Herbal Actions

Question 1

Adaptogen

Answer 1

A tonic that helps balance the body by supporting its ability to deal with physical, mental, and emotional stress.

Question 2

Alterative

Answer 2

Supports the body in healthy cellular metabolism and its natural process of detoxification, cleansing, and elimination. Also known as blood cleanser.

Question 3

Analgesic/Anodyne

Answer 3

Provides pain relief (either topically or internally).

Question 4

Antianxiety

Answer 4

Helps lesson anxiety. Also known as anxiolytic.

Question 5

Antibacterial

Answer 5

Inhibits the growth and production of bacteria.

Question 6

Anticatarrhal

Answer 6

Supports the body to dissolve, remove, or prevent the excess formation of mucus in the respiratory passages.

Question 7

Anthelmintic

Answer 7

Helps expel parasitic worms from the body. Also known as vermifuge.

Question 8

Antidepressant

Answer 8

Lessens the frequency, occurrence, or intensity of depressive states.

Question 9

Antifungal

Answer 9

Inhibits the excess growth and production of fungal infections.

Question 10

Antihistamine

Answer 10

Inhibits the physiological effects of histamine in the body, most often used to lessen allergic reactions.

Question 11

Anti-inflammatory

Answer 11

Alleviates inflammation in the body.

Question 12

Antimicrobial

Answer 12

Inhibits the growth and production of a broad-spectrum of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoans.

Question 13

Antioxidant

Answer 13

inhibits the production of free radicals in the body.

Question 14

Anti-pyretic

Answer 14

Lowers or reduces a fever.

Question 15

Antirheumatic

Answer 15

Relieves the pain and discomfort of musculoskeletal inflammation through a variety of actions.

Question 16

Antispasmodic

Answer 16

Eases cramps or spasms in skeletal or smooth muscle tissue.

Question 17

Antiviral

Answer 17

Inhibits the growth and production of viruses.

Question 18

Aphrodisiac

Answer 18

Excites, nourishes, sustains, or elevates sexual or sensual desire.

Question 19

Astringent

Answer 19

Tightens or constricts bodily tissue, namely the mucous membranes and skin.

Question 20

Bitter

Answer 20

An herb known for its positive effect on digestive and liver function due to its bitter taste.

Question 21

Bronchodilator

Answer 21

Dilates the bronchi and bronchioles, thereby increasing airflow to the lungs.

Question 22

Cardiotonic

Answer 22

A tonic herb that has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.

Question 23

Carminative

Answer 23

Aids the release of gas from the intestines and reduces the production of gas.

Question 24

Cathartic

Answer 24

Stimulates the movement of the bowels; is more powerful than a laxative.

Question 25

Cholagogue

Answer 25

Stimulates the flow of bile from the liver (via the gallbladder). Sometimes synonymous with choleretic.

Question 26

Decongestant

Answer 26

Helps relieve nasal congestion and inflammation.

Question 27

Demulcent

Answer 27

A mucilaginous (slimy) herb that soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes.

Question 28

Diaphoretic

Answer 28

Stimulates perspiration through peripheral vasodilation or stimulation of the sweat glands.

Question 29

Diuretic

Answer 29

Increases the secretion and elimination of urine from the body.

Question 30

Emetic

Answer 30

Induces vomiting.

Question 31

Emmenagogue

Answer 31

Helps bring on menses.

Question 32

Emollient

Answer 32

Softens and soothes external tissue.

Question 33

Expectorant

Answer 33

Aids in the removal of mucus (along with trapped debris and pathogens) from the lungs. Relaxing expectorants are used for dry, hot spasmodic coughing, whereas stimulating expectorants are beneficial in helping remove thick, damp, productive coughs.

Question 34

Relaxing Expectorant

Answer 34

Aids in removal of mucus from the lungs. Used for dry, hot spasmodic coughing

Question 35

Stimulating Expectorant

Answer 35

Aids in the removal of mucus from the lungs. Beneficial in helping remove thick, damp, productive coughs.

Question 36

Galactagogue

Answer 36

Encourages the production and secretion of milk in humans.

Question 37

Hemostatic

Answer 37

Helps reduce or stop bleeding.

Question 38

Hepatic

Answer 38

Supports general liver function.

Question 39

Hormone balancer

Answer 39

Aids in balancing reproductive hormones.

Question 40

Hypnotic

Answer 40

Inducing or sustaining deep sleep.

Question 41

Hypoglycemic

Answer 41

Lowers blood sugar levels

Question 42

Hypotensive

Answer 42

Lowers blood pressure.

Question 43

Immune tonic

Answer 43

An herb that has traditionally been used over long periods of time to support and bolster the immune system.

Question 44

Immunomodulator

Answer 44

Regulates and balances the immune system.

Question 45

Immunostimulant

Answer 45

An herb that is typically used in short-term infections to stimulate the immune system.

Question 46

Laxative

Answer 46

Stimulates or facilitates peristalsis (the movement of the bowels) and fecal elimination.

Question 47

Lymphagogue

Answer 47

Moves lymph fluid through the lymphatic system.

Question 48

Nervine

Answer 48

An herb that has a positive effect on the nervous system.

Question 49

Parturient

Answer 49

Supports childbirth.

Question 50

Partus preparator

Answer 50

Helps prepare a woman’s body for labor.

Question 51

Phytoestrogen

Answer 51

Compounds produced by plants, with an ability to bind to estrogen receptor sites in the body and subsequently elicit an estrogen-like effect.

Question 52

Purgative

Answer 52

Stimulates the movement of the bowels.

Question 53

Rubefacient

Answer 53

Enhances blood flow to an area when applied topically.

Question 54

Sialagogue

Answer 54

Promotes saliva production.

Question 55

Stimulants

Answer 55

Herbs that work to enliven the body’s physiological processes.

Question 56

Styptic

Answer 56

An astringent herb that helps reduce or stop external bleeding.

Question 57

Vasodilator

Answer 57

Dilates the blood vessels.

Question 58

Vermifuge

Answer 58

Expels parasites from the body. Also known as anthelmintic.

Question 59

Vulnerary

Answer 59

Helps heal tissue, both when applied topically or taken internally.