| Abortifacient |
Causes abortion. |
Analgesic |
Pain relieving. |
Anaphrodisiac |
Reduces sexual desire. |
Anti-allergenic |
Prevents allergic reactions. |
Anti-anaemic |
Prevents or combats anaemia. |
Antibiotic |
Destroys or inhibits the growth of micro-organisms, especially bacteria. |
Anticonvulsive |
Helps prevent or arrest convulsions. |
Antidepressant |
Helps alleviate depression. |
Anti-emetic |
Helps prevent vomiting. |
Antigalactagoguic |
Decreases the secretion of milk. |
Antihaemorrhagic |
Prevents or combats bleeding. |
Antihistaminic |
Counteracts the effects of histamine. (Histamine is released in the body as part of an allergic response, triggering symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing or Skin irritation. |
Anti-inflammatory |
Also antiphologistic. Counteracts inflammation. |
Antimicrobial |
Destroys, or hinders the proliferation of, micro-organisms, especially bacteria. |
Antineuralgic |
Counteracts neuralgia. |
Antioxidant |
Prevents or delays oxidation or deterioration, especially with exposure to air. |
Antiputrescent |
Prevents or combats decay or putrefaction. |
Antireheumatic |
Relieves rheumatism. |
Antiseptic |
Destroys mico-organisms. |
Antispasmodic |
Prevents or eases spasms or cramps. |
Antitoxic |
Counteracts the effects of poison. |
Anti-tumor |
Prevents or retards the growth of tumours. |
Antiviral |
Inhibits the proliferation of viruses. |
Aperitif |
Stimulates the appetite, |
Aphrodisiac |
Increases or stimulates sexual desire. |
Astringent |
Causes contraction of tissues and thus reduces secretions and discharges. |
Bactericidal |
Destroys bacteria or inhibits their growth. |
Balsamic |
A soothing medicine, especially for the respiratory system. |
Bechic |
Soothes or relieves coughs. |
Cardiac |
Pertaining to the heart. |
Cardiotinic |
Strengthens the heart. |
Carminative |
Stimulates the digestive system and relaxes the stomach, thereby preventing flatulence. |
Cephalic |
A remedy for disorders of the head. |
Cholagogic |
Stimulates the secretion and release of bile from the gall bladder into the Duodenum. |
Choleretic |
Stimulates the production of bile in the liver. |
Cicatrisant |
Promotes healing by increasing the regeneration of skin cells and the formation of scar tissue. |
Cordial |
A stimulant and tonic. |
Cytophylactic |
Increases the production of white blood cells (which help defend the body Against infection). |
Deodorant |
Masks or removes unpleasant odours. |
Depurative |
Detoxifying, helps to combat impurities in the blood and organs. |
Digestive |
Aids the digestion of food. |
Diuretic |
Increases the flow and excretion of urine. |
Emmenagoguic |
Stimulates and/or normalizes menstruation. |
Expectorant |
Helps in the removal of excess mucus from the respiratory system. |
Febrifugal |
Reduces or combats fever. (Also, known as anti-pyretic). |
Fungicidal |
Destroys fungi or prevents their growth. |
Galactagoguic |
Increases the secretion of milk. |
Genito-urinary |
Pertaining to the reproductive organs and urinary tract. |
Haemostatic |
Arrests bleeding. |
Hepatic |
Relating to the liver; aids liver functioning. |
Hypnotic |
Promotes sleep (not hypnotic trance). |
Hypoglycaemic |
Lowers blood sugar levels. |
Hypotensive |
Lowers high blood pressure. |
Immunostimulant |
Strengthens the immune system. |
Larvicidal |
Destroys larvae. |
Laxative |
Promotes evacuation of the bowels. (Also known as aperient). |
Nervine |
Tones and strengthens the nervous system. |
Parasiticidal |
Destroys parasites such as fleas and lice. |
Parturient |
Promotes and eases labour (childbirth). |
Prophylactic |
Preventative. |
Pulmonary |
Pertaining to the lungs. |
Restorative |
Strengthens and revives the mind/body complex. |
Rubefacient |
When rubbed into the skin, causes the superficial blood vessels (capillaries) to dilate. |
Sedative |
Calms the nervous system and reduces stress. |
Stimulant |
Quickens and enlivens the mind/body complex. |
Stomachic |
Stimulates digestive secretions in the stomach and improves appetite. |
Sudorific |
Induces or increases perspiration. (Also known as diaphoretic). |
Tonic |
Strengthens and enlivens either specific organs or the whole body. |
Uterine |
Pertaining to the uterus; a substance which strengthens and tones the uterus. |
Vasoconstrictive |
Causes narrowing of the blood vessels. |
Vasodilating |
Dilates or relaxes the blood vessels. |
Vermifugal |
Destroys and expels worms. |
Vulnerary |
Aids the healing of wounds and cuts. |
