Glossary

Adaptogen - a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect upon bodily processes.

Alternative - Alteratives are herbs that ‘alter’ the condition in a tissue by eliminating metabolic waste via the liver, large intestine, lungs, lymphatic system, skin and kidneys.

Analgesic - herbs, that alleviate the feeling of pain without causing loss of consciousness Anti-Inflammatory - used to reduce inflammation

Antioxidant - A substance that protects cells from the damage caused by free radicals

Antiemetic - Antiemetic herbs help to alleviate feelings of nausea and prevent vomiting.

Antimicrobial - a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites Antispasmodic - used to relieve spasm of involuntary

Antitussive - a substance that that prevents or relieves coughing

Aphrodisiac - a food, drink, or drug that stimulates sexual desire

Astringent - causing the contraction of skin cells or other body tissues

Bitter - Bitters stimulate digestion by enhancing digestive secretion and peristaltic movements of the gut

Carminatives - a substance that relieves flatulence Cholagogue - promote the production of bile in the liver.

Demulcent - Demulcents are soothing mucilaginous and silky herbs that can be taken internally to soothe and protect damaged or inflamed tissue

Depurative - a substance that improves detoxification and aids elimination to reduce the accumulation of metabolic waste products within the body.

Diaphoretic - Diaphoretics are herbs that cause sweating by increasing circulation in the periphery of the body.

Diuretic – a substance causing increased passing of urine Emmenagogue - herbs that stimulate and promote menstruation.

Expectorant – an herb which promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs

Galactagogue - a food or drug that promotes or increases the flow of a mother's milk

Hepatic - herbs that generally support liver function by decongesting as well as supporting bile flow.

Immunomodulant - substances, either natural or synthetic, that modify or regulate the body's immune system

Lymphatic- herbs that aid with detoxification through their action on lymphatic tissue.

Laxative - substance to stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels.

Nervine - used to calm the nerves

Relaxant - a drug used to promote relaxation or reduce tension

Sedative - promoting calm or inducing sleep.

Stimulant - a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.

Thymoleptic - herbs elevate mood and lift the spirits, acting similarly to antidepressants.

Trophorestorative - a substance which has a healing and restorative action on a specific organ or tissue

Uterine Tonic - Uterine tonics are substances that increase the tone of the uterine muscle.

Vasodilator - A substance that dilates or widens the blood vessels

Vulnerary - are wound-healing herbs used internally and externally.