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Herb Actions Flashcards

1
Q

Alterative

A

Gradually restores body back to health via support of waste elimination , stimulation of digestion or anti- microbial properties

Ie. Red clover, nettles, alfalfa

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2
Q

Analgesic

A

Reduces/relieves pain

ie. Willow, meadowsweet, myrrh

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3
Q

Anodyne

A

Relieves pain (less potent version of anesthetic or narcotic substances)

Ie. Jamaican dogwood, willow, feverfew

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4
Q

Anti-catarrhal

A

Reduces inflammation of mucous membrane (resp, urinary and GI tracts)

Ie. Goldenrod, sage, elder

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5
Q

Anthelmintic (aka vermifuge)

A

Expels/destroys intestinal worms

Ie. Wormwood, make fern, black walnut

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6
Q

Anti-inflammatory

A

Reduces inflammation or severity of inflammatory diseases

Ie. Willow, licorice, bog bean

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7
Q

Antihydrotic

A

Reduces/ suppresses perspiration

Ie. Sage, goldenrod

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8
Q

Anti-microbial

A

Destroys pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, etc)

Ie. Echinacea, goldenseal, hyssop

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9
Q

Antipyretic (aka diaphoretic)

A

Reduces fever

Ie. Elder, yarrow, boneset

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10
Q

Antispasmodic

A

Relieves spasms/ cramps. Alleviate muscle tension, and psychological tension (many are Nervines)

Ie, cramp bark, lobelia, wild cherry bark

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11
Q

Aperient

A

Mild laxative- stimulates liver function and bile production

Ie. Dandelion root, yellow dock, Oregon grape root

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12
Q

Aperitif

A

Stimulates appetite (generally by stimulating digestive secretions)

Ie.Fennel, caraway, wormwood

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13
Q

Aphrodisiac

A

Increases sexual desire. (Usually by balancing hormones)

Ie. Damiana, vitex, ginseng

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14
Q

Aromatic

A

Strong, volatile, fragrant aroma with stimulant properties

Ie. Cloves, cinnamon, lavender

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15
Q

Astringent

A

Contracts/ shrinks tissues. Used to control bleeding and decrease secretions. (Tannins cause this effect)
Good for protecting against infection of wounds and burns.

Ie. Raspberry leaf, agrimony, strawberry leaf, witch hazel, white oak

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16
Q

Basalmic

A

Healing/soothing substance

Ie. Marshmallow, plantain, calendula

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17
Q

Bitter tonic

A

Stimulates saliva and gastric juices. Their taste triggers a sensory response in CNS, stimulating these juices, as well as liver detox and gut self-repair mechanisms

Ie. Dandelion, chicory, wormwood, gentian, goldenseal

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18
Q

Calmative

A

Mild sedative or hypnotic agent

Ie. California poppy, skullcap, hops

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19
Q

Carminative

A

Stops formation of gas, and helps expel gas. Rich in aromatic volatiles-stimulating digestive system to work properly, soothing stomach wall, reducing present inflammation.

Ie. Chamomile, fennel, ginger

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20
Q

Cathartic (aka purgative)

A

Used to relieve severe constipation

Ie. Cape aloe, castor oil

21
Q

Cholagogue/ choleretic

A

Stimulates secretion of bile

Ie. Greater celandine, fringetree, fumitory

22
Q

Counter irritant/ rubefacient

A

Applied externally to cause localized irritation in order to provide relief from internal pain. Increases blood flow, helping in the healing of affected area. Often used in arthritis.

Ie. Cayenne, stinging nettles, mustard

23
Q

Demulcent

A

Oily/mucilaginous substance that soothes irritated tissues (esp. Mucous membranes). Rich in mucilage. They also reduce sensitivity to gastric acids, help prevent diarrhea, reduce muscle spasms, ease coughing and reduce painful bladder spasms.

Ie. Comfrey, plantain, slippery elm, marshmallow, couch grass, corn silk

24
Q

Diaphoretic (aka sudorific)

A

Promotes sweating- helping to eliminate waste from body. Often promote dilation of surface capillaries, helping to improve poor circulation. They also support kidney by increasing cleansing through the epidermis

Ie. Yarrow, cayenne, elderflower, catnip, boneset

25
Diuretic
Promotes urine production and flow. Help eliminate waste and and support process of inner cleansing Ie. Dandelion leaf, uva ursi, parsley, juniper, couch grass
26
Emetic
Induces vomiting Ie. Lobelia, ipecac
27
Emmenogogue
Promotes menstruation processes. In HM term is used for herbs that normalize and tones the female RS Ie. Tansy, blue couch, penny royal, don quai
28
Emollient
Externally applied; softens and soothes skin Ie. Evening primrose, rose, marshmallow
29
Expectorant
Increases bronchial secretions and expels the, through coughing, spitting, sneezing. Relaxing exp. soothe and promote non-viscous mucous helping relieve dry coughs Stimulating exp. irritate the bronchioles, causing expulsion of secretions Ie. Elecampane, thyme, mullein, coltsfoot
30
Febrifuge (aka antipyretic)
Reduces fever
31
Galactogogue (aka lactagogue)
Increases section of milk Ie. Fennel, blessed thistle, goat's rue
32
Hemostatic
Stop internal bleeding Ie. Yarrow, white oak, witch hazel
33
Hepatic
Any substance that affects the liver. Tones, Strengthens and sometimes increases flow of bile. Is. Milk thistle, evening primrose, chicory root
34
Hypnotic (aka soporific)
Induces sleep
35
Laxative
Promotes bowel movements gently. Stim. Laxatives should not be used over long periods. Ie. Cascara, senna, buckthorn
36
Mucilage
Gelatinous substance containing proteins and polysaccharides that help soothe inflammation. Or. Marshmallow, Irish moss, slippery elm
37
Nervine
Calms nervousness, tension, or excitement Nervine tonics: strengthen/ restore NS Nervine relaxants: ease anxiety and tension by soothing body and mind Nervier stimulants: stimulate nerve activity Ie. Skullcap, hops, valerian, ephedra, caffeine, gingko
38
Pectoral
Relieves ailments of chest and lungs Ie. Mullein, plantain, horehound
39
Refrigerant
Internally and externally Cooling; relieves fever or thirst. Ie. Peppermint, witch hazel
40
Sedative
Reduces nervous tension Ie. Valerian, poppy, wild lettuce, Passion flower
41
Sialagogue
Stimulates secretion of saliva Ie. Prickly ash, ginger, echinacea
42
Stimulant
Excites or quickens a body process Ie. Ephedra, kola nut, Yerba mate
43
Stomachic
Strengthens and tones stomach or stimulates appetite by promoting digestive secretions. Ie. Meadowsweet, blue flag, century, Angelica
44
Styptic
Stops external bleeding (usually an astringent)
45
Tonic
Invigorates/strengthens specific body system or has a generalized effect on body. Act as mild stimulants or alteratives. Ie. Hawthorn, nettles, horsetail, raspberry leaf
46
Vesicant
Causes blisters/sores Ie. Poison oak, ivy
47
Vulnerary
Used to treat wounds internally (stomach ulcer) and externally Ie. Calendula, comfrey and chamomile
48
Adaptogen
Strengthens system, increases resistance to stress and brings body back into homeostasis Examples: ashwaghanda, Siberian ginseng, devil's club etc

herbology (3 decks)

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