Glossary

Adaptogen: Increases the body’s ability to handle stress.

Alterative: Produces a gradual improvement in the nutritional state of the body.

Analgesic: Numbs pain.

Antibacterial: Prevents the growth and kills bacteria.

Anticoagulant:  Prevents clotting of blood.

Antidiarrhoeic: Relieves diarrhea.

Antifungal: Inhibits growth of fungus.

Anti-inflammatory: Alleviates inflammation.

Antipyretic: Dispels heat, fire and fever (from the Greek word pyre, meaning fire).

Antiseptic: Inhibits the growth of and kills bacteria.

Antispasmodic: Relieves spasms and cramps.

Antirheumatic: Prevents and/or relieves rheumatic pain and swelling.

Antiviral: Inhibits growth of viruses.

Aphrodisiac: Arouses sexual desires.

Astringent: Contracts tissues.

Calmative: Sedative

Carminative: Expels intestinalgas.

Cephalic: Remedy for the head.

Cordial: Stimulant and tonic.

Decongestant: Relieves congestion.

Demulcent: Soothes irritated tissue.

Diaphoretic: Causes perspiration.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Diuretic: Increases urination.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Emmenagogue: Promotes and regulates menstruation.

Emollient: Soothes, softens and protects the skin.

Estrogenic: Similar to estrogen.

Expectorant: Promotes discharge of phlegm and mucous from the lungs and throat.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Fixative: Holds the scent of a fragrance.

Hemostatic: Stops hemorrhaging.

Hypotensor: Lowers high blood pressure.

Laxative: Promotes bowel movements.

Nervine: Calming to the nervous system; may be either a stimulant or sedative.

Parasiticide: Kills parasites, especially living on skin.

Purgative: Promotes evacuation of bowels.

Relaxant: Lessens tension and produces relaxation.

Rubefacient: Increases local blood circulation can cause minor skin irritation.

Sedative: Calms and tranquilizes by lowering the functional activity of the organ or body part.

Stimulant: Increases functional activity in the body.

Stomachic: Strengthens and tones the stomach.

Tonic: Strengthens and restores the body and vitality.

Sudorific: Increases sweating.

Vasoconstrictor: Constricts blood vessels which raise blood pressure.

Vasodilator: Helps to dilate blood vessels.

Vermifuge: Expels intestinal worms.

Vulnerary: Heals wounds and sores by external application.