Herbal Properties

Food Summaries

Here is a list of medical terms which describe the effects of plants and herbs on the human body.

The following terms are also referred to as medicinal plant actions, medicinal properties and uses, therapeutic action of herbs, herbal properties, medical actions, and physical effects of herbs.

Therapeutic Action

Therapeutic Action

adaptogen -

corrects errant conditions

galactagogue -

milk producing

alterative -

gradually restores health

analgesic -

pain reliever

hemotatic -

stops bleeding

anodyne -

pain reliever

hepatic -

aids liver

anthelmintic -

worm destroyer

hypnotic -

induces hypnotic state

anticatarrhial -

mucous membrane anti-inflammatory

hypotensive -

reduces blood pressure

antihypothyroid -

thyroid stimulant

antiinflammatory -

swelling reducer

laxative -

induces defecation

antimicrobial -

kills bacteria

lymphatic -

aiding the lymph system

antineoplastic -

inhibits tumors

antioxidant -

attacks free radicals

nervine -

soothes the nerves

antirheumatic -

helps joints and muscles

antiseptic -

kills germs

pectoral -

aids the lungs

antispasmodic -

muscle relaxer

antitussive -

cough suppresser

relaxant -

induces relaxation

antiviral -

kills viri

restorative -

restores

aperient -

mild laxative

rubefacient -

skin reddener

aphrodisiac -

makes you horny

astringent -

causes contraction or constriction

sedative -

calming , soothing

sialagogue -

promotes salivation

bitter -

appetite stimulant

stimulant -

stimulates nervous system

stomachic -

stimulates stomach

carminative -

gas expelling

sudorific -

sweat inducing

cathartic -

purgative (bm-inducing)

cholagogue -

promotes flow of bile

tonic -

invigorator, strengthener

demulcent -

soothing

vasoconstrictor -

reduces blood flow

depurative -

blood cleansing

vasodilator -

increases blood flow

diaphoretic -

perspiration inducer

vulnerary -

wound healing

diuretic -

urine increasing

emetic -

causes vomiting

 Preparations

emmenagogue -

promotes menstruation

concoction -

mixture

emollient -

skin softener

decoction -

boiled concentrate

expectorant -

saliva producer

extract -

produced by pressure, distillation or solvents

febrifuge -

fever reducing

tincture -

solution of alcohol and substance

fname:herbal-actions.htm

The author has no medical training. No advice is intended.
Although the author has tried to be as accurate as possible, errors and misstatements are possible.
Consult your doctor for personal advice.

I could not find a chart like the above. So, I assembled this list of herbal actions, to help myself understand the workings of common herbs. I hope that it helps you.

  Food Summaries

  Amino Acid Summary

Magnesium Foods Summary

Vegetable Oils Summary

  Fish Oil Supplement Summary

Potassium Foods Summary

Vitamin and Mineral Chart

  Herbal Actions Summary

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