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An agent which is used to terminate a pregnancy
Aids in the absorption of fluids
Having a hot, biting taste
The therapeutic activity of a remedy. Herbal medicines frequently exhibit more than one action.
Chemical components of plants which have been shown to be responsible for or to contribute to the medicinal effect.
Increases the resistance to physical, environmental, emotional or biological stressors, restores normal physiological function to the body, also known as whole body tonic
A herb added to the mixture to aid the effect of the main one
Inhibits aldose reductase, an enzyme involved in the production of harmful sugar metabolites in diabetes
See depurative
Assists in treating bacterial infections
Herb or entire plant extract which have opposite physiological actions e.g. lowers and elevates blood pressure
Pain reducing, usually used externally
Assists in killing or expelling intestinal worms or parasites.
Tempers the immune response, often by stabilising or inhibiting the degranulation of mast cells
An agent that normalises heart rhythm
Reduces the formation of mucus
Lowers blood cholesterol
An agent that blocks the parasympathetic nerve impulse
Reduces the feelings of nausea, may relieve or prevent vomiting
Prevents the formation of fibrous tissue
A remedy which stems internal bleeding
Reduces sweating
Reduces enlargement of the prostate gland
Inhibits implantation of fertilised ovum
Reduces the formation of calculi in kidney, urinary system or joints
Reduces swelling
Protects against oxidation and free radical damage
Assists in killing or expelling parasites
Against fever
Reduce and counter inflammation
Reduces platelet aggregation
Reduces fever
Reduces the symptoms of rheumatism
Against atherosclerosis
Reduces cramping
Suppresses the cough reflex
Prevents and heals ulcers
Reduces anxiety
Mildly laxative
Improves appetite & digestion
Herbs with strong odour that stimulate digestive system
Causes contraction of mucous membranes and exposed tissues.
A soothing and healing agent A resinous substance obtained from trees
Bitter herbs stimulate the digestive system via reflexes from taste buds, gastrin and vagus; improves absorption
A group of compounds; widely distributed in plants, that maintain the health of small blood vessel walls
Nourishes the entire body and nervous system
Decreases the risk of heart damage due to toxins or ischaemia
Increases the strength of the heart
Relieves flatulence, usually by relaxing intestinal sphincter muscles
Strong laxative action
Increases the flow of bile
Increases the production and flow of bile
Improves peripheral circulation
Produces a superficial inflammation of the skin. Often used to relieve a deeper inflammation by improving circulation. Used topically for inflammation and pain in muscles, ligaments and joints
Water preparation where the bark, roots or other hardy or woody parts of a plant has simmered for some time, usually 15 to 30 minutes
Removes congestion of the mucous membranes
Soothes inflamed surfaces such as skin and mucous membranes.
Loosing or removing obstructions in ducts. Could also refer to any obstruction, physical, mental or spiritual
Improves detoxification of the body (by improving digestion, and the function of liver/gallbladder, kidney/bladder and/or the immune system); also known as alterative or ‘blood purifiers’
Cleaning of wounds or ulcers
Promotes sweating during a fever
Dispersing or absorbing of foreign or abnormal tissues
Increases urinary output and/or increases the excretion of metabolic waste products
Aiding childbirth by increasing uterine contractions
Causes vomiting
A herb which increases the strength and frequency of uterine contractions. Used in earlier times as a euphemism for abortifacient, eg. Pennyroyal
Reduces inflammation and irritation when applied to the skin
Prevents nosebleeds
Facilitates the removal of excess mucus by various means
See antipyretic
Prevents and reduces the development of insoluble fibrin clots
An hydro-ethanolic extract of crude herbal material with a drug solvent ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 (1 part herb to 1 or 2 parts solvent)
An herbal extract made from fresh rather than dried plant material, using a mixture of water and alcohol as the menstruum.
Promotes the production or flow of breast milk
The crude botanic form of a drug
An herbal extract using glycerine and water
as solvents
An agent which can arrest blood loss
A remedy which improves the function of the liver and normalises the flow of bile
Protects the liver against damage from toxins
Causing watery discharge
A remedy which induces sleep
Stimulates one or more aspects of the immune reaction, also called immuno-modulating or immune enhancing
Reduces the immune response
A herbal extract using a fixed oil as the solvent
Herbal tea prepared by pouring boiling water over flowers, leaves or other soft parts of a plant and leaving to steep for a short time usually in a covered vessel.
Fresh plant extract
Promotes the evacuation of the bowels
A soothing, oily, liquid preparation for rubbing on the skin
Dissolving stones
A remedy which improves the flow of lymphatic fluid or increases its detoxifying properties (lymphatic drainage)
An extraction method where the cut herb is soaked in a solvent for some time before draining and pressing
Normalises reproductive function in males
The plant material left after an herbal extract has been made
Honey
The solvent mixture used to make an herbal extract
Contains mucins (complex carbohydrates) that are demulcent, emollient and soothing
Breaks up or resolves mucus
Normalises the function and secretions of mucous membranes
Increases the excretion of sodium
Strengthens and nourishes the nervous system, usually with a relaxant effect
Supplies biologically active optimum nourishment in the form of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, carbohydrates and fats
Promotes the body’s production of oestrogen and/or has the ability to stimulate oestrogen receptor sites
Medicinal vinegar with added honey
Stimulates uterine contractions
Induces or assists labour, facilitates proper delivery of the placenta
A herb prescribed in the last trimester of pregnancy to prepare and tone the uterus for labour
An extraction method whereby the solvent is allowed to filter through powdered herb material packed in a cylindrical tube (percolator)
Plant-therapy, modern term for scientifically validated herbal medicine
Vital energy, life force, also know as prana (India)
Lowers body temperature without inducing sweating
Eases tension and pain in body and organs – non sedative
Restores normal function of the body, organ or system
Underground, fleshy stem that grows horizontally, as a food-storing organ. Rhizomes have nodes, buds and tiny leaves
See counter-irritant
Induces sleep
A remedy which increases salivation
A remedy which promotes sleep
See anti-spasmodic
Term used in traditional herbal medicine to mean circulatory stimulant
Improves digestion
Stems external bleeding
When the combined action of two or more substances is greater than the action of the substances in isolation
Plant juice
Producing profuse perspiration
Improves mood, antidepressant activity
An hydro-ethanolic extraction of crude herbal material, usually in the ratio of 1:5 (1 part herb extracted in 5 parts solvent)
Improves the tone, vigour and function of a particular organ
Herb that restores function and morphology of the organ
Regulates the function of the uterus and the endometrium
Maintains the structure and integrity of veins and improves venous return
Substance expelling worms
Blister producing
A life giving energy which permeates all living things, the energy which heals and repairs damaged tissue
Promotes the healing of wounds