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Abortifacient
A preparation used to induce abortion.
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Active Principle
Is the particular constituent of a herb which has been judged to be the most prominent pharmacological.
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Adaptogen
Is a herb which literally improves adaptability. These herbs serve to enhance the innate healing capacity of the body and hence to encourage healing and recovery.
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Alterative
Is a herb which alters the processes of metabolism.
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Analgesic
Pain relieving.
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Anodyne
Reduces pain and irritation, similar to an analgesic.
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Anthelmintic
A herb which eliminates parasites from the intestinal system.
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Anti-emetic
A herb which stops vomiting and allays nausea.
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Anti-infective
A herb which assists the body to withstand infection. These herbs assist the body’s own defences to control infection rather than direct killing of an infecting organism.
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Anti-inflammatory
A herb which reduces inflammation. Some herbs do this by means of a direct action, similar to that found with pharmacological preparations. Others achieve the effect by assisting with the clearing of the area and elimination of wastes.
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Antipyretic
A herb which reduces fever.
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Antiseptic
Herbs which have a direct killing action against bacteria and other micro-organisms.
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Antispasmodic
Reduces spasm or tension.
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Antitussive
A herb which soothes and relieves coughing.
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Aperient
A laxative which works by promoting the natural movement of the bowels. This is in contrast to a purgative which is an irritant and forcibly expels the contents of the bowels.
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Astringent
A herb which has binding properties on the mucous membranes. Most commonly used in conditions such as diarrhoea.
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Carminative
A herb which eases griping pains and expels flatulence.
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Cardioactive
Herbs having a notable effect on the heart.
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Cardiotonic
Herbs having an action on the heart, but much gentler than cardioactive herbs.
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Cathartic
A herb producing an active expulsion from the bowels.
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Cholagogue
A herb which stimulates the flow of bile from the liver.
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Choleretic
A herb which prevents excess bile.
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Demulcent
Herbs which have a soothing effect on the membranes to which they are applied.
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Depurative
A herb which has purifying or detoxifying abilities.
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Diaphoretic
A herb which promotes sweating.
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Digestive
A herb which aids digestion.
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Diuretic
Promotions the production of urine.
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Elimination
A herb which promotes the process of elimination by the body. Eliminative processes include urination, defecation, sweating and breathing.
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Emetic
A herb which induces vomiting.
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Emmenagogue
A herb which produces menstruation.
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Expectorant
A herb which encourages the lungs to expel any mucous or other matter, usually by coughing.
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Febrifuge
A herb which reduces fever.
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Galactagogue
A herb which promotes the flow of breast milk.
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Haemostatic
A herb which acts to control or stop the flow of blood.
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Hallucinogen
A herb which produces visions or hallucinations.
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Irritant
Causes irritation.
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Laxative
Promote bowel function. Some actively promote the movement while others will also help remove bowel contents.
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Nervine
A herb which restores the nerves and relaxes the nervous system.
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Purgative
This is a herb with a very drastic laxative action. These remedies are not used in general modern naturopathic practice.
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Relaxant
Relaxant herbs serve to relax the body. This may be as a whole, or may serve separate organs or systems.
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Rubefacient
This term describes an agent which causes a local vasodilation when applied to the skin.
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Sedative
This is a herb which calms the nervous system. Its action is to sedate the body.
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Stimulant
This is a herb which stimulates some form of body function or a system of the body.
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Sudorific
This is a herb which promotes sweating and is an alternative term for diaphoretic.
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Tonic
A strengthening and nourishing herb which gives the feeling of wellbeing.
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Vermifuge
A herb which expels intestinal worms from the body.
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Vesicant
A herb which will produce blistering when applied to the skin. Techniques such as blistering are now not used in naturopathic practice.
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Vulnerary
A herb which is used for healing broken skin and other wounds.
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