Herb Action

Alterative a term given to a substance that speeds up the renewal of the tissues so that they can carry out their functions more effectively.

anodyne a drug that eases and soothes pain.

anthelmintic a substance that causes the death or expulsion of parasitic worms.
antiperiodic a drug that prevents the return of recurring diseases, e.g. malaria.
Antiscorbutic a substance that prevents scurvy and contains necessary vitamins, e.g. vitamin C.
antiseptic a substance that prevents the growth of disease-causing micro-organisms, e.g. bacteria, without causing damage to living tissue.

It is applied to wounds to cleanse them and prevent infection.
antispasmodic a drug that diminishes muscle spasms.
aperient a medicine that produces a natural movement of the bowel.

aphrodisiac a compound that excites the sexual organs.
aromatic a substance that has an aroma.
astringent a substance that causes cells to contract by losing proteins from their surface.

This causes localized contraction of blood vessels and tissues.
balsamic a substance that contains resins and benzoic acid and is used to alleviate colds and abrasions.
bitter a drug that is bitter-tasting and is used to stimulate the appetite.
cardiac compounds that have some effect on the heart.
carminative a preparation to relieve flatulence and any resultant griping.

Cathartic a compound that produces an evacuation of the bowels.
cholagogue the name given to a substance that produces a flow of bile from the gall bladder.
cooling a substance that reduces the temperature and cools the skin.
demulcent a substance that soothes and protects the alimentary canal.
deobstruent a compound that is said to clear obstructions and open the natural passages of the body.

Detergent a substance that has a cleansing action, either internally or on the skin.
diaphoretic a term given to drugs that promote perspiration.
diuretic a substance that stimulates the kidneys and increases urine and solute production.
emetic a drug that induces vomiting.

Emmenagogue a compound that is able to excite the menstrual discharge.
emollient a substance that softens or soothes the skin.
expectorant a group of drugs that are taken to help in the removal of secretions from the lungs, bronchi and trachea.
febrifuge a substance that reduces fever.

Galactogogue an agent that stimulates the production of breast milk or increases milk flow.
haemostatic a drug used to control bleeding.
hepatic a substance that acts upon the liver.
hydrogogue a substance that has the property of removing accumulations of water or serum.
hypnotic a drug or substance that induces sleep. insecticide a substance that kills insects.

Irritant a general term encompassing any agent that causes irritation of a tissue.
laxative a substance that is taken to evacuate the bowel or soften stools.
mydriatic a compound that causes dilation of the pupil.
narcotic a drug that leads to a stupor and complete loss of awareness.
nephritic a drug that has an action on the kidneys. nervine a name given to drugs that are used to restore the nerves to their natural state.

Nutritive a compounds that is nourishing to the body.
parasiticide a substance that destroys parasites internally and externally.
pectoral a term applied to drugs that are remedies in treating chest and lung complaints.
purgative the name given to drugs or other measures that produce evacuation of the bowels. They normally have a more severe effect than aperients or laxatives.
resolvent a substance that relieves thirst and produces a feeling of coolness.
resolvent a substance that is applied to swellings to reduce them in size.
rubefacient a compound that causes the skin to redden and peel off. It causes blisters and inflammation.
sedative a drug that lessens tension, anxiety and soothes over-excitement of the nervous system.

Sternutatory the name given to a substance that irritates the mucous membrane and produces sneezing.
stimulant a drug or other agent that increases the activity of an organ or system within the body.
stomachic name given to drugs that treat stomach disorders.
styptic applications that check bleeding by blood vessel contraction or by causing rapid blood clotting.

Sudorific a drug or agent that produces copious perspiration.
taeniacide drugs that are used to expel tapeworms from the body.
tonic substances that are traditionally thought to give strength and vigour to the body and that are said to produce a feeling of wellbeing.
vermifuge a substance that kills, or expels, worms from the intestines.

Vesicant similar to a rubefacient, agent that causes blistering when applied to the skin. vulnerary a drug that is said to be good at healing wounds.