Herbal Actions Flashcards
Adaptogen
- Aids body through non-spesfic boost in resistance to external stressors
- Supports body’s ability to adapt and change
- May mutate or modulate Immunity
Alterative
- Generally works to tonify systems of the body involved in nutrient assimilation and Waste removal
- can spesfically promote the elimonation of waste through kidneys, liver, colon, skin or lungs.
Analgesic
- Diminish pain without inducing unconsiousness
Anticatarrhal
- Thin and promote flow of mucus/phlegm
What are the 3 subcategories of Anti-microbial?
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Antifungal
Antioxidant
Prevents damage to body from
free radials
What are Free Radicals?
Molecules that cause damage to cells, formed when body is exposed to toxins, waste from metabolism, or ultra violet radiation
Astringent
- Causes tissues to contract
typically due to tannin content
Bitter
- has bitter taste
- Stimulates release of digestive secretions through taste bud reflexes
Carminative
- aids body in expelling gas
- eases bowl griping
- soothes intestinal discomfort
usually high in aromative oils
Demulcent
- Soothes and protects irritated, damaged, inflamed tissues
usually slimey or gooey
Diaphoretic
- When taken hot induces perspiration
Diuretic
- Increases flow of urine
Emmenagogue
- encourages menstration by stimulating menses and Increasing flow
AVOID IN PREGANCY
Expectorant
- Helps expell excess or stuck mucus from respitory system
Hepatic
- supports Liver function in a range of ways
- often further classified by spesific effects on liver
Nervine
- nourishing, calming or stimulating affect on nervous system
Tonic
- Strengthens the body through general fortifying effect or spesific affinities for certain organs
Antispasmodic
can prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the muscles of the body
Anti-emetic
educe feelings of nausea and can help to relieve or prevent vomiting.
Anti-lithic
prevent the formation of stones in the urinary system and can help remove those which are already formed.
Aperient
- a mild and gentle form of laxative
- primarily stimulate the appetite
- Without stimulating the bowels directly
Aromatic
oil-based aroma can stimulate the relax the body via the digestive and/or nervous systems
Cholagouge
- stimulating the flow of bile from the liver
Choleretic
- increase the volume of bile produced by the liver
Emetic
- will induce vomiting
Emoillient
soften, soothe and protect the skin
Febrifuge
- reduces fevers
Galactagogue
- increases the flow of breast milk in lactating people
Laxative
- Stimulate bowels to prmote bowel movements
Rubefacient
- applied to skin
- cause a gentle and localized increase in surface blood flow
Sedative
or nervine relaxant
- calm the nervous system and can reduce stress and nervousness throughout the body.
Trophorestorative
- nourishes and restores balance to the body
- usually has an affinity to an organ or organ system
Vulerary
- bring about healing in wounds and inflammation
