Dictionary of Medical Actions

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitue for proper medical care. Do not self administer these or any other plants without further, more advanced study. Your health is the most important asset you have, please use good judgment.

Medical Definitions

Abortifacient – Herbs thusly labeled are likely to cause a miscarriage and are considered highly dangerous after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and dangerous during the first 3 months of fetal growth. Examples – blue cohosh, ergot, goldenseal, tansy oil and valerian

Alterative – These herbs function loosely as a tonic and produce a hastening of renewal and healing. Their effects are not directly observed since their active ingredients work specifically on the tissue. Red clover is currently being investigated by the medical community as a treatment for tumors; results are still pending though the outlook is promising. Examples – burdock and elder

Anesthetic – Similar to herbs termed anodynes, but stronger in their pain relieving effects. Rather than healing the source of the pain, anesthetics dull nerve endings causing them to lose sensation thus making the individual less aware of the pain. Examples – birch bark, clove oil, and mandrake

Anodyne – Like anesthetics, anodynes relieve pain but may be narcotic in effect. Examples – belladonna, coca leaves, henbane, and white willow bark

Anthelmintic – Herbs classed as anthelmintic contain active ingredients that expel and deter parasitic worms that attach to the intestinal walls. These parasites most often occur in tropical and subtropical climates, especially in malnourished communities. Examples – flax seeds, tansy, and wormwood

Antiemetic – These herbs actively aid digestion and alleviate indigestion and nausea. Not all herbs that possess antiemetic properties are safe and should be administered only under medical supervision. Examples – clove, frankincense, and spearmint

Antiseptic – Like commercially marketed antiseptics, herbs with antiseptic compounds combat and destroy or retard the growth of microorganisms that cause infection. Bactine is a common over the counter antiseptic that is topically applied to burns, cuts and abrasions. Examples – basil, pennyroyal, and thyme

Antispasmodic – Antispasmodic herbs are prescribed to calm muscles and stop spasms and convulsions. Many women choose to drink teas brewed from these herbs to ease menstrual cramping. Examples – blue & black cohosh, eucalyptus, and valerian

Aperient – More subtle acting and gentle than herbs classed as laxatives, aperients produce natural movement of the bowels. Examples – dandelion, rhubarb

Aromatic – The pleasing fragrance and flavor of aromatic herbs have led many of them into spice racks and teas. They are often used to mask the taste of less appealing herbs or to add special flavor to everyday dishes. Examples – allspice, cinnamon, clove, and peppermint

Astringent – Astringent herbs contract tissue and are ingredients in facial creams and washes used to tighten pores. They are also employed for their ability to halt bleeding. Examples – agrimony, blackberry, sage

Cardiac – As the name implies, these herbs have a direct effect on the heart. Individual effects vary widely from plant to plant and dosage should be exact. Medical supervision is strongly advised. Examples – foxglove, tansy, yarrow

Carminative – The active constituents in the herbs classified as carminative aid digestion, ease stomach ailments and relieve cramping and muscular tension. Many carminatives are also aromatic. Examples – allspice, catnip, dill, and spearmint

Cathartic – Use only in extreme situations and under medical guidance. These herbs stimulate intestinal secretions and cause severe movement of the bowels. Examples – boneset, broom, and castor oil.

Demulcent – The naturally occurring gums contained in these herbs sooth and relieve inflammation. They are often eaten after heavy dinners to aid digestion, but they may also be applied topically in the form of salves. Examples – licorice root and marshmallow root.

Diaphoretic – The effects of diaphoretic herbs are similar to sudorific herbs in that they stimulate perspiration but are generally less extreme. They are suggested to help bring down mild fevers. Examples – angelica, catnip, pennyroyal

Diuretic – Primarily used for kidney ailments, diuretics cleanse the organ by stimulating the need to urinate. Some people include them as part of purification regime, believing that they eliminate toxins in the body. Example – agrimony, dandelion, elder, and fennel

Emetic – These herbs should be used only in extreme situation as they cause stomach contractions which induce vomiting. Individual effects vary from extreme to mild. Examples – boneset, lobelia, vervain

Emmenagogue – Used to promote menstruation, a number of these herbs also ease cramping. They should not be taken during pregnancy. Examples – blue & black cohosh, pennyroyal, tansy

Emollient – Emollients soften and sooth the skin and are key ingredients in commercial skin care products. Examples – linseed, marshmallow, comfrey

Expectorant – Over the counter cough medicines are often promoted for their expectorant, or cough inducing, properties. Expectorants work by loosening phlegm in the lungs and sinuses, which is then easily evacuated from the body. Examples –boneset, horehound, and marshmallow

Febrifuge – These herbs have the ability to lower body temperature and some stimulate the sweat glands. They are recommended in the case of fevers. Examples – boneset, sage, wormwood

Haemostat – As the prefix haemo implies, these herbs work on the blood. They have strong astringent qualities and quickly coagulate the blood; therefore they are sued to stop bleeding. Examples – corn ergot, marigold, and sage

Hepatic – These herbs function directly on the liver, cleaning and rejuvenating the organ. They are commonly associated with the ailment jaundice and hepatitis, which both stem from and affect the liver. Examples – agrimony, celandine, tansy

Irritant – Herbs affect individuals differently and great care should be taken when administering them either internally or externally. Some have clear skin irritating properties and should be used with knowledge and respect. Examples – bryony, cayenne, mustard

Laxative – Laxatives promote bowel action to a lesser extreme then purgatives and have recently become a means of weight loss for some. This practice is strongly advised against. Examples – boneset, licorice root, mandrake

Mucilage – Mucilage refers to the naturally occurring gum substance in certain plants. It is water soluble and creates a sticky compound which is soothing to inflammation and lubricating to the skin. Examples – arrowroot, comfrey and marshmallow root

Narcotic – The effects of narcotic herbs are almost immediately felt since they go to work directly on the nervous system. The most common example is nicotine, an active ingredient in tobacco. Generally narcotics are addictive, though some such as peyote and mescal are used by indigenous culture when embarking on a vision quest since they induce hallucinations.

Nervine – Nervine constituents also work directly on the nervous system by calming nervous excitement and soothing the emotions. Many over the counter medication are touted as having these effects, but the same results can be made naturally by brewing a cup of tea from certain herbs. Examples – chamomile, cinquefoil, lavender and marigold

Nutrient – High in vitamins and minerals and more natural that chemically created vitamins, these herbs may be taken as a tonic to promote all around good heath. Examples – dandelion and stinging nettle

Pectoral – Herbs falling under this classification work on the chest and lungs. Think “pectoral muscles” as a memory key. They are used to treat respiratory infections and are especially effective against chest colds. They may also be termed Pulmonary. Examples – coltsfoot, marshmallow, wild cherry

Purgative – The strongest classification of laxative herbs, these should only be used in extreme cases and under medical supervision. The cause extreme bowl evacuation and may be accompanied by uncomfortable side effects such as abdominal cramping. Examples – bitter apple, mandrake, senna leaves

Refrigerant – Think of a refrigerator, they cool and so do herbs that are classed as refrigerants. They relieve thirst and lower the temperature of the blood, thereby cooling the body. Chickweed is popular in parts of the southern United States where summer heat and humidity is stifling. Examples – aconite, catnip, wormwood

Rubefacient– As a memory key to the use of these herbs, focus on “Rub”. They are applied to the skin by massage which causes increased circulation and a reddening of the skin. Many are a mild irritant and may produce tingling of the epidermis as well. They are used to alleviate joint pain, arthritis, and headaches. Examples – cayenne, stinging nettle

Sedative – Sedative herbs calm, sooth and relax the nervous system and muscles and may induce sleep in larger doses. Correct dosages are essential as an excess some of these herbs may be fatal. Examples – chamomile, jasmine, and valerian

Stimulants – Stimulants stimulate. They impart a feeling of increased energy by raising the heart rate, rate of respiration and level of nerve awareness. Caffeine is considered a mild stimulant, but to those unaccustomed to it, its effects can produce light-headedness and nervous tension. Examples – cayenne, cinnamon, horseradish

Stomachic – These herbs are used for treating stomach ailments such as indigestion and what is commonly referred to as a “nervous stomach”. They may be added directly to food as seasoning to best enjoy their taste as well as their physiological effects. Examples – dill and peppermint

Styptic – Styptic herbs bind the blood, causing blood vessels to contract and clots to form which ceases the flow of blood. Examples – avens, stinging nettle and sage

Sudorific– These herbs are more intense in effect than diaphoretic herbs but are some times grouped together since both stimulate the sweat glands thereby reducing body temperature and eliminating toxins.

– This classification refers to herbs that promote a state of good health and overall well being. They are gently in their effect as they cleanse and tone the body. Examples – agrimony, catnip, dandelion, and yarrow

Top

• ◊ Herbal ◊

 

• ◊ 12th Century Herbal Invocation
• ◊ A - Z Herbal Encyclopedia
• ◊ Growing Herbs
• ◊ Gathering Herbs
• ◊ Drying Herbs
• ◊ Storing Herbs
• ◊ Herbal Code
• ◊ Herbal Timeline
• ◊ History of Herbs
• ◊ Laws of the Traditional Herbalist
• ◊ Tools of an Herbalist

Magical Herbs

• ◊ Herbal Preparations
• ◊ Herbs by Intent
• ◊ Herbs of the Elements
• ◊ Herbs of the Gods
• ◊ Herbs of the Skies
• ◊ Herbs of the Tarot
• ◊ Herbs of the Zodiac

Sacred Woods

• ◊ Birch
• ◊ Oak
• ◊ Rowan
• ◊ Willow
• ◊ Hawthorn
• ◊ Hazel
• ◊ Apple
• ◊ Grape
• ◊ Fir
• ◊ Elder

Medicinal Herbs

• » Dictionary of Medical Actions
• ◊ Herbs by Intent
• ◊ Herbal Preparations

Featured Articles

• ◊ An Introduction to the Doctrine of Signatures
• ◊ Culpepper's Herbal Online