Actions Vocabulary

Question 1

Alteratives

Answer 1

Gradually and favorably alter the condition of the blood. Aid the body in assimilating nutrients and eliminating metabolic waste products. Neutralize acidic conditions in the body, aid in protein assimilation. Generally extremely high in vitamins and minerals.

Question 2

Analgesics or Anodynes

Answer 2

Used to reduce pain. Used internally and externally, depending on the herb. May also be antispasmodics, relieving pain by reducing cramping in muscles. Most affect the nerves directly by reducing pain signals to the brain.

Question 3

Antacids

Answer 3

Neutralize excess acids in the stomach and intestines. Most also contain demulcent properties to soothe, protect, and heal the stomach lining.

Question 4

Antihelminthic or Parasiticides

Answer 4

Herbs that destroy or expel worms or parasites from the system.

Question 5

Antiasthmatics

Answer 5

Help relieve symptoms of asthma by dilating the bronchioles and breaking up mucus.

Question 6

Antibiotics

Answer 6

(As an herbalist, Rosemary prefers “biotics”). Some of these have direct germ killing abilities, but most work by direct stimulation of the body’s immune system. A healthy system supported by biotic herbs will fight off most infections.

Question 7

Anticatarrhals

Answer 7

Help eliminate and prevent excessive mucus buildup in the system.

Question 8

Anti-lithic or Lithotriptic

Answer 8

Help prevent and eliminate urinary or biliary stones and gravel.

Question 9

Antiseptic or Antimicrobial

Answer 9

Help prevent the growth of bacteria and resist Panthogenic micro-organisms.

Question 10

Anti-spasmodics

Answer 10

Prevent or ease cramps in the body and muscle spasms.

Question 11

Astringents

Answer 11

Constrict tissue by precipitating proteins and thus reduces discharge and secretions. Most contain tannins.

Question 12

Bitters

Answer 12

Act as stimulating tonics for the digestive system through a reflex via the taste buds.

Question 13

Carminatives

Answer 13

Rich in volatile oils, they stimulate the peristalsis of the digestive system and relax the stomach. They’re most known function is aiding the release of gas and griping on the bowels.

Question 14

Galactagogue

Answer 14

Increase secretion of milk.

Question 15

Demulcents

Answer 15

Rich in mucilage. Soothing and healing to irritated and inflamed tissue. Important herbs in most formulas.

Question 16

Diaphoretics

Answer 16

Induce sweating by stimulating the kidneys. They must be taken hot; otherwise they will affect the kidneys by acting like a diuretic.

Question 17

Diuretics

Answer 17

Increase the flow of urine. Used to treat water retention, cystitis, overweight, edema, and some types of skin infections.

Question 18

Emmenagogues

Answer 18

Help promote menstrual flow and bring on a cycle. Term is also used to refer to tonics for the female system.

Question 19

Emolients

Answer 19

Applied externally, they soften and soothe the skin. Internally, they work similar to demulcents, they soothe they system.

Question 20

Expectorants

Answer 20

Herbs that help expel excess mucus from the system.

Question 21

Hepatics

Answer 21

Herbs that aid the liver, help tone, strengthen, and increase bile flow of the liver. They contain active bitter principles.

Question 22

Hemostatics

Answer 22

Help stop hemorrhaging and internal bleeding. Includes astringents that affect blood coagulation.

Question 23

Laxatives

Answer 23

Promote bowel movement. Laxatives are less drastic than purgatives.

Question 24

Lithotriptics

Answer 24

Herbs that help eliminate urinary and biliary stones/gravel.

Question 25

Nervines

Answer 25

Herbs that calm, strengthen, and tone the nervous system.

Question 26

Pectorals

Answer 26

Have a general healing and strengthening effect on the respiratory system.

Question 27

Rubefacients

Answer 27

When applied to the skin, these herbs stimulate the dilation of the capillaries and can cause local irritation. They thereby draw inflammation and congestion from deeper tissue. They also increase circulation and promote surface warmth.

Question 28

Sedatives

Answer 28

Reduce stress and nervous disorders throughout the body. Are used as an aid for sleep and to induce calm.

Question 29

Sialagogues

Answer 29

Stimulate the secretion of saliva and thus aid in digestion.

Question 30

Stimulants

Answer 30

Increase the energy of he body by quickening and enlivening the physiological function of the body.

Question 31

Styptics

Answer 31

Reduce or stop external bleeding by their astringent and/or coagulating effects.

Question 32

Tonics

Answer 32

Herbs that strengthen, nourish, and enliven specific organs of the body. Most tonics have general effects on the whole body and, depending on the tonic herb being used, specific effects on various organs.

Question 33

Vulneraries

Answer 33

Herbs that heal wounds.