Action Terminology

Adaptogen

Helps the body adapt to stress by interacting with the endocrine system. Help normalize metabolism and nourish tissues.

Alterative / Blood Purifier

Gradually and favorably alter the condition of the blood. Aid the body in assimilating nutrients and eliminating metabolic waste products, neutralize acidic conditions in the body, aid in protein assimilation. Generally extremely high in minerals and some vitamins.

Analgesic / Anodyne

Used to reduce pain. Used both internally and externally depending on the herb. May also be antispasmodics, relieving pain by reducing cramping in muscles. Most effect the nerves directly by reducing pain signals to the brain.

Anhidrotic

Suppress sweating.

Antacid

Used to neutralize excess acids in the stomach and intestines. Most also contain demulcent properties to soothe, protect, and heal the stomach lining.

Anthelmintic / Antiparasitic / Vermifuge

Destroy or expel worms and parasites from the system.

Anti-Abortive

Prevents miscarriage.

Anti-Anxiety

Has an impact on the adrenal glands and nervous systems.

Anti-bilious / Antiemetic

Helps prevent nausea and vomiting. Aids in control of gas and assists with the digestion process in the pancreas.

Anticatarrhal

Help eliminate and prevent excessive catarrhal (mucus) buildup in the system.

Anticoagulant

Suppressing, delaying, or nullifying coagulation of the blood.

Anti-Diabetic

Regulating sugar levels.

Antidotal

Counteracts the effects of toxins.

Antifungal

Target and kill/inhibit the growth of fungi.

Anti-Galactagogue

Suppress or reduce the production of breast milk.

Anti-Hypertensive

Relax blood vessels, reduce the force of the heart’s contractions, or help remove excess fluid from the body.

Anti-Inflammatory / Antiphlogistic

Reduce inflammation.

Antilithic / Lithotripsic / Calcium Solvent

Prevent and eliminate urinary and biliary stones and gravel.

Antineoplastic / Anti-Tumor

Inhibit or destroy tumor cells.

Antiperiodic

Prevents the regular recurrence of symptoms.

Antipyretic / Febrifuge / Refrigerant

Prevents, reduces, and breaks fevers.

Antirheumatic / Anti-Arthritic

prevent or relieve rheumatic symptoms such as joint pains, limited mobility and swelling.

Antiscorbutic

Prevents/counteracts scurvy.

Antiseptic / Antimicrobial

Help prevent the growth of bacteria and resist pathogenic micro-organisms.

Anti-Spasmodic / Anti-Convulsive

Prevent or ease cramps in the body and muscle spasms/tremors.

Antisyphilitic

Effective against syphilis.

Antithyroid

Used in cases of overstimulated thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), inhibit the production or action of thyroid hormones.

Antitussive

Suppress coughing.

Antivenomous

Neutralize or counteract the effects of venom.

Antiviral

Help to inhibit the growth of and destroy viruses.

Aperient

Gently stimulate the digestive process and can help with constipation.

Aperitive

Stimulating effect on the appetite.

Aphrodisiac

Increase sexual desire and performance.

Astringent

Constrict tissue by precipitating proteins and thus reduces discharge and secretions.

Bitter

Act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system through a reflex via the taste buds. Aids the digestive system in secreting digestive fluids, specifically liver and gallbladder secretions.

Brain Tonic

Strengthens the neurons of the Central Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous System.

Calmative

Helps to reduce hyperactivity in the sympathetic nervous system and gently calms the mind and body.

Cardiac

Strengthens the heart.

Carminative

Rich in volatile oils. Stimulates the peristalsis of the digestive system and relaxes the stomach. Stimulated blood flow and warmth to the GI tract.

Cathartic

Purgative/Releasing- encourages bowel movements.

Cellular Proliferate

Increase the number of cells due to cell growth and division.

Cholagogue

Stimulates the flow of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine.

Coagulant

Causes blood to coagulate (clot).

Decoagulant

Prevents of delays the clotting of blood.

Demulcent

Rich in mucilage. Soothing and healing to irritated and inflamed tissue.

Deobstruent

Removes obstructions and opens the natural passages of the body.

Depurant

Used to effect purification or remove impurities from the body.

Detoxicant

Used to remove toxins or harmful substances from the body.

Diaphoretic

Induce sweating by stimulating the kidneys. Diaphoretics must be taken hot; when given cool or cold they influence the kidneys in a different method- they act as diuretics.

Digestant

Aids in healthy digestive functions.

Discutient

Capable of dissipating diseased matter.

Diuretic

Increase the flow of urine. Used in cases of water retention, cystitis, overweight, edema, and types of skin infections.

Emetic

Induces vomiting.

Emmenagogue

Help promote menstruation flow and bring on cycle.

Emollient

When applied externally soften and soothe the skin. Similar to demulcents which are used internally, they are called emollients when used externally.

Expectorant

Help expel and expect excess mucus from the system.

Fat Emulsifier

Aids fat digestion by separating fatty acids and glycerol into easily absorbed fatty acids and glycerol.

Galactogogue

Increase the production and flow of breast milk.

Hemostatic

Helps stop hemorrhaging and internal bleeding. Includes astringents that affect the blood coagulation.

Hepatic

Aid the liver and help tone, strengthen, and increase bile flow of the liver. All contain active bitter principles.

Hormonal

Relating to hormone levels.

Hypertensive

Increases blood pressure.

Hypotensive

Decreases blood pressure.

Immune Builder / Immune Cell Builder / Immune Stimulant

Increases the immune system’s activity.

Laxative

Promote bowel movement. Laxatives are less dramatic than purgatives.

Lithotripic

Help dissolve and eliminate urinary and biliary stones/gravel.

Lubricant

Reduce friction and facilitate smooth movement.

Mucilant

Offers a soothing and demulcent effect on inflamed mucus membranes.

Nervine

Calm, strengthen and tone the nervous system.

Nutritive

Have high nutrient and mineral content and help to replenish the body’s nutrient and mineral reserves.

Ophthalmic

Relating to the eye.

Oxytocic

Stimulate uterine contractions, used to induce labor, control post-partum bleeding, and potentially induce abortions.

Pancreatic

Strengthening to the pancreas.

Pectoral

Have a general healing and strengthening effect on the respiratory system.

Prophylactic

Preventative, protective.

Relaxant

Creates openness, release, and expansion in the body.

Rubefacient

When applied to the skin, these stimulate the dilation of the capillaries and can cause local irritation. They thereby draw inflammation and congestion from deeper tissue. They also increase circulation and promote surface warmth.

Sedative

Reduce stress and nervous disorders throughout the body. Are used as an aid for sleep and to induce calmness.

Sialagogue

Stimulate the secretion of saliva and thus aid in digestion.

Stimulant

Increase the energy of the body by quickening and enlivening the physiological function of the body.

Stomachic

Promotes appetite and assists digestion.

Styptic

Reduce or stop external bleeding by their astringent and/or coagulating effects.

Sudorific

Relating to or causing sweating.

Tonic

Strengthen, nourish, and enliven specific organs of the body. Most tonics have general effects on the whole body and, depending on the tonic herb being used, specific effects on various organs.

Uterine Tonic

Increase the tone of the uterine muscle.

Vascoconstrictive

Narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow.

Vasodilator

Widen (dilate) blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily.

Vulnerary

Help heal wounds by promoting cell repair and growth.