Glossary of Terms

Analgesic: Relieves pain

Anaphrodisiac: Reduces sexual feelings and desire

Anesthetic: Relieves local pain by reducing nerve sensation

Antibacterial: Inhibits growth of bacteria

Antidepressant: Reduces and prevents depression

Antiemetic: Relieves nausea and vomiting

Antifungal: Inhibits the growth of fungal infections

Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation

Antilithic: Dissolves and prevents formation of stones

Antineuralgic: Alleviates nerve pain

Antiparasitic: Kills or inhibits growth of parasites

Antipruritic: Relieves itching

Antisclerotic: Removes circulatory deposits and plaque build-up

Antiseptic: Kills bacteria

Antispasmodic: Relieves and prevents cramps, spasms, convulsions

Antisudorific: Stops perspiration

Antitoxic: Counteracts poisons

Antitussive: Relieves coughing

Antiviral: Inhibits viral infection

Aperitive: Stimulates apetite

Aphrodisiac: Enhances sexual sensation and desire

Astringent: Contracts tissue, reduces secretions

Balsamic: Softens mucus

Bronchodilator: Dilates bronchial tubes, reduces spasm

Cardiotonic: Tones the heart muscle

Carminative: Relieves flatulence

Choleretic: Stimulates production of bile

Cicatrizant: Enhances formation of scar tissue, cellular healing

Decongestant: Reduces congestion

Digestive: Promotes and aids digestion

Disinfectant: Kills micro-organisms

Diuretic: Increases elimination of water from tissues through increased urine  production

Estrogenic: Produces an estrogen-like action

Emollient: Softens and heals skin

Emmenogogue: Regulates menstruation

Expectorant: Increases discharge and elimination of mucus from sinuses, lungs, bronchial tubes

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers

Hemostatic: Stops bleeding

Hepatic: Liver tonic or stimulant

Hypnotic: Induces sleep (or altered consciousness state)

Insecticide: Kills or repels insects

Laxative: Promotes bowel movement

Nervine: Soothing and calming to the nervous system

Regenerator: Promotes regrowth and repair of tissues

Rejuvenator: Increases youthful vitality

Relaxant: Produces relaxation, reduces tension

Resolvent: Reduces swelling

Sedative: Promotes drowsiness, calms anxiety and tension

Stimulant: Increases an activity

Stomachic: Strengthens and tones the stomach

Sudorific: Increases persiration

Tonic: Strengthens the entire body/energy field, or that of a specific organ

Tranquillizer: Calming without producing drowsiness

Vermifuge: Expels intestinal worms

Vulnerary: Applied externally to wounds-heals tissue