Herbal Glossary

Down below is a list of terms and definitions often used in relation to herbs. While this list does not include every term, it covers the ones used most often. 

Abortifacient - Induces premature expulsion of the fetus
Adaptogen- Plants that improve the body’s ability to handle stress. They help regulate and normalize organ and system function
Adjuvant -Plants that enhance the body’s response to a remedy
Analgesic- Substance that relieves pain
Anaphrodisiac- Decreases sexual feeling and desires
Anodynes- Herbs that relieve pain
Antacid- Neutralizes acids formed by the stomach
Anthelmintic- destroys and expels worms from the intestines
Anti Venomous- Acts against poisons
Antiemetic- Lessen nausea and provide relief from vomiting
Antifungal- Combats fungal infections
Antilithic- Helps prevent formation of stones in the kidneys and bladder
Antimicrobial- Destroys or inhibits microorganisms
Antioxidant- Prevents oxidation and breakdown of tissues
Antipyretic- Reduces fever
Antiseptic-Inhibits microorganisms that cause infection
Antispasmodic- Relieves involuntary muscle spasms or cramps
Aperient- Mild laxative, moves the bowels
Aphrodisiac- Increases sexual desire and strength
Aromatic- Contains pleasant, fragrant scent and a pungent taste
Astringent: Causes contractions in the tissues
Balsam- Tree resin that soothes or heals
Bitter- Solution of bitter plants used as tonics
Carminative-Prevents and expels gas
Cathartic- Causes evacuation of the bowls Cholagogue- Stimulates the flow of bile from the liver into the intestines
Demulcent- Soothe mucous membrane
Depurative- Purifies and cleanses the blood
Detergent- Cleanses boils, ulcers, wounds or skin itself
Diaphoretic- Promotes perspiration
Digestive- Aid in the digestion of food
Discutient- Dispels and dissolves tumors and abnormal growths
Diuretic- Promotes production and secretion of urine
Drastic- Potent cathartic, produce violent peristalsis
Emetic- Induces vomiting
Emmenagogue-Tones the female reproductive organs and brings on menstrual flow Emollient- Softens and soothes the skin, used externally
Expectorant-Promotes and encourages the thinning and expulsion of mucus
Febrifuge- Reduces body temperature and fever
Hepatic- Promotes wellness of liver  Hypnotic- Induces sleep
Laxative- Promotes evacuation of the bowls
Lithopriptics- Dissolve stones from the urinalysis passage
Mucilages- Contain gelatinous substance, used to soothe
Narcotics- Substance that induces sleep
Nauseants- Causes nausea
Nervines- Tones and relaxes the nerves
Nutritives- Nourishes and builds the body
Opthalmics- Healing to disorders of the yes
Orexigenics- Increase and stimulate appetite
Oxytocics- Promotes labor and stimulates contractions
Parasiticides- Kills parasites in the body
Protective- Creates protective covering to surface when applied
Pungent- Causes a sharp prickling sensation
Purgative- Cathartic herbs that cause cleansing of the bowls
Relaxants- Relieves and lessons tension
Resolvents- Helps rid inflammation
Sedatives- Calm the nerves
Sialagogues- Promote secretion of saliva
Stimulant- Increases activity and energy
Stomachics- Stimulates and tones the stomach
Styptics- Stops bleeding and hemorrhaging
Tonics- Stimulates, energizes and strengthens the body