Herbal Med Definitions & Terms

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Abortifacient

Back 1

Induces abortion. (Indicates herbs which should be avoided during pregnancy as they may cause a miscarriage.)

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Active Principle

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The particular constituent of a herb which has been judged to be the most prominent pharmacological.

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Adaptogen

Back 3

A herb which improves adaptability. These herbs serve to enhance the innate healing capacity of the body, encouraging healing & recovery.

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Alterative

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A herb which alters the processes of metabolism.

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Analgesic

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Pain relieving.

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Anodyne

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Reduces pain and irritation, similar to an analgesic.

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Anthelmintic

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A herb which eliminates parasites from the intestinal system.

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Anti-emetic

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A herb which stops vomiting and allays nausea.

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Anti-infective

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Assists the body to withstand infection. These herbs help the body's own defences to control infection rather than direct killing of an infecting organism.

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Anti-inflammatory

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A herb which reduces inflammation.

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Antipyretic

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A herb which reduces fever.

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Antiseptic

Back 12

Herbs which have a direct killing action against bacteria and other micro-organisms.

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Antispasmodic

Back 13

Reduces spasm or tension.

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Antitussive

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A herb which soothes and relieves coughing.

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Aperient

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A laxative - promotes the natural movement of the bowels. (In contrast to a purgative which is an irritant & forcibly expels the contents of the bowels.)

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Astringent

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A herb which has binding properties on the mucous membranes. (eg. for diarrhoea.)

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Carminative

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A herb which eases griping pains and expels flatulance.

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Cardioactive

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Herbs having a notable effect on the heart.

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Cardiotonic

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Herbs having an action on the heart, but much gentler than cardioactive herbs.

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Cathartic

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A herb producing an active expulsion from the bowels.

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Cholagogue

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A herb which stimulates the flow of bile from the liver.

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Choleretic

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A herb which prevents excess bile.

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Demulcent

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Herbs which have a soothing effect on the membranes to which they are applied.

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Depurative

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A herb which has purifying or detoxifying abilities.

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Diaphoretic

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A herb which promotes sweating.

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Digestive

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A herb which aids digestion.

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Diuretic

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Promotes the production of urine.

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Elimination

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A herb which promotes the process of elimination by the body. (Urination, defecation, sweating, breathing.)

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Emetic

Back 29

A herb which induces vomiting.

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Emmenagogue

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A herb which produces menstruation.

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Expectorant

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A herb which encourages the lungs to expel any mucous or other matter, usually by coughing.

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Febrifuge

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A herb which reduces fever.

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Galactagogue

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A herb which promotes the flow of breastmilk.

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Haemostatic

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A herb which acts to control or stop the flow of blood.

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Hallucinogen

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A herb which produces visions or hallucinations.

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Irritant

Back 36

Causes irritation.

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Laxative

Back 37

Promotes bowel function.

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Nervine

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A herb which restores the nerves and relaxes the nervous system.

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Purgative

Back 39

A herb with a very drastic laxative action. (These remedies are not used in general modern naturopathic practice.)

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Relaxant

Back 40

Relaxes the body. This may be as a whole, or separate organs or systems.

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Rubefacient

Back 41

An agent which causes a local vasodilation when applied to the skin.

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Sedative

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A herb which calms the nervous system. It sedates the body.

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Stimulant

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A herb which stimulates some form of body function or a system of the body.

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Sodorific

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A herb which promotes sweating. (Alternative term for diaphoretic.)

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Tonic

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A strengthening and nourishing herb which gives the feeling of wellbeing.

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Vermifuge

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A herb which expels intestinal worms from the body.

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Vesicant

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A herb which will produce blistering when applied to the skin. (A technique no longer used.)

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Vulnerary

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A herb which is used for healing broken skin and other wounds.