseptic Inhibits the growth of and kills bacteria.
Antispasmodic Relieves or prevents spasms, cramps and convulsions.
Antiviral Weakens and kills viruses.
Aperient A gentle purgative of the bowels.
Astringent Contracts tissue and reduces secretions.
Bronchodilator Dilates the spastic bronchial tube.
Calmative Mild sedative or tranquilizer.
Cardiac Stimulates or affects the heart.
Cephalic Problems relating to the head.
Cholagogue Increases the flow of bile.
Choleretic Stimulates the production of bile.
Counterirritant An irritant used to counteract irritation or inflammation in another part of the body.
Deodorant Deodorizer. Eliminates offensive odors.
Depurative Cleanses and purifies the blood and internal organs.
Digestive Promotes and aids digestion.
Disinfectant Kills infections and disease-producing micro-organisms.
Diuretic Increase the secretion and elimination of urine.
Emmenagogue Promotes and regulates menstruation.
Emollient Softens the skin and soothes inflamed and irritated tissues.
Euphoriant Brings on an exaggerated sense of physical and emotional well-being.
Febrifuge Reduces or prevents fevers.
Galactagogue Promotes or increases the secretion of milk in nursing mothers.
Hepatic Acts on the liver.
Hypertensor Raises the blood pressure.
Hypoglycemient Lowers blood sugar levels.
Hypotensor Lowers the blood pressure.
Laxative Promotes the evacuation of the bowels; a mild purgative.
Nervine Calming and soothing to the nervous system.
Parasiticide Kills parasites, especially those living on or in the skin.
Parturient Facilitates labor and childbirth.
Pectoral Having an effect on the respiratory system.
Purgative Promotes a vigorous evacuation of the bowels.
Refrigerant Cools and lowers the body temperature.
Regenerator Promotes new growth or repair of structures or tissues lost by disease or injury.
Rejuvenator To make young again and bring back a youthful appearance.
Relaxant Lessens or reduces tension and produces relaxation.
Restorative Restores consciousness and/or normal physiological activity.
Rubefacient A local irritant that reddens the skin.
Sedative Calms anxiety and promotes drowsiness.
Stimulant Excites or quickens an activity in the body.
Stomachic Strengthens, stimulates and tones the stomach.
Styptic Reduces or stops external bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Tonic Strengthens and invigorates the entire body or specific organs.
Tranquilizer Calms the nerves and brings on a state of peacefulness without inducing sleep.
Vasoconstrictor Constricts the blood vessels, which raises the blood pressure.
Vasodilator Dilates the blood vessels.
Vulnerary Heals wounds and sores by external application.