Herbal Actions (Medical Terminology)

Question 1

Adaptogenic

Answer 1

A tonic that helps to balance the body by supporting its ability to cope 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. (Aka Blood Cleanser)

Question 3

Analgesic/Anodyne

Answer 3

Provides pain relief, either topical or internal

Question 4

Anthelmintic

Answer 4

Helps expel parasitic worms from the body (Aka Vermifuge)

Question 5

Anti-Anxiety

Answer 5

Helps lessen anxiety (Aka Anxiolytic)

Question 6

Antibacterial

Answer 6

Inhibits the growth and production of bacterium

Question 7

Anticatarrhal

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Anti-Depressant

Answer 8

Lessens the frequency, occurrence, or intensity of depressive states

Question 9

Anti-Fungal

Answer 9

Inhibits the excess growth and production of fungal infections

Question 10

Anti-Histamine

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Anti-Inflammatory

Answer 11

Alleviates inflammation in the body

Question 12

Anti-Microbial

Answer 12

Inhibits the growth and production of a broad spectrum of microbes including bacterium, fungi, viruses, and protozoans

Question 13

Anti-Oxidant

Answer 13

Inhibits the production of free radicals in the body

Question 14

Anti-Pyretic

Answer 14

Lowers or reduces a fever

Question 15

Anti-Rheumatic

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Anti-Spasmodic

Answer 16

Eases cramps and spasms in skeletal or smooth muscle tissue

Question 17

Anti-Viral

Answer 17

Inhibits the growth and production of viruses

Question 18

Aphrodesiac

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, and reduces the production, of gas in the intestines

Question 24

Cathartic

Answer 24

Stimulates the movement of the bowels - MORE effective than a laxative

Question 25

Cholagogue

Answer 25

Stimulates the flow of bile from the liver - via the gall bladder. (Sometimes synonymous with Choleretic)

Question 26

Decongestant

Answer 26

Helps relieve nasal inflammation and congestion

Question 27

Demulcent

Answer 27

A mucilaginous (slimy) herb that soothes 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

Induces menses

Question 32

Emollient

Answer 32

Softens and sooths external tissue

Question 33

Expectorant

Answer 33

Aids in the removal of mucous - along with trapped debris and pathogens - from the lungs. Relaxing expectorants are used for dry, hot spasmodic coughing whereas stimulating expectorants are beneficial in removing thick, damp, productive coughs

Question 34

Galactagogue

Answer 34

Encourages the production and secretion of milk in humans

Question 35

Hemostatic

Answer 35

Helps reduce or stop bleeding

Question 36

Hepatic

Answer 36

Supports general liver function

Question 37

Hormone Balancer

Answer 37

Aids in balancing reproductive hormones

Question 38

Hypnotic

Answer 38

Inducing or sustaining deep sleep

Question 39

Hypoglycemic

Answer 39

Lowers blood sugar levels

Question 40

Hypotensive

Answer 40

Lowers blood pressure

Question 41

Immune Tonics

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Immunomodulator

Answer 42

Regulates and balances the immune system

Question 43

Immunostimulant

Answer 43

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

Question 44

Laxative

Answer 44

Stimulates or facilitates peristalsis and fecal elimination

Question 45

Lymphagogue

Answer 45

Moves lymph fluid through the lymphatic system

Question 46

Nervine

Answer 46

An herb that has a positive effect on the nervous system

Question 47

Parturient

Answer 47

Provides support in childbirth

Question 48

Partus Preparator

Answer 48

Helps prepare a person's body for labor

Question 49

Phytoestrogen

Answer 49

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

Question 50

Purgative

Answer 50

Stimulates the movement of the bowels

Question 51

Rubefacient

Answer 51

Enhances blood flor to an area when applied topically

Question 52

Sialagogue

Answer 52

Promotes saliva production

Question 53

Stimulants

Answer 53

Herbs that work to enliven the body's physiological processes

Question 54

Styptic

Answer 54

An astringent herb that helps to reduce or stop external bleeding

Question 55

Vasodilator

Answer 55

Dilates the blood vessels

Question 56

Vermifuge

Answer 56

Expels parasitic worms from the body (Aka Anthelmintic)

Question 57

Vulnerary

Answer 57

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