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Glossary of plant effects* Jan. 1998
Remplace: Oct. 1997


Analgesic:
a substance that reduces or eliminates pain.

Anaphrodisiac:
an agent that declines sexual desire.

Antacid:
a substance that counteracts or neutralizes acidity.

Antibiotic:
a substance that can destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms.

Antidepressant:
a substance that prevents or relieves depression.

Anti-inflammatory:
a substance that prevents or reduces inflammation.

Antioxidant:
a substance that prevents cell damage and other changes caused by oxidation.

Antiseptic:
a substance capable of preventing infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

Antispasmodic:
an agent that prevents or relieves muscle spasm.

Antitussive:
a substance capable of relieving or suppressing coughing.

Aphrodisiac:
an agent that intensifies sexual desire.

Astringent:
a substance that draws together or constricts body tissues and is effective in stopping the flow of blood or other secretions.

Bactericide:
an agent that destroys bacteria.

Bronchodilator:
a substance that widens the air passages of the lungs and eases breathing by relaxing bronchial passages.

Carminative:
an agent that induces the expulsion of gas from the stomach or intestines.

Catalyzer:
a substance that increases the rate of a chemical or bio-chemical reaction.

Cholagogue:
a substance that promotes the excretion of bile from the gall bladder.

Choleretic:
a substance that stimulates the secretion of bile by the liver.

Depurative:
a substance used to cleanse or purify.

Diaphoretic:
a substance that produces or increases perspiration.

Digestive:
a substance that aids digestion.

Discutient:
an agent that dissolves and removes tumours and abnormal growths.

Diuretic:
a substance that tends to increase the flow of urine.

Emetic:
a substance used to induce vomiting.

Emmenagogue:
a substance that promotes menstrual flow.

Emollient:
a substance applied externally to soften and soothe the skin or internally to soothe inflamed or irritated mucous membranes.

Estrogenic:
hormones produced by the ovaries during the female reproductive period.

Expectorant:
a substance that promotes the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.

Febrifuge(antipyretic):
an agent that reduces fever.

Fungicidal:
a substance that destroys or inhibits the growth of fungi. 		Galactagogue:
a substance that favours the secretion of milk from the nursing mother.

Hemostatic:
a substance that arrests bleeding or hemorrhage.

Hepatic:
a substance that strengthens and stimulates the secretive functions of the liver.

Hyperactivity:
excessive agitation.

Hyperglycemic:
a substance that increases the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Hypertensive:
a substance that increases blood pressure.

Hypoglycemic:
a substance that is lowering the concentration of glucose in the blood.

Hypotensive:
a substance that decreases blood pressure.

Immunostimulant:
an agent that increases the immune response in order to induce resistance to infection.

Laxative:
a substance that stimulates evacuation of the bowels.

Lithotriptic:
an agent that dissolves and discharges urinary and gall bladder stones.

Lymphatic:
a substance used to stimulate and cleanse the lymphatic system.

Mucilage:
a substance that has mucilaginous properties used to soothe inflammed parts.

Nervin:
a substance that acts as a tonic to the nerves.

Nutritive:
a substance that supplies a substantial amount of nutrients and aid in building and toning the body.

Parturifacient:
an agent facilitating childbirth.

Pectoral:
a substance that has the power to ease coughing and promotes expectoration.

Peristaltic:
a substance that helps the forcing onward disgestive tract by waves of concentration. the content of the alimentary canal.

Resolvent:
a substance that reduces inflammation or swelling.

Revulsive:
a substance that causes counterirritation to reduce inflammation or increases the blood supply to the affected area.

Sedative:
an agent having a soothing, calming or tranquilizing effect.

Sialagogue:
an agent that increases and promotes the flow of saliva.

Stimulant:
an agent which increases energy and functional activity of the body.

Stomachic:
an agent that strengthens or stimulates the stomach.

Tonic:
an agent that restores or increases body tone.

Vasoconstrictor:
an agent that causes constriction of blood vessels.

Vasodilator:
an agent that causes dilation of blood vessels.

Vermifuge (anthelmintic):
an agent that destroys or causes the expulsion of parasitic intestinal worms.

Vulnerary:
an agent used in healing or treating wounds.




© 2000, Pure Herbs J.B. Ltd
All right reserved

* Talalaj & Czechowicz, Herbal Remedies, Harmful and Beneficial Effects, Hill of Content, 1889
This information is not intended to substitute medical advice regarding medical problems, diagnosis, treatments or healing of diseases or other physical and mental problems. This work is about historical observations and historical information relating to herbs. It is not the author's intention to establish prescriptions and/or diagnosis. The author and publisher deny responsibility in case of auto-prescription without former authorization of a physician.