herbal terms.txt

A preparation used to induce abortion.

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

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.

Is a herb which alters the processes of metabolism.

Pain relieving.

Reduces pain and irritation, similar to an analgesic.

A herb which eliminates parasites from the intestinal system.

A herb which stops vomiting and allays nausea.

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.

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.

A herb which reduces fever.

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

Reduces spasm or tension.

A herb which soothes and relieves coughing.

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.

A herb which has binding properties on the mucous membranes. Most commonly used in conditions such as diarrhoea.

A herb which eases griping pains and expels flatulence.

Herbs having a notable effect on the heart.

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

A herb producing an active expulsion from the bowels.

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

A herb which prevents excess bile.

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

A herb which has purifying or detoxifying abilities.

A herb which promotes sweating.

A herb which aids digestion.

Promotions the production of urine.

A herb which promotes the process of elimination by the body. Eliminative processes include urination, defecation, sweating and breathing.

A herb which induces vomiting.

A herb which produces menstruation.

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

A herb which reduces fever.

A herb which promotes the flow of breast milk.

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

A herb which produces visions or hallucinations.

Causes irritation.

Promote bowel function. Some actively promote the movement while others will also help remove bowel contents.

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

This is a herb with a very drastic laxative action. These remedies are not used in general modern naturopathic practice.

Relaxant herbs serve to relax the body. This may be as a whole, or may serve separate organs or systems.

This term describes an agent which causes a local vasodilation when applied to the skin.

This is a herb which calms the nervous system. Its action is to sedate the body.

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

This is a herb which promotes sweating and is an alternative term for diaphoretic.

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

A herb which expels intestinal worms from the body.

A herb which will produce blistering when applied to the skin. Techniques such as blistering are now not used in naturopathic practice.

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