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204 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Prevents histamine from acting on body tissues.
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Antihistamine
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Induces the premature expulsion (abortion) of a fetus. Same meaning as Ecbolic.
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Abortifacient
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Medication that helps the body fight infection by neutralizing or destryoing bacteria.
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Antibiotic
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The process of reducing the body's toxic build-up of various poisonous substances.
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Detoxification
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Increases urine flow, causing the kidneys to excrete more than the usual amount of sodium, potassium, and water.
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Diuretic
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Termination of habit-forming substance
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Withdrawal
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Aromatic volatile oils extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, and other parts of plants. Therapeutic use generally includes dilution and diffusion of the highly concentrated oil.
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Essential Oils
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A process of extraction in which the volatile oils of a plant substance are obtained by soaking the plant in a carrier oil for approximately 2 weeks and then straining the oil. The resulting oil is used therapeutically and may contain the plant's aromatic characteristic.
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Herbal Infused Oils
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A tea made from boiling plant material (usually the bark, rhizomes, roots, or other woody parts,) in water. May be used therapeutically. Natural dyes are often made this way.
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Decoction
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An extract of a plant made by soaking herbs with a desired amount of either glycerin, alcohol, or vinegar in a dark place for 2-6 weeks. The liquid is strained from the plant material and then may be used therapeutically.
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Tincture
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Extract of a plant added to either alcohol or vinegar and applied topically to employ the therapeutic benefits.
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Liniment
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A therapeutic topical application of a soft moist mass of plant material (such as bruised fresh herbs), usually wrapped in a fine woven cloth.
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Poultice
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A process to extract the soluble constituents of a plant with the assistance of gravity. The material is moistened and evenly packed into a tall, slightly conical vessel; the liquid (menstruum) is then poured onto the material and allowed to steep for a certain length of time. A small opening is made which allows extract to flow out of vessel. The remaining material may be discarded. Many tinctures and liquid extracts are prepared this way.
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Percolation
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Compounds containing a nitrogen atom. They are usually present in plants as groups of chemicals. Their physical effects include killing pain, poisoning, and causing hallucinations.
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Alkaloids
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The most common plant ___ are the nutritionally important sugars, starches and cellulose. Polysaccharides are sugars that join with other chemcials to produce compounds such as pectin and mucilage, which soothe, protect, and relax the alimentary canal.
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Carbohydrates
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Glycoside compounds that are responsible for the "new mown hay" smell of many grasses.
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Coumarins
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Result from the reaction of an alcohol with an acid. They are known to produce a relaxing and soothing effect on the body. They have strong anti-spasmodic and anti-fungal properties.
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Esters
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These common plant chemicals consist of molecules made up of two sections, one of which is a sugar. Some have a strong effect on the heart and are known as cardio-active ___. (ex foxglove/digitalis). Some are purgative (the anthraquinones in cascara, senna, rhubarb, and buckthorn)
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Glycosides
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Gel-like substances with molecules made up of long chains of sugar units. ___ have a soothing effect when applied to inflamed tissues, and their gel is useful in some cosmetic preparations.
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Mucilages
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These are compounds that react with protein to produce a leather-like coating on animal tissue (as in the process of tanning). They promote healing and numbing (to reduce irritation), reduce inflammation and halt infection.
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Tannins
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These glycosides form a soap-like lather when shaken in water. There are two broad groups: the steroidal ___, which seem to mimic the precursors of female sex hormones, and the tri-terpenoid ___, which mimic the adrenal hormone ACTH.
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Saponins
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A basic building-block of many plant constituents; many different ___ic compounds exist that are based on it. One such compound is salicylic acid, which is often combined with a sugar to form a glycoside that is antiseptic.
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Phenols
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An herb that inhibits sweating.
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Antihidrotic
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An herb that increases perspiration and detoxification through the skin.
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Sudorific
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An herb that stimulates the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract.
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Carminative
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An herb that induces bowel movements
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Laxative
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An herb that can stimulate and clean the lymphatic system.
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Lymphatic
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An herb that stimulates contraction of the uterus.
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Oxytocic
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An herb that promotes the elimination of mucus from the respiratory tract.
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Expectorant
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An herb that promotes the healing of new cuts and wounds.
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Vulnerary
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An herb that provides trace minerals
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Mineralizer
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An herb that has a normalizing effect by correcting whatever is wrong within the body. For example, it can normalize high and low blood pressure.
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Adaptogen
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Having a strong smell that can potentially have therapeutic use.
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Aromatic
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Stimulate digestion, stimulate liver, have antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, sedative, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Bitters
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A substance that promotes the flow of bile.
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Cholagogue
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An herb that induces the flow of saliva
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Sialagogue
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An herb that works against viruses.
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Antiviral
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Pertaining to Ayurveda, a science of healing that originated in India.
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Ayurvedic
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An herb that promotes the flow of breast milk in a nursing mother.
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Galactagogue
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An herb that increases tone, energy, and vigor in a specific part of the body.
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Tonic
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Pertaining to the surface of the skin
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Topical
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The concentrated oil found in herbs that contains their active ingredients. The oils often have a distinctive, strong aroma.
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Essential Oil
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Related to the internal organs of the body.
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Visceral
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A quality or trait that belongs to a particular herb.
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Property
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A liquid in which an herb has been simmered in order to extract its active properties. This method is used for roots and bark.
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Decoction
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An herb that causes blood vessels to widen.
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Vasodilatory
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An herb that prevents or relieves spasms or cramps.
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Antispasmodic
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A liquid made form alcohol or glycerin and water to which herbs have been steeped to extract their properties.
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Tincture
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An herb that counteracts inflammation
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Anti-inflammatory
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An herb that inhibits the growth of microorganisms.
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Antimicrobial
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An herb that blocks or slows oxidation, which produces free radicals (potentially destructive compounds that can cause cell damage).
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Antioxidant
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Having a strong laxative effect.
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Cathartic
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A topical substance applied to soften and smooth the skin
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Emollient
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An herb that has the ability to inhibit the growth of fungi.
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Antifungal
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An herb that reduces fever
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Febrifuge
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An herb that causes the immune system to increase activity.
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Immune-Stimulant
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An herb that tones the nervous system
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Nervine
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An herb that promotes menstruation
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Emmenagogue
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An herb that enhances stomach function
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Stomachic
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An herb that strengthens and heals the respiratory system
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Pectoral
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Oil that has had herbs introduced to it in order to transfer the properties of the herbs into the oil.
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Infused Oil
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An herb that causes an astringent action. Treat burns, alleviates diarrhea or internal bleeding, infections in mouth, vagina, cervix, and rectum.
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Tannins
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Found in aromatic plants. Extraction produces essential oils. All are anti-septic, easily transported throughtout the body acting upon the whole system, manifesting in the lungs, urine, sweat, etc. They stimulate the production of white blood cells. They act on the digestive tract and the central nervous system. Some relax and sedate while others stimulate. Their odor triggers a reaction through the olfactory nerves into the brain.
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Volatile Oils
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An herb that aids in digestion
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Digestive
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An herb that expels water, thus increasing the flow of urine
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Diurectic
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The most potent group of plant constituents and important tools of herbalists and healers. Different ___ have different functions; some are hallucinogenic, others are poisonous.
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Alkaloids
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An herb that increases functional activity and energy in the body. This can be a temporary increase.
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Stimulant
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Hot water in which herbs have been steeped in order to transfer the plant properties to the liquid. This method is used for more delicate plant parts such as leaves and flowers.
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Tea or Infusion
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An herb that has the ability to induce sleep.
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Hypnotic
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An herb that promotes a feeling of calm and quiet in the face of excitement or nervousness.
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Sedative
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A substance that can be spread on the skin, made by combining an oil with an emulsifier such as beeswax, to achieve a stiff consistency
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Salve
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An herb that removes toxins from the blood by strengthening liver function
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Blood purifier
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An herb that works to inhibit the growth of bacteria
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Antibacterial
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An herb that removes excess bile.
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Anti-Bilious
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An herb that relieves vomiting or nausea
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Antiemetic
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Unstable compounds that can take oxygen from healthy cells, causing them damage and possibly destroying them.
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Free Radicals
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An herb that stops bleeding
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Styptic
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An herb that relieves depression
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Antidepressant
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An herb that, when applied locally, produces skin-surface redness that reduces inflammation in adjacent tissues.
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Counterirritant
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An herb that relieves pain
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Analgesic
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An herb with a mild laxtive effect
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Aperient
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Anti-clotting
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Coumarins
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Increase force and power of heartbeat without increasing the amount of oxygen requirement.
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Cardiac Glycosides
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An herb applied locally to stimulate and increase blood flow to the skin's surface.
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Rubefacient
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An herb that induces sleep
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Soporific
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Referring to cytophlaxis=the process of increasing the activity of leukocytes in defense of the body against infection
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Cytophlylactic
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A medicine or application that promotes the healing of a sore or wound, or the formation of a cicatrix (a scar left by the formation of new connective tissues over a healing sore or wound)
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Cicatrizant
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Restorative; Curative
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Balsamic
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An herb that lowers blood pressure
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Hypotensive
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Medication that relieves pain. Same as anaphrodisiac.
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Analgesic
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A 50/50 mixture of d-phenylalanine and l-phenylalanine. My help alleviate chronic pain by increasing endorphin activity (the body's natural painkillers)
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DLPA (D. L-Phenylalanine)
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Helping the human organism adapt to stressful conditions
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Adaptogenic
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A medicinal substance that gradually restores health.
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Alternative
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Neutralizes acid in the stomach, esophagus, or first part of the duodenum.
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Antacid
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Occurs when a substance is introduced in the body and reacts with an already present substance. ___ occur between drugs, and other drugs, and vitamins, herbs, and foods. Vitamins may ___ with other vitamins, minerals, and foods. Minerals may also ___ with other minerals, foods, and herbs, as can herbs with other herbs.
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Interaction
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Natural antacid and sweetener. Involved in the syntheses of DNA, phospholipids and collagen. May act as an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
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Glycine
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A tea made by pouring water over plant material (usually dried flowers, fruit, leaves, and other parts, though fresh plant material may also be used), then allowed to steep. The water is usually boiling, but cold infusions are also an option. May be used therapeutically as hot tea, and is an excellent way to administer herbs.
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Infusion
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Anti-bacterial and anti-viral. The sesquiterpenols stimulate immune response. They increase oxygenation around the pineal and pituitary glands. Linalol is antibacterial and boosts the immune system.
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Alcohols
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Highly reactive organic compounds which are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, calming and sedative. Found in lemon-scented plants like lemongrass, melissa, and citronella.
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Aldehydes
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Common group of plant chemicals named for their yellow color. (Latin "flavus" means yellow) They have a wide variety of actions and include diuretics, circulatroy stimulants, and antispasmodics.
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Flavonoid Glycosides
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These complex compounds are chemical mixtures of hydrocarbons and alcohols. In the plant they often enhance the moisture-retaining properties of the leaves. They lend many herbs their characteristic taste and flavor. They can be antiseptic, antifungal, aromatic, and some are thought to help the body fight infection.
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Volatile Oils
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Herbs containing a range of chemicals that have a bitter taste. Some are useful as appetite stimulants, others as anti-inflammatories, still others as relaxants.
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Bitters
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Stimulate cell regeneration and promote the formation of tissue. They also help to dissolve and discharge mucous of asthma, cold, flu, and cough.
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Ketones
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An herb that stops bleeding.
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Hemostatic
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Purgatives and natural dyes. Stimulate the colon.
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Anthraquinones
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An herb that softens and soothes irritation of mucous membranes.
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Demulcent
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An herb that increases bowel movement.
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Purgative
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An herb that destroys and expels worms from digestive tract.
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Anthelmintic
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An herb that induces vomiting
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Emetic
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An herb that promotes relaxation
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Relaxant
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An herb which, when taken internally, will aid in removing potentially harmful agents from the body.
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Internal Cleanser
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An herb that strengthens and tones the liver and increases the flow of bile.
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Hepatic
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An herb that promotes perspiration
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Diaphoretic
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Anti-spasmodic, diuretic, circulatory and cardiac stimulants
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Flavones
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An herb that reduces pain externally and internally.
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Anodyne
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An herb that cleanses or alters the internal environment of the body without producing noticeable laxative or diuretic effects. Restores proper function of the body and cleanses the blood.
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Alternative
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An herb that increases the tone of tissues
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Astringent
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An herb that removes excess phlegm and mucus
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Anti-Cartarrhal
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An herb that prevents the growth of micro-organisms
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Antiseptic
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An herb that relieves respiratory congestion
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Decongestant
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Tones, balances, stenghtens the heart
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Cardiotonic
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Reduces nerve pain
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Neurasthenic
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Protects brain cells
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Neuroprotective
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Relieves pain by means of the diversion of blood or disease from one part of the body to another (counter-irritant)
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Revulsive
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Scrofula is a tuberculous infection of the skin on the neck affecting lyphatic organs. Can be caused by unpasterized milk, but rare???
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Antiscrofulous
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Checks or counter-acts inflammation
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Antiphlogistic
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Aids excretion of bile by the liver, so there is a greater flow of bile
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Choleretic
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Stimulant and tonic
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Cordial
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Relieves cough
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Antitussive
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Relieves sensation of itching or prevents its occurrence
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Antipruiritic
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An agent that prevents or combats hemorrhage or bleeding.
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Antihemorrhagic
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Efficacious against diarrhea
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Antidiarrheal
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Agent that helps arrest or prevent convulsions.
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Anticonvulsant
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Agent that prevents blood from clotting.
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Anticoagulant
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An agent that combats arthritis.
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Antiarthritic
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An agent that combats anemia
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Antianemic
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An agent that prevents and combats decay or putrefaction
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Antiputrescent
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A drug or substance that leads to anorexia or diminished appetite; appetite suppressant.
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Anorexiant
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Agent that diminishes or abolishes sensation and can produce unconsciousness.
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Anesthetic
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A substance that counteracts the effects of a poison.
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Antidote
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Reduces sexual desire
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Anaphrodisiac
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A substance with the power to destroy amoebas.
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Amoebicidal
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Polysaccharide derived from seaweed, used as culture medium for microorganisms; gelatinous natural laxative.
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Agar
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Substance, especially antibody, that causes bacteria, blood cells, and antigens to clump
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Agglutinin
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A drug that both binds to receptors and has an intrinsic effect
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Agonist
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Reduces fever
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Febrifuge/ Antipyretic
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A substance that stops or suppresses the activity of a retrovirus such as HIV.
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Antiretroviral
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Helps prevent and relieve rheumatism.
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Antirheumatic
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Helps prevent the hardening of tissue.
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Antisclerotic
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A remedy of scurvy
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Antiscorbutic
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Helps control the production of sebum the oily secretion from sweat glands.
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Antiseborrheic
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An antidote or treatment that counteracts the effects of poison.
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Antitoxic
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A substance that prevents or is effective against tumors.
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Antitumor
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Substance that reduces coughing, especially one that affects in the brain's cough center and depresses respiration.
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Antitussive
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Stimulant of the appetite.
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Aperitif
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Increases or stimulates sexual desire.
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Aphrodisiac
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An agent that destroys bacteria (a type of microbe or organism)
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Bactericidal
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Substance that retards growth of bacteria.
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Bacteriostat
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Solution having a pH above 7.0.
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Alkaline
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Substance that relaxes bronchial muscle to open air passages to the lungs.
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Brochodilator
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A compound that tones and strengthens the heart.
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Cardiotonic
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Remedy for disorders of the head; referring or directed toward the head.
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Cephalic
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Pertaining to the largest part of the brain, the cerebrum.
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Cerebral
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An organic compound capable of binding metals.
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Chelating Agent
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Unpleasant-tasting, irritant laxative or cathartic.
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Castor Oil
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An agent that promotes healing by the formation of scar tissue.
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Cicatrisant
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Corrects, masks, or removes unpleasant odors.
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Deodorant
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Helps combat impurity in the bood and organs.
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Depurative
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Medicinal solution that soothes eyes.
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Eyewash
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Destroys germs or microorganisms such as bacteria.
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Germicidal
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A substance that causes a rise in blood pressure.
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Hypertensive
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Plant remedy that lowers abnorally elevated blood sugar.
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Hypoglycemic
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Plant remedy that lowers abnormally elevated blood pressure.
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Hypotensive
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Substance hoped to strengthen the immune system and help the body fight off opportunistic infections or other diseases. Not necessarily used to stimulate the immune system.
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Immunomodulator
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An agent that prevents and kills larvae.
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Larvicidal
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A dried herb (usually mugwort) burnt on or above the skin to stimulate an acupunture point or to serve as a counterirritant.
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Moxa
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A substance containing gelatinous constiutents that are demulcent.
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Mucilage
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Dissolving or breaking down mucus.
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Mucolytic
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Depressant or tranquilizer that acts to relieve tension in muscles.
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Muscle Relaxer
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A substance that induces sleep; intoxicating or poisonous in large doses.
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Narcotic
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Relaxants that ease anxiety and tension by soothing both body and mind.
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Nervine
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Substance used to soothe or heal skin.
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Ointment/ Salve/ Unguent
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Derivative of opium that depresses the central nervous system, relieves pain, and induces sleep.
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Opiate
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Prevents and destroys parasites such as fleas and lice.
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Parasiticide
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Camphorated (camphor=gummy volatile aromatic compound obtained from an evergreen Asian tree) tincture of opium used to relieve diarrhea, formerly used as a painkiller.
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Paregoric
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Causing blistering to the skin; a counterirritant.
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Vesicant
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A chemical agent that kills parasitic worms in the intestine.
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Vermicide
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A chemical agent used to expel parasites from the intestine.
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Vermifuge/ Anthelmintic
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An agent that causes narrowing of blood vessels.
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Vasoconstrictor
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Mentholated salve applied to chest and nose to relieve congestion.
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Vapors
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Substance used to soothe and heal skin: Ointment: Salve
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Unguent
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Small, medicinal lozenge that soothes the mouth and throat.
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Troche
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Substance that relieves smooth muscle spasms.
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Spasmolytic/ Antispasmodic
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A belladonna ("beautiful lady" -a medicinal extract from a poisonous European herb related to the potato)derivative
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Scopolamine
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An agent that helps strenghten and revive the body systems.
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Restorative
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An agent that disperses swelling or affects absorption of a new growth.
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Resolvent
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A perfumery material prepared from natural resinous matter, such as balsam and gum resin.
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Resinoid
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A natural or prepared product, either solid or semisolid in nature. Natural resins are exudations from trees, such as mastic; prepared ___ are oleoresins from which the essential oil has been removed.
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Resin
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Cooling; Reduces fever.
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Refrigerant
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Prevents the formation of a calculus (a concretion usually of mineral salts especially in hollow organs or ducts) or stone
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Antilithic
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Protects liver cells from chemical damage.
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Antihepatotoxic
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Relieves sensation of itching or prevents its occurrence.
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Antipruritic
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Checks or counteracts inflammation.
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Antiphlogistic
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Relieves or reduces nerve pain
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Antineuralgic
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